"Helping Shape The Future"

Growing up as a United Methodist in upstate New York, Mike Huber spent many formative weeks being shaped by the love of Christ in the Aldersgate Camp community. There he caught a glimpse of the way camp experiences can change lives. 

Starting his career as a schoolteacher, Mike found his true passion while volunteering at Casowasco Camp and Retreat Center in the summer of 1991. He envisioned ways to improve and expand the ministry, and the following year he joined the staff as the seasonal program director, a vocational shift that transformed his life's journey.

At Mike’s first UMCRM National Gathering in Glorietta, NM, in 1997, he encountered leaders who would profoundly influence his career. He still recalls the keynote from Rev. Dr.  Leonard Sweet, whose message about stirring things up to grow closer to God resonated deeply with him. Mike experienced this Gathering as not just an event, but an awakening. He was affirmed in his call to  pursue camping and retreat ministry year-round, surrounded by a community that "just got it."

Mike cites relationships with leaders like Kevin Witt, Lisa Jean Hoefner, Tom Hall, and Ethel Johnson as instrumental in his development. These mentors inspired and encouraged him to take on more significant roles and to recognize camp as a ministry in the context of the larger church. Mike’s active involvement with the National Camp and Retreat Committee (NCRC), which later became UMCRM, allowed him to help shape the future of camp and retreat ministries. He was part of the leadership team that transformed NCRC from an event planning group into a dynamic year-round association providing continuous support and connection among ministry professionals.

Now serving at Lake Junaluska (NC), Mike reflects on how the guidance and wisdom of those early leaders empowered him to grow and succeed. As Mike eloquently puts it, "Everything is different [because of the UMCRM community]. The people I count on the most are from my connections in UMCRM. The knowledge that I've gained throughout my career has come from the collective expertise of the UMCRM network. I would never be ready to do what I'm doing now if it weren't for my experiences with UMCRM."

Mike’s journey underscores the importance of community and mentorship in leadership development. The generous support of donors to UMCRM makes it possible to continue offering these transformative experiences, ensuring that future leaders are inspired, encouraged, and equipped to make a lasting impact in their ministries.