In 2022, and again in 2026, United Methodist Camp and Retreat Ministries (UMCRM) conducted Effective Camp research in partnership with Sacred Playgrounds. This project focused on the impact of a residential summer camp experience on campers at United Methodist camps across the United States. UMCRM is thrilled to have this research data from a representative sample of over 3100 UMC campers.
Check out the preliminary insights from the 2026 project!
We'll be delving further into this year's data this fall – please join us for the October 7th Community Conversation with the Sacred Playgrounds team. There will also be an opportunity at the 2027 National Gathering to explore the insights from this valuable research.
The 2026 OMC Compensation Survey is based on data shared by camps and conference centers affiliated with the Outdoor Ministries Connection (including UMCRM). This resource is intended to aid executive leadership and boards of directors in determining salary and compensation packages for year-round, full-time staff. It is also designed as a tool for camp/retreat ministry leaders in decision-making regarding compensation packages, staff expansion, and fundraising strategies. This year's survey gathered 201 responses, representing approximately 250 individual sites. The report is divided into six parts. Part 1 contains general camp/conference center statistics, including budget, role, and year-round staffing. Part 2 contains details of fundraising and capital campaigns. Part 3 details the Executive Director/CEO role. Part 4 gives an overview of employee compensation and benefits. Part 5, the heart of the report, contains compensation details for 12 individual roles commonly found at camps/retreat centers. Part 6 details compensation for summer camp staff.
How does working at camp transform young adults? UMCRM’s Summer Staff Impact Study, conducted in partnership with Sacred Playgrounds, provided some insightful answers. Drawing from data collected across United Methodist camps nationwide, the research reveals how summer staff grow in faith, leadership, and vocational discernment through their camp experience.
This data can help camps tell our story more effectively—to donors, parents, and church leaders—and strengthen recruitment, training, and retention of future staff.
The 2024-25 survey represents the sixth biannual survey of mainline camp and retreat ministries. Six participating outdoor ministry associations, representing approximately 650 individual ministry centers, distributed the online survey to their members and affiliates between November 2024 and March 2025.
#UMCRMFunFacts
Scroll the gallery of quotable stats from UMCRM Camper & Parent Surveys
