NEWS FROM OUR BOARD:

We are excited to share wonderful news from the Board of Camping and Retreat Ministries regarding our 2026 summer camp season at Mingus Mountain and Potosi Pines.

At our most recent meeting, the Board voted unanimously to reduce the cost of camps by 50% for the first 100 campers who register. This decision was made possible through the camp scholarship funds that have been generously supported by our churches through their 2025 apportionment giving. As you know, apportionment giving was received at the 60% level in 2025. We celebrate the gifts that have been given during this season, but at this time we can only make the reduction of camp registrations for this year only.

Traditionally, these scholarship funds are distributed on an as-needed basis. However, the Board discerned that we could extend our impact even further by lowering the upfront cost of camp for more families. Our hope is that this approach will remove financial barriers and allow even more children and youth to experience the life-changing ministry of camp. As you know, apportionment giving was received at the 60% level in 2025. We celebrate the gifts that have been given during this past year, but at this time, we can only make the reduction of camp registrations for this year.

We also want to share that both Mingus Mountain and Potosi Pines have been actively cultivating key partnerships that are helping to strengthen long-term financial sustainability. We are encouraged by this important work and look forward to sharing more about these exciting developments with you in the near future.

We invite and encourage you to share this opportunity widely within your congregations and to encourage families to register as soon as possible. Early registration will also greatly assist our camp staff as they prepare for a meaningful and well-supported summer.

If your church is able, we encourage you to consider helping cover the remaining balance of camp costs for your campers. Your contributions will allow us to continue offering scholarships and expand access to camp in the future.

We believe deeply that camp is transformational. Lives are changed. Faith is deepened. Relationships are formed that grow into lasting friendships and a lifelong connection to the church.

Thank you for your continued partnership in camping ministries. Together, we are helping create sacred spaces where young people can encounter God, build community, and grow in faith.

With gratitude and hope,

Rev. Sharon Pajak

Chair, Board of Camping and Retreat Ministries

Rev. Joel Bullock

Director of Faith Formation and Leadership Development