An enormous number of people of all ages will participate in faith experiences at more than 250 United Methodist Camp and Retreat Centers in the U.S. and beyond. People will find new meaning and direction for their lives.  The partnership between local churches and camp/retreat ministries underlies an amazing, long-term system for the development of faith and spiritual leaders.

     Experiences of Christian community that take place away from normal routines — amidst the beauty of creation — open people to God in ways that need to be broadly appreciated.  By their very nature, camps and retreats are short-term, highlight experiences — temporary Christian communities. This fact does not in any way negate the importance of camps and retreats. They often serve as the tremendous, life-changing catalysts toward deeper faith, which then can be reinforced by local churches and families. We must never forget that local churches and camp/retreat ministries share the same primary aim: to reach out to people, help them connect more deeply with God, nurture them in what it means to be a follower of Christ, and to encourage them to live as Christian people who practice the way of love in relationships with other human beings and all of creation. We fulfill our ministry far more effectively by working together rather than in isolation.