Camping and Retreat news
In the first newsletter of each month, the UMCatalyst puts the spotlight on news and information about our Camp and Retreat Centers. See what’s happening at our sites:
![]()

Rolling Ridge celebrates 70th anniversary
Rolling Ridge Retreat and Conference Center marked its 70 th anniversary with an open house and celebration on Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018.
Take a look
Registration under way for 'Gateways to God' - a two-year certificate program in missional spiritual direction that begins in February 2019 at Rolling Ridge. Missional Spiritual Direction Training teaches people to walk alongside and listen to the hidden nudges of God within the heart-and-soul journey of another; led by Dr. Heidi Miller. Learn more
 |
|
Erin Crowell |
Tara Feunde |
Aldersgate awards scholarships for staff essays
This past summer, Camp Aldersgate in N. Scituate, RI, held an essay contest for staff. The winner – or what turned out to be winners – would receive a $500 educational scholarship. “The essays were powerful as they gave insight to the life changing experiences the staff had over the summer. More importantly, the essays revealed the growth which occurred and the commitment to incorporate lessons learned once they left camp,” said Karen Pehrson, chair of the Aldersgate Board and a member of the selection committee.
Read more

Join Wanakee's Fall Work Day
Getting Wanakee United Methodist Center in Meredith, NH, ready for winter is a big job - we need your help! Join us from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018, to help with tasks such as raking, closing cabins, painting, light carpentry, and more. Lunch provided; all ages welcome. We'll be here rain or shine and will need your help no matter the weather!
Please RSVP and Share on FB
Calling all youth in grades 9-12 for a Senior High Retreat
Join us at the Log Cabin on Oct. 19-21, 2018 for our first school year program, open to anyone currently in high school. We'll kick off at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and conclude at 11 a.m. on Sunday with plenty of time for playing games, sharing stories, exploring our faith, and eating s'mores. Part of our Saturday will be spent in service helping with the fall Work Day (see above). If you haven't seen camp in the fall, don't miss out!
Registration is open, cost is $95 (includes four meals and lodging for two nights).
Read an open to the Wanakee staff
Wanakee Executive Director James Tresner has written an open letter to the 2018 summer staff: "... As was true all summer, you were exactly the right people, in exactly the right place, at exactly the right time to make magic happen..."
Read the full letter

NOMADS work at Covenant Hills
Covenant Hills was blessed with the NOMADS (www.nomadsumc.org) team for three weeks in September. They worked on many projects around the camp including stabilizing the Health Lodge, building new steps into the living quarters, and replacing the roof over the deck. They also replaced dry wall and tiling inside. The Health Lodge is now ready for use. The NOMADS also stained decks and wheel chair ramps and painted railings around the camp. We are so blessed for their volunteer work.
On Sept. 20, Harold Shippey and Larry Beatty, leaders in camping ministry, were invited to facilitate a conversation about the current state of Covenant Hills and its future potential.
On Sept. 22, many friends of Covenant Hills came for open discussion about the camp’s future. We are so blessed with the camp and the many wonderful and enthusiastic supporters!
|
|
|