Volunteerism is alive and well at all of your NC United Methodist Camp & Retreat Centers. Services from committed advocates of this camping ministry can be seen repairing rooftops, leading vespers and nursing a camper’s abrasion from a slippery canoe. Another area of volunteer support can be found in each camp’s Local Committee.

The committees are made up of camp alumni, staff and community and church leadership. More than 50% of the committee is from the United Methodist faith. Members typically serve four-year terms, but many have served much longer following their passion and call for service.

The duties that befall upon these Local Committees include evaluation and advisement for project planning. Local Committee members also support the camp Directors and their staffs by providing reinforcement and encouragement throughout the year. They also take on the responsibility of promoting the camp and retreat ministries in their local churches and communities.

The connection to the local church is perhaps more important than it ever has been. Committee members are resourceful links for their pastors and fellow congregational members in spreading the good news about outreach, evangelism, and stewardship opportunities with each camp.

Your Local Committee member is there to:

• Be a source of information for your congregation
• Advocate for the benefits of the camp and retreat ministries as a means of faith development.
• Encourage retreats for adults as a means of faith development and spiritual leadership.
• Promote the Christian responsibility of caring for the earth.
• Arrange for events or speakers at local churches and in our communities
• Raise awareness for stewardship opportunities through the Annual Fund and Myra Morris Campership Fund
• Encourage work teams to give their time and talents to improving facilities

In the early 1980’s, the Local Committee was formed as a sub-commission of the Camping Commission within the North Carolina Conference. It was formed with one representative from each District and some at-large members. Technically this was a sub-committee on maintenance whose task it was to “keep the facilities going.” “Our volunteers were people who had electrical experience, carpentry, and general construction,” John Farmer recollects. “The Local Committee really got started due to some sweat, hard work and a few mashed thumbs.”

Giving Fulfills Spiritual Needs

Service on Local Committees is a faith walk, as witnessed by Kevin Seymour, Local Committee member. “I saw God’s love through so many good people while attending camp activities over the last few years,” he said. “The spirit was alive, and the people there have such a warm and welcoming spirit. I enjoy nurturing my faith in this way.
It’s one of those things where I will never be able to pay the ministry back for what it’s done for my spirit, but I will certainly enjoy doing all that I can.”

The future of each camp’s Local Committee holds a renewed understanding of the relationship with the Camp & Retreat Ministries’ Board and for Local Committee members to be a direct connection to our local communities and local churches. Because there is a growing need and desire for persons to grow spiritually and to do so through volunteer service, church members can expect to see many ways to serve.

If you’d like to know how you can help, contact us.