news article
Casowasco on the road
June 18, 2024 / By Rev. Dr. Pam Harris, Interim Executive Director of Camp & Retreat Ministries / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following note was sent electronically to United Methodists of Upper New York on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 on behalf of Rev. Dr. Pam Harris, Interim Executive Director of Camp & Retreat Ministries regarding changes to the 2024 summer camping season.
Dear United Methodists of Upper New York,
The summer camping season is upon us. We cherish this time of connecting with campers, forging new and rekindling old friendships, creating memories, and experiencing firsthand the power of Christ! Camp is all about participating in exciting programs, trying new things, engaging in powerful music and spiritual conversations, and much more.
Our Upper New York Camp & Retreat Ministry sites are doing all the needed work to journey with children and youth from across the state in the weeks ahead to grow in their discipleship together. Four of our sites are on track with their enrollment goals and are ready to offer the experience we expect of our Camp & Retreat Centers for campers, families, staff, and volunteers. As Casowasco prepared for the summer, it became clear we were not able to provide the same quality of experience.
Rather than cancel camp, we decided to make a significant change to provide the same level of excellence expected. We are relocating Casowasco programs to other UNY sites. It will be the same Casowasco fun and the same Casowasco quality with Casowasco staff, but at different locations. We are calling this summer, “Casowasco on the Road,” and believe it is the best way to continue to provide the kind of experience we expect for our children and youth. Camper families have been updated about this change and given the opportunity to join “Casowasco on the Road,” or to receive a full refund if they choose not to attend.
This reminds us of a scenario school districts experience from time to time. When a school building requires a major renovation, students are housed at another school while their building is upgraded. This plan is like that; we need to make some changes to the Casowasco operation, and to do that well, we need to house summer camp at a different location this year.
We ask that you pray for the staff, campers, and volunteers as they embark on a life changing summer, deepening their faith and relationship with God. Pray especially for Casowasco campers and staff so that they feel at home, even in unfamiliar places.
The UNY Camps & Retreats Ministry will provide updates throughout the year and we look forward to the time we can gather for community once again on the shores of Owasco Lake. If you have questions, please email me at pamharris@unyumc.org.
In Christ,
Rev. Dr. Pam Harris
Interim Executive Director of Camp & Retreat Ministries