The power of Camping Ministry is timeless.

During my own confirmation class retreat to Camp Chestnut Ridge, I grew closer to God and began my spiritual journey. As Executive Director of the NC United Methodist Camp and Retreat Ministries, Inc., I am excited to help the children, youth, and adults of our conference as they are "Forming the Inside, Outside."

The vision and investment made by our early church leaders provides us today with three beautiful locations where we can bring our mission to life. In the Methodist tradition, we invite children, youth, and adults to discover, reconnect, and celebrate God in the great outdoors.

The dedicated staff at each of our sites: Chestnut Ridge, Don Lee, and Rockfish, are ready to partner with the local church to meet the growing needs of today’s congregations. Join us today on a journey to fulfill our mission and purpose by stepping out into God’s great outdoors at Chestnut Ridge, Don Lee, and Rockfish!

The North Carolina United Methodist Camps and Retreat Ministries, Inc. is about transforming and nurturing lives.  There is probably nothing more important in this day and age than making sure we are grounded in the faith and our priorities clear. 

Melissa is a young lady I had the privilege of working with several years ago.  Melissa lived in numerous foster homes, suffered from lack of positive relationships, refused to trust adults and had numerous behavior problems.  I took her, along with many other young people, to Camp Chestnut Ridge for a retreat. As predicted, Melissa acted out by refusing to participate in planned activities or even come out of her cabin.  We attempted to reach Melissa over and over again, but we were not successful.  She surfaced only for meals and would eat only by herself.

Just east of the center of the Camper Garden stands a fig tree not even two feet high. It produced figs this past summer even at its young age and small stature. It reminds me in some ways of our summer campers, who likewise, appear young and not yet fully mature. Yet, their lives have already begun bearing the fruit of life in Christ.

Each week this past summer, the Camper Garden served as one of the sites for worship and small group discussions.

I remember that my parents thought it was a great idea. I also remember thinking quite the opposite. I was seven years old and fresh out of first grade. I was ready for a summer filled with bike rides, trips to the pool and a week at the beach with my grandparents. What I wasn’t prepared for was being left alone at the end of a gravel road in Pamlico County at a place called Camp Don Lee.