Pinelands Center at Mt. Misery has cancelled the 2015 camping season because of low camper registration. The decision follows the recommendation of the Director of Camping Ministries and is based on concern for the quality of experience of campers. As of June 30, 52 children ranging in age from 6 to 17 were registered for the 4 weeks of programming. We were also still short on volunteer counselors. The week long camping experience would not be viable or valuable for such a small number of children each week. Those who signed up for camps will be given a full refund for any money that was paid. Camps had been scheduled to begin the week of July 12 and run through Aug. 8. In May, the Annual Conference nominated a new board for the Greater New Jersey Camping Ministries to help lead the camping programs into the future.
“I grieve the challenges we are facing and that we are not able to have a camping ministry this summer. This has been an important and valuable ministry to disciples within GNJ. A new Camping Board begins this summer and has the qualities to discern the future of summer camping ministry. We will be looking to people throughout the conference for their suggestion and engagement.” Bishop John Schol said. “United Methodists in Greater New Jersey should pray for the Holy Spirit to inspire them in their work. We should also pray for the families and children who were planning on and looking forward to their camping experience at Pinelands this year.” The new board will meet for the first time later this summer.
If you have questions about camps, please contact Jestie Higgins at jhiggins@gnjumc.org