Outdoor Ministries is a ministry that matters. And our mission remains consistent:
Partnering with local congregations to connect God’s people with God’s creation for faith formation, spiritual growth and leadership development
This has been a year of renewal for Outdoor Ministries. We have focused on three main endeavors:
- Renewing, refreshing, and reopening Templed Hills as a rental facility and as our primary site for summer camp
- Planning summer camp and recruiting leadership for each event
- Connecting with the Faith Formation Task Force to create a comprehensive plan where Outdoor Ministries supports the larger Faith Formation goals of the Ohio Conference
As these we turn our attention to what comes next, there is lots to share!
Associate co-Site Directors Named at Templed Hills
The Ohio Conference experienced a tremendous loss during the summer season with the death of site manager, Jeff Thompson. Through the dedication of our staff, specifically Andy Lacefield and Miranda Nousek, we were able to complete our season, continuing to offer our campers and volunteers the same level of quality service, food, maintenance, and care that all have some to expect from our site leadership. I am delighted to announce that UCCR, our facilities management partner, has appointed Andy and Miranda as our Associate co-Site Directors while they engage in a training program with UCCR. By the end of April, they will be officially named as the co-Site Directors of Templed Hills.
Andy and Miranda have each grown up going to camp. Beginning as campers at the earliest possible age, each has served as a volunteer counselor many times, and each has been a director or co-director of summer camp events. Andy began working as site staff at Pilgrim Hills in 2016, helping with weekend hosting and maintenance needs. He was instrumental both in preparing Templed Hills for reopening and in facilitating the move from Pilgrim Hills to Templed Hills. During the first half of 2018, Andy worked many long hours and days to help with the refurbishing and reopening of Templed Hills. Miranda officially joined the team fulltime late in 2017 and worked tirelessly at Pilgrim Hills in preparation for the move and then at Templed Hills as the settling in took place. Both Miranda and Andy have demonstrated a love and dedication for our sites, our Outdoor Ministries programs, and the members of all our churches and rental groups.
Please join in congratulating Andy Lacefield and Miranda Nousek as they begin this exciting adventure in their lives and the life of the Ohio Conference.
Volunteer Projects at Templed Hills
Join us November 9-10, to help with work projects at camp! We have projects available for all ages and skill levels. Lodging for Friday night and breakfast and lunch on Saturday are provided at no cost. Please Register Here to let us know if you will be joining us!