The mission of Iowa Methodist Camps is to allow our youth to explore Christ’s love in a safe and welcoming environment. Our annual campaign has become vital to the sustainability of our outdoor Christian faith experience for both our youth and adults.
The annual campaign celebrates relationships both with God and with one another. It is an opportunity to share a camp story and the importance of continuing this ministry for our youth.
Over the past three years, these stories have been shared with thousands during the February campaign, and the campaign’s success provides both Okoboji and Wesley Woods U.M. Camps to thrive and move into the future.
The annual campaign is much more than just raising money. It allows the opportunity to deepen friendships through a ministry that supports our youth. Funds raised during the campaign support kids coming to camp. Many kids attend camp on partial or full scholarships each year. It’s It’srtant to the Board of Camps that finances do not prevent a young person from coming to Okoboji or Wesley Woods. In addition to daily Bible Study and worship times, campers get to do a variety of activities, including go-karts, horses, climbing, swimming, ziplining, canoeing, and archery.
Camper registrations are nearly 25% higher than this time last year. This is a clear indication that the camp experience is important to our youth. It demonstrates the impact our Camp Directors and the staffs have on the campers. It also shows just how necessary the camp experience is to them.
Kids are both the present and future of the church. Involvement in the annual campaign demonstrates our commitment to this important ministry.
Gifts of all sizes are welcome and needed to provide camper scholarships. There is also a special level of giving. Gifts of $1000 or more induct you into the ‘Campfire Circle’, our highest level of giving. Dozens of churches and individuals have been recognized on the ‘Campfire Circle’ wall.
This year we are offering the ability to break up your gift into smaller monthly payments. This allows donors to make a larger gift and pay it over the course of the year. A full camper scholarship of $700 can be made in monthly payments of just $58 on your credit/debit card.
If you or your church can consider a gift to support kids learning about Christ at camp, or for information on how to register, please visit www.iaumc.org/camps or contact the camps office at camps@iaumc.org.
