Trustees Chair offers Camp Sumatanga update

3/4/2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Sumatanga is using the current “down time” to significantly
enhance Pool Camp. The cabins, which were built in the 1950’s,
are undergoing extensive refurbishing.

Camp Sumatanga Update

While Camp Sumatanga had its challenges last year, as did many organizations during the recession, thanks to the members of the North Alabama Conference, Camp finished 2009 on a strong note. When Bob Murray reported at 2009’s Annual Conference that Camp needed $300,000 to survive past August, you responded with great love and affection for Camp. Indeed, more than $600,000 was donated to Camp during last summer and early fall. And, through an anonymous donation, Camp was able to pay off over $700,000 of remaining debt from the building of the Retreat Center years ago.

Camp utilization has also increased significantly, with utilization back to the levels prior to the recession. We greatly appreciate and welcome all of you who use Sumatanga for your gatherings. Sumatanga means “a place of rest and vision”. It was that when Camp was formed years ago and remains that today. If you have not experienced the peace, tranquility, and presence of God at Camp lately, we invite you to make a reservation.

Historically, Pool Camp has been used most heavily during the summer months. Thus, we are using the current “down time” to significantly enhance Pool Camp. The cabins, which were built in the 1950’s, are undergoing extensive refurbishing. The bathrooms, which were small and in need of updating, are being totally remodeled. Five of the cabins will be remodeled prior to 2010 Summer Camp, with the remaining cabins being remodeled starting in the fall of 2010. Also, Pool Camp’s Assembly Hall and Classrooms have new roofs, bathrooms, and electrical. Much of this work is being done by volunteers, with some having professional experience in the construction trades. All work is being supervised by individuals with professional experience.

Bob Murray has provided wonderful leadership to Camp as its Executive Director since January, 2008. As has been announced previously, Bob will be accepting an appointment to a local church this June. Camp’s Board of Trustees are currently engaged in a national search for the next Executive Director. With Camp’s positive momentum, we are confident that highly qualified candidates will find this position attractive.

Mike Byrne
Chair, Sumatanga Board of Trustees

Comments

1. Elsie McCoy wrote on 3/4/2010 8:47:49 PM
It is so good to learn that the camp has made such progress. Thanks be to God!. I enjoy my times thre as a United Methodist Women member. My 4 children enjoyed camp there. My grandson who lives in Germany has had a week there each of the last two summers and he said it was great. Thanks to Bro Bob for his leadership in saving the camp and I pray that it will continue to prosper.
2. Frances Moore wrote on 3/4/2010 8:53:02 PM
I give thanks to God for the generous outpouring of finances and usage of Camp Sumatanga. Ever since I came to the North Alabama Conference, I have been as regular attender at activities at Sumatanga as I can be. My life as been greatly influenced and inspired by the spiritual atmosphere there and the remarkable friends I have made through my associations there. Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!
3. Melody Traylor wrote on 3/5/2010 12:58:12 PM
How blessed we are to hear this news. Bob best of luck to you in the future and thank you so much. Love you
4. Kennard Smith wrote on 3/9/2010 4:14:32 PM
Wesley Foundation at the University of Alabama loves and supports Camp Sumatanga. We had a great Fall '09 retreat and helped rip off the old roof on the classroom bldg! We joined 7 other Wesley Foundations for our annual Alabama/Tennessee Joint Conference Retreat in February. And a group of our students are coming to spend part of their Spring break working on the cabins. Thanks to Bob and all who work for Camp Sumatanga!
5. Steve Lyles wrote on 3/10/2010 7:15:57 PM
Sumatanga looks good and I enjoyed the Camp recently for the Boaard of Ordained Ministry....We even had a good snow....The food was good and the rooms were clean. Thanks to Bob Murray for a good job while at Sumtanga. The little things make a difference and Bob attended to the little things. Let's keep this in mind going into the future...for..Sumatanga on.....God's mountain.
6. Becky Wadley wrote on 3/18/2010 5:49:16 PM
Besides providing a spiritual home for so many of us, Camp Sumatanga has been been about the business of reaching out. Every summer, children and youth from Urban Ministry's Urban Kids program get out of the city and into the spirit of Sumatanga, thanks to the Happy Camper Scholarship Fund. Urban Kids express over and over again that their week at Sumatanga is the highlight of their year! Thanks to Sumatanga and to all of you who donate to the Happy Camper Fund so that our Urban Kids can have such a significant life experience.
7. Berta Pylant wrote on 3/22/2010 11:54:48 AM
Hi Bob, Thank you and your team of workers for all you have done for Camp Sumatanga. I was there in December, and saw some of the renovations at the Camp. It looks great! God be with you and Betsy on your next church assignment. Love and Prayers, David and Berta Pylant