By Christa Meland, Minnesota Conference

On Saturday, Bishop Ough went ALL IN for the sake of sending kids to camp! He braved the cold and jumped into the frigid water of Lake Koronis in Paynesville, Minnesota, as onlookers cheered him on. Photo: Bishop Ough does the cannonball into Lake Koronis. Photo courtesy of Rev. Nate Melcher.

At the 2016 Minnesota Annual Conference session, a group of campers challenged Bishop Ough to show his support for Camp Minnesota by taking the plunge, and he agreed to do so if United Methodists pledged $10,000 for camp scholarships.

Because of the generosity of dozens of individuals from across the connection, that goal was exceeded; a total of $10,179 was donated for camp scholarships. That’s thanks in part to the Dakotas Conference, which contributed $500 toward the bishop’s challenge. Earlier this month, Bishop Ough engaged in a variety of activities to prepare for the plunge—including practicing his “primal scream” and sitting in a hot tub (watch video of his preparations).

Many asked if Bishop Ough would be wearing a dry suit for his plunge, but he braved the 35-degree water and jumped wearing just a T-shirt and swim trunks. His jump was met with applause from several dozen people gathered for the Minnesota Conference’s “Camp Chill” event—at which multiple clergy did the polar plunge to thank their own congregations for generously contributing to camp scholarships.

Dakotas-Minnesota Area Director of Camp and Retreat Ministries Keith Shew also took the plunge for the second consecutive year after donors contributed $650 for camp scholarships. Four bags of marshmallows were attached to his arms and used as “floaties.”

Dakotas Conference churches can create fun events for raising money for camp scholarships, and raise awareness within their congregations and communities. It's yet another way we can reach out to make new disciples, both young and old, for Jesus Christ, for the transformation of the world. And you don't have to be a bishop – churches in our conference already host a multitude of events to support our vital and vibrant camping program. For more info, go to DAKCamps.org.

The donations pledged for Bishop Ough, Shew, and other jumpers resulted in more than $23,000 for camp scholarships. All of that money will be used to send kids to camp who wouldn’t otherwise be able to go. Thanks be to God!

Camp Chill - Bishop Ough's plunge from Dakotas UMC on Vimeo.