Leaders of United Methodist camp ministry gather at Storm Mountain. Photos courtesy of Keith Shew, director of camp and retreat ministry for the Dakotas-Minnesota Area.

Storm Mountain Center hosted the United Methodist Church camp and retreat staff summit. The event is an annual gathering of the United Methodist Churches’ top level of camp and retreat ministries executives. 

There were 19 leaders in attendance representing annual conferences from across the United States. These are the leaders who relate closely to their conference leadership as well as direct the camping operations.

Keith Shew, director of camp and retreat ministry for the Dakotas-Minnesota Area, provided leadership for the event including chairing the planning committee, lining up speakers and guests, and oversight of the hospitality. 

Keith Shew, left, enjoys time with a colleague.

Shew had this to say about leading and hosting the event. “The staff at Storm Mountain Center did an amazing job in really making this an extra special event, from providing excellent food service to ensuring the site was clean, organized, and welcoming. An extra special thanks to Christy Heflin, director at Lake Poinsett Camp, who was also present to help provide hospitality and support to our camping executives.” 

The leaders attending spent time connecting with other colleagues and friends in similar roles. “There’s a deep sense of belonging when you get to spend time re-connecting with the people who truly understand what you do,” Shew says. “The discussion, fellowship, worship, sharing of challenges, celebrations, and ideas is something these leaders look forward to each year.” 

Participants were able to experience the beauty of Storm Mountain Center’s facilities, hiking opportunities, and worship areas. Storm Mountain left an impression with the leaders. They were especially impressed with the opportunity to tour the gold mine, which is a unique experience at a United Methodist Church camp.

It was an opportunity to highlight some of the great things that are happening across the Dakotas Conference. Reverends Peggy Hanson, Karl Kroger, Kori Lehrkamp, and Holly Sortland, who serve churches in the Black Hills region, led awesome worship. Deb Kjerstad, who serves as director of leadership development for the conference, and Kevin Kloster, who serves as the district superintendent for the Southwest District and is the lead pastor at Rapid City Canyon Lake UMC, were present to welcome the group and share some of the amazing things happening across the Dakotas. 

Shew says, “It was great to highlight all of the things happening across the Dakotas. Folks were impressed with the vitality of the Dakotas!”

Jack Shitama, who serves as UMC Camp and Retreat executive and is an author, presented to the group and led a discussion on his newest book, “Anxious Church, anxious people: How to lead change in an age of anxiety.”

Sequoia Whitecross presented the history of the sacred and beloved Black Hills through stories and music.

Attendees were blessed to have Sequoia Crosswhite, who serves as the Cultural Relations Advisor for the Children's Home Society of South Dakota, share Native American culture in the Black Hills. Sequoia enthusiastically presented the history of the sacred and beloved Black Hills through stories and music.

Attendees gather for a photo at Mount Rushmore.

Experiencing a day of adventure in the Black Hills was a highlight for several participants. The group visited Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park — including the visitors center and wildlife loop, then ended with evening dinner at the Alpine Inn in Hill City. 

“We had a beautiful day to explore the hills —clear, dry, and relatively warm,” says Keith. “Only two people in the group had been to South Dakota. Folks were excited to get out and see the area.”

The group gathers annually and has already begun planning for 2019. “It was an honor and a joy to host this group of leaders from across our connection,” says Keith. “I know folks were very impressed with Storm Mountain and the Dakotas!”