Grace Outside gives a green light for summer camping and shares organizational changes and volunteer needs for the 2026 season.
JAMES DEATON
Content Editor
Summer is just around the corner, and our United Methodist camps are cleaning up and getting ready for campers, retreatants, and anyone looking to host a family or church group under the stars in God’s beautiful creation. Camping is a go at all three destinations, so register now.
Michigan Area United Methodist Camping (MAUMC) is an independent nonprofit founded in 2015 by the Michigan Conference. Camping is a practical ministry that takes people away from their regular routine into a different space and time, where God can speak to their lives in new ways.
MAUMC rebranded in 2024 as Grace Outside and operates three locations in Michigan:
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- Lake Michigan Family Campground in Pentwater
- Wesley Woods Camp & Retreat in Dowling
- Lake Huron Retreat Center in Burtchville
There are summer camps for all ages, and this year’s camping theme is In the Wilderness. Discover camping options for 2026.
Wesley Woods will host traditional camps for children and youth, with elementary, middle school, and high school camps run by volunteer teams. Adventure camps are held at Lake Michigan Family Campground. Adult camps, such as God’s Treasures Camp for adults with disabilities, are hosted by Lake Huron Retreat Center.
Navigating Changes at Grace Outside
Grace Outside underwent several organizational and personnel changes in 2025 and has navigated to address the current needs of those seeking a camping experience. After Rev. David Berkey retired as executive director late last year, the Grace Outside board decided not to fill the position. Instead, the board will be responsible for major decisions, such as campground renovations, while site directors will manage daily operations and collaborate as needed.
Erik Bengston directs operations at Lake Michigan, and Karen Hand is at Lake Huron. Wesley Woods is actively hiring a new site director (or director couple) to lead the next chapter of camping with a focus on retreat and family camping ministry. Interested individuals should email Grace Outside at [email protected] to learn more about this opportunity.
Until the Wesley Woods site director position is filled, Erik Bengston from Lake Michigan is serving as interim site director and working closely with Karie Kusnier, finance director for Grace Outside, to get Wesley Woods up and running for the season.
Rev. Joel Walther, the current board chair of Grace Outside, shared a bit about the decision not to replace the executive director.
“Like many churches, the financial reality in recent years for Grace Outside is difficult,” explained Walther. “This means that the board has had to think creatively about how to cut costs while maintaining a commitment to offer these places as sacred spaces where people can encounter God and have their lives changed. Removing the cost of a central director and instead dispersing that work to the board and to the sites themselves will enable us to focus our resources in those same sites so that transformational ministry can continue.”
Grace Outside also hired Krista Clark as a marketing consultant after Suzanne Everett departed last summer. Krista has a background in web development and marketing and is focused on increasing the promotion of camps and retreats. She first learned about Grace Outside during a camping trip at Lake Michigan Family Campground, where her family fell in love with it.
Clark is glad to join Grace Outside’s staff and amplify its ministry: “I love the mission behind Grace Outside,” she said, “and the heart for just sharing God’s love and enjoying God’s creation. And they work so hard for what they do for campers. So it’s awesome to be a part of it now.”
Additional changes this year include the program director’s departure at Wesley Woods and shifting needs that have led the camp to transition to a family camp and retreat center. Instead of directly running traditional summer camps for children and youth, the camp will now primarily offer institutional support and hosting space for families, churches, schools, and organizations to bring in and manage their own camps with their own volunteers.
This summer, United Methodist volunteer teams with prior experience will run various camps without disruption. Any child or youth interested in a camping experience can sign up for one of the camps at Wesley Woods and will not notice any changes in programming or support despite these behind-the-scenes adjustments. Summer camp at Wesley Woods for 2026 remains a go.
Exceptions to this model are Grand Camp and Teddy Bear Camp, which will be facilitated by Grace Outside staff. Grace Outside staff will also continue to provide lifeguards for the pool and waterfront and lead archery for all camps and retreats held at Wesley Woods.
Because of these organizational updates, camp attendees will see changes with links to a new registration website. Although the management of this registration website is now handled by volunteer groups, Grace Outside will continue to promote these camps on the camping website.
In a letter to Wesley Woods friends, Interim Site Director Erik Bengston discussed the challenges that led to changes in programming management at the Dowling campground, located on Clear Lake, northeast of Kalamazoo.
“This transition has not come lightly,” said Bengston. “In recent years, Wesley Woods has faced significant financial pressures — declining youth camp numbers, increasing scholarship needs, and challenges securing sustainable outside funding.”
He continued by looking hopefully at the future: “We believe this new model allows us to steward the camp wisely, operate with fewer staffing demands, and create broader opportunities for partnership and impact. Most importantly, it allows Wesley Woods to remain open — not just for today, but for future generations.”
Volunteer Needs
Grace Outside relies on the generous time and energy of volunteers to get the three destinations ready for summer. There are also opportunities for volunteers to assist with specific camps. Here are some ways you can help this United Methodist ministry.
Nurses and general volunteers are needed for the two sessions of God’s Treasures Camp hosted by Lake Huron Retreat Center. This popular camp is for adults with disabilities. Many campers need medication and additional support throughout the camp, and volunteer aid is vital. Campers will have to be turned away if there aren’t enough volunteers. These camps are relatively brief, at only four days each: June 24-27 and July 15-18.
Contact Karen Hand, Lake Huron’s site director, at 810-327-6272 if you are interested in volunteering for God’s Treasures Camp as either a general volunteer or a nurse.
Both Lake Michigan in Pentwater and Wesley Woods in Dowling are seeking volunteers for cleanup weekends. These events include a variety of tasks, such as painting, organizing, and grounds cleanup, with room and board provided for volunteers. All skill levels are welcome.
Lake Michigan’s Spring Volunteer Weekend is set for Thursday, April 30, to Sunday, May 3. Register to volunteer and reserve your accommodations. Limited RV sites are also available.
Wesley Woods’ Spring Volunteer Weekend will be held on April 17-18. Register to volunteer and reserve your accommodations. Limited RV sites are also available.
The publication of this article was made possible thanks to generous financial gifts from local United Methodist churches in Michigan through Ministry Shares. Thank you! Learn about the impact of Ministry Shares on mission and ministry in Michigan and around the world.
Last Updated on April 7, 2026