From Friday, Aug. 16 to Sunday, Aug. 18, 2019, the Western Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church is holding its first LGBTQ+ camp for young people, from ages 18-25-years-old who live in the Western Jurisdiction, as well as those LGBTQ+ who are outside of this Jurisdiction and need to come to a safe place for a few days. We are gathering at Camp Sky Meadows in the San Bernardino Mountains area. This is the first camp or retreat of its kind in the United Methodist Church, modeled after other mainline church camps, like those operated by the United Church of Christ. And while there are other camps and retreats sponsored by individual churches of the United Methodist Church, this is the first time that an area-wide Jurisdiction of the UMC has sponsored a gathering of LGBTQ+ young adults. It’s rare to have this opportunity to gather together as LGBTQ+ siblings in Christ, so come join us!

The invitation to this gathering is still open.  The California-Pacific Conference and their Camp and Retreat Center Director, the Rev. David Berkey, spear headed this camp project, and invited a group of us who are self-identifying as LGBTQ+ and UMC to join in the planning of this team. This first-of-its-kind camp and retreat time in the UMC is a chance for us then to build on the success of this camp and offer it to middle-school and high school young people who are self-identifying as LGBTQ+ in the coming years, along with a camp and retreat for LGBTQ+ young adults. 

While we are looking forward to a weekend of conversation, celebration, worship, and community building, with options for art, crafts, drama, music, swimming and hiking, we are also going to have some time with Jeffrey, “JJ” Warren from New York, and time to focus on the issues facing those of us who LGBTQ+ and members not only of the UMC, but of the body of Christ. Being members of the body of Christ, those of us who are LGBTQ+ in other denominations as well as the UMC feel the impact of the decisions made by the General Conference 2019. 

If you are interested in still joining us for this event, please contact the Rev. David Berkey, 424-237-4477, dberkey@calpacumc.org. There is still plenty of room to welcome more. Registration is $150, and scholarships are available for one and all. 

Thank you, CalPac UMC, for hosting us!  Spread the word! Gossip about us! And come join us in the mountains of California for a fabulous weekend!