Ralph & Dot Spain
What is the Spain Grant?
Pecometh has always been committed to making camp affordable for any child who wants to go. In 2001, Ralph Spain, an Avenue United Methodist Church member, became concerned that this disciple-making, life-transforming ministry was too expensive for some children, even after a standard campership was granted. He decided to do something about it.
Mr. Spain reached out through the after-school ministry of St. Paul United Methodist Church in Milford, to find and recruit neighborhood children who would otherwise be unable to afford camp. To fund the effort, he went to interested individuals, local businesses, and, of course, Avenue UMC. Hundreds of young people attended Camp Pecometh through their efforts. They experienced fun, faith, and fellowship and a few even went on to work as Camp Pecometh summer staff.
Inspired by Mr. Spain, Pecometh has a campership grant program designed to ensure that any child who wants to go to camp will not be denied due to family finances.
The Spain Campership Grant Program is a partnership between:
-
Supporting Churches, that provide funding;
-
Sponsoring Churches, that identify campers and ensure they are equipped and ready for camp;
-
And families that desire for their children to have God-inspired, life changing experiences at Camp Pecometh.
Become a Supporting Church
A Supporting Church underwrites this program financially. A Supporting Church may give any amount to help fund the Spain Grant program. However, $620 will fund the average cost for one week of camp.
The family will pay the $50 registration fee.
Supporting Churches will be recognized in the Pecometh Annual Report, which comes out during the Annual Conference each year.
Become a Sponsoring Church
Churches who are engaged in ministry with those who have a demonstrated need can become Sponsoring Churches. A Sponsoring Church identifies, recruits, and equips campers for camp, providing transportation, if necessary.
Summer camp ministry is a major source of new leadership in the church. It offers a life-transforming relationship with Jesus Christ. Some of the most effective spiritual leaders of the church have been shaped by their camp experience. Pecometh trusts that God will raise up new leaders by including all who seek to come.
How it Works
- ∙A Sponsoring Church finds a young person who wants to go to camp. A Spain Grant is applied to the balance due for those who have demonstrated need.
- The remaining $50 registration fee is paid by arrangement between the family and the Sponsoring Church. We recommend that all camper families pay something, even if it is only $10 (which is far less than the cost for the child to stay at home for the week).
- The Sponsoring Church ensures that the camper will come fully equipped, using the checklist provided by Pecometh.
- The Sponsoring Church ensures that the camper can get to and from camp, providing transportation, if necessary. The camper will be provided with a $10 Trading Post credit.
(The estimated cost to the Sponsoring Church is $25-$75 per camper)