Summer 2025 Recap: A Season of Joy, Growth, and Justice

Each summer at Aldersgate feels like sacred ground, set apart for joy, growth, and transformation. This year, even as camper numbers dipped slightly, reflecting trends seen at many camps nationwide, the strength of our community remained steadfast. We were blessed with an outstanding staff team: a group that led with compassion, showed up for one another, and created spaces where every camper felt seen, safe, and loved.

Living Micah 6:8 at Camp

Guided by our summer theme, Micah 6:8: “Do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God,” we saw the verse come alive in daily camp life. Campers practiced kindness in the dining hall, counselors walked humbly through long, joy-filled days, and across camp we witnessed glimpses of justice as young people learned to speak up, include others, and care for creation.

A Strong Season for Day and Overnight Camp

With an average of 90 campers each week, our Day Camp continued to thrive, offering children an unforgettable summer packed with fun, learning, and growth. In a safe and supportive environment, campers built independence, strengthened teamwork, and created cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

Overnight Camp remained a highlight of the season, filled with laughter, learning, and lasting friendships. Even our youngest campers (ages 7–8) embraced their first camp adventures with bravery and joy. Living Arts brought the stage to life with Newsies Jr., inspiring conversations about justice and community through the powerful themes of the musical.

IGNITE: A New Chapter for Aldersgate

This summer launched the very first IGNITE, Aldersgate’s newest specialty camp designed for high school youth eager to put their faith into action through social justice and leadership. After years of dreaming and preparation, the program came alive in inspiring ways. Campers joined a direct action planning meeting at Matthewson Street Church in Providence, a hub for ministry with unhoused neighbors. The following day, they partnered with Living Faith UMC in Putnam, Connecticut, preparing and distributing lunches to those in need. Their journey continued at the Rhode Island Statehouse, where they met with lawmakers and discovered how their voices can shape a more just and compassionate world. And through it all, they still enjoyed the timeless joys of camp, singing around the fire, swimming in the lake, and building friendships that will last a lifetime. IGNITE not only embodied our summer theme but also planted seeds of justice and compassion in the next generation of leaders.

Camperships: No Child Turned Away

Aldersgate remains committed to ensuring every child can experience the gift of camp, regardless of financial circumstances. Thanks to the generosity of United Methodist congregations across the region, whether sponsoring children from their own congregations or contributing to our campership fund, we can continue to promise that no child is turned away due to financial need. This partnership extends the ministry of the church beyond its walls and into the lives of young people.

Celebrating Staff: The Heart of Aldersgate

This summer, 45 seasonal staff from around the world, including Brazil, China, Colombia, Czechia, England, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Mexico, Northern Ireland, Peru, Scotland, and South Africa, helped create a truly international community. Together, they ensured every camper was welcomed, challenged, and uplifted.

We celebrated milestone anniversaries, including 5 staff celebrating their third summer on staff, Abby’s fifth summer and Megan’s remarkable ten summers of service. 

Staff had the opportunity to apply for Aldersgate’s Staff Scholarship by reflecting on our theme verse. This year’s recipients were Gabriella “Gabi” Lorenzo and Madalyn “Maddy” Rodriguez.

In addition, the Spirit of Aldersgate Award, awarded by a vote the staff to the two people they feel live out the mission of Aldersgate, was presented to Arely Morales and Ekow Edmund.

Looking Ahead with Gratitude

As Summer 2025 comes to a close, we are deeply grateful for every camper, family, staff member, donor, and supporter who made this season possible. Together, we lived into Micah’s call to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly—and in doing so, we nurtured a community of faith and friendship that will ripple far beyond Aldersgate.

Thank you for walking with us in this ministry. We look forward with hope and excitement to all that lies ahead.