News


4 Steps to Planning a Family Camp
So you’re thinking about planning a Family Camp for your church or organization, but where to start? It’s OK to start small and allow your event to grow as word spreads about what a great time it is for families of all ages and sizes. Pray for inspiration at every step and you’ll be blessed […]

Shorelines Quarterly Newsletter
Your quarterly Grace Outside camp and retreat newsletter brings you updates from Grace Outside and Michigan Area United Methodist Camping, as well as our waterfront destinations: Wesley Woods Camp & Retreat, Lake Michigan Family Campground and Lake Huron Retreat Center. Read the recent Shorelines Newsletters: December 2024 September 2024 June 2024 March 2024


Summer Camp 2025 Embraces the Grace Way
Life is hard, but Summer Camp with GRACE OUTSIDE empowers campers to rise to the challenge. Families can now register for the 2025 Summer Camp schedule at GraceOutside.org/Summer-Camps.

Camp Coordinator Workshops
Virtual Workshop for Local Church Camp Coordinators Camps, retreat ministries and churches need each other. Many people name summer camp as formative to their faith journey. Together we offer far-reaching, long-lasting faith formation. You are a vital part of connecting the camp and retreat ministry to your local community and church. To help resource you […]

ACA Accreditation Renewed for Wesley Woods
Wesley Woods Camp & Retreat, a Grace Outside destination, has received American Camp Association® (ACA) ACA-Accredited® Camp status. “ACA accreditation means that Wesley Woods/Grace Outside submitted to a thorough review (up to 266 standards) of its operation by the American Camp Association (ACA) — from staff qualifications and training to emergency management — and complied […]

Spiritual Scrapbooking Retreat
Scrapbooking at Wesley Woods Camp & Retreat Wesley Woods is pleased to invite scrapbookers and crafters to two Spiritual Scrapbooking Retreats in Dowling, Michigan: • Oct. 18-20, 2024 register ALL CRAFTERS WELCOME Enjoy time for scrapbooking or crafting in Wesley Woods’ spacious Upper Room in the Main Lodge. Each participant will get their own table space […]

Volunteers Shine at Camp
Volunteers Shine at Camp We are grateful for scores of volunteers who helped clean up all three sites this spring! Volunteers are still needed for several summer programs. Consider being part of a meaningful summer camp experience, sharing God’s love and Grace Outside: God’s Treasures Camp (for adults with mental/physical challenges), weeklong volunteers, especially male […]


Building & Remodeling for You!
June 2024 Updates Michigan Area United Methodist Camping’s Board of Directors dedicated the income from the sale of camp properties to site improvements and investments (not for operations). In the last few years, over $2 million has been invested in site renovations using funds from camp sales and donations. Wesley Woods Renovations Retreat Lodge complete […]

At the Heart of Camp
At the Heart of Camp By Allison Vitale, Program Director Summer Camp is like nothing else. At camp, you are surrounded by the most encouraging counselors, an intentional Christian community, and the beautiful outdoors that constantly reveal God’s amazing character. Plus, studies show that the confidence and resilience gained at camp stays with campers throughout […]