Sumatanga offers Christian Hospitality to all for Spiritual Renewal, Recreation, and Fellowship

INVESTING IN THE FUTURE; PROVIDING A LEGACY

For fifty-five years, Sumatanga’s facilities have served well the people of the North Alabama Conference. In preparation for its second half century of ministry, Sumatanga’s Board of Trustees retained the services of Harrison/Hempe/Davis, Inc., nationally recognized Christian camp planning and development consultants. They were given the charge to thoroughly evaluate Sumatanga’s program, operations, land use and facilities.

Over the past five years Sumatanga has successfully implemented many of the Master Plan’s recommendations. Sumatanga is now positioned to address the Master Plan’s most expensive recommendations, those related to updating its facilities.

Sumatanga Camp and Conference Center, with approval of the North Alabama Conference Committee on Finance and Administration, is conducting a $4.9 million capital campaign. A successful campaign will position Sumatanga to continue its long tradition of providing spiritually enriching ministry and to engage in new ministries that proclaim the Gospel in new ways for the 21st century.

Generous investment partners from across the Conference, who share Sumatanga’s values and commitment to excellence in camping and retreat for all ages, will be invited to make a wide range of financial gifts and multi-year commitments to bring this God-given vision to reality. As a part of the proposed campaign, the Board of Trustees will provide naming opportunities for many of the identified projects.

Facilities and Program Improvements

  • Renovation of the Main Lodge (restrooms, air-conditioning, lighting, acoustics)
  • Upgrading the Pool Camp (new roofs and new cabins)
    Total estimated cost for Improvements to the Lodge and Pool Camp $1,000,000
  • Infrastructure improvements and safety upgrades (new H/VAC, wiring, PA system) $900,000
  • Improvements of roads and parking at Retreat Center and Lodge $250,000
  • Expansion of the Camp’s waste treatment capability $400,000
  • Wireless internet access $50,000
  • Ropes/challenge course $50,000
  • Program development funds $50,000
  • Landscaping and improved drainage $30,000
  • Two welcome and information kiosks $20,000
  • Ten percent contingency (design, engineering, permitting, cost increases) $275,000

Fiscal Health

  • Endowment- To provide annually for ongoing maintenance of facilities and program development $1,000,000
  • Retirement of the Retreat Center construction debt $850,000

PHASE I Implementation of recommendations

Several key items that have been successfully implemented in Phase I include the creation of the Rosenau Walking Trail along the backside of the lake. Additional programming has also been implemented: day camps, parent/child camps, family camping, elementary school outdoor education and adventure camping. Additional program positions have been created to support the programs of the camp: Director of Summer Camping Ministries, Director of Environmental Education and Director of Retreat Center Programming.

Sumatanga literally means “a place of rest and vision”. Nestled in the foothills of North Alabama, Sumatanga Camp and Conference Center is surrounded by 1700 acres of woods, mountains, lake and stream. It offers Christian hospitality and a place for people of all ages to step away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and experience a time of rest, spiritual renewal, recreation and fellowship. Whether it is through summer camps, weekend retreats, spiritual renewal events or leadership training, the presence of God is experienced in this place of “Holy Ground”!

Sumatanga Camp and Conference Center is conducting a campaign to raise funds for upgrading the Main Lodge and Pool Camp areas, renovating additional camp facilities, retiring the debt on the Retreat Center, expanding the waste treatment, and creating an endowment for maintenance and programming. While Sumatanga currently excels in providing camping and retreat opportunities for children, youth and adults, these projects will help to make the facilities more user friendly and position the camp for enhanced and expanded ministry in the 21st Century.