Over the past year, the Interim Camp Wesley Coordinating Council has been hard at work preparing our camp and retreat ministry in Bellefontaine, Ohio, to reopen for the 2026 summer camping season. The council includes lay and clergy members from across the West Ohio Conference, representing the Board of Trustees, Council on Finance and Administration, Transformative Discipleship, the United Methodist Foundation of West Ohio, the Connectional Table, Emerging Generations, and Camp and Retreats. Co-led by Rev. Joe Ziraldo and Rev. Paula Stewart, with staff support from Rev. Ann Marie Carley, the team has been focused on ensuring that proceeds from the camp sale are invested wisely. Their efforts are making possible a $3 million renovation to the property.

When it reopens in 2026, the site will feature a refreshed look, including a clean and safe lake, new restrooms in the dining hall, and a modern water filtration system providing drinking water throughout the property.

In addition, the council developed a marketing and messaging plan that includes rebranding the site as the Wesley Camp and Retreat Center. This new name reflects both its history and its future vision. The rebranding comes with a new logo, social media presence and a soon-to-be-launched website.

A new full-time position was created to oversee property maintenance with Tom Baker as the Maintenance and Facilities Coordinator. Tom, who previously served as Wesley’s part-time maintenance person, brings valuable experience and has been managing the remodeling project since March.