About Glisson

Opportunities to serve so many children and youth in the capacity that we do at Glisson are very rare, and I am always so grateful for the impact that Camp Glisson has had on my lifeI appreciate so very much they way that Glisson compelled me to act out my faith in my daily life
- Anne, Donor and Camper Parent

Glisson Master Plan Update


Glisson has experienced steady growth over the past several years - reaching gradually more children and youth through the summer camp ministry and more people of all ages through the Glisson retreat ministry. Phase One of the Glisson Master Plan was completed in the early years of this decade, and now it is time to take the final steps in preparing Glisson for the next 50 years of ministry.
In the fall of 2009, the Glisson Board of Directors hired Kaleidoscope, Inc., a master planning consulting firm, to help identify the facility needs and possibilities that can support our ministries as they continue to develop and grow. The consultants began working with a task force of Glisson folks - including current staff and board members, former board members and summer staff - to discern how to most effectively move Glisson’s ministry forward.

The Glisson Dining Hall front  Glisson campers on the newly-constructed Dining Hall porch in 1952

As the Task Force continued its work with Kaleidoscope into early 2010, two different listening sessions were held in February - one at Mt. Pisgah UMC and the other at Glisson - to solicit input from a broad spectrum of Glisson alumni and friends.  Once the Task Force had an opportunity to assimilate the feedback from so many people with strong affinity for the Glisson legacy, a number of recommendations were submitted to Kaleidoscope, and as a result the Task Force’s work was completed.  Kaleidoscope has submitted their final recommendations to the Glisson Board, and the Board endorsed the Master Plan Update at its May 2010 meeting.


Context


The Master Plan Update document, submitted by Kaleidoscope and endorsed by the Glisson Board of Directors, opens with the following:
"Camp Glisson is one of the premier United Methodist camp and retreat ministries in the nation. 
It has a reputation for excellent programming, well deserved as evidenced by the campers it attracts. 
In fact, the current facility issues have to do with that reality - the camper population cannot be accommodated in the dining room and major meeting facilities on the campus"

As was the case 50 years ago, Glisson summer campers enjoy family-style dining at every meal - building a sense of community in their Living Groups.  Summer campers enjoying family-style breakfast in 2008


The dining capacity in the Glisson Dining Hall was discussed in previous plans, but the need was never formally addressed.  As stated by Kaleidoscope, "This has become an urgent issue to support the summer camp".  In addition, the consultants also identified the following needs:
  • An activity center for summer camp and the weekly closing ceremony
  • A large group program and meeting space
  • Classrooms and meeting space for multiple small groups
  • Play fields to accommodate the entire camp
  • Seasonal and year-round staff housing
  • Vehicular and pedestrian circulation and more parking
  • Potential opportunities for a family camp
Further, "the consultants understand this to be a Master Plan UPDATE, acknowledging that Camp Glisson is building on its successful history of on-going planning.  However, even in an update process, it is important to conduct a thorough, though abbreviated, review of all aspects of the site and program to assure a comprehensive vision."


The new Glisson pool was opened in 2008 - having replaced the original swimming pool constructed in 1969.  Summer campers and counselors singing enthusiastically during an all-camp worship moment at the Amphitheatre on Lake Hale

Analysis of Program and Operation


The consultants' recommendations go on to analyze Glisson's current ministry - which comprises a year-round operation including both the summer camp and retreat ministries.  With a current capacity of 320 summer campers plus 12 Leaders-in-Training and approximately 100 staff, our summer camps in 2009 included a low of 213 campers (July 4th week) and a high of 303 campers - averaging out to 274 campers plus 100 staff each week.

This represents an 86% occupancy rate - generally considered full for one-week coed camps because of the limitations created by uneven gender and age level configurations.

In addition to the large summer camps, Glisson hosts Conference-wide events such as Spiritual Life Retreats (SLR's) for youth in March and April.  The five weekends in 2009 had registrations between 142 participants and 305 participants plus staff.  This period presents its own challenges because, while the duration is shorter, weather considerations may preclude outdoor activities on any given weekend.

"The fact that Camp Glisson has overflowing programs is excellent from a ministry perspective.  It is common for the site to have 400 campers and staff in program activities.  Further, the closing ceremony for summer camp also involves parents and family members, with the group swelling to 800-900 people on Friday afternoons.

"The wonderful and challenging report from Glison staff and annual conference retreat leaders is that both summer camp and the youth retreats can grow if facilities can accommodate the events.  Meeting these needs is the focus of the Master Plan Update.


  Elementary campers on the Dining Hall porch  Generations of Glisson campers have enjoyed Cane Creek Falls - the central focal point of the Glisson property since 1925.

Current Ministry Needs


"The immediate limitation is that the largest facilities on the camp do not accommodate the participants in the current programs, let alone provide an opportunity to grow:
  • The Dining Hall seats fewer than 200.
  • The Chapel seats 250-300, depending on the age of the campers.
  • The Holland Building will seat 300-400 in assembly-style programs, but is very hot in the summer and when set-up with chairs, is not available for activities and recreation.
  • There is NO indoor facility to accommodate the (summer camp) closing ceremony.  While it is currently held in the Holland Building, it does not provide a comfortable and hospitable environment.
"In addition to needing facilities to accommodate the largest groups on the camp (400+), Camp Glisson must complement these assembly areas with classroom and break-out spaces.  This is necessary to serve both the large groups and the weekends with multiple small and medium-sized groups.

"Further, all supporting recreation and activity spaces must be designed for these large populations - recreation and sports areas, challenge course, lodging  and roads and paths.  It is a welcome challenge - to grow the facilities in order to meet an already present need for minstry!"

Singing-on-the-porch has been a Glisson tradition for over 50 years. After dinner each evening, summer campers and counselors join together to sing camp songs.   The Glisson Chapel remains the spiritual heart of Glisson. Summer campers join together in worship twice each day. Many campers tell us that worship moments in the Chapel are the most memorable memories they take with them each summer.

What's Next?

The Glisson Staff and Board of Directors are currently working to identify the next steps as we consider the feasibility of a capital campaign to address some or all of the needs identified in the Master Plan Update.  If you have any questions about this process, or want to learn how you can become more involved, please contact Phil Dodson, Glisson Development Director:

phil.dodson@glisson.org
706.864.6181
 
690 Camp Glisson Road, Dahlonega, Georgia 30533 - 706 864-6181 A Ministry of the North Georgia Conference, United Methodist Church