Slumber Falls Camp Purchase Proposal
From Friends of Slumber Falls

Summary

This proposal outlines a plan for the purchase of Slumber Falls Camp by nonprofit organization, Friends of Slumber Falls, with the intent for the continuation of the outdoor ministry as a partnered ministry with the South Central Conference.

Context

The South Central Conference Board of Directors is selling Slumber Falls Camp in order to secure the financial future of the South Central Conference (SCC). Selling the camp property to an outside group would result in the end of a 60-year outdoor ministry, the razing of memorial buildings, and the desecration of the camp’s sacred sites such as Vesper Point and the Native American ceremonial mound.

Countless supporters of Slumber Falls Camp have expressed opposition to any sale of the camp property that leads to the closing of the Slumber Falls Camp ministry.

Solution

Friends of Slumber Falls is prepared to purchase the camp real estate after completing their due diligence. Friends of Slumber Falls would purchase the tangible and intangible personal property of the camp ministry from SCC for a fair and reasonable amount. After the sale closes, Friends of Slumber Falls would assume operations of the camp and all camp-related funds (scholarships, memorial funds, cash reserves, bequests, endowments, etc.) would be transferred from the SCC to Friends of Slumber Falls.

Because real estate transactions take time, management of the camp and ministry could be turned over to Friends of Slumber Falls prior to the actual closing of the sale of the real estate. In consultation with the Camp Council, management by Friends of Slumber Falls would maintain continuity, avoid confusion among potential clients, and provide a smooth transition.

Friends of Slumber Falls is a Texas nonprofit entity, duly filed with the Secretary of State of Texas. Its 501(c)(3) status was granted in February 2023 retroactive to December 2023. All donations are tax deductible. Friends of Slumber Falls is grounded in the values and traditions of the United Church of Christ and would carry out a mission of an open and affirming outdoor ministry, following the best practices of safe church. The camp could be a partnered ministry of the SCC and be affiliated in much the same way as Back Bay Mission. Additionally, the Friends of Slumber Falls board would have some seats dedicated for members of SCC churches. This would allow the SCC to continue to have a sponsorable outdoor ministry at Slumber Falls Camp.

Sale of Slumber Falls Camp as outlined above would provide the SCC with funds for an endowment, save a ministry that means so much to so many, and foster healing within the SCC.

Next Steps

Terms of the sale of the camp property, both real and personal, would be negotiated by SCC and Friends of Slumber Falls. A meeting of the South Central Conference, either annual or special, would authorize the sale.

Conclusion

This proposal is made by Friends of Slumber Falls. We seek the Board of Directors’ endorsement of this proposal to be approved by the conference.