Welcome Home: Campaign
In August 2025, the O.P. Smith Lodge was taken from camp overnight in a fire. We are preparing to rebuild together and ask you to come alongside us as we imagine what the future of Aldersgate Camp will be. We invite you to join as part of this season of rebuilding; not just a building, but of community, worship, and longevity. We look forward to seeing how God uses this project to bring everyone together and to watch Aldersgate grow in ministry opportunities.
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The Vision
To create a seamless campus aesthetic, the lodge draws inspiration from the Aldersgate Chapel, mirroring its classic camp wood facade. By situating the lodge near the chapel, we are centering our new facility at the heart of the camp, allowing the two buildings to share parking and a common spirit. Our goal is to create a building that an 11 year old will feel excited and safe to enter. Where a 16 year old feels comfortable sitting with their new friends and having life changing conversations. A building that, in the fall, can accommodate elderly or disabled retreat attendants with easy access. A structure that provides views of the breathtaking foothills.
Preliminary estimates for the project land at $2.7 million, broken down into $2.4 million for the building and the remaining portion covering our contingency fund and campaign costs. A unique advantage of this campaign is our Conference’s disciplined investment of past donations to prior lodge plans, which means we have $1.6 million in dedicated funds, including insurance proceeds, available now.
Our goal is to raise an additional $1.1 million to ensure the new lodge is built for long-term sustainability and for the future growth we envision for Aldersgate Camp.
The Details
Aldersgate is working with Johnson Early Architects to design the new lodge. Lead architect Brian Early, who developed our 2012 plans, is returning to adapt those original concepts into a design that fits our current needs and budget. Click the links below to view the detailed floor plans.
New Design Upgrades
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The new lodge will feature a dining space that can host up to 230 people.
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This will be the anchor of camp - the first building guests see upon arrival.
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This new building will feature amenities such as additional meeting spaces and additional dry food storage areas.
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The new dining hall area will serve as a space where all campers can eat together.
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We are proposing a new lodge site that will situate the lodge near the chapel.
Estimated Timeline
Through June 2027
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June 2026: Sharing our vision and finalizing plans with the KY UMC Annual Conference and our supporters.
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Goal: Secure at least 50% of the fundraising goal.
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2026 Summer Camp operations with our temporary structures.
July-September 2027
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Finalize our construction plans and timeline.
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Goal: Complete Fundraising.
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2027 Summer Camp operates with our temporary structures.
September 2027
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Break ground on the new lodge!
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Construction continues for 10-12 months.
June-August 2028
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The new lodge opens - Welcome Home!
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The end of the 2028 Summer Camp will operate in our new home!
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All pledged payments are collected by December 2028.
How can you help?
We would love your involvement in making our vision a reality.
Make a Donation
You can donate online, by check, or by pledging support. We can accept pledged donations through December 2028. For more information, please email us at giving@aldersgatecamp.org, and we will be happy to discuss your options.
Let's Talk!
We would love to hear your feedback and questions. Fill out this form, and we will get back to you with an answer and to talk more about what we have planned.
Share
This vision comes to life with many joining together to help. Please share our website and goals with anyone that you think may be interested in supporting our ministry.
