Keith Shew has been named the Interim Director of Camping for the Dakotas Conference.  Shew is the Director of Camping for the Minnesota Conference.  He will serve collaboratively as the leader of camping in both the Dakotas and Minnesota Conferences.

Shew steps in to serve after a vacancy was created this summer.  Becky Holten, former Director of Camping and Youth Ministries for the Dakotas Conference, is leaving to serve as a pastor at Wimbledon/Kensal and Edgeley/Ashley.

The collaborative venture, endorsed by leadership and governance teams of the Dakotas and Minnesota Conference, supports the efforts of the camping ministries’ strategic changes and building a system to serve the next generation.

“We believe that camping is an important ministry for making disciples and developing missional leaders,” said Rev. Rebecca Trefz, Dakotas Conference Director of Ministries.  “We want to make sure we have the leadership and funding necessary to ensure that it continues for generations.”

Getting to know Keith

Keith grew up in Washington State, where most of his family still resides. He was active in Christian camping as well as Boy Scout camping, from childhood through college. He and his father enjoyed pursuing outdoor activities together, like horseback riding and rafting, where he developed a deep love and appreciation for God’s creation.

“Camp was always the first thing I scheduled for each summer,” Shew says. “It was always the high point of my summer. I loved how I felt about myself at camp—I could really be myself, and I certainly see that with kids now.”

Shew originally studied music education, but switched majors his senior year because he felt a call to continue leading camps. He graduated with a degree in outdoor recreation and a minor in music.

"Camp is an important part of people’s spiritual journeys,” Shew says. “For many people, the decisions they’ve made about their lives have been made at camp—a time at camp is a big part of people’s faith stories. They hear God’s call here that has led to life-changing opportunities. I wanted to continue to offer those experiences.”

After working for a campground in Washington, he became the site director of Lake Okoboji United Methodist Camp and Retreat Center in Iowa, where served for 15 years before accepting the position with the Minnesota Conference.

“We expect Keith’s experience as a camp site director and experience with leading and mentoring site directors will be a huge benefit to ensuring that we have effective programming as well as fiscal and facility oversight,” said Trefz.

Besides camping, Keith also loves to spend time with his family—his wife, Mandy, and a son and daughter—and enjoys biking. And he still enjoys playing music: percussion, guitar, and singing.

How will the collaboration work?

A workgroup has meet to begin the work of mapping out what the collaborative model of leadership will look like.  The group has found several similarities including; overall vision, governance, online registration, and fiscal goals. 

Shew provided further thoughts and insights to the answered some questions about the collaborative leadership approach in the Dakotas and Minnesota Conferences.

How will this collaborative effort work between Minnesota and the Dakotas camping?

“Well, we're just at the very beginning stages of collaboration with our two programs.  Staff and volunteers from both annual conferences have met for conservation, visioning, and naming some of the key issues moving forward as well as some next steps for the remainder of the summer and into the fall. While the programs are unique in some ways, the heart of what we do is really similar and our early conversations have been exciting and encouraging! The camping and retreat boards from both annual conference will gather together early next fall for further conversation and planning.”

What are your hopes and dreams for the camping program in the Dakotas?

“I hope we can continue to offer creative, fun, quality and safe experiences at throughout the Dakotas.  Camp experiences that share Christ, community and creation in ways that speak to our congregations and members.  The Dakotas Conference has a deep-rooted, rich history of affecting lives through camping and retreat ministries.  There is no doubt that the people of the Dakotas love their camps!  It is my strong hope for the camping ministry to continue to walk alongside our congregations and leadership to offer discipleship and leadership training opportunities that continue the strong legacy of affecting lives.”

What are the challenges or opportunities that you see for the camping program in the Dakotas?

“Probably similar to many of the challenges our congregations face, making sure we're offering the right programs and providing opportunities that speak to a shifting culture while remaining good stewards of our resources and making informed management decisions using the information we collect. Camping has a great opportunity to strengthen the relationship between what's happening at camp and developing vital congregations.”

How do people get in touch with you or the central camping office in the Dakotas?

Diane Weller will continue to provide central office administrative support for the camping program and can be reached at the Conference office, 605-996-6552. Keith can be reached 612-230-6130 or e-mail.