Irons Homestead Director The Rev. Jennifer Geary has become the first United Church of Christ graduate of the Compass Points program, a joint effort of the United Methodists, Lutherans, Presbyterians and UCC in conjunction with Columbia Theological Seminary that grants a certificate in Camp Management after two years of study and practical applications.

Geary received her graduation compass during the Outdoor Ministry Association of the United Church of Christ’s national gathering, Consult XXI.  As a part of the Consult, Jennifer shared her Capstone project for a new and innovative program to be implemented during Summer Camp at Irons Homestead.

Jennifer proposed Project Grace, which integrates 3-4 campers who are currently homeless into each camp session at Irons Homestead. Goals of the project include:

• Provide a safe space for children without homes to relax and just be children.
• Integrate children without homes into every aspect of summer camp in such a way that staff and fellow campers are transformed.
• Change the perception of what it means to be poor and destitute and what our true responsibility is in response.

The plan is to begin Project Grace during the summer of 2018. Fundraising, with a goal of $20,000, has already begun.  Contributions may be made by sending a check made out to RICUCC with Campership Fund in the memo line to: Rhode Island Conference Office, 8 Summer Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860. Donations may also be made online here.