A Case Study: Wesley Pines – Hazlehurst, Mississippi

Organizational Overview:

​​Camp Wesley Pines has provided summer camp and retreat ministry for more than 60 years. 

When they began this process with Kaleidoscope, they were asking the following questions:

• Building on a long history, how should the ministry be shaped to continue to be relevant for today and the future?
• What is possible for growth in each program model (summer camp, retreats (hosted and directed)?
• How does Wesley Pines align with the best practices of the camp and retreat industry?
• What are the current needs of the community (United Methodist Churches and surrounding area)?
• Are there new markets or operational models that should be more fully supported?
• What are the steps for growth in utilization and a sustainable future ministry operation?

The Solution:

Kaleidoscope was contracted to guide a comprehensive assessment and strategic planning process.

Workshop #1: Building Common Understanding

As we dove into our work together, Kaleidoscope led the Wesley Pines team through an assessment process where we created a common understanding about the current state of your organization, as well as where they stacked up to the rest of the industry. 

Workshop #2: Shaping Choices

Often referred to as the messy middle, this workshop put everything we knew on the table and guided us in sorting it out. We were creative, yet intentional; playful, yet on-purpose; visionary, yet rooted. 

Workshop #3: Making Decisions

The team ended the process with clarity and focus on the next steps. The leadership of the organization can now clearly articulate the vision and plan to achieve it.

The Final Report

• Presentation: The Kaleidoscope presented the full plan to the leadership team and board.
• Report: Wesley Pines received a full PDF report with all of the information they need to live out the plan.

Executive Director, Chap Fenwick, had this to say about the work with Kaleidoscope:

“Working with Jody and Ryan at Kaleidoscope was well worth the time and energy. The Strategic Plan gave our staff and board a clear direction on where we needed to focus our efforts to make the greatest missional impact – both now and in the future”

Outcomes

• Groups coming to Wesley Pines throughout the year have grown in number and diversity of groups because of the intentionality that came from the Strategic Plan.
• Fundraising efforts were more fruitful because we could better articulate the mission/vision and power of the camp. We secured the largest donation ever for Wesley Pines.
• Staff have greater clarity about our purpose, vision, and what Wesley Pines can uniquely do for the children and families we serve.
• Increased the quality of the summer camp program to better achieve the goals and outcomes of our mission. Definite increase in positive camp experiences!