The Board of Trustees has announced the sale of Camp Otterbein. By action of the 2023 West Ohio Conference Special Session, the $3.1 million proceeds from the sale are restricted to support current and future camping and retreat ministries and children, youth and young adult ministries.

“The Trustees followed a formal process for evaluating offers, selecting one and countering it, and that resulted in this sale,” said Dr. Julie Hurtig, Chair of the Board of Trustees. The full board met to approve the counteroffer and process.

The sale proceeds will be held in a designated fund. A policy for distribution of these funds will be developed with representation from the Transformative Discipleship Team, Conference Council on Finance and Administration, and Board of Trustees.  More information will be reported at the 2024 Annual Conference set for May 28 – June 1.

Camp Widewater is actively on the market. Net proceeds from the sale of this property will follow the same process.

“These funds will provide ministries that will lead current and future generations of young people into faithful relationships with Jesus Christ,” said Bishop Gregory V. Palmer.

Former campers, employees, camp counselors, and supporters of Camps Widewater and Otterbein are encouraged to attend deconsecration services this summer. The services are set for Saturday, June 15 at 2 p.m. at Camp Widewater and Sunday, June 16 at 4 p.m. at Camp Otterbein.

“We are grateful for the ministries that took place on these sites. I hope you will join me at these services,” Bishop Palmer concluded.