Why are we consolidating our ministry opportunities and resources at Camp Agapé?

Because this decision allows us to do a better job of living into our existing ministry. We have a growing and robust ministry at Camp Agapé that serves children, the membership of the North Carolina synod, and the broader community. Our 624-acre facility in Fuquay-Varina is in constant use and programming has been gradually rebuilding since the devastating effects of COVID on camp attendance. Here are some of our 2025 highlights:

• Summer camp numbers were strong for 2025. We welcomed over 200 campers and 22 staff members to camp. 
• Four churches hosted day-camps operated by Camp Agapé this summer reaching 77 day-campers. 
• Plans for summer 2026 are underway with expanded programming time, more specialty camps, and more returning staff members. These plans include an additional week of summer camp and two additional church-based day-camps. 
• With the support of this donor community, in 2025 we subsidized or funded entirely the summer camp experience of more than 80 campers. These are kids that would not have been able to get to camp without the financial support of Camp Agapé donors. These subsidies are over and above the basic subsidy we provide to every camper, since our camp pricing is set below our actual operating costs.
• In 2025 we had the biggest Mother-Daughter retreat to date and an impactful Father-Son weekend which had not been held for several years. BYG (“Building Youth Group”) participation continues to rebuild after a few pandemic-impacted years. This fall we have two additional BYG events scheduled and more planned for Winter 2026. 
• This spring, we hosted 25 groups and 850 guests. This fall we will welcome almost 1000 folks from 24 different organizations to programmed retreats at Camp Agapé. We have been building relationships with groups new to Agapé - from local youth groups to professional development days we are able to provide a space apart for guests who seek renewal in creation. 
• Our Environmental Education (ACE Ed) continues to educate children and adults about creation stewardship. With new projects on the horizon to utilize our strengths in programming we are looking forward to bringing more people to ACE Education.

To continue to grow this ministry, we must develop a sustainable economic model, restore existing facilities, and prepare for a planned Synod Campaign that will help Camp Agapé achieve its full potential.

Kure Beach has been an important part of our history. Over many years, thousands of people had wonderful experiences at the beach that played important roles in their lives and formed special memories. But even when the Faith Center at Kure Beach was fully operational, the vast majority of programming provided by Agapé-Kure Beach Ministries occurred at Camp Agapé or was resourced out of Camp Agapé. Since that time, the Kure Beach community has changed. Prices have skyrocketed over the years, and zoning changes have made redevelopment of a new Faith Center prohibitively expensive. The resources that have been set aside for years for redevelopment are simply needed elsewhere.

How will this consolidation effort help us maximize the ministry opportunities and serve our community though Camp Agapé?

Consolidating our resources around Camp Agapé offers an exciting opportunity to build a successful and sustainable future for Camp Agapé. This decision will free up more than $2 million dollars to build a sustainable financial platform, restore existing facilities (e.g., to replace the Lodge Roof, carpet, windows, and to install a working kitchen in that location), and prepare for the future. Bringing our existing facilities up to a higher standard will support the increased use of our facility for programmed retreats such as Via de Cristo, Mother-Daughter Retreat, and BYG.  

What efforts are being made to improve revenues and reduce expenses at Camp Agapé?

Since COVID, we have been operating on a deficit budget that has drained our reserves. Though we have gradually rebuilt our programming since COVID, and associated revenues have increased, the cumulative effect of our operational costs over time has limited our ability to maintain our beautiful facility. As part of our effort to consolidate resources around Camp Agapé, we have started a systemic review of staffing costs, accounting standards, and pricing to ensure that we develop a sustainable financial platform. As part of that process, we are working with a Visioning Consultant and outside accountants. We are also in process of retaining a specialized consultant to streamline our accounting practices. Our goal is to increase revenue, while reducing expense. As we do so, we have to invest in our buildings and infrastructure to maintain the integrity of our programs and facilities. 

What is the status of the Executive Director search?

The search remains on-going, but we are increasingly optimistic that a new Executive Director will be retained in the next few months. Strong interim leadership coupled with the visioning efforts of the board, including this decision to consolidate our resources around Camp Agapé, have strengthened Camp Agapé and have made the position more attractive to applicants. 

What is the status of the pool project?

We are pleased to report that the installation of the new pool and the renovation of the pool building is fully-funded and will be completed in time for the Spring of 2026. We expect to break ground in the next few weeks. 

Have donations to Camp Agapé remained strong since Covid?

Our donors really stepped-up in 2020 at the height of the COVID crisis! Importantly, in subsequent years, our donors have continued to provide generous support to Camp Agapé. We are so appreciative of the kindness and commitment shown by our donors. Regrettably, the slow re-building of camp programming revenues coupled with donations has not been enough to cover all of our operational expenses. The effort to consolidate our resources around Camp Agapé is intended to address this situation.

How can I help?

There are many ways to help Camp Agapé. A few ideas follow:

• Attend Agapé-Fest on Sunday, October 5, participate in our camp experience, and enjoy some fellowship.
• Serve as an advocate for Camp Agapé within your congregation.
• Ask your children to youth to consider serving on our summer staff.
• If your children do or have attended summer camp in the past, invite a friend or relative into the camp community.
• Volunteer for the Camp Agapé work weekend currently scheduled for October 18 or join one of our volunteer maintenance crews. 
• Continue to provide your generous annual cash and stock donations or consider becoming a monthly donor.
• Consider Camp Agapé during your Estate planning process. 

What about the name Agapé + Kure Beach Ministries? 

We have not had this conversation yet as a board, staff or community. This is an exciting time to consider who we are and where God is calling us to serve. Agapé will remain at the center of our identity as it has through other names. We welcome your input.