In Ridge Haven’s written report to the 37th General Assembly, the PCA’s camp and retreat center reported that its cost-cutting methods had been successful in improving the organization’s financial picture over the past year.

“We are pleased to report that the many cost-cutting measures and revenue-increasing steps that were taken to correct a downward-spiraling cash flow have resulted in a positive cash flow,” the report said, “to such a degree that the 8.5% salary cuts that were in place last year have been repaid and salaries restored.”

2008 proved to be a particularly tough year for Ridge Haven, the Brevard, N.C.-based camp, conference, and retreat center of the PCA. In addition to mounting financial struggles, Ridge Haven’s board of directors also accepted the resignation of its long-time director, Rev. Morse (Mo) Up De Graff.

“As the board of Ridge Haven realized the immediate need to address our responsibility and stewardship of the business side of God’s gift [Ridge Haven], we accepted the resignation of Mo Up De Graff,” said the report. “This will allow us to put in place an executive director with demonstrated entrepreneurial skills. … Mo has been ‘Mr. Ridge Haven’ to many, and we ask God’s blessing as he and Janie embark on a new chapter in their continuing life of ministry and service to their King.”

Due to Ridge Haven’s financial difficulties in 2008, last year’s General Assembly instructed the Cooperative Ministries Committee (CMC) to form a task force to look into the situation and make recommendations.

“The one observation by the task force that seems to include many of the other noted concerns of operations and development … is whether Ridge Haven is to be run as a denominationally-supported ministry or as a self-supporting business,” said the report. “The board concurs with the task force’s reiteration that ‘this may be a ministry, but we’ve got to operate it much more like a business.’ Thus, as day-to-day operations and finances become more stabilized … we will engage in more meaningful long-range planning, integrated vision with corresponding financial requirements, and a plan to provide the required funds.”

Facilities Upgraded / Camp Registrations Increase through Program Innovation
According to the report, Ridge Haven made a number of improvements to facilities and purchased necessary equipment with Capital Campaign funds and revenues generated through increased registration.

“We feel some of the increased camp registrations are due directly to program innovation, such as Brave Heart (a camp for bereaving children) and Appalachian Trail and Junior Great Adventure Weeks, which have been recently added to the specialized-camp options,” the report stated.

Facility upgrades have included remodeling the main floor of both Iverson and Dean Lodges, new flooring in Averett (the hotel building), two of the Maple apartments, and Mac Kitchen. There is also a new party/game room complete with kitchen, sitting area, ping pong/pool room, and a bank of washers and dryers. Additionally, this year the newly renovated and renamed lake, Lake Morse, will see additional water activities.

To hear Ridge Haven’s report to the Assembly, delivered by Andrew Lupton and Howard Eyrich, please click here.