A mission camp on Eleuthera in the Bahamas is in better shape thanks to United Methodist Volunteers in Mission from Northern Illinois and Iowa. 

Seventeen volunteers from seven congregations across Illinois, Iowa, and Florida gathered for the mission to Camp Symonette in Eleuthera. Team members included Dan Strutevant, Toni Nero, Ann Robertson, Bill and Katherine Howell (Harmony UMC, Freeport, IL); Voncile Carlson (First UMC, Freeport, IL); Ron and Marcia Peeler and Amy Fuson (Indianola First UMC, Indianola, IA); Dave Duffe, Martha McCallister, and Mark Stoskopf (UMC of Milton, IA); Linda Rowe (Christ Community Church, Bloomfield, IA); Dianna Park (Bloomfield UMC, IA); and Elaine Park (North Naples Church, Naples, FL), united in service and fellowship.

A team of volunteers from seven congregations headed on Jan. 18 for Camp Symonette near James Cistern on Eleuthera, a long, narrow, apostrophe-shaped Bahamian island that is 112 miles long and 2 miles wide at its broadest point.  The Caribbean Sea is on the west and the Atlantic Ocean on the east. 

Camp Symonette is supported by six Methodist churches throughout Eleuthera and serves as the hurricane emergency shelter. The COVID pandemic and the death of a pastor left the camp in neglect. The team was asked to revitalize this once very functional camp for mission teams, youth training, and educational retreats.  

Our intended mission schedule included making renovations and repairs as well as leading a vacation Bible school, a canning class, and an oral hygiene class with take-home supplies. We were not able to accomplish everything scheduled, but what activities we could perform were well attended and greatly appreciated—which brought us much joy.

One of the projects at the camp was to paint murals to enhance the space.

The first tasks we had to tackle were cleaning and repair. The Methodist leaders hoped to raise awareness of the camp and encourage churches to support it so that it could become a renewed and functional part of the Methodist ministry. The residents are hardworking people and could not take much time off to visit the campsite while we worked.

The continued growth in spirituality and team spirit brought a spirit of success and cohesiveness. Many of us have been together for other missions and the acceptance and attention to help develop new team members was inspiring; a holy moment to remember.

The attitude of the islanders was hopeful, though their hardships were very apparent. Because they live on an island, residents pay double for goods due to shipping and taxes. We observed that many functional everyday items are not available on Eleuthera and must be brought in from other islands and countries. We have compiled an extended list of needed items that could be brought in and would make the camp more functional for staff and upcoming teams. We pray that this article will encourage others to serve, work, and play at Camp Symonette in the Bahamas.