Heather Withrow, a West Virginia native with more than 20 years experience in camping and retreat ministry, has been selected as the new President of Jumonville, our Conference camp and retreat center near Uniontown. Jeff Bees, chair of Jumonville's Board of Directors, made the announcement in an email Saturday, Jan. 26.
"Heather comes to us most recently from Glacier Camp in Lakeside, Montana," the announcement read. "Originally hailing from Elkins, West Virginia, Heather answered God’s call to camping ministry upon her graduation from West Virginia University, having earned her degree in Recreation and Parks Management with an emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation.
Now with more than 20 years in the camping and retreat ministry, Heather brings with her a wealth of knowledge, experience, and wisdom. She is active in the American Camp Association and the National Conference Committee of the United Methodist Camp and Retreat Ministry. Jumonville’s membership with both the Christian Camp and Conference Association and the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability will continue, providing additional networking and educational opportunities.
"I am honored to be joining the Jumonville team," Heather said. "I am eager to continue the rich history of ministry on the mountain; and to explore all the ways in which we can use our resources to point people to Christ throughout western Pennsylvania and beyond.”
Heather and her husband Shawn, a graphic designer, will move to Jumonville in early February to begin their Jumonville ministry. They are anxious to begin building relationships with the Jumonville team as well as others in the area and beyond. Heather has been to Jumonville before, bringing retreat groups.
“I am thrilled with the choice of Heather to be Jumonville’s next President and I heartily endorse her," said Larry Beatty, who currently serves at president. "I will do all that I can to support her in this time of transition.” Beatty last year told the Jumonville Board he intended to step down as President after 37 years of ministry on the mountain.
The Board began a nationwide search for Larry’s successor, praying throughout the process that involved months of outreach, communication, review of applicants, and intensive interviews. The President Search Committee, as well as the Board and Staff Development Committee collectively invested hundreds of hours in seeking God’s chosen candidate to assume this essential leadership role heading into this next season of ministry for Jumonville, the chairman said.
Jumonville's annual Spring Dinner on May 5 will provide an opportunity to celebrate the ministry of Larry and Jaye Beatty and to meet and greet Heather and Shawn Withrow. The dinner will be held in Jumonville’s Asbury Dining Hall that evening at 5:30.