March 10, 2023

Dear Friends of Slumber Falls,

We know it’s been a while since we’ve shared an update with you all. Our group has been busy working on some very exciting and important things we want to announce.  

Offer to Purchase - $3,142,750

On Thursday, March 9, the Board of Friends of Slumber Falls (FSF) presented the South Central Conference Board of Directors an official offer to purchase Slumber Falls Camp (SFC). The $3,142,750 offer presented was made possible through funds from our primary donor and reflects the appraised value of Slumber Falls Camp on the current Comal County Property Tax roll. 

When considering the facilities and property improvements needed at Slumber Falls Camp, which were acknowledged by the Board of Directors in their February 2 communication, this offer is certainly fair. Friends of Slumber Falls is ready to expedite this sale to ensure continuity of all summer camping programs and retreat business currently booked for 2023 and beyond. 

Most importantly, we strongly believe this is a win-win situation that provides a mutually beneficial path forward for the SCC and Slumber Falls Camp while ensuring healing and a guarantee of continued outdoor ministry at Slumber Falls Camp. 

Nonprofit to Nonprofit Sale – Best Option

Since our last communication, Friends of Slumber Falls received its 501(c)(3) designation from the IRS, which allows this transaction to be processed as a nonprofit to nonprofit sale. This is significant because it allows the SCC to sell Slumber Falls Camp without listing on the open market, preventing it from potentially being sold to a developer. In addition, a nonprofit to nonprofit sale will preserve the .595 acre tract that was gifted to Slumber Falls Camp by the Pfeuffer family in 2019 as that section of land would be returned to the Pfeuffer’s should SFC be sold to a developer. And finally, a nonprofit to nonprofit sale will save the conference exorbitant agent/brokerage fees and commission, ensuring more dollars from the sale go directly to the Conference. 

Your Donations – Full Transparency

Thank you for your contributions to our fundraising efforts. To date, we have received $12,282. We believe in honesty and transparency in how we will use your dollars. We are optimistic our offer will be accepted and upon execution of contract, we intend to use $5,000 of the donations collected as earnest money for the purchase of Slumber Falls Camp. And as we move forward with the sale, we will likely need additional dollars to pay for an environmental study and survey of the property, insurance, and an operating reserve. 

Take Action – Make Yourself Heard

We encourage you all to make your voice heard with the Board of Directors of the South Central Conference and the leaders of the churches in the United Church of Christ. 

• Contact the Board of Directors – Let them know you want them to accept the FSF offer to purchase Slumber Falls Camp. You can contact the BOD President at sccpresident@sccucc.org.
• Contact your Church Leaders – If you are a member of the United Church of Christ, talk to your pastor and your church council. Make sure they are aware of this offer and encourage them to reach out to the BOD as well. 
• Attend your Association Meetings – Most Associations in the conference have upcoming meetings in April. We encourage you to attend if you can to share your opinion on this important topic.
• Spread the News – Share this information via your social channels and spread the word about Friends of Slumber Falls

Connect with Friends of Slumber Falls 

We have officially launched a website – www.friendsofslumberfalls.org – where you can find information about our mission, our Board Members, a timeline of events, and more. In addition to email communications, we intend to provide updates on our site, so please keep tabs on it. We know there are so many of you who are passionate about Slumber Falls Camp and share our mission in preserving it for generations to come. If you have ideas, feedback, etc., please contact us. You can reply to this email or email directly at friendsofslumberfalls@gmail.com. 

Thank you all for your continued support. Friends of Slumber Falls is working earnestly to secure the long-term future of Slumber Falls Camp. We believe working in partnership with the SCC will build goodwill and healing across the Conference. 

In faith and hope together, 

Friends of Slumber Falls

Jennifer Landers 

Carolyn Ho 

Amanda Palm

Jennifer Marlow

Alden Hodges

Pam Olson

Renee Rehfeld