About Us

BUTMAN METHODIST CAMP & RETREAT CENTER

In 1926, the "Committee on Camp Grounds" of the NWTX Conference reported that negotiations were underway to purchase a site in Palo Duro Canyon for a Conference Camp Ground. From these humble origins Ceta Canyon Methodist Camp & Retreat Center got its beginning. The old Stamford District held its camps at the Leuders Baptist Encampment. The Abilene District was using the Presbyterian Encampment at Buffalo Gap. Conference leaders, especially those in the southern part of the Conference, began to see the need for a camp to meet needs of campers in the south end of the Conference. Sam Butman Sr. , a long time resident of Mulberry Canyon, had two daughters, Lottie and Mary, who were most instrumental and influential in getting Mr. Butman interested in donating land for a camp. It was Rev. Edgar Irvine who was important in suggesting to Mr. Butman that good farmland was not the most ideal for camping activities and a more rugged terrain with more acreage was needed.

"After a number of years of hope, dreaming, planning and praying, a camp in beautiful Mulberry Canyon, to be used by thousands of young and old alike, then awaited construction ...Let's put the picture into perspective. The Conference then had 231 plus acres of rocky, hilly, mesquite and cedar covered land. What lay ahead? What would rise from these seemingly rugged acres? To answer this question all we have to do is to visit Butman Methodist Camp and see all the facilities that house and feed hundreds and hundreds of people each year. We can walk the trails that children, youth and adults walk, see the shelters for small group sharings, listen to the singing , the sharing of experiences of the various camps, and to hear testimonies of changed lives by experiences led by Christian leaders." "We thank God for the vision of Sam Butman Sr., for the dedication and commitment of laity and clergy across a wide area , for their generosity in bringing to pass dreams that have been dreamed and prayers that have been uttered for His guidance and blessings."

"In 1956 Samuel Butman, Sr. died at the age of 92 and is buried in Rose Hill Cemetery, Merkel, beside his wife, Madge Bell Butman. What a long life, working hard , saving money, investing it in land, cattle, sheep and people. He shared with his children and his church. What a wonderful legacy."

Butman Camp is a not-for profit ministry organization that relies on our Board of Trustees for leadership, guidance and support. Butman Camp's Board operates as a policy board, drafting policies that our Executive Director and staff follow. Our Board meets three times per year to discuss our ministry, our future and how Butman Camp can glorify and honor Jesus Christ.

BOARD of TRUSTEES

Northwest Texas Annual Conference, Ex-Officio Trustees
Director of Mission and Administration: Wendell Horn, Lubbock, Tx
Abilene District Superintendent: Rev. George Price, Abilene, TX
Conference Camping Task Force, Chair: Rev. Lloyd Stice, Wolfforth. TX

At Butman Camp, we are always looking for ways for the community to get involved with what is happening at camp. From volunteering, painting buildings and handrails, hanging Christmas lights, and even working one of our camps in the summer, there is usually something around camp to help out with. If you would like information on how you or your organization can further enhance the work camp is doing, head on over to our Contact Us page and ask about volunteering! If physical work is not your strong suit, you can feel free to head over to our - Donations page - and help us monetarily, every little bit counts.
We look forward to hearing from you, God Bless.

HOSPITALITY ASSISTANT
Butman Methodist Camp & Retreat Center, located near Merkel, Texas, is looking for a part time, which could lead to full time, Hospitality Assistant to join our staff family! We are looking for a person with strong faith and good moral character. The successful applicant must be willing to work any day of the week, weekends, and on some holidays especially during the summer. Institutional cooking experience is a plus. Must be willing to provide a hospitable guest experience through other needed tasks. Pay is based on experience and will be discussed at time of interview. This is a part time position of 20-32 hours a week. Must be 18 years or older.

You can fill out an application online clicking link below or download and print an application if you’re interested in the job. We require a background check before you can start. Pay and all other questions will be answered during interviews. Please send resumes to sarah@butmancamp.org or call for questions at 325.846.4212 Thanks for your interest and God Bless.

If you are interested in becoming part of the Butman Camp staff ministry team, please submit an employment application. We consider all applicants who are qualified for any positions we may have open. You may apply online or download an application & background consent form for employment and mail it to us.

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We are currently seeking and taking applications for the following summer staff positions:
1. Program Interns (at least 18 years old H.S. Grad)
Program interns must be mature, responsible young adults, at least 18 years old, who want to directly influence our campers with the love of Jesus. You will facilitate the wilderness challenge course and climbing wall, help in the camp store, lead nature hikes and challenge games. You will be certified as a ropes course facilitator and as a lifeguard.
View Job Description

2. Maintenance Staff (at least 16 years old)
Maintenance staff must be able to pass lifeguard certification and will assist our Maintenance Director with various duties, such as groundskeeping, lifeguarding and maintenance tasks.

3. Kitchen Staff & Housekeepers (at least 15 years old)
Kitchen staff will help prepare and serve food, clean kitchen and camp facilities and assist our Hospitality Manager with various duties.

4. Office Intern (at least 18 year old H.S. Grad)
Office interns must be mature, responsible young adults, at least 18 years old, who want to work in and out of the office helping with various office tasks. These may included but not limited to, camper & counselor registrations, answer & making phone calls, helping out with the camp store, take pictures during camp activities, and helping with social media during the summer. It is ideal to know basic computer skills. There will be chances to facilitate the wilderness challenge course and climbing wall (upon proper training), and lifeguard certification is a bonus!

Interested candidates should apply online or download and complete our application for employment and send it along with your resume to jeff@butmancamp.org, fax to 325-846-3231; or mail to Butman Camp, 158 County Road 674, Merkel, Texas 79536.
If you have questions call Jeff at 325-846-4212