YMCA of the Rockies Welcomes New Snow Mountain Ranch Chaplain

YMCA of the Rockies has named Sheryl Palmer as the new Chaplain at the Snow Mountain Ranch property. Palmer will provide spiritual leadership and faith-based programming to the guests and staff of Snow Mountain Ranch by developing, planning and leading nondenominational religious services.

In her new role as YMCA Of the Rockies – Snow Mountain Ranch Chaplain, Palmer will host weekend nondenominational worship services at Columbine Point and Whispering Pines Chapel, provide spiritual guidance, and develop faith-based programs for the community, as well as provide pastoral care for staff and guests during times of crisis.

Palmer joins YMCA Of the Rockies – Snow Mountain Ranch from The United Methodist Church, where she has been an ordained pastor for more than 30 years. For the past 16 years, Palmer served as the lead pastor in two large churches in Illinois. Additionally, she was the chair of the Interfaith Alliance, an organization committed to working with people from all faiths, backgrounds, nationalities, and stages of life.

Palmer’s calling to ministry came from a camping experience, which has become an integral part of her spiritual leadership and faith-based career and will continue at the YMCA of the Rockies – Snow Mountain Ranch. Palmer is committed to service and building community relationships, utilizing her expertise in working with both youth and adults.

The YMCA of the Rockies chapel ministry spiritual and faith-based initiatives foster relationships, focus on stewardship of the natural environment, and create programs that are spiritually engaging and respectful for all. Programs include weekly worship services, campground devotions, and pastoral care, as well as weddings, baptisms, and funerals. In addition to scheduled programming, the Snow Mountain Ranch Chaplain’s department is available to facilitate faith-based programs and worship experiences for groups such as devotional hikes, campfire singalongs, retreats, focused rocks and ropes sessions, vespers and more.

Palmer, originally from the East Coast, earned a Bachelor’s degree in Outdoor Recreation and Education from Penn State University. She recently relocated to Grand County with her husband and enjoys skiing, hiking, kayaking, geocaching, camping and biking.