Milestone Funeral Partners Hosts Camp Leadership Event in Sidney, Maine
Milestone Funeral Partners Invests in the Next Generation of Funeral Service Leaders Through Camp Leadership
SIDNEY, Maine — September 16-17, 2026 — Milestone Funeral Partners recently brought funeral home, cemetery and crematory leaders from across its organization together in Sidney, Maine, for Camp Leadership, an immersive professional development experience designed to strengthen leadership skills, build relationships and foster growth from within the organization.
Rather than relying on a traditional conference-room format, Camp Leadership was built around experiential learning. Participants worked together through hands-on activities that encouraged collaboration, problem-solving, communication and personal growth while providing opportunities to learn from colleagues throughout the Milestone organization.
“At Milestone, we believe one of the most meaningful investments we can make is in our people,” said Mike Martel, CEO of Milestone Funeral Partners. “Great leaders aren’t developed simply by sitting in a meeting and being told how to lead. They grow through experience, through challenges, through relationships and by being given opportunities to stretch themselves. Camp Leadership reflects the kind of organization we want to build — one where talented people are supported, empowered and given opportunities to grow.”
Throughout the program, participants stepped outside their typical day-to-day roles and comfort zones to work alongside fellow funeral service and cemetery professionals. The experience encouraged leaders to exchange ideas, approach challenges from new perspectives and strengthen connections with colleagues who share the responsibility of leading teams and serving families in their local communities.
The program also reflects Milestone’s emphasis on creating opportunities for organic growth from within the organization. By investing in the development of its funeral home, cemetery and crematory leaders, Milestone aims to equip its professionals with the confidence, relationships and practical leadership skills needed to strengthen their teams and continue advancing within the profession.
“Camp Leadership is intentionally different,” Martel added. “We wanted our leaders to experience leadership development rather than simply hear about it. When you bring talented people together, challenge them, trust them and give them the opportunity to learn from one another, incredible growth can happen.”
The Sidney gathering offered participants an opportunity not only to develop professionally, but also to build stronger relationships across Milestone’s growing network of funeral homes, cemeteries and crematories.
Milestone leaders left Camp Leadership energized and empowered, with new perspectives, stronger connections and a renewed commitment to the teams and families they serve.
For Milestone Funeral Partners, the philosophy behind the program is simple: great organizations need great leaders, and great leaders are worth investing in.
