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 We are thrilled to be able to offer a broad and exciting lineup of workshops for our 2009 Camp and Retreat Leader Gathering. We've been able to secure some nationally known experts for leadership, including:
- Lovett Weems, professor at Wesley Seminary and author of Spiritual Leadership
- Bob Ditter, social psychologist and well known ACA presenter
- Yohann Anderson, publisher of the Songs songbooks we all know and love
- Bishop Minerva Carcaño, of the Desert Southwest Conference, who preached at General Conference and recently published I Believe in Jesus
- And many of our own United Methodist Camp Leaders, who are experts in their own right.
We are offering four different kinds of workshops, plus a fifth just for the teenagers who are at the Gathering with their families. The workshop types are:
- Proshops -- Workshops designed for professional development
- Playshops -- Workshops designed for fun, and to learn fun things to do back home
- Netshops -- Workshops designed to connect us with others of like interests
- Soulshops -- Workshops designed for personal growth and perhaps to help us help others grow
- Youthshops -- Workshops designed for teenagers only
Please note that several workshops have an additional program fee attached. Please plan to bring that fee with you by check (payable to NCRC) or cash to the workshop.
Tuesday Morning, January 27, 2009
9:30-11:00 a.m.
New Camp Director's Training A (Pro)
Leader: Kathy Trotter, President of Kaleidoscope Inc.
New camp directors are invited to spend quality time learning the ropes from someone who has not only walked in their shoes, but who now provides consultative expertise to camps across the United States. This is a wonderful opportunity for new camp leaders to explore multiple facets of camping and retreat ministry, discover their strengths, and learn where they may need improvement. (Part 1 of a three-part workshop.)
Facility Management A (Pro)
Leader: Wynne Whyman
For your board and staff, do you have a facilities dashboard that gives
a snapshot of key indicators? Gain knowledge on how to best manage your
facilities to provide safety and comfort to your guests while keeping
your buildings attractive and well maintained. Learn about record
keeping procedures that help you plan for maintenance needs and reduce
the number of "surprises." Workshop includes information from Wynne's
new book. (Part 1 of a two-part workshop.)
Best Practices A: Safe Sanctuaries (Pro)
Leader: Jody Oates
We share it with our parents, with our churches, guests, and with our staff -- our camp is a safe place for everyone. Safety is our first priority to be sure we can move toward our mission of lives being changed at camp. This workshop will explore Safe Sanctuary policies and how they apply to our work at our camp and retreat centers. The first of three "best practices" workshops.
Eco-justice at Camp A (Net)
Leader: Jordan Blevins
Living in an environmentally friendly way can help us live justly with people across our global community. Learn about the consequences of our actions, both good and bad, and gain tools for sharing these learnings with campers and staff. (Part 1 of a two-part workshop.)
Panel on Financial Turn Around (Net/Pro)
Leaders: Melinda Trotti, Paul Cogger, Anne Horton
Have your camping and retreat ministries been faced with difficult financial issues? We've gathered a panel of seasoned colleagues who have success stories to share about turning around a camp's financial situation. Gain valuable information and tested ideas to help your ministry return to financial health.
Building on Your Strengths A (Pro)
Leader: Jill Moore
What are your personal strengths for life, work and ministry? Learn how to use these to your best advantage, and be affirmed for the gifts and skills that you already possess. (Part 1 of a two-part workshop.)
Discerning a Ministry Vision A (Pro)
Leaders: Pam Harris and Garrie Stevens, Run River Enterprises
Being Sheep among Wolves! Discerning a vision for ministry is one of the most fundamental and critical responsibilities of a leader. There are no formulas, but there are practices that can guide you in seeking a vision. This workshop is based on Jesus' instruction to his disciples as he sent them into the world, from Matthew 10: "Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves." Both aspects are essential in seeking a vision for camp, conference, and retreat ministry -- to be both exceedingly wise and spirit-filled. This workshop will teach four essential spiritual practices and four fundamental business practices that are vital in seeking a vision for ministry. (Part 1 of a two-part workshop.)
Building Effective Staff/Volunteer Teams A (Pro)
Leader: Jack Shitama
It can be a challenge to recruit the right staff and volunteers for your camp and retreat center, but even more challenging to help them collaborate together as a team. Spend time with an experienced camp leader, learning how best to help your staff and volunteers work together. (Part 1 of a two-part workshop.)
Leading Retreats A (Soul/Play)
Leader: Larry Peacock
Help others grow spiritually while you nurture your own soul through planning and leading retreat experiences. Enjoy a special and unique time with a leader who brings a sense of spiritual depth to this training experience. (Part 1 of a two-part workshop.)
Working Through Disagreements (Pro)
Leader: Jan Thomas
A part of living together in Christian community is learning negotiation skills to resolve conflict appropriately. Once we develop this skill in ourselves, it is then a wonderful gift that we can pass on to our staff, volunteers, and campers.
Faith Formation A (Pro)
Leader: David Berkey
How do we do Christian education in the out-of-doors? We have wonderful opportunities to help our campers and staff grow in their experience of faith. Learn how to be more intentional in fostering faith formation through the camp and retreat experience. (Part 1 of a two-part workshop.)
Youthshop: Group Building (Youth)
Leader: Troy Taylor
Camp youth know a little more about teambuilding than your average youth. They grow up around teambuilding. They watch it, experience it, sometimes even lead it. But how will our camp youth react to teambuilding in a new place with other youth who have also grown up with teambuilding? We'll give them a chance when they get this rare opportunity to have a camp experience that is unfamiliar.
Tuesday Afternoon, January 27, 2009
1:45-3:15 p.m.
New Camp Director's Training B (Pro)
Leader: Kathy Trotter, President of Kaleidoscope Inc.
New camp directors are invited to spend quality time learning the ropes from someone who has not only walked in their shoes, but who now provides consultative expertise to camps across the United States. This is a wonderful opportunity for new camp leaders to explore multiple facets of camping and retreat ministry, discover their strengths, and learn where they need improvement. (Part 2 of a three-part workshop.)
Facility Management B (Pro)
Leader: Wynne Whyman
For your board and staff, do you have a facilities dashboard that gives
a snapshot of key indicators? Gain knowledge on how to best manage your
facilities to provide safety and comfort to your guests while keeping
your buildings attractive and well maintained. Learn about record
keeping procedures that help you plan for maintenance needs and reduce
the number of "surprises." Workshop includes information from Wynne's
new book. (Part 2 of a two-part workshop.)
Knowing and Inspiring Guest Groups (Pro)
Leader: Kevin Witt
One of the Seven Foundations of United Methodist Camp and Retreat Ministries is "Equipping Guests to Do Love and Justice." A very effective strategy for inspiring, engaging, and affirming guests and guest groups in doing love and justice is to know them at a deeper level. In this knowing, we discover keys to their involvement in love and justice.
Eco-justice B (Net)
Leader: Jordan Blevins
Living in an environmentally friendly way can help us live justly with people across our global community. Learn about the consequences of our actions, both good and bad, and gain tools for sharing these learnings with campers and staff. (Part 2 of a two-part workshop.)
Building on Your Strengths B (Pro)
Leader: Jill Moore
What are your personal strengths for life, work, and ministry? Learn how to use these to your best advantage, and be affirmed for the gifts and skills that you already possess. (Part 2 of a two-part workshop.)
Personal Ministry Plan A (Soul)
Leader: Kirsten Shrom-Rhoads
This session will focus on a particular method of assessing personal balance. Each person will name and create a representation of his or her own balanced or imbalanced life. We will use inter and intra-personal reflection to assess our own needs and set goals for achieving our desired changes. We will support and
pray for one another before the session ends. Use this time as a gift for your
own growth or a tool to pick up for staff training/development.(Part 1 of a two-part workshop.)
Games (Play)
Leader: Joel Pancoast
We can never know how to play enough games. Come on out, have fun, and play and learn some great new games to take home and share with your camp staff and campers.
Ministry with Youth A: The God Bearing Life (Pro/soul)
Leader: Ron Foster
Too often ministry with teens can devolve into a blur of wholesome activities or worse yet, holy babysitting. But that's not what we signed up for. Get back in touch with your call to ministry and explore what it would be like to live as a Godbearer instead of a religious shopkeeper. Godbearing ministry invites young people into a sustained way of life rather than offering fleeting spiritual highs. We'll examine some core Christian practices (bread-breaking, pain-taking, claim-staking, and sacred space-making, to name a few) that can make a world of difference for youth -- and for us, too. (The first of two workshops on youth.)
Faith & Food Options A (Pro/Net)
Leaders: Alton L. Collins Staff
Should our faith inform what we eat? How can we prepare and serve food that is healthy, tasty, and kind to the planet? How can we meet all these special food requests? Learn recipes and tactics to breathe life, faith, and hospitality into your food service from people who love to serve. (Part 1 of a two-part workshop.)
A Visit with John Muir (Play/Soul)
Leader: Doug Hulmes
Sit outside beneath the glorious redwoods and experience a Chautaqua presentation of the stories and philosophies of John Muir, a naturalist, explorer, inventor, and philosopher. A Scottish immigrant, John Muir spent much of his adult life exploring and studying the Sierras and Alaska. The author of more than two dozen books, Muir gained respect as the nation's foremost spokesperson for wilderness and the ideas of preservation and reverence for life. He promoted the designation of Yosemite, Grand Canyon, and Petrified Forest as National Parks, and was one of the founders and first president of the Sierra Club in 1892. Following his presentation, Doug will take questions from the audience as the character, and then as a scholar of John Muir. Doug does a wonderful job bringing John Muir to life, and this special time will have even more meaning as we experience it in a region that Muir loved.
Discerning a Ministry Vision B (Pro)
Leaders: Pam Harris and Garrie Stevens, Run River Enterprises
Being Sheep among Wolves! Discerning a vision for ministry is one of the most fundamental and critical responsibilities of a leader. There are no formulas, but there are practices that can guide you in seeking a vision. This workshop is based on Jesus' instruction to his disciples as he sent them into the world, from Matthew 10: "Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves." Both aspects are essential in seeking a vision for camp, conference, and retreat ministry: to be both exceedingly wise and spirit-filled. This workshop will teach four essential spiritual practices and four fundamental business practices that are vital in seeking a vision for ministry. (Part 2 of a two-part workshop.)
Storytelling A (Play)
Leader: Kwasi Kena
Stories, a mainstay of camp and retreat experiences, have long been crucial for sharing the Christian faith. This workshop will introduce participants to the art of Bible storytelling and crafting their own personal Godstory. Storytelling is personal, low tech and highly relational, which explains, in part, its power. Come learn and practice how to engage people in storytelling that changes lives. (Part 1 of a two-part workshop.)
I Believe in Jesus (Soul)
Leader: Bishop Minerva Carcaño
How can we help one another express our belief in the faithful God that we have each come to know in Jesus the Christ? Bishop Carcaño will share from her spiritual growth study, I Believe in Jesus, to help us learn to give voice to and exercise our own belief in Jesus. Carcaño is the spiritual leader of the Desert Southwest Conference of the United Methodist Church.
Tuesday Afternoon, January 27, 2009
Session II
3:30-5:00 p.m.
Partnering with Hispanic Communities and Congregations (Net)
Leaders: Yohanka Cabezas and Bishop Minerva Carcaño
The growing Hispanic-Latino community is a very important part of the United Methodist Church and of the people we serve in the regions of our camp and retreat centers. Come to this workshop to gain insights and strategies for listening, adapting, involving Hispanic-Latino leadership, and creating meaningful experiences together. It is unrealistic to plan events in isolation from those we long to serve and then to expect a large response to our typical camp schedules and mailings. Come for a discussion of how to build the inroads and relationships effectively and what to avoid.
Photography A (Play/Soul)
Leader: Jess Schload
Refine your ability to take great pictures! Learn about what looks best for a newsletter and works well for web pages. Help your blossoming hobby become a real marketing and communications tool for your camp and retreat ministry. (Part 1 of a two-part workshop.)
Strong Financial Practices and Stewardship (Net/Pro)
Leader: Randy McGuire
Financial stability and accountability in your camping and retreat ministry doesn't happen by luck. Randy brings both a business and ministry background to help us understand and put in place best practices for financial management.
Personal Ministry Plan B (Soul)
Leader: Kirsten Shrom-Rhoads
This session can be a follow-up to or a stand-alone session after Personal Ministry Plan A. We will each create a design for a weekly/monthly schedule that supports the time and goals that we have set for our own personal and ministry growth. Again, use this time as a gift for your own growth or a tool to pick up for staff training/development. The session will be interactive sharing and end in prayer. (Part 2 of a two-part workshop.)
Helping Children Fall in Love with Nature (Play)
Leader: Martha Pierce
Jesus spoke of God and God's love through the metaphors of the natural world around Him. Without the desert, the plants, animals, water, rocks, and other elements, we would not have the parables that we have. From our birth, we have been shaped by the natural world around us. How does the natural world connect children with their Christian spirituality? Learn how we can help our young simply fall in love with God and the world around us.
Partnering with Social Service and Not-For-Profit Agencies (Pro/Net)
Leader: Phyllis Murray
Building relationships with social service and not-for-profit agencies takes time, but can yield tremendous benefits to all parties involved. Be inspired by stories of successful relationships, and learn what it takes to build these. Get ideas for how such partnerships could work for you and your camp and retreat ministry.
Faith & Food Options B (Pro/Net)
Leaders: Alton L. Collins Staff
Should our faith inform what we eat? How can we prepare and serve food that is healthy, tasty, and kind to the planet? How can we meet all these special food requests? Learn recipes and tactics to breathe life, faith, and hospitality into your food service from people who love to serve. (Part 2 of a two-part workshop.)
Another Visit with John Muir (Play/Soul)
Leader: Doug Hulmes
Sit outside beneath the glorious redwoods and experience a Chautaqua presentation of the stories and philosophies of John Muir, a naturalist, explorer, inventor, and philosopher. A Scottish immigrant, John Muir spent much of his adult life exploring and studying the Sierras and Alaska. The author of more than two dozen books, John Muir gained respect as the nation's foremost spokesperson for wilderness and the ideas of preservation and reverence for life. He promoted the designation of Yosemite, Grand Canyon, and Petrified Forest as National Parks, and was one of the founders and first president of the Sierra Club in 1892. Following his presentation, Doug will take questions from the audience as the character, and then as a scholar of John Muir. Doug does a wonderful job bringing John Muir to life, and this special time will have even more meaning as we experience it in a region that Muir loved.
Maintenance Tour (Play/Net)
Leader: Mt. Hermon Staff
Spend time with the Mt. Hermon staff learning how they maintain their facility. Learn how they manage a combination of old, new, and renewed buildings, as well as new construction projects, all set in groves of giant redwood trees!
Storytelling B (Play)
Leader: Kwasi Kena
Stories, a mainstay of camp and retreat experiences, have long been crucial for sharing the Christian faith. This workshop will introduce participants to the art of Bible storytelling and crafting their own personal Godstory. Storytelling is personal, low tech and highly relational, which explains, in part, its power. Come learn and practice how to engage people in storytelling that changes lives. (Part 2 of a two-part workshop.)
Crafty Crafts (Play)
(additional fee applies)
Leaders: Mt Hermon Staff
Learn some new crafts from the Mt. Hermon program staff to take back home. Experience their brand new arts and craft area, and gain ideas that you can use in your camping and retreat ministry. A program fee of $25.00 will be collected at the time of the workshop.
Christian Yoga Practice (Play)
Leader: Diana Walz
The intention of this workshop is that it be an instrument for deepening each individual's
personal Christian journey and relationship with God. This workshop will guide
participants through prayer, relaxation and basic yoga postures for all levels of fitness while offering possibilities for experiencing this practice and these postures in the context of the Christian faith. (Individuals who are interested in taking this workshop need to bring a yoga mat and small lightweight blanket)
Wednesday Morning, January 28, 2009
9:30-11:00 a.m.
Faith Formation B (Pro)
Leader: David Berkey
How do we do Christian education in the out-of-doors? We have wonderful opportunities to help our campers and staff grow in their experience of faith. Learn how to be more intentional in fostering faith formation through the camp and retreat experience. (Part 2 of a two-part workshop.)
New Camp Director's Training C (Pro)
Leader: Kathy Trotter, President of Kaleidoscope Inc.
New camp directors are invited to spend quality time learning the ropes from someone who has not only walked in their shoes, but who now provides consultative expertise to camps across the United States. This is a wonderful opportunity for new camp leaders to explore multiple facets of camping and retreat ministry, discover their strengths, and learn where they may need improvement. (Part 3 of a three-part workshop.)
Managing Personnel A (Pro)
Leader: Melinda Trotti
Personnel issues can be both the most frustrating and the most rewarding parts of our work. Get an overview of good personnel practices, discover the pitfalls and opportunities in supervisory relationships, and learn about legal issues that surround personnel in camp and retreat ministry. (Part 1 of a two-part workshop.)
Partnering with UM Foundation Staff (Net)
Leader: Sanford Coon, Director of the New Mexico Conference Methodist Foundation
Financial Development: Shifting from Scarcity to Stability. One of your financial friends may well be the United Methodist Foundation that serves your conference. In this workshop, the focus will be upon developing a strong biblical and theological grounding for a dynamic relationship with and through your area United Methodist Foundation. Consider ways to cooperatively cultivate planned gifts to strengthen the long-term financial stability of your program and facilities.
Best Practices B: CyberSafety (Pro)
Leader: Jody Oates
In the past couple of years, nothing has changed the lives of young people like social networking sites such as MySpace or Facebook. While they are a great tool for connecting, they also are places where messages about your camp or campers are out of your control. This workshop will explore what camps are doing to guard the safety of their campers and their camps' message online.
Green Bible and Experiential Teaching (Soul/Play)
Leader: Jordan Blevins
A green Bible isn't what you find in the drawer in a hotel room. It's an understanding of the stewardship of creation that God calls us to. Nature stories abound in the Bible. Gain a theological understanding of creation care and get the tools you need to share those understandings with your campers and guests.
Women in Camp and Retreat Ministry (Net)
Leaders: LisaJean Hoefner and Martha Pierce
What are the unique issues and opportunities facing women in camp and retreat ministry? What stereotypes remain, and what new challenges are appearing? Gain support, build a network, and discover tools for thriving in this important work.
Mt. Hermon Publicity and Marketing (Pro)
Leaders: Mt Hermon Staff
You've gawked in awe at their website. You've gazed in wonder at their printed materials. Now meet and learn from the people that do the marketing for Mt. Hermon Christian Conference Center. Gain new ideas and resources from some pros to use for your ministry back home.
Ministry with Youth B: God at the Movies (Pro/Soul)
Leader: Ron Foster
Gospel themes are rampant in contemporary cinema and even show up in some surprising places at times. This workshop will explore how to integrate a "Christian screening" of movies into worship, study, and everyday life for youth. We'll take a whirlwind tour through some theologically-charged recent movies and discover faithful ways to unleash this potent tool for ministry in our image-driven world. Popcorn will be served, of course. (The second of two workshops on youth.)
Grant Writing (Pro)
Leader: Anne Horton
The funds we need for ministry really are out there. We just have to know how and where to look and ask. You won't see a television ad-man with question marks all over his suit, but you will have quality time with an experienced camp leader who has had much success in grant writing. You'll go home with resources and skills to help find new funding for your camp and retreat ministry.
Building Effective Staff/Volunteer Teams B (Pro)
Leader: Jack Shitama
It can be a challenge to recruit the right staff and volunteers for your camp and retreat center, but it can be even more challenging to help them work together as a team. Spend time with an experienced camp leader learning how best to help your staff and volunteers work together. Part 2 of a two-part workshop.
Bullying and Other Issues with Children (Pro)
Leader: Bob Ditter
Learn the best ways to deal with bullying and other issues children face from a pro. One of our keynote speakers for the Gathering, Bob Ditter is a senior level clinical social worker who specializes in the evaluation and treatment of children, adolescents, and their families. Bob consults nationally with agencies that work with young people, including the Salvation Army, the Girls Scouts of America, the YMCA, the American Camping Association, and Jewish Community Centers, Sea World (Busch Entertainment), the Disney Channel, private and public schools and others.
Thursday Morning, January 29, 2009
9:30-11:00 a.m.
Managing Personnel B (Pro)
Leader: Melinda Trotti
Personnel issues can be both the most frustrating and the most rewarding parts of our work. Get an overview of good personnel practices, discover the pitfalls and opportunities in supervisory relationships, and learn about legal issues that surround personnel in camp and retreat ministry. (Part 2 of a two-part workshop.)
Best Practices C: ACA Guidelines (Pro)
Leader: Brandon Hill
What are the benefits to being an American Camp Association accredited camp? How can being accredited help us do a better job in camp and retreat ministry? What does it take to get accredited? Learn the answers to these questions from the director of an ACA accredited United Methodist camp, who is also an accreditation visitor. (This is the third of three workshops on best practices.)
Theology and Ecology (Pro)
Leader: Gary Lawson
A United Methodist clergyman and camp director will share his passion with you for doing environmental theology. Learn things you can do now at your camp and retreat center, and learn how you can give your campers and guests the tools they need to think theologically about the environment. Discuss, also, how to move the message and practice beyond your camp and retreat as a part of the church's call to love and justice.
Intergenerational Family Camp Events (Net)
Leaders: Mt. Hermon Staff
Our hosts here at Mt. Hermon do a great job offering a lot of camp and retreat opportunities to families. Come and learn from their staff how they plan and implement programming for intergenerational family groups.
Tough Situations (Pro)
Leader: Bob Ditter
Learn how to deal with difficult situations involving adult staff, volunteers, and guests from a social psychologist who understands camp life. Bob Ditter has been a lead presenter with the American Camp Association for years and is with us this week to share his expertise and experience.
Leading Retreats B (Soul/Play)
Leader: Larry Peacock
Help others grow spiritually while you nurture your own soul through planning and leading retreat experiences. Enjoy a special and unique time with a leader who brings a sense of spiritual depth to this training experience. (Part 2 of a two-part workshop.)
History of UM Camp and Retreat Ministries (Pro)
Leader: LisaJean Hoefner
What are the roots of today's camping ministries? What societal issues and strands influenced our mission, program models, and facilities? Are there matriarchs and patriarchs of UM camp and retreat ministry? What is your site's story? Come and learn about our heritage in camp and retreat ministry. It will inform the work that you do today! (This is a required workshop for those in the Certification program.)
Board Development (Pro)
Leader: Don Goehner
This workshop will explore the importance of the board of directors to a camp
and conference center ministry. The information shared will include:
- The role of the board
- Skills needed to be a board member
- Policy vs. operational board structure
- The board's role in planning and fundraising
Some actual case studies will be presented.
Introduction to the Seven Foundations of CR Ministry (Pro)
Leader: Warren Hopper
The seven foundations of camp and retreat ministry give us an invaluable tool in developing our camp and retreat ministry and for interpreting its benefits to others. Come and discover what the seven foundations are and learn how you can use them to improve and define the ministry that you are in.
Shepherding Staff (Pro)
Leader: Rhonda Parker
Camp directors walk a fine line between being supervisors of and pastors to their staffs. We have a wonderful opportunity to offer positive influence and care to people in our staff community. Come and learn about the ministry of shepherding our staff.
Camping with Persons with Handicapping Conditions (Pro)
Leader: Shirley Readdean
We have many opportunities to serve people with handicapping positions, whether it is in a regular week at camp, a specialty program, or an outside group that we are hosting. In this workshop, you'll gain knowledge from an experienced camp leader that will help you serve these special guests very well.
Thursday Afternoon, January 29, 2009
1:45-3:15 p.m.
Fundraising and Capital Development A (Pro)
Leader: Don Goehner
This will be the first of two seminars to examine resource development from a biblical and professional perspective. In the first session, the topics will include a biblical perspective for development, the importance of an annual fund, building a volunteer team and the importance of a balanced fundraising strategy as preparation for a capital campaign. (Part 1 of a two-part workshop.)
Music to Enhance Spiritual Growth (Soul/Pro)
Leader: Yohann Anderson
Learn about the links between songs and spirituality from a legendary name in camp music. Yohann is the man behind the Songs book that many of us have been using in camp and youth group since many of us were teenagers. Come and enjoy music, resources, and a workshop you'll go home and tell your summer staff about. Yohann will also lead informal after-hours music each evening.
I'm Not Program Staff? (Pro)
Leader: Kevin Witt
This workshop, led by the national UM camp and retreat staff person from the General Board of Discipleship, invites participants to reexamine the artificial division between who is seen as program staff and who is not. It focuses on very concrete, creative ways that leaders involved in maintenance, kitchen, office, housekeeping, and so on can lead and interact with guests and participants to fulfill our mission -- "the program."
Games (Play)
Leader: Troy Taylor
In this workshop, we will not only be exchanging our favorite games, but we will also share strategies and ideas from our wide range of experiences. We will discuss which games work for specific types of groups, what to consider when switching games, and what games to use for special needs groups. Be ready to swap horror stories and funny stories, and leave with more energy and new ideas.
Mt. Hermon Specialty Programs (Play)
Leaders: Mt Hermon Staff
We know that Mt. Hermon has a great facility, but did you know that they do a great job of offering specialty Christian programs and activities throughout the year? Come and spend time with some of the Mt. Hermon staff to get ideas and inspiration to enhance your camp and retreat ministry.
In Transition (Soul)
Leader: Dennis Mohler
Sometimes, the only constant in life is change. While change is at times welcome, seasons of transition in ministry are often painful. Unearth resources in yourself to do the hard personal work during these times. Network with others facing the challenge of change, too. This workshop is led by a camp volunteer who recently made the transition from the local church to the superintendency.
Camp and Retreat Ministry Certification (Net)
Leader: Mike Huber
The United Methodist Church now offers a specialized ministry Certification in Camp and Retreat Ministry. Come and learn about the value of earning this certification and how it can enhance your ministry, the process to obtain certification, and about the resources that are available to you.
Leadership in the Wesleyan Spirit (Pro)
Leader: Lovett Weems
Lovett Weems, one of our keynote speakers, is the author of several books and a professor at Wesley United Methodist Seminary in Washington, DC. He has been working with the church on the national level to highlight our Wesleyan heritage, spiritual leadership, and the future of the church. Come to have your ministry inspired and challenged by one of the vital contemporary voices of our denomination.
Introduction to the Seven Foundations of CR Ministry (Pro)
Leader: Warren Hopper
The seven foundations of camp and retreat ministry give us an invaluable tool to develop our camp and retreat ministry and to interpret its benefits to others. Come and discover what the seven foundations are and learn how you can use them to improve and define the ministry that you are in. (This is a repeat of the morning workshop.)
Summer Staff Training (Pro)
Leader: Heather Pancoast
Your summer staff is the critical link between all your ideals for camping ministry and the campers themselves. Staff training will help define the culture and values that your staff live by throughout the summer, and it will give them the skills and knowledge to change the lives of our young people. Come and learn how to plan well to make the most of the training time you have with your summer staff.
Body Prayer (Soul)
Leader: Larry Peacock
Body prayer is a meditative practice that involves movement and position to further enhance our intentional times for spiritual growth. Learn how to connect your body with your mind and soul in order to deepen your connection with God. These practices can help deepen your faith and may also be shared with others in your camp and retreat setting.
Life as a C.K. -- Camp Kid (Youthshop)
Leader: Bob Ditter
For teenagers only! Come and meet with your peers to talk about the joys and terrors of life as a camp kid. This is a great chance to network with friends who really understand what its like to live at camp year 'round. Get tools from an expert to deal with situations that only you may face!
Thursday Afternoon, January 29, 2009
Session II
3:30-5:00 p.m.
Fundraising and Capital Development B (Pro)
Leader: Don Goehner
This seminar will provide an overview of conducting a capital campaign. Subjects will include: feasibility study, biblical models, campaign planning, recruitment of campaign leadership, major gift phase, special events and a campaign timeline. (Part 2 of a two-part workshop.)
Cooking Competition (Play)
Leader: Eric Witte
Get yourself outside and get ready for some fun! Outside cooksites will be located around the large playfield, and we're going to see what you can come up with! Have a great time, and learn about a new activity you can take home and do at your camp this summer.
Music to Enhance Spiritual Growth (Soul/Pro)
Leader: Yohann Anderson
Learn about the links between songs and spirituality from a legendary name in camp music. Yohann is the man behind the Songs book that many of us have been using in camp and youth group longer than we care to admit. Come and enjoy music, resources, and a workshop you'll go home and tell your summer staff about. Yohann will also lead informal after-hours music each evening. (This is a repeat of the earlier workshop.)
Interpreting the Local Natural Environment (Play)
Leader: TBA
Join a staffer from one of the state parks near Mt. Hermon to learn about this unique redwood setting that's only a few miles from the Pacific Ocean. Take some time to discover both the micro and the macro of this wonderful piece of God's creation where we've been enjoying our week.
Photography B (Play/Soul)
Leader: Jess Schload
Refine your ability to take great pictures! Learn about what looks best for a newsletter and what works well for web pages. Help your blossoming hobby become a real marketing and communications tool for your camp and retreat ministry. (Part 2 of a two-part workshop.)
Day Camps (Pro/Net)
Leader: TBA
Day camp is a great way to gently introduce children and their families to camp and retreat ministry. Come and learn about models for day camp programs, what you need to know about day-camp age children, and what kind of programming is most meaningful for this age.
Teaching Prayer in a CR Setting (Play/Soul)
Leader: Jen Burch
Prayer is our vital link to God. Camp is a wonderful place for young lives to explore this spiritual discipline. Learn to help children and youth pray in ways that are meaningful to them and that help them begin a life of spiritual practice.
Plate Tectonics--Earthshaking Food Service Ideas (Pro)
Leader: Phyllis Murray
The food that we serve to our campers and guests is visible, tangible, tasty evidence of the hospitality that we offer them. Learn how to make your food service a vital part of your program and ministry. Take home some wonderful ideas and philosophies that will shake up your kitchen!
Leading Lasting Change in the Church (Pro)
Leader: Lovett Weems
Dr. Weems has been doing research work on the future of the church. He has some clear understandings of how our church must change in order to blossom once again. Come, be challenged, and learn how camp and retreat leaders may be at the forefront of spiritual leadership and change for our denomination.
High Ropes (Play)
(An additional fee applies)
Leaders: Mt Hermon Staff
High ropes are a tool that many camps use for group building and for building self-confidence in individual campers. Come and learn about using high ropes as a resource in Christian camp and retreat ministry, the philosophies behind it, and what is involved in establishing a course at your site. A $25 program fee will be collected at the workshop.
Climbing Wall (Play)
(An additional fee applies)
Leaders: Mt Hermon Staff
Mt. Hermon has a fantastic climbing wall that you're invited to come and experience. Learn about the philosophy for using this element in a Christian camp and retreat setting, find out what is involved in setting one up, and practice your rock climbing skills! A $25 program fee will be collected at the workshop.
Creative Promotion (Pro/Soul)
Leader: Sam Yun
Sam has successfully helped the California-Pacific Conference market its camp and retreat ministry. Come and learn about how his work has helped increase usage of Cal-Pac's facilities, improve the financial situation, and re-grown the program. You'll take away plenty of samples of marketing pieces that may inspire your own work.
Youth Panel (Net)
Leaders: Kelly Newell and Cal-Nevada Young People
So what are young people thinking about today? What's going on in their lives that we need to know? Here's a chance to engage young people in some serious conversations about their lives, hopes, and dreams, and to learn from them how we may best serve their peers in our own settings.
Green Building (Pro/Net)
Leader: Santa Cruz UMC
Santa Cruz United Methodist Church is in the process of building a "green" facility, one of the first green churches in United Methodism. Learn from their members and pastor how they went through the planning process, what they learned about green building practices, negotiated building codes and regulations, and how they are bringing their dream to reality!
Click here to download the workshop listing in pdf format.
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