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A Note from the Event Chair
I'm excited about our upcoming National Event at Mt. Hermon. I've been attending these gatherings of camp folk for the last twenty years; and I always come away refreshed, encouraged, and more empowered to do what I know is some of the most effective evangelism and discipling the church has to offer. I can already tell that this event is going to be special -- with the leadership, workshops, worship, and activities planned. Mt. Hermon is fantastic too! I fell in love with it immediately. Wait till you see those trees! I hope you will come join your colleagues as we Look Up and Reach Out in ministry together.
Shalom,
Lee Padgett, Event Chairperson
The Event
Please join 400 to 500 camp/retreat ministry friends and colleagues, January 26-30, 2009, at Mount Hermon Camp & Conference Center in Mount Hermon, California, to celebrate the wonder of God and the deep meaning of our shared Christian ministry. This event is the premier training, spiritual growth, and networking conference offered by The United Methodist Church for leaders of camp and retreat ministries. As always, colleagues from other denominations are warmly invited to attend, too.
Dynamic speakers and worship will stimulate your thinking and your spirit as we explore the theme, ""Look up, Reach out"" In addition, workshops and seminars are being developed on a wide variety of topics crucial to Christian camp and retreat ministries.
Certification Course Available
A Camp and Retreat Ministry Certification Course will be offered in conjunction with the event, which is a fantastic opportunity for in-depth, advanced learning. Learn more . . .
Special Activity for Everyone
 On Wednesday afternoon, we will take part in a beach train trip aboard the
Roaring Camp and Big Trees Narrow-Gauge Railroad'sRoaring Camp and Big Trees Narrow-Gauge Railroad's steam engine. The train dates back to 1890 and has been meticulously maintained to preserve historic authenticity. We will board the train at Mt. Hermon, travel through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, over a 1909 steel truss bridge, along the scenic San Lorenzo River Gorge, through an 1875 tunnel, and down city streets to the boardwalk at Santa Cruz. In Santa Cruz, people will have time to shop in the historic places along the boardwalk before getting back on the train for the trip back to Mt. Hermon.
Activities Available for Teens, Children, and Toddlers
Interested in attending this event as a family? Want to make this National Training Event a family trip to remember? Check out our activities for teens, children, and toddlers.
 Area Attractions
Before or after the event, check out some of the attractions in area.
Transportation to and from the Event
The NCRC (National Camp and Retreat Committee) wishes to partner with you to make your transportation to Mount Hermon Conference Center as smooth as possible. We recommend that participants fly into San Jose Airport (SJC). As a service to you, we have arranged round-trip motor coach transportation to and from the San Jose airport. Learn more . . .
Click here for a Google map to Mt. Hermon, California.
Volunteer Opportunities
The national gathering is a large undertaking, and volunteers have always played an important role in making this a great event. Volunteering with some aspect of the gathering is a beautiful way to help and – at the same time – meet new folks from around the country.
For information about the types of volunteer opportunities available and to learn how to sign up to volunteer, see our "Volunteer Opportunities" page.
Contacting Us
The 2009 National Gathering is a large event with numerous teams working to pull it all together. We are providing contact information for people from the National Camp and Retreat Committee responsible for each aspect of the event. Learn more . . .
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