The Camp/Retreat Leader E-mail Network is a connection of religiously affiliated camp/retreat leaders from across the United States and the world who support one another in powerful and practical ways. These leaders include staff and key volunteers related to camps and retreat ministries sponsored by religious organizations, the American Camping Association's Religiously Affiliated Camps, the National Council of Churches of Christ Outdoor Ministry Group, and leaders from across United Methodist camp/retreat Ministries. There is no cost to belong to the network. To join, simply send an e-mail to kwitt@gbod.org and ask to be added to the network.

The benefits of this network are:

1. Information exchange: Any participant may send a question for the network. Network members respond to the question to share insights and resources. The person asking the question then collates all the replies into a single e-mail and sends them to me (Kevin Witt) at kwitt@gbod.org. I, in turn, post the responses to everyone on the network so that everyone can benefit from the learning and information. This method of sharing information has been extremely beneficial. The knowledge base among the members is incredible. In the event that a person sends a question that is so specific that it will not interest most members of the network, I try to put that person directly in touch with those who can best respond to the inquiry. This streamlines the network and makes it efficient for the participants.
2. Sharing resources: It is very helpful when network members share what is working for them, partnerships with other groups that have worked really well, potential funding sources, food service aids, maintenance tips and tricks, discount buying sources, policies and procedures, and much more. Giving your friends and colleagues leads and resources so that they can all be strengthened is a tremendous gift.
3. Faith Formation Camp/Retreat Exchange: The network serves as a means for sharing devotionals, faith-formation resources and practices, ways to enhance spiritual growth through camp/retreat ministry, ways of developing staff and volunteers as spiritual leaders, and more. The purpose of Christian and religiously affiliated camps is unique, and this network is a great group to get insight and support in this core of who we are.
4. Employment opportunities: Network members post their staff openings, and the network passes the information along to good candidates desiring to serve within camp/retreat ministry. Finding skilled, spiritual leaders for the wide variety of important positions is crucial to fulfilling our mission and to the long-term effectiveness of our services.
5. Continuing Education Opportunities: The network passes along information about learning opportunities and events so that everyone can join in and benefit from the offerings. It is also beneficial to discuss books and other learning resources that have been particularly helpful to people — both personally and professionally.
6. Mutual Support: Network members pray for one another and support one another. If you need support, let us know through an e-mail to the network.

If you have a question or anything to share with the network that would be beneficial to you and others, send an e-mail and ask me to post it to the network.

Note: To keep the network helpful and interesting, we have agreed to avoid the following practices:

• Forwarding chain e-mails.
• Posting frivolous jokes.
• Spreading negativity.
• Posting material that wastes people's time and energy.
• Writing personal notes to individuals about things that don't involve the majority of network members.

If you run across a vendor with a product that has improved your camp/retreat center operations, you may share your experience with us and provide information about how to contact the vendor. We never give out our e-mail list of names and e-mail addresses to vendors. This way, each member may choose whether or not she or he wants to contact the vendor. Further,this method prevents mass junk e-mails being sent to network members.

Welcome aboard! I am sure that you will find the folks on the network to be helpful and caring. Thanks to everyone for your commitment to support and share with one another. Your commitment and your caring spirit is what makes this network so useful and important.

If you have any questions or information for the network, please send an e-mail to me at kwitt@gbod.org

We are also developing am expanded website through the General Board of Discipleship of The United Methodist Church that will list important resources and shared learning from the network, such as devotionals, collations of replies to questions, and so on. That website address is www.gbod.org/camping We plan to update and add new items regularly. Look for the changes in upcoming months. Thanks!

On the River of Life,
Kevin Witt
Camp/Retreat Ministries
General Board of Discipleship
United Methodist Camp/Retreat Network
ACA Religiously Affiliated Camps — E Network

If you would like to be removed from the Camp/Retreat Leaders' E-mail Network, please send a note to kwitt@gbod.org, asking to be removed.

Posted 10-2-02


    Text Only Version