What is camp/retreat certification

What Is Camp/Retreat Ministry Certification?

Camp/retreat ministry certification seeks to enhance the depth of knowledge and effectiveness of leaders serving in religiously affiliated ministries through study and application in three core integrated areas of learning. The learning tripod includes:

Theological grounding and spiritual maturity
Integrity in ecological and social justice teaching and practice
The development of managerial/ leadership skills

These goals are represented in the three areas of concentration that serve as the structure of the learning program:

Nurturing faith formation
Ecological/ relational integrity
Camp/retreat center management.

Through the Drew Theological School "Common Ground" emphasis, the Camp/Retreat Ministry Certificate Program is open to leaders from all denominations. Currently, the majority of participants come from Christian settings; however, leaders from other faiths are encouraged to contact Drew for further information about how the program might be adapted. Individuals receive a certificate of completion after successfully participating in three core courses and two elective courses and fulfilling the course requirements.

These courses apply to United Methodist Camp/Retreat Certification also. The United Methodist denomination recognizes Camp and Retreat Ministry as a vitally important specialization, which has its own official certification process with additional standards and requirements above and beyond the course work. Certification is the church's recognition that an individual has made a commitment to serve and fulfill the required standards for academic training, experience, and continuing study necessary to achieve and maintain excellence in these areas. The church's need for individuals who desire to serve to the best of their ability makes certification by The United Methodist Church of increasing importance. Other denominations may want to consider a similar process for their leaders. Kevin Witt, the national staffswperson for United Methodist Camp and Retreat Ministries, would be happy to talk with you about that option. Contact Kevin by e-mail at kwitt@gbod.org or by phone at 541-317-1615.)

Additional information about the denominationally recognized United Methodist Camp and Retreat Ministry Certification process may be found at the following web pages:

General UM Certification Information and Forms: www.gbhem.org/site/c.lsKSL3POLvF/b.3584829/k.552D/Certification_Studies.htm

Specific UM Camp and Retreat Ministry Certification (pdf document) -- United Methodists interested in Camp/Retreat Ministry Certification should read this pdf document completely. If you have any questions about the requirements, please contact Kevin Witt at kwitt@gbod.org or 541-317-1615.

Drew Theological School is a fully accredited academic institution. It is accredited by the Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges, and the Theological School is further accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada. For more information about Drew Theological School, see www.drew.edu/theo/.

For specific information about the Common Ground program and Certificates in Camp and Retreat Ministry sponsored by Drew, see www.drew.edu.

Photo by Deb Smith, staff, General Board of Discipleship.

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