"Share Our Worlds" Approved by State Department After nearly a year of very hard work and expense, the U. S. State Department has approved the General Board of Discipleship as a J-1 Visa Sponsor for International Camp/Retreat Counselors. This terrific news means that we will be able to fully launch the Share Our Worlds program in the summer of 2001. Because of the extremely late notice of approval, we are limiting the number of international counselors in 2000 to nine students from Africa University. Share Our Worlds will bring United Methodist and Methodist young adults from around the world to serve as summer staff in United Methodist Camp/ Retreat Centers across the US. This program provides unique opportunities for participants and guests to develop friendships with United Methodists from other nations. Those recruited from other nations will be committed persons of Christian faith who are able to witness to and teach about faith in Christ and about living the love of God. They will be proficient in English and possess skills that enable them to contribute as leaders in a camp/retreat setting. If you would like further information about your camp/retreat center hosting international staff, contact Ted Witt, Coordinator of Share Our Worlds, 2484 Highland Lane, Crossville, TN 38555-1468, phone (931) 707-7592, fax (931) 707-7691, tedwitt@juno.com. It's Working for Us South Central Jurisdiction Camp/Retreat Leader Gathering Recently, the South Central Jurisdiction camp/ retreat leaders gathered at Camp Comeca in Nebraska. The theme, "Pulling the Pieces Together," moved director/managers, volunteers, program coordinators, maintenance personnel, food service staff, board members, and conference staff to be there as "family" for one another and to rejoice. The event provided opportunities and strategies for pausing from the business of camp/retreat ministry to seek God and nurture oneself. If we're going to give, we must be filled so that we have something to offer. Participants had such a rich experience with this format/focus, there are now plans to focus on this type of theme every other event! The leadership was excellent! The Rev. Dave Fowler reminded folks in his sermon that "we are sometimes so busy sowing the seed that we forget to get out and drive the combine every once in a while!" Diana Walz taught us how to slow down and truly enjoy life — to walk on sacred ground. Kathy Trotter and Charles Wallace reminded us how to relate more effectively, to attend to things when they are small so they don't overwhelm us later, and that, taking time to care for our ourselves and our loved ones will help us care for our campers, guests, environment, and facilities. The Rev. Rosemary Brown had us laughing and crying at the same time, remembering why we do what we do. In addition, we did get a little business done. Annette Wren was elected to a 4-year term on the National Camp/ Retreat Committee and Chic Garner to a 2-year term. Lee Walz, Terri Ford, and Judy Eychner were elected to the 2002 Event Design Team. Thank you to Camp Comeca for the wonderful Christian hospitality. The next South Central Jurisdiction Camp/ Retreat Leader Gathering will take place January 28-31, 2002, at Mt. Sequoyah, AR. | New Camp/Retreat Certification | | Share Our Worlds Approved by State Department | | It's Working for Us | | Partners in Discipleship: Camp and Retreat Ministries | | Resource Review | | Conservation U.S.A. | | Continuing Education & Fellowship Events | | Camp/Retreat Memo Archives | | Camping Home | Articles | Links | Staff | | Comments | Directory | Events | Employment Opportunities |