Camp/Retreat Ministry Certification: An Unparalleled Learning Opportunity In recognition of the importance of camp/retreat ministry as a specialized area of service, The United Methodist Church established a new certification open to laity and clergy. An excellent example of collaborative partnership among Drew Theological School, the General Board of Discipleship, the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, and representatives of the National Camp/Retreat Committee produced certification courses and requirements that are extremely relevant to the core of camp/retreat ministry. Additional review by camp/retreat leaders in the field resulted in significant changes that make certification even more beneficial. This is the first consistent, academically and denominationally recognized educational process that significantly addresses three main themes of Camp/Retreat Ministry: "Nurturing Faith and Christian Leadership," "Ecological and Social Integrity," and "the Ministry of Camp/Retreat Center Management." We are greatly blessed to have an avenue of learning for those who want to explore camp/retreat ministry as a possible new vocation or avocation, as well as an avenue for profound continuing education that will enhance the skill and faith of those already serving as staff or long-term volunteers. Drew Theological School has taken the lead in offering the full complement of courses necessary for certification. Certification can be taken in a non-degree track, or as part of a more extensive degree program, such as an M.Div. or D.Min. degree. I think it is important for those who may want to enter camp/retreat ministry as a vocation to keep in mind that Drew now offers all the required courses for certification. Please spread the word to those considering ordained ministry as elders or deacons, if they desire to include camp/retreat ministry in their preparation. Drew is one of seminaries to check out. In the future, some of the courses may be offered by other seminaries. Course offerings are determined by the seminary itself. In the meantime, Drew Theological School already has made an extraordinary commitment to the preparation of those of us in camp/retreat ministry. Keep in mind that people who want to take Certification Courses must first enroll with the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry and then go through the process to become an eligible student at whatever seminary is offering a course. Even if you don't plan to take a course immediately, it is advised that you complete these two initial steps so that you won't be delayed and possibly miss a course deadline because these steps have not been completed in advance. I encourage all of you to participate in the certification. I am finding it a wonderful experience myself. Even though I have many years of camp/retreat ministry experience, I am learning and growing a lot. Those interested in finding out more about Camp/Retreat Ministry Certification requirements and processes may contact: Section of Deacons and Diaconal Ministries General Board of Higher Education and Ministry P. O. Box 34007 Nashville, TN 37203-0007 E-Mail: sddm@gbhem.org Phone: 615-340-7375 Drew Theological School Common Ground Office Madison, NJ 07940 E-Mail: cground@drew.edu Phone: 973-408-3622 Camp/Retreat Ministry Certification Course Schedule 2001 Volunteer and Staff Hiring, Training and Supervision 2-credit elective, October 9, 7:00 p.m.-October 14, noon Camp Epworth, High Falls, NY An online course in United Methodist Studies is projected to be available in 2002. 2002 The Ecology and Theology of Common Ground 3-credit core course, 2:00 p.m. January 10-2:00 p.m. January 17 Drew Theological School, Madison, NJ Biblical Foundations of Camp/Retreat Ministry 2-credit elective, March 10-15, 2002 (tentative) Scarritt-Bennett Center, Nashville, TN Fund-Raising and Financing for Not-for-Profit Ministries 2-credit elective, Mid-October 2002 (tentative), New Mexico 2003 Ministry of Camp/Retreat Center Management 3-credit core, January 26-February 2, 2003 Asimolar Conference Center, Pacific Grove, CA Prior to and included in the National UM Camp/Retreat Leaders' Gathering Partnering with Ethnic Leaders & Communities 2-credit elective, March 9-14, 2002 Drew Theological School, Madison, NJ Developing Christian Camp/Retreat Curriculum & Events 2-credit elective, October 12-17, 2003 (tentative) Camp Magruder, Oregon Coast | Page 1 of Decisions of Faith & Calls to Ministry | | Page 2 of Decisions of Faith & Calls to Ministry | | Share Our Worlds — Help Needed | | Share Our Worlds — Giving Partners Form | | The Role of Creation in Faith Formation: Avoiding the Pantheism Controversy | | Camp/Retreat Ministry Certification | | Resource Review | | Mark Your Calendars | | D. Min. Group Forming in Camp/Retreat Ministry | | Camp/Retreat Memo Archives | | Camp and Retreat Ministries Home | Articles | Links | Staff | | Comments | Directory | Events | Employment Opportunities |