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 "The certification classes have been valuable for so many reasons, but primary for me is that they have made me a better camp director. The new ideas have inspired me and, together with the relationships and conversations with other camp leaders from around the country, have challenged me to grow as a person of faith and as a camp director in ministry in our church." — Jackie Cordon, Iowa
"Being part of the first group is exciting in that we have been instrumental in what has emerged to date. The rewarding and challenging parts come from the fact that I have been and expect to continue being ÒstretchedÓ professionally and personally into areas that I might not have the opportunity or the discipline to go on my own. The fellowship with my classmates continues to be extraordinary." — Jim Daly, Pennsylvania
"Taking the time away from the business of camp to really delve into important issues with other colleagues in the ministry and to develop practical applications to improve ministry back home is well worth the time and energy and money spent!" — Miranda Lovegren, Oregon-Idaho
"I strongly encourage camp/retreat leaders and those interested in entering this ministry to enroll in this great program! Courses are led by the best camp/retreat ministries leaders, as well as the Theological School at Drew University. Expand your knowledge and understanding of camp/retreat ministries. Gain a firmer foundation of your calling. Topics are timely and practical; cost and time involved are very reasonable." — Kent Shrader, North Carolina
"Yhe classes have been educational and informative; but more than that, they have facilitated the formation of a support network of Christian sisters and brothers from around the country. The fellowship and support from my colleagues has been the greatest gift of the program." — Michael Huber, New York
"Camp can be so isolating at times. Peers are widely separated geographically, and since we all work the same basic summer schedule, we do not encounter one another in the act of living out our calling and profession. The certification program has brought to reality, for me, the presence of a collegial community that has affirmed what I do and a network that offers fellowship and accountability. And, of course, there is the invaluable course work by the faculty at Drew." — Gary Lawson, Tennessee
 Schedule of Upcoming Certification Courses
Fund-Raising and Financing for Camp/Retreat Ministries
Ghost Ranch Santa Fe, Santa Fe, NM
October 6-11, 2002
www.ghostranch.org
Partnering with Ethnic Leaders & Communities
Drew Theological School, Madison, NJ
January 12-17, 2003 (tentative)
The Ministry of Camp/Retreat Center Management
National Camp/Retreat Leaders' Gathering
Asilomar Conference Grounds, Pacific Grove, CA
January 26-February 2, 2003
www.asilomarcenter.com
www.gbod.org/camping/2003campevent/asilomar_certification.html
Developing Christian Camp/Retreat Curriculum and Events
Camp Magruder, Rockaway Beach, OR
October 12-17, 2003 (tentative)
www.campmagruder.org
Some Basic Information
 Completion of five courses is part of the requirement for Certification in Camp/Retreat Ministry (three core courses and two electives). The three core courses required of all certification students are typically offered in January (one course each January); then students may choose two other electives. If a student has never taken United Methodist Studies, then that course must be one of his or her electives. If the candidate has previously taken United Methodist Studies, he or she must select another elective and attend the workshop on the History of Camp/Retreat Ministries at the National United Methodist Camp/Retreat Leaders' Gathering in January.
Cost per credit: $446. (A total of 13 credits typically is required: core courses are 3 credits, electives are typically 2.)
The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry provides a very helpful stipend of $500 per course upon successful completion of each course, up to $2500 total.
The Theological School at Drew University has made a huge commitment to the preparation of camp/retreat leaders. They now offer opportunities for incorporating Camp/Retreat Certification courses into degrees such as a Master of Theological Studies and a newly developed Doctor of Ministry group in Greening of the Church: Camp and Retreat Ministry. (If you want to join this D.Min. group, contact Drew Admissions right away because the group will begin fairly soon.) Students who want to incorporate Camp/Retreat Ministry Certification courses while they pursue their Master of Divinity degree may want to look closely at Drew also, because Drew currently offers more courses related to Camp/Retreat Ministry than any other United Methodist-related seminary.
For more information about Certification in Camp/Retreat Ministry, please contact the following:
The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM)
Sharon Rubey, srubey@gbhem.org
www.gbhem.org/certification/camp_retreat.html
Drew Theological School
David Berkey, dlbcamp@aol.com
Tanya Bennett, tbennett@drew.edu
973-408-3622
www.drew.edu
A very special thanks to all these people for their tremendous work on our behalf related to the camp/retreat ministry certification program.
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