Education & Training for Camp/Retreat Leaders, Director/Managers, Conference Leaders, Local Staff, & Volunteers A Partnership between Drew University Theological School & the General Board of Discipleship

The Affirmation In a thrilling new development, Camp/Retreat/Conference Center Ministries have been affirmed as a vitally important avenue for faith formation and societal change. Preparing the leaders has become a top priority. Although “Common Ground” is still in the development stages, it will become a reality. Come to the National Camp Leader’s Gathering to get an update on how this fantastic new system of learning is progressing. Heather Murray Elkins from Drew University will be there as a seminar leader and preacher. The Vision This partnership between the Theological School of Drew University (Madison, NJ) and the General Board of Discipleship will offer the first consistent, thorough, academically recognized educational process for spiritual leaders of United Methodist camp/retreat ministry. Over $100,000 is being invested by these two institutions to develop and establish the “Common Ground” learning opportunities. A variety of educational tracks, from certificate to academic degree programs, will be designed primarily to meet the training needs of the camp directors, conference leaders, staff, local clergy, and key volunteers of nearly 300 United Methodist Camp/Retreat Centers in the U.S. Other denominations may want to send their leaders to participate as well. Major Internet education components open real possibilities for this learning to be expanded to Central Conference leaders in other nations. Faith Formation and Spiritual Leadership, Stewardship of Creation and Ecological Wholeness, and the Ministry of Management represent the integral tripod upon which this training program rests. United Methodists have long recognized the life-changing impact inherent within this unique ministry for faith formation and development of spiritual leaders. With foresight, we have established what is likely to be the most extensive network of camp/retreat/conference centers and programs of any denomination. Millions of dollars have been invested by local churches and conferences, because of the unparalleled nature of these experiences in helping persons connect more deeply with God and in inspiring individuals and groups to adopt faithful lifestyles. Informal surveys of United Methodists serving in key leadership roles have been taken at events such as annual conferences and training sessions. Often, 60-80% affirm their involvement and the positive impact of camps and retreats as part of their Christian journey. Such anecdotal data mirror organized research done by the Presbyterians, who discovered this to be true of more than 70% of their leadership. An extensive study of five mainline denominations by Search Institute, a leading research group, revealed that approximately 20% of U.M. adults and 37% of U.M. children and youth who attended camp and retreat experiences list them as one of the five most important influences on their faith. Many point to camps and retreats as the setting where they responded to vocational calls or calls to ordained ministry. Many also highlight them as a catalyst for lifelong faith commitments. The Need In a rapidly changing society where people hunger to experience God, the role of Christian Camp and Retreat Centers and the need for Spirit-filled, skilled persons to lead them is greatly magnified. It is critically important to establish a consistent, thorough, academically recognized educational process to prepare spiritual leaders of United Methodist Camp and Retreat Ministry. Camp directors/managers must continue to develop spiritual maturity and theological discernment, among other skills, in order to serve well in our shifting global, social, and religious reality. Leadership is the critical factor in forging new, responsive ways to fulfill the ongoing mission of making disciples and developing spiritual leaders. Our Centers represent important “Common Ground” for ourselves and for others. We are stewards of sacred spaces where people can rejuvenate their spirits, minds, and bodies. In light of the growing ecological crisis and the fact that by the year 2025 two-thirds of the world population will be residing in urban centers, camp/retreat experiences can play foundational roles by helping persons integrate new, caring relationships with the whole of God’s creation. The church must speak and act on behalf of the earth in the name of God, as human lifestyles threaten its health and the health of every creature dependent on the earth. An additional goal of Common Ground is to develop spiritual leaders, congregations, and local communities that lift up the fundamental truth that the whole earth is ‘common ground’ where we practice the presence of God. Within a place and time away from our daily routine, we can sense God and hear the call to honor the sacredness of God’s universe. The natural world is one expression of the same Word that created humanity–the same Word that became flesh and dwelt among us in Jesus Christ (John 1). Although camps/retreats touch people profoundly, they are temporary communities. Their concentrated, out-of-the-ordinary character explains in part their consistent impact. People eventually return to their homes, relationships, and daily lives. Forging close links between these ‘mountaintop experiences’ and local communities of faith is crucial. Finally, Common Ground will address the expanded technical skills required of today’s camp/retreat directors, staff, and key volunteers. Issues such as risk management, ministry team training, marketing, health care, lodging and food service, strategic planning, fund raising and financial management, require greater attention, sophistication, and knowhow. Where this new reality is ignored, camp/retreat centers are struggling or closing. Vision and leadership make the difference between sites that thrive and sites that fail. As a denomination, we cannot afford missionally or financially to overlook the need for well prepared leadership. Despite Methodism’s historic involvement in camp/retreat ministries, we have never developed a thorough, recognized training or certification program to support our camp directors/managers and other leaders. Currently, the training opportunities for camp/retreat leaders consist of scattered workshops and seminars offered at annual or semi-annual gatherings. The International Association of Conference Center Administrators offers some basic courses and certification that will prove especially helpful for Conference Center Administrators. Christian Camping International and the American Camping Association provide some technical training, but no longer offer Camp/Retreat Center Director certification. Although we plan to partner with these groups and others like the General Board of Higher Education and Ministries, none currently offer the full spectrum of what is needed for theological and technical education. Because we, as a denomination, have never established an identifiable core curriculum for our camp/retreat leaders, their education is left to the discretion of the individual. Many, therefore, never enter or complete well-rounded preparation related to their responsibilities or necessarily have an identifiable continuing education plan. And these key leaders are frequently responsible for helping to train dozens of others. Persons desiring to enter this ministry full time have no clear direction on how or where to prepare themselves. Generally, seminary offerings are limited to a single course, if any at all. Common Ground intends to fill the current void. The Partnership Camp/Retreat Ministry falls under the auspices of the GBOD. A well designed, ongoing educational process represents a major step in strengthening our leaders. Drew Theological School wants to partner with the GBOD in bringing the “common ground” vision to life in a lasting way. The “University in the Forest” is especially well suited to help pioneer this endeavor. Project Timeline Fall ’98 - Summer 2001 represent the critical design and development years. The program will then become an ongoing offering for current and new leaders, with much of the cost being covered through self-sustaining course fees.

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