 he General Board of Discipleship has approved a new project, “Share Our Worlds,” which will bring United Methodist young adults from countries around the world to serve as summer counselors in United Methodist Camps/ Retreat Centers across the U.S. A “pilot project” of the program will bring 30 counselors to serve in 15 camps/retreat sites for Summer 2000.
Participants in the program will be recruited from the Central Conferences, autonomous Methodist congregations, seminaries and universities, and other United Methodist organizations. They will be proficient in English, possess skills that will enable them to make a contribution to the camp ministry, and will be committed, active Christians who are able to witness to and teach about faith in Christ and living the love of God. The program is distinct from other international camp counselor programs now in operation (ICCP, CCUSA, etc.), because it specifically brings to the U.S. United Methodists and Methodists who will return home with new skills to contribute to their Central Conference and congregations.
The program will provide unique opportunities for camp/retreat center participants and guests to develop friendships with United Methodists around the world and to better understand and appreciate the cultures of other nations.
The selection of the initial 15 host sites in the U.S. is now in process. If you would like information about serving as a host camp/retreat site, please contact the Project Coordinator, Ted Witt, 274 Electric Ave., Westerville, OH 43081, tedwitt@juno.com. |
Next National United Methodist Camp/Retreat Leader Gathering
January 26-30, 2001
 ark your calendars! Don’t miss this powerful experience! Every 2 years United Methodist Camp/ Retreat Leaders gather for spiritual growth, training, and fellowship with others from across the U.S. In 1999, we had one of our largest turnouts ever, with nearly 500 leaders at Epworth by the Sea, GA. The participant evaluations were extremely positive. These gatherings provide inspiration, connections, and learning that prove time and time again to be defining moments for many of us who lead in Camp/Retreat Ministry. Our next national gathering will be at Snow Mountain Ranch in a beautiful location in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. The National Camp/ Retreat Committee has already been hard at work on your behalf. A tremendous slate of presenters and keynoters is being recruited. The theme will be “Partners in Faith.” Fresh, intriguing aspects of that theme are now being developed. You won’t want to miss it. For information, contact: Anne Horton, Event Coordinator, (205) 538-9860, ahwildlife@cybrtyme.com.
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Common Ground & Camp/Retreat Ministry Certification
 epresentatives from Drew University, the General Board of Discipleship, and the National Camp/Retreat Committee continue to shape the course work for training camp/retreat leaders. Conversations are now under way with the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry seeking to establish Camp/ Retreat Ministry as one of the official certifications offered by the United Methodist Church. In addition, a Master’s degree and Doctor of Ministry degree in Camp/Retreat Ministry are being formulated. In October, the National United Methodist Camp/Retreat Committee, along with other United Methodist Camp/Retreat leaders now serving in camp /retreat ministry, will gather at Drew to review the proposed courses and processes. In this way, camp/retreat leaders will continue to be involved in providing insight and feedback as the Common Ground training program is developed. This is very exciting indeed. For information, contact Dr. Sharon V. Betcher, Common Ground Director, Drew University Theological School, 36 Madison St., Madison, NJ 07940, (973) 408-3622.
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arlier this year, Ezra Earl Jones reported to us at our National Gathering that no contact had been made by the representative of the donor of the $90 million gift for United Methodist Camp/Retreat Ministry. Maurice Wise, our original contact channel, says that he is no longer in the loop, and that future contact will be made directly by the donor’s representative to Jones, General Secretary of the GBOD. To date, there has still been no contact. We were originally told that “when the time was right” Dr. Jones would be contacted. The timeline for the funds to arrive as announced is 2/1/2000. We wait with eager expectation.
