n response to a nationwide call for training, the National Council of Churches’ Outdoor Ministries Committee has planned another high-caliber event for camp/retreat leaders wishing to glean important skills in fundraising. This session will offer the opportunity to take one or both of two courses: “Fundraising 101” and “Major Gifts 201.” The time-liness of these courses could hardly be better, as revenues from conference apportionments allocated for camp/retreat ministries continue to drop in many locations at the same time that our facilities and programs need upgrading and support. It is absolutely critical that we find new ways to be stewards of this crucial ministry that touches so many. Don’t overlook this tremendous opportunity to learn the latest and best fundraising know-how available to help undergird your center. Now is the time to establish a strong financial future. Whether you serve as a site staff person, conference staff person, or board member, sign up now. Class size is limited, so don’t delay. Earlier Fundraising Schools filled to capacity quickly, and this one is expected to as well. The Principles and Techniques of Fundraising for Outdoor Ministries Course will be held September 19-24, 1999, at Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center, near Little Rock, AR. The Developing Leadership for Major Gifts Course will occur immediately following, on September 24-27, 1999. Led by Dr. James Reid, Ph.D., CFRE, who has over 32 years of experience in fundraising for nonprofit, educational institutions, it will focus on Camp/Retreat Ministries. Attendees will receive a rich variety of resources to take home to share with others and put into practice. (These comprehensive courses are designed by the highly acclaimed Fund Raising School based out of Indiana University’s Center on Philanthropy.) For further information and a registration form, contact Gary McKee, Presbytery of the Peaks, P.O. Box 2416, Lynchburg, VA 24501, (804) 845-1754, gary.mckee@pcusa.org. The NCC Outdoor Ministries Committee will provide a $35 grant for everyone who attends one or both of the courses. Costs, including tuition, meals, and lodging based on double occupancy: Fundraising 101 $760 Major Gifts 201 $440 Is it worth it? Read these evaluations. Note, also, that of the United Methodist Camp/Retreat leaders who attended last year’s courses with whom I’ve spoken, all were extremely pleased. “Run, don’t walk, to register. This has been one of the top two or three professional workshops I have attended in the past 20 years.” Allen Dietz, AmeriCorps Parenting Education Project “This is definitely the kind of course to take....It will be worth your while.” Attendees from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America “By putting into practice only some of the tools and techniques I learned in the course, the annual campership fund appeal has increased from $5,000 to nearly $20,000 each year. Over a two-year period, with the skills learned in this course we have raised $235,000 for a sewage system and $200,000 for new cabins.” Bill Wealand, United Church of Christ FAITHFUL LEADERSHIP Learning to Lead with Power By Thomas R. Hawkins Hawkins identifies three ways to lead with power: power-over, power within, and power with. Each can be abused—hence the need to temper power with servanthood. Faithful leaders are servant leaders: they see leadership as a partnership in which people collaborate around common purposes based on shared values. A must-read for camp/retreat leaders who play a crucial role in building vital camps and retreat centers. Both resources are available from Discipleship Resources, (800) 685-4370, www.discipleshipresources.org, and from Cokesbury, (800) 672-1789. TWISTS OF FAITH Ministry with Youth at the Turning Points of Their Lives By Marcey Balcomb & Kevin Witt How can your congregation and families “be there” for youth? Section 1 of Twists of Faith provides the theological and conceptual framework for ministering with youth at certain “turning points” in their lives. Section 2 examines 8 turning points common to youth. Each chapter includes devotional material, real stories from youth, indepth background information, strategies for discovering what is happening in the lives of youth, and activities for helping youth make connections between “turning points” in their lives and their faith experiences. | Share Our Worlds | | Next National United Methodist Camp/Retreat Leader Gathering | | Common Ground & Camp/Retreat Ministry Certification | | The Gift | | Millenial Generation Sets Records | | Cutting Edge Ministries That Are Working | | National Camp/Retreat Info Links & Support | | Resource Review | | Changing Times/Changing Lives | | Continuing Education & Fellowship Events | | Camp/Retreat Memo Archives | | Camping Home | Articles | Links | Staff | | Comments | Directory | Events | Employment Opportunities |