Themed "Reimagine A Way In The Wilderness," the Outdoor Ministries Connection (OMC)'s second Great Gathering will be hosted in 2025 at Lake Junaluska in Western North Carolina.
The Great Gathering is a collaborative ecumenical event where leaders from denominational Christian camp and retreat ministries from across North America come together to share best practices, enhance their programs, and improve the quality and impact of their respective outdoor ministries. This event will bring together outdoor ministry partners (directors, program staff, board members, site and facility staff, etc.) of mainline denominations to build relationships, discover each other’s gifts, and equip vital ministries so that we can honor and reimagine what has been done before as we aim into the unknown.
Learn more at https://omcgreatgathering.com/
(and keep checking back as details are added!)
Payments & Cancellation:
Payment can be made by check (preferred) or credit card; balance must be paid by the deadline of your registration tier (January 15th for Early Bird, June 30th for Classic) in order to receive the discounted rate. Registrations are not confirmed until payment is received. Mailed checks should be postmarked by 10/24/25 at the latest. Scholarships may be available through your denominational Association. In the unfortunate event that you have to cancel, OMC is able to issue a refund, minus a $100 registration fee, for cancellations through September 24th. Please email the Registrar for assistance if needed.
Cancellations of lodging with Lake Junaluska must be made with them directly and Lake Junaluska's policies will apply (see site reservation page).
Room & Board
Reserve your lodging and meals directly through Lake Junaluska. Click here for the Lake Junaluska reservation page. Reserve your lodging early to access the best availability. There are options for hotel-style lodging and group cabins.
Staying off-site? Commuters may choose one of the following options:
- Sunday dinner and daily lunch at Lake Junaluska (M, T, W) - $102
- 3 lunches and 4 dinners (Sun-Wed) - $170
Bring Your Family!
Free childcare is offered to make the gathering more accessible to families. When you register yourself, there are options on the form to list your children and/or a non-participant spouse/partner. (If your spouse/partner will be attending conference workshops and keynotes, they should register as a full participant).
Airport Shuttles
Due to delays because of Hurricane Helene, transportation/shuttle details to and from the Asheville and Greenville airports are not yet settled. Check the box on the registration form to receive that information when it is available in late January 2025.
See the Carpool page to connect with a ride (or offer one!).
Registering a group?
Bring your whole team! Before you enter registration, collect everyone's details on this form. This quick video walks you through the process. Feel free to email the Registrar for more help if needed.
OMC Inclusion Statement:
The Outdoor Ministries Connection (OMC) recognizes and values the diverse identities, backgrounds, and perspectives of the faith leaders, staff, and organizations we serve. We are committed to creating inclusive and welcoming environments where all individuals, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability, or denomination, can contribute and thrive. OMC strives to foster collaboration and ecumenical unity, ensuring our initiatives, events, and training opportunities are accessible and equitable for all.
We believe diversity enriches our shared mission and strengthens the impact of outdoor ministries across Christian denominations. OMC is dedicated to challenging barriers to inclusivity and promoting a community of mutual respect, where every individual is heard and valued. By upholding these principles, we work to create a future where everyone is empowered to fully engage in and benefit from the transformative power of outdoor ministry.
