In the fall of 2022, twenty United Methodist Camp/Retreat leaders from across the country met at Camp Glisson in North Georgia to participate in CAST (Coach Approach Skills Training) with the Holmes Coaching Group. A similar coach training opportunity is coming up this spring at Jumonville (Western PA) as part of the Sustainable Pathways program.

Interactive coaching is a supportive, goal-oriented process to help the "coachee" become their best self and be more effective in life and ministry. That turns out to be a powerful skill set for leaders like us who work with people and desire for them to grow in success and wholeness! A few of the trainees from the fall class have shared their endorsement and testimony as a way of encouraging other Camp & Retreat Ministry leaders to pursue training in the co-active coaching model. 

Check out what these colleagues had to say: 

Coaching training was very impactful and is something I will continue to practice with summer staff. I love that coaching guides us towards our own wisdom – to me it feels like we're allowing people to believe in their own power. It has especially changed the way I speak to folks when they bring up problems –- I find myself trying to be more curious and ask more questions rather than trying to solve a problem for someone when that's probably not even what they're asking for. [My most important take-away was] the power of presence and listening deeply to people. I really enjoyed the training and am grateful to be given the gift of a new mindset!

 - Rachel McGuire, Assistant Director of Village & Sparrowood, Glisson (North GA)

The Coach Approach Skills Training is the #1 thing I’ve done to enhance a skill set I didn’t even realize I had. Our trainers were phenomenal at pulling out our creativity and increasing our confidence with hands-on exercises to put our learning to the test. I use what I learned almost daily in my natural “habitat,” but I also use it professionally as I coach clients, staff, friends, mentees, etc., in working towards my certification. I am so grateful for the opportunity given and I wouldn’t hesitate to tell ANY camp leader to make the time for this training!  

 - Suzanne Akins, Director of Camping & Retreats, South Georgia Conference

CAST put words and structure to so much of the transformational leadership I've experienced and observed in camp ministry in a way that I can better practice for myself, share with others, and translate to a variety of contexts.

 - Cameron Jones, North Georgia Camp & Retreat Ministries

The approach that each person is “creative, resourceful and whole” empowers my coaching process and has benefited the way I understand myself and others. It’s the human condition to say we want to do things (reach a goal, change a habit, etc.) but never get around to it. This style of coaching helps people to move through our obstacles and take the action God is calling us to. I would encourage anyone to seek out a coach. And whether or not you plan to pursue professional coaching, this approach will make you a more effective supervisor and friend.

 - Jen Burch, UMCRM Director of Communications & Community Engagement

The "Intro to Coaching" Sustainable Pathways program will be held April 16-19, 2023 at Jumonville Camp & Conference Center near Pittsburgh, PA. Learn more and register