The Education Committee is pleased to announce the new “United Methodist Camp and Retreat Ministry Core Training.” In addition to a certificate of completion, the General Board of Higher Ed and Ministry (GBHEM) will recognize our Core Training program toward Certification in CR Ministry through the United Methodist Church.
YOUR PATH to Certification begins with the Compass Points program and can be complete in as little as two years. YOU CAN BEGIN meeting educational requirements now! Compass Points is offering two of its six courses coming up in just a couple of weeks on the beautiful campus of Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia (Atlanta area). If you miss the February offerings, your next opportunity to begin will be in September.
YOUR COMPLETED PATH will include the following stop-overs (requirements):
COMPASS POINTS COURSEWORK
Six two and one half day courses taught by Columbia Theological Seminary faculty and/or experienced camp and retreat professionals will include required readings and a final portfolio piece for completion of each course. Tuition is only $275 per course ($250 if you are an UMCRM Association member) plus room and board at the class site.
DIRECTED CAMP/RETREAT SITE VISIT
As part of the Compass Points program, you will work with your advisor to choose a beneficial site to visit, explore, and observe how they practice Christian Hospitality, Facilities Maintenance, Food Service, Programming et.al. (A portfolio piece (Report) will be required following your visit for approval.) Tuition will be $100 plus your travel.
UMCRM INTENSIVE TRAINING COURSE
This will be a week-long, 40-contact-hour course specific to United Methodist Camp and Retreat Ministry. The course will include the Seven Foundations of UM Camp and Retreat Ministry, Wesleyan Theological Foundations, History and Polity of The UMC, Best Practices in Sustainability and Collaboration, Creation Care Importance at our sites, Diversity in Race and Ethnic Leadership, and more. The tuition will be $300 plus room and board.
(We will be recommending this to our Camp and Retreat Centers as essential to New Director Training.)
CAPSTONE EVENT AT THE NATIONAL GATHERING
With your peers, you will gather for a final directed presentation. This will be a celebration event summarizing your experience and looking to the future. Upon completing the educational requirements, you will be recognized at the UMCRM National Gathering where you will be presented with both the Compass Points Certificate (and awesome compass for your desk) and your UMCRM Core Training Certificate. Instructions for applying for Certification with GBHEM and your Annual Conference will be shared at this event as well. Tuition is $100.
Applications to enter the Core Training program and be assigned an advisor will be on the UMCRM website by the end of February. But don't worry, you can still GET A HEAD START ON YOUR PATH by signing up for Compass Points and attending your first two courses this month. Applications for UMCRM Core Training will be available for submission at those courses.
NOTE: The UMCRM Association Education Committee is also working on an advanced training and coach-guided opportunity for experienced Camp and Retreat Leaders wanting to continue their educational path and/or pursue Professional Certification in Camp and Retreat Ministry. Stay tuned and keep your eye on S’more Mail for more information as these are developed.
