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  • 08 Feb 2017 9:12 PM | Jen Burch (Administrator)

    As we shared at the UMCRM Association’s Annual Meeting at Lakeview, The UMC’s General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) has approved an educational program that will qualify for Certification in our beloved field of ministry. YOU CAN GET STARTED THIS MONTH! No, really. The first step is to sign up to take the Compass Points courses being offered February 26-March 4th at Bethelwoods Conference Center in North Carolina. Information will be available there for students ready to take the next steps toward Certification.


    It’s time to sign up for Compass Points now. Head to www.compasspointsprogram.org for all the details. (Transportation to Bethelwoods and pick up at the Charlotte airport are included.)


    In a nutshell, if you start this month, you could complete your Compass Points classroom requirements by February of 2018. That’s one year. Two more classes will be offered in September 2017 and the final two in February 2018. In November of 2017, you can take the UMCRM Immersion Experience that is the United Methodist-specific component to the program. Then you’re more than halfway done.


    In addition to the above classroom requirements, two experiential components will complete your program: A directed Site Visit at a camp and retreat center of your choice, where you will interview the staff regarding hospitality, facilities management, food service, policy development and a few other things. The final piece is your Capstone project, a directed presentation before your classmates at one of the participating associations’ annual or bi-annual national gatherings. If you can’t wait until UMCRM gathers again January 28-February 1, 2019, you’re welcome to join another denomination’s annual conference for the capstone.


    So now is the moment to get going. Talk to your Director or Board; hopefully they will chip in to help with the very reasonable tuition and expenses and contribute to developing your expertise as a Camp/Retreat Ministry leader. In case you need more incentive, one of the teachers of the first class is UMCRM’s own Cat Holbert, who knocked it out of the park as Event Chair for last week’s amazing National Gathering at Lakeview Center in Palestine, TX. Are you registering right now?!


    If for some reason you cannot start the program this month, hopefully you can get on the schedule for September’s classes at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia. Questions? Contact UMCRM Education Chair Gary Lawson.


  • 21 Dec 2016 8:09 PM | Jen Burch (Administrator)

    Give the gift of the National Gathering to yourself and to your staff!

    The theme for the 2017 National Gathering is "Waters of Grace." Water brings to us the source of life in the body and life in the spirit.

    Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”  John 4:10

    Assemble with other camp and retreat leaders to rejoice in the living water! Consider the gifts that will be the focus of each day of the event:

    Monday: Welcome to our Fellow Travelers. We gather as like-minded persons united in ministry and in a love of God and all creation.

    Tuesday: The Gift of Grace. Our challenges and struggles don’t define us; they do, however, offer the opportunity for each of us to experience grace first hand. Maybe it’s when that “difficult” camper “gets” it for the first time? Or when a staff member takes responsibility for a mistake? Or even when we have to get real about personal and professional accountability as leaders in ministry—no matter the issue, God’s grace is alongside us and we’re loved in the midst of it.

    Wednesday: The Gift of Water. It gets easy to think we’re doing it alone—that we are making the decisions and carrying the weight on our own. Remember and recognize God’s presence in our midst. Explore tools, resources, programs and applicable takeaways you need to distribute the work load, to innovate, and to uplift your staff and camp!

    Thursday: Rivers of Living Water. Fill up spiritually, physically and emotionally! Celebrate your wins, commiserate in challenges and share in hope with friends and colleagues. Be nourished by colleagues, gain new perspective, and be filled with the source of life—the love of Jesus.

    Register now: Join us at Lakeview Methodist Conference Center, January 30—Feb. 3rd Executive Directors, Site Directors, Maintenance, Hospitality and Program staff, Board members, and volunteers will all get something from this important gift. The Gathering, after all, is a gift that keeps giving and giving and giving.




  • 14 Dec 2016 6:52 PM | Jen Burch (Administrator)

    Gary Lawson (from Tennessee) and I were in the same mindset as we prepared for the annual trek to meet with Conference Staff for United Methodist Camp and Retreat Ministries from across the country. As (our host) David Berkey had described, we were going to one of his camps “near San Diego.” Comfortable clothes and shoes made it into the suitcases. A light jacket for the chill that comes over the area after 73 degree days was a must....  We were ready.

    On Tuesday, December 6th, this flatlander, east coast girl left her home where she resides comfortably at  an elevation of 6 feet and traveled 2530 miles to the west coast where indeed she and the other 20 executives were met with San Diego 70 degree temps. After hugs and warm greetings, we all boarded a bus to drive the hour and a half to our final destination, Camp Cedar Glen. The drive was beautiful, and the bus was full of laughter and conversation with folks who have dedicated their lives to the sustenance and advancement of camp and retreat ministries.  

    The bus trip began to take on hills and curves – roads not familiar and terrain very different from the coastal plains of North Carolina.  As we wound our way through the gates of Camp Cedar Glen near Julian, CA, we found ourselves at an elevation of over 4000 feet and temperatures that dipped into the 20’s during our stay.  (Now, where’s that light jacket I packed?!)

    We were in the beautiful mountains for a refreshing and invigorating experience, not only with terrain and temperatures, but also with professionals who help bring mountaintop experiences to hundreds of thousands of campers and guests each year at the UMC’s many and varied camp and retreat sites.

    Worship was a highlight, kicked off the first evening by preacher James Kang who spoke passionately about the ways creative, relevant communication is itself a ministry, engaging new people and helping them participate in the body of Christ. We were inspired to communicate with our constituents in such a way that the essence of camp/retreat ministries is deemed as essential and indispensable to our UM Annual Conferences. The fire in the fireplace drew us in for meeting new friends, reacquainting ourselves with old friends, and facilitating compassionate small group conversation.  

    Increasing diversity is constantly on our minds within the ministry. We talk about it amongst ourselves, within our Conferences and with the communities we serve. A growing initiative within the Cal-Pac Conference is focused on serving with the Latino and Hispanic communities. They have created programming that not only introduces the camp experience to those who are unfamiliar with it, but builds trust and connection with ethnic communities that face challenges that are unfamiliar to us.  “No Estan Solos” provides a safe space for unaccompanied refugee youth who live “between worlds” of Mexican and U.S. cultures. “Spanglish” is a retreat and leadership-training experience to build community among Hispanic/Latin youth. The presentations created a sense of wonder as we pondered how to reach out in partnership with ethnic communities in our own settings.

    To add meaning to this concept of expanding our ethnic reach, we visited the border between Mexico and the U.S.  We were greeted by Rev. John Fanestil of First UMC San Diego and Border Ministries,  who spoke to us candidly about the plight of migrants, refugees, and those who live, work, and have families on either side of the border. We gained great insight and intensified empathy for a population that is often misrepresented and certainly misunderstood – even within what we consider to be our inclusive hearts and minds and camp/retreat programming. We observed the flow of humanity and the presence of border patrol agents at San Diego’s gateway into Mexico and were challenged to consider the impact of the border on the people who live there.

    We were further moved by a visit to Christ United Methodist Ministry Center, a formerly-dwindling UMC church that transformed into a thriving ministry site. Rev. Bill Jenkins began to partner with a few community agencies, realizing that “church” could be different, a new kind of sanctuary. With a complete change in direction and focus, this church is now a bustling haven for refugees; for those marginalized by society; for children of God who didn’t know they are His.

    An awakening occurred among Summit participants as a result of these excursions.  A newfound commitment to delving further into our place and responsibility for social justice was unearthed.  And a renewed excitement emerged for what we can be for our communities; for our local churches; and for our Annual Conferences.

    Reflecting on our time in the mountains at Camp Cedar Glen at this annual gathering of camp/retreat ministry execs delivered for me that “mountaintop” experience that each of us strives to create for others. As I boarded the plane to return to my coastal community, I couldn’t help but hum “Go tell it on the Mountain” ...or over the plains or in the valleys or on the coast. Share the good news of Camp and Retreat Ministries as we expand our own borders for inclusion of ALL of God’s children.




    Dail Ballard is the Executive Director of the North Carolina United Methodist Camp and Retreat Ministries, Inc.  She oversees three camps including Camps Chestnut Ridge, Don Lee and Rockfish.

  • 07 Dec 2016 8:34 PM | Jen Burch (Administrator)

    During recent events around allegations involving a Camp/Retreat Ministry Executive in the Oregon-Idaho Conference, some wondered why the UMCRM Association did not make a public statement.  Because the allegations did not stem from any of the person’s professional roles in camp/retreat ministries, we at the UMCRM Association felt we did not, and should not, need to comment publicly on the situation. If UMCRM had responded, camp and retreat ministry might create an association with this situation that we otherwise didn't have. The takeaway is that sometimes the best, and often most difficult, response is silence.

    At this point, however, we would like to highlight everything the Oregon-Idaho Conference did right, and what we as camp/retreat ministry professionals could take away from their prudent actions during this crisis. In my experience with child abuse prevention, training, and policy development on the denominational level, I observed many strong choices and constructive actions. These choices and actions helped to contain the negative impacts on all involved while demonstrating professionalism and compassion.

    • Upon confirmation of the crisis situation, inquiries (from media/UMC/private sources) were deferred to the Director of Communication for the Annual Conference.  All statements came from their official spokesperson, which created a consistent source of information and barrier to protect conference leaders.

    • Persons who possibly could be approached by the media or would need information were quickly contacted and given relevant information, including the official spokesperson’s contact information to defer all inquiries.

    • A crisis team was formed including the incoming Bishop, Communication Director, Conference Chancellor, Conference Treasurer, and Dean of the Cabinet. Others, including the Chair of the Board of Camp and Retreat Ministries, were consulted.

    • The crisis team created a direct liaison with the federal prosecutor to understand the scope of the crime and victims via the Conference Chancellor and additional counsel hired by the conference with expertise in criminal cases.

    • An immediate response was posted in a public forum with continual updates as available. Appropriate agency/conference communication offices and leaders (Camp/Retreat Ministries, Discipleship Ministries, American Camp Association, Conference Directors of Connectional Ministry, Directors of Communication) were updated, and information shared publicly on the Oregon-Idaho website and weekly e-news.

    • Pastoral support was given to the accused, but not by conference staff, who would have a conflict of interest.

    • Pastoral support was given to staff utilizing Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) resources, group discussions, and individual counseling. In addition a phone network allowed on-site camping staff to share with each other and stay up-to-date.

    • Outreach/support was offered to families affected by the crisis.

    • Prayer and processing was organized within small groups (i.e., camping colleagues, staffs of previous Conferences where the person had worked). These meetings were private, and sought to be sensitive to the situation both in sharing of information and feelings of those involved.

    • The board and crisis team identified immediate needs for the ministry to continue operating. Short term solutions were put into place.

    The key to successful crisis management in this situation was that the Oregon-Idaho Annual Conference had a plan in place, the Crisis Team were ready and had clearly established roles, responsibilities, and lines of communication. So when the crisis became apparent, rather than having to “think on their feet”, they simply put in place an established crisis action plan.

    For Communication Director Greg Nelson, two things are key to effective messaging. First is to work with the Conference Chancellor to set the allowed speaking points. Second is to remember that the Conference is only responsible for telling “our own” story. When press inquiries are looking for the details of the allegations, they should be referred to law enforcement for those details. Nelson shares, “Our story is about our reaction to the event, and about our ongoing concern for the safety of campers. Getting that out early is important because as a story breaks, those early comments will get used by secular media. If you haven’t said anything, your side of the story won’t be told.”  

    While it’s challenging to think about potential crisis situations, the practice of planning and preparedness can make all the difference between a media disaster with increased heartache for all involved, or a situation managed with professionalism and compassion. Managing crises well provides a witness that our ministries, teams, and our faith have what it takes to withstand the storms of life and move into the future stronger and wiser.


    Please contact Discipleship Ministries/Safe Sanctuaries for examples of policies and crisis response plans.  http://www.umcdiscipleship.org/leadership-resources/safe-sanctuaries

    The American Camp Association staffs a 24-hour Crisis Hotline available to any camp, whether or not they are a member. They also provide helpful links on specific crisis topics. http://www.acacamps.org/resource-library/camp-crisis-hotline



    Kelly Peterson Cruse is Chair of the UMCRM Board of Directors. She serves as Director of Camping and Young People's Ministry for the Cal-Nevada Conference and as Young People's Ministries Staff for UMC Discipleship Ministries in the Western Jurisdiction. Kelly is a former camp owner/director and Safe Sanctuaries trainer.

  • 26 Nov 2016 5:37 PM | Jen Burch (Administrator)

    As is true when you travel to almost anywhere, there are nuances to most locales and things you need to know before you arrive. Texas is no different. Today's article is to shed a little light on some of these things.  


    You have probably heard the phrase before, "Everything is bigger in Texas."  If not, now you have. We Texans believe this down to our very core. The size of the state alone is staggering. It is approximately 900 miles from north to south, or from east to west in a straight line. It is over 268,000 square miles. It is larger than many countries, including all of them in Europe, and if it were its own country (it was once!), it would be the 40th largest nation in the world. In fact, the largest county in Texas, Brewster County, is 6,193 square miles, or large enough to hold the state of Delaware 3 times within its borders. 





    Not everyone in Texas wears cowboy hats and boots. I know, crazy right?  Why wouldn't an entire state wear all the same thing every day? All kidding aside, I own both of these items, but they are not my everyday attire. In the colder months, though, my boots are my go-to choice. If you haven't ever worn them, they are quite comfortable.  



    I know most people believe that people from their locales are known for being friendly. We Texans try to one-up everyone on this as well. We take great pride in retaining our manners (there are lots of "Yes, ma'ams" and "Yes sirs," but it runs deeper than just that. The name "Texas" actually comes from the Spanish pronunciation of the Hasinai Native American word meaning "friend." The Hasinai Confederacy were some of the Native Americans from the region where we will be meeting.  



    Unlike most of the United States, and even the rest of the world, that has four seasons in the year, we in Texas only have two: Summer and Not-Summer. The weather here is known for its extremes, and it rarely stays in the middle long enough to have a season of it. When you look back at the year, you really just have hot, and then a short period of not-hot. Luckily for most of you, you are coming to visit us in the not-hot time, which means you can expect highs anywhere from 35-75 degrees Fahrenheit, and lows anywhere from 20-50. Not much help for what to pack, I realize. One of my favorite lines from my boyhood pastor in Abilene, Texas was, "Don't like the weather here in Texas? Stick around 15 minutes...it'll change."


    As most of you could about your own areas, I could keep going on about Texas forever, on all the things that I love about it and even some of the things I don't. Here's what I hope: come down and see us in 2017 at the National Event, and see what you think for yourself. We would love to have you go and register today, and we can't wait to see you in January.  


    Beau



    Beau has been camping since 3rd grade in the Northwest Texas, Baltimore-Washington, and North Texas Conferences.  He has had the privilege to be on staff at Bridgeport Camp and Conference Center as the Executive Director since 2012.


  • 16 Nov 2016 8:20 PM | Jen Burch (Administrator)


    We're excited to announce a new activity at the 2017 National Gathering: a Wednesday afternoon silent auction, with funds raised going to support key UMCRM Association initiatives.


    This is an afternoon where the focus is really more on what you can give than what you can get. There will be nice items: great trips, valuable good and services, and all sorts of cool camp stuff to bid on. The real purpose is to have a fun afternoon of camaraderie and fellowship while we give financially to the organization that supports our work. “Bid early! Bid often! Bid high! Bid last!”



    What can you offer?


    Trips and Stays: Do you have a personal cabin or a facility at your site that you could provide for a few nights to support the ministry? If you have a cool place to stay, what a fun gift to share!


    Talents/Experiences: Do you offer consulting, grant writing, carpentry, or other talents you would be willing to share? If you are open to sharing your gifts with other camps, these offers are really useful and can raise a lot of money.


    Arts & Crafts: Do you paint, make jewelry, cross-stitch, or do woodworking? Is your tie-dye to die for? Why not give the gift of your art to the Association? Conference participants love having something handmade by their friends.


    Consumables: Bring your desserts and treats from your neck of the woods. We love trying things that we can’t get at our specific sites. Examples of this would be maple syrup, candies, pecans, peanuts, etc.


    Wearables and More: Give your gear or your gadgets. Bring stuff that you would want and give it. Humorous items are always crowd pleasers. Examples: books, shirts, flashlights, etc.



    How to Give


    If you know an item or two that you would like to offer, please fill out this brief web form so the volunteers organizing the event will be able to better plan the auction. When you arrive at the Gathering in Texas there will be a designated area to place your auction items so you don’t have to hold onto them during the event.


    If you need to ship an item, you can send it to:

    attn: UMCRM Gathering

    Lakeview Methodist Conference Center

    400 Private Road 6036

    Palestine, TX  75801

    Even if you can't attend the National Gathering, join us in spirit by sending an item along with a friend or shipping directly to the site. 


    How funds will be used:


    The funds generated will be divided in half between UMCRM Association's Member Services and the Core Training/Certification program.


    Set aside some "fun money" so you can participate in the auction by purchasing something terrific for yourself or as a gift.



    And Finally…


    As camp leaders we know the importance of fund raising. I am sure that we are all very thankful for the donors that support our individual ministries. Now we get the chance to give by enthusiastically taking part in a festive afternoon of bidding, sharing, and giving back.


    If you have any questions about the auction, please contact Anne Horton, ahorton@susumc.org or Ann Emerson, annbythelakeshore@comcast.net



    Items Already Contributed:

    • A year's coffee subscription (monthly delivery by mail) from Treeline Coffee Roasters, Bozeman, Montana
    • Hershey Basket – from Hershey, Pennsylvania
    • Lazy W Ranch in Southern California – offering a week or weekend stay in one of the cottages. Attractions: Disney, San Diego Zoo, and lots more.
    • Mount Asbury in Newville, PA offering a week or weekend in the Family Cottage. Attractions: Gettysburg, Antietam, Appalachian Trail, Meadowbrook Gouda’s, and more.
    • Lake Huron Retreat Center in Burtchville, MI offering a week stay in their newly renovated Cottage.



  • 09 Nov 2016 9:23 PM | Jen Burch (Administrator)



    California-Pacific:

    Cedar Glen

    Camp Colby (trying in 2017)

    Wrightwood

    Lazy W Ranch

    Desert Southwest:

    Mingus Mountain

    Potosi Pines

    East Ohio:

    Wanake

    Asbury

    Eastern Pennsylvania:

    Carson Simpson Farm

    Gretna Glen

    Innabah

    Pocono Plateau

    Florida:

    Warren Willis

    Riverside


    Great Plains:

    Camp Chippewa

    Camp Comeca

    Camp Fontanelle

    Horizon (trying for 2017)

    Lakeside

    Norwesca


    Illinois Great Rivers:

    East Bay

    Little Grassy


    Iowa:

    Lake Okoboji

    Pictured Rocks

    Wesley Woods


    Michigan Area:

    Judson Collins

    Kinawind


    Minnesota/Dakotas:

    Koronis

    KowaKan

    Northern Pines

    Lake Poinsett (trying in 2017)

    Storm Mountain (trying in 2017)

    Wesley Acres (trying in 2017)


    New England:

    Aldersgate

    Camp Mechuwana

    Wanakee


    New York:

    Quinipet


    North Carolina:

    Chestnut Ridge

    Don Lee

    Rockfish


    North Georgia:

    Glisson


    Northern IL:

    Reynoldswood

    Wesley Woods


    Oregon-Idaho:

    Camp Latgawa (trying for 2017)

    Magruder

    Sawtooth

    Suttle Lake


    Pacific Northwest:

    Indianola

    Lazy F

    Ocean Park

    Twinlow


    South Carolina: 

       Asbury Hills



    Tennessee:

    Cedar Crest


    Upper New York:

    Casowasco

    Sky Lake

    Skye Farm


    West Ohio:

    Camp Wesley

    Camp Widewater

    Otterbein


    Wisconsin:

    Lake Lucerne



    Aldersgate (AR)

    Birchwood (AK)

    Blue Lake (AL)

    Camp Lake Stephens (MS)

    Camp Lee (AL)

    Mount Shepherd (NC)

    Olmsted (NY)

    Pecometh (MD)

    Quillian Center (TX)

    Sumatanga (AL)

    Tanako (AR)

    Tekoa (NC)

    Uskichitto (LA)

    Westview on the James (VA)



    Congratulations to all of these sites for your commitment to excellence!

  • 19 Oct 2016 6:24 PM | Jen Burch (Administrator)


    1. You are an integral part of the event! As our theme is “Waters of Grace,” the different camps and retreat centers represented are invited and encouraged to bring water from your site. Check out more about this idea here (And remember to make and submit your water collection video for display at the Gathering!)


    2. Bob Ditter is joining us for the duration of the event! So stoked! Bob will provide our keynote sessions as well as several workshops. Have you been wondering what it means to provide camp leadership in the 21st century? How about how to handle staff with a high degree of anxiety and depression? This and so much more will be shared by Bob.


    3. The staff at Lakeview United Methodist Conference Center are super excited to welcome colleagues and friends in camp and retreat ministry. Lakeview has a rich history and has been in operation as a Methodist center since 1949. They are thrilled about sharing their many stories of ministry—one of them includes an occasion when they hosted over 300 evacuees due to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Many of those evacuees were from special needs group homes in New Orleans and had nowhere else to go. The Lakeview staff views this experience as a God moment as the evacuees were juggled about Houston for more than 5 days without any place to land. Due to that experience they now have evacuation agreements with special needs and retirement communities across south Texas and Louisiana. Learn about this and the many other ways they partner in the larger community!


    4. The words and wisdom of Reverends Kevin Witt and Cedrick Bridgeforth. Both of these talented and passionate United Methodist clergy will spiritually nourish us, challenge us, and provide us perspective for our journeys. We come for the connections with our colleagues, we stay for the insight of our spiritual Christian leaders.



    5. Storytelling & sharing are an essential part of camp and retreat ministry, and the National Gathering is no different. We’re excited to bring in local storytellers who will captivate us with the history and heritage of the region. Of course, we all have our own stories, and you are encouraged to spend time sharing and growing with one another. (Let’s be honest: it’s always good to make new friends who haven’t heard our stories yet!)


    6. Texas BBQ—We actually have a BBQ Pit Master coming from College Station to prepare the Texas-themed lunch on Wednesday.The coolest thing is that Donny will be pulling a large trailer with all his BBQ pits. He is setting up the day/night before to start smoking the brisket (we’ll be able to smell it all over camp). Along with the BBQ will be traditional sides such as potato salad and beans. You will get a true taste of Texas! 
  • 19 Oct 2016 5:53 PM | Jen Burch (Administrator)


    In September, Ron Bartlow was part of a staff team from the Desert Southwest Conference Camping and Retreat Ministry to attend Sustainable Pathways: "Expanding Your Mission Through Marketing." In today’s guest post, he shares with us about the experience.



    What’s Your Story?


    When I was 15 years old, a Diaconal Minister of our local church encouraged me to come to her elementary summer camp as a youth volunteer. Up to that point I had been a participant at church, learning and growing in Christian faith, but at a bit of an arm’s reach. In hindsight, I was probably leaning into being “nominally religious.” After that week of camp, though – a week of leading Bible studies with a cabin of rowdy but intrigued 4th grade boys, going on hikes with children and caring adults amid towering pines, and singing songs around a campfire under a canopy of more stars than I had ever seen before – my life began to change.


    I became a repeat volunteer, returning year after year; initially to escape the heat of the Arizona desert for a week amid the cool mountain pines, then to live a week within a fullness of community I didn’t regularly experience in my local church, and finally because camp was helping me to grow not only as a follower of Christ, but as a nascent leader. The experiences at camp played a significant role in directing my life and nurturing my faith. I believe in the power of camp.


    That’s my story, and I’m sure if you are powering through this verbose post, you have your own story to tell, too. We serve in roles related to camping and retreat ministry precisely because we understand the powerful ways that sacred space, time apart, intentional Christian community, and natural environments combine to touch the heart, mind, and spirit. We talk about “because of camp…” and “camp changes lives…” We know how experiences at camp encourage life transformation, building confidence in youth and providing restoration for busy adults. We routinely hear stories of why camp matters to our participants and supporters.


    If only everyone knew the power of camp! Staffing could be a breeze, our cabins might be filled, our endowments over-funded… Ah, but I lost the plot there; because the inspiration and power of our mutual story is not about what it might do for us if everyone knew it, but what it can do for those hearing it. And for people to hear and know the positive impact camp can have in their lives, we have to tell them; and that is where marketing plays its important role in our ministry.


    From Transformational Experience to Marketing


    This year’s Sustainable Pathways event focused on “Expanding Your Mission Through Marketing.” Over the course of our few days together a number of us from different camps and conferences heard from presenters and discussed among ourselves the importance of marketing, best practices, and how to effectively communicate with others.


    Debbie Nelson from DNA Creative Communications began with Simon Sinek’s “The Power of Why”, connecting the “why” with the idea of “brand” and reminding us that brand is not what we say we are, but what others say we are. The foundation for marketing and “Brandraising” – Debbie’s second presentation – is not only being clear on why we do what we do, but helping others to be clear about it as well. “People don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it,” Sinek repeatedly asserts. Positive marketing begins when we can bank and tell stories that articulately and powerfully share why we exist, why we do what we do, and why anyone should care. Debbie’s final presentation featured practices for mastering and managing content.


    Jennifer Rodia from United Methodist Communications discussed marketing, both in how to reach the wider community – drawing particularly from the Barna Group’s recent book “ChurchLess” – and how to effectively communicate faith in the 21st Century – particularly through the development of a social media marketing plan. Graphic designer and “camper dad” Jacob Souva (@twofish on Twitter) shared how to make the most of one’s marketing budget, including when to work in-house and when to pursue outside help. In small groups we compared, discussed, reviewed, and stole ideas from one another about what marketing elements we utilized.


    To me, the foundation to it all – from discussing the importance of marketing, to how to develop a marketing plan, to drafting an editorial calendar, to utilizing social media – was the starting point; why we do what we do. In “church-speak” we might equate marketing with evangelism or outreach, sharing with others the core of church and gospel: Jesus changes lives. Throughout history the church has utilized a variety of means, technologies, concepts, and stories to share this in ways that inspire.


    Whether we’re drafting brochures to highlight summer camp, tweeting inspirational quotes with beautiful pictures of sunrise over our camp’s property, or brainstorming highway billboards; whether we’re talking with a prospective camp parent or presenting an annual report to a judicatory; whether we’re seeking funds for a new dining hall or graciously accepting a bequest from a long-time supporter – we are marketing our brand, and our brand begins with why.


    Some Recommendations

    If you missed the event but are interested in more, here are three suggestions raised by the presenters and one I was reading at the same time:

    • Brandraising: How Nonprofits Raise Visibility and Money Through Smart Connections, by Sarah Durham 
    • Content Marketing for Nonprofits: A Communications Map for Engaging Your Community, Becoming a Favorite Cause, and Raising More Money, by Kivi Leroux Miller 
    • Churchless: Understanding Today’s Unchurched and How to Connect with Them, by George Barna
    • The Social Church: A Theology of Digital Communication, by Justin Wise (something I was reading)


    Having been out-marketed in his sales of Papua New Guinea Pigs when a neighboring country, Papua New & Improved Guinea, began selling theirs, Rev. Ron Bartlow settled into a day job of ministry in The United Methodist Church. Currently serving his fifth appointment, Ron is both co-pastor at Trinity Heights in Flagstaff, Arizona and part-time Director of Camping and Retreat Ministries for the Desert Southwest Conference. He offers no comment about whether he still slays vampires at night.

  • 05 Oct 2016 9:33 PM | Jen Burch (Administrator)

    Meet Cat Holbert


    How were you called into C/R ministry?

    The summer I finished high school, Mom said I should go be a camp counselor since I liked working with kids. I fell in love with it by surprise. My second summer as a counselor (after a year in college working toward a journalism degree) I clearly remember being in the camp director’s office and seeing degrees in Recreation and Park Management on his wall. I asked if he really went to school to learn to do that. It was the beginnings of the Holy Spirit nudge towards being in camping full-time. I fought it, but kept going back to camp year after year. At some point I stopped going to college but kept going to camp every summer. The first year I wasn’t full-time at summer camp, I took a week off from my job to go work at camp. The curriculum included the story of the talents, where one guy grows them and makes them bigger through using them. I very, very clearly heard God say “This is your talent and not using it is sinning.”  So I went back to work, turned in my notice, and got a job working with children and youth.  Every door was opened from there to get back into camp as a career. (I got my degree in Parks and Recreation!)


    Where have you served?

    Only two places. 1994 was my first summer as a counselor at Westview on the James in Richmond, Virginia. I left there in February 2014 as the Assistant Director to move to my current location at Lazy W in California.

    What significant changes have you seen during your time in CR ministries?

    1. Evolution of the helicopter parent. Parents seem more fearful of leaving their children at camp.

    2. Social media, both in the way it has become used for building and maintaining relationships and the very high expectation of quality in its use.

    3. Children have gotten less comfortable being in the outdoors.



    Greatest blessings being in this ministry?


    #1 The transformation that occurs in some of the campers--   they arrive uncomfortable and unsure but by the end of the week grow into an understanding of what it means to be the person God has called them to be. I am blessed to see them feel good to be who they actually are.


    #2 The relationships that develop between campers and even between retreat guests. As they share space and change their routines, they connect on a higher level and a bond develops. People just seem to rise to higher relationships at camp and embrace people who are different from themselves and outside their “normal” comfort zone.



    What's one important thing you would like to pass along to other C/R leaders?


    The importance of flexibility. It is so important to have a good plan in place. Be prepared really well. But if things don’t go like you thought they were going to go, be flexible. Whether it is working with people, buildings, spaces, or budgets, be willing to adapt and change if you need to -- go with the ultimate flow. It might turn out better than what you had planned.  


    One word to describe yourself?  Dedicated


    Favorite Camp game/activity?  One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish* (directions at end of article)


    Something people don’t know about you or would be surprised to learn?  I would love to have dog ears and a tail if I could get away with it.



    As the Design Team Chair for the 2017 National Camp & Retreat Leaders Gathering, what would you say to people about why they should plan to attend that event?


    It’s got some great components. New this year is the Wednesday afternoon fun time schedule. Instead of the optional outings when people usually leave the host site, the fun is coming to us. There will be a big Texas barbeque, a bull riding machine, music jam, fishing, hayrides, ropes course, games, storytelling, and a square dance.


    Another reason to be excited about the Gathering is our featured speakers. Bob Ditter will share challenges that face us and practical responses that will empower us for ministry. Rev Cedrick Bridgeforth really believes in camping ministry as spiritual transformation and will inspire us. His preaching will be good for the soul!



    *Learn to play Cat’s favorite camp game:

    One Fish, Two Fish

    Group Size: 12-20, Ages: 7 & Up

    Supplies: an object about the size of a water bottle


    Before You Start:

    • Players line up on a starting line.
    • An object (such as a water bottle or rubber chicken) is placed at the end line near the leader.
    • Explain that the object is what the team is after and as leader, you are in charge of protecting that object.
    • Explain the object of the game: to get the object from the leader and back across the starting line as a team.
    • Tell players that while your back is turned and you are saying "One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish," they may move, but once you finish and turn around them must stop. Like “Red Light, Green Light.”
    • Check that everyone understands the rules.


    How To Play:

    • The leader stands behind the object facing the players.
    • The leader turns around and loudly says, “One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish.”
    • The players may only move while the leader is turned the other way and is speaking/yelling the phrase.
    • When the leader finishes “blue fish," s/he turns around and all players must freeze. If anyone is moving after “blue fish,” that person or persons goes back to the starting line. If no players are caught moving, the leader turns around again and loudly says, “One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish” and the players get to move from their current spot.
    • Once players get close enough to take the object from behind the leader, the players need to hide it and they must still possess the object (i.e. no putting it on the ground).
    • Players still only move during the phrase, but once the object is taken the leader gets to guess who has it.
    • If the leader guesses correctly, the object is returned and the players begin again at the starting line.
    • After incorrect guesses, the players continue moving from where they are during the phrase.


    Variations:

    Set a number of how many people must hold the object (to promote inclusion and community).

    No throwing the object (to increase complexity).




    Thanks for being you, Cat. And speaking of “dedicated,” Cat has already agreed to chair UMCRM’s next National Gathering in 2019!  Special thanks to wonderful UMCRM Communications Team volunteer Lu Harding, who collected this interview.



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