2022 UMCRM Immersion Experience

The UMCRM Immersion Experience is an unforgettable week. A core component for Certification in Camp and Retreat Ministry, this event is open to anyone who would benefit from an immersion into what it means to be a uniquely United Methodist Camp, Retreat and Conference Center.

New and aspiring Directors and Program Directors, board members, and key staff, as well as students seeking Certification, are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to grow and be nurtured by exploring the following topics:

• Methodist/Wesleyan Theology and Doctrine

• Faith Formation

• Methodist Camping History, Heroes, & Best Practices

• The Seven Foundations of CR Ministry

• Stewardship of Places, Resources, and Relationships

• Governance Models/Working with your Board

• Collaboration with Local Churches and Agencies

• Roundtable discussions on UMC changes, theology, and concerns specific to students and their sites

Perhaps best of all, the event features networking with peers in small groups and growing in relationship with colleagues across the nation, many of whom may become friends and encouragers throughout your ministry.

Reflections from past Immersion participants:

"In that week, I was able to plant the seeds to what turned into a network of close colleagues at a similar stage in our camping professions. Some of those connections are now my dearest friends and the people I call immediately when I need advice, to rant, to celebrate."

"Like Camp for Leaders" – Collin Grooms, 2018

"Circumnavigating The UMCRM Globe at Mach Speed" – Matt Williams, 2018

2022 Faculty:

• Event Chair - Russell Casteel, Camp Executive of the Tennessee Conference and Site Director at Camp Cedar Crest, TN
• Class Host - Audrey Jordan, 2020 Immersion alum, Children's Ministry Director at 1st UMC, Starkville, MS
• Rev. Ron Bartlow, UMCRM Board Chair, Senior Pastor, St. Pauls UMC, Tucson, AZ
• Rev. Laura Goldenbaum-Yang, Pastor of Youth and Young Adults, St. James UMC, Greenville, NC
• Jen Burch, M.Div., UMCRM Association Administrator

Course requirements:

The syllabus / reading assignments will be made available in November 2021. There will be one book, several articles and excerpts to read prior to the course, and one short reflection paper due following the course.

Cost:

The inclusive cost is $900 for course tuition, 5 nights' lodging at the Scarritt Bennett Center (all rooms are singles at this site) and 14 meals. Registration may be secured with a deposit of $200.

To support our UMCRM Association member ministries in cultivating leaders, Immersion students are eligible to apply for Legacy of Leadership scholarship funds. Apply here. Scholarships are granted on a first-come, first-served basis and applicants are limited to one scholarship every two years. The first 12 Legacy of Leadership applications for Immersion are guaranteed a minimum of $100 tuition assistance, so register early!

Full payment is due by January 3, 2022 (online via credit card, or check postmarked!)

Cancellation policy: A full refund, minus a $75 administrative fee, will be furnished for cancellations before November 25th. Cancellations between November 25th and January 1st will result in the forfeiture of 50% of the total fee. Cancellations after January 1st are nonrefundable. Exceptions will be made in case of COVID-related illness.