Just a few reflections shared by participants of “Dive Deep,” the 2023 National Camp and Retreat Leaders Gathering at Epworth by the Sea, St. Simons Island, Georgia…

Carlen Blackstone, a longtime volunteer at camps in Pennsylvania, has attended 5 National Gatherings since 2001. She reflects,

“As with most camp experiences that I have had over my entire lifetime, it is hard to share with others who weren’t there how really cool it always is. However, the theme “Dive Deep” which was integrated into every worship service reminded all of us that Christian camping, though it faced many challenges during the pandemic, is uniquely able to rely on a God who is acknowledged by the Psalmists as one who always comes through even in the most dire of circumstances, a God who created the entire world out of chaos and made us in His image with that same creative power, Jesus who meets a woman at a physical well and offers her “living water” that will never run out, and Jesus who told the disciples to drop their nets on the other side of the boat so that they could experience abundance beyond measure.”

It’s clear that the messages brought by Rev. Joy Moore resonated with attendees. Those teachings were reinforced as small groups dove deep into the scriptures through Bible study sharing, as well.

Christina Gibbs, Director at Camp Overlook (VA) is new to her role and a first-time Gathering attendee. She says,

“Getting to spend a week alongside of my Methodist Camping friends was a true gift! The week was filled with stellar sessions, vulnerable conversation, and impactful worship. Every session I attended was led by folks who had a plethora of knowledge to share. I feel like I learned things that I could bring back and use immediately. The big sessions (worship times) were a great mix of funny and thought provoking. I am so thankful for the opportunity to attend the Gathering. I am truly a better camp professional because of it.”

Dior DeSormeau, Assistant Director at Potosi Pines in the Desert Southwest Conference, noticed that the Gathering held more fun and laughter than she’d experienced in a long time. “It’s a bit like summer camp for Directors,” Dior observes. And it felt like an opportunity to be on the receiving end of the kind of experience that Dior helps to create for others the rest of the year. This work can be isolating, and the Gathering was an opportunity to connect with and be seen by others who understand. For a leader who works most Sundays, it was a joy to be a participant in meaningful worship and to assist in serving communion. For a resident of a land-locked desert place, it was deeply meaningful to stand at the ocean, watching the waves while feeling echoes of Rev. Joy’s preaching about the chaos and the order God brings within it. Dior also appreciated the intergenerational spirit of the Gathering – that retired Execs, young counselors, and everyone in between were respected and valued in a supportive community of varying voices and roles.

Sam Richardson, Director at Camp Penn in the Susquehanna Conference and a member of the UMCRM Board of Directors, observes,

“The National Gathering reminds me of the Hogwarts Room of Requirement - it offers the seeker what they need most. No matter where I’ve been on my journey as a camp professional, I’ve been able to find what I needed most to be encouraged and inspired. At my first National Gathering, that was making connections and an introduction to best practices. I wanted to attend every workshop and learn all I could. Now it looks more like a family reunion and much-needed encouragement. Sometimes I’m not sure what I need going in, but I leave feeling better prepared for the road ahead.”

Special thanks to volunteer photographers Rachel McGuire, Hope Montgomery, and Sam Richardson, and to all who shared photos in our Cluster gallery through the event app.