2022-2023

Intentional Leadership Groups

Let's Grow Together! Take your leadership to the next level by tapping into a supportive network of like-minded colleagues and friends. The 2022-2023 season of Intentional Leadership Groups (ILGs) will focus on finding inspiration and progress through connection with others who are seeking to grow in similar areas. Groups are open to all camp and conference leaders of the Outdoor Ministries Connection (OMC).

ILGs meet as open discussion cohorts; convened by an individual but guided by the group as a whole. ILG cohorts typically meet once a month for 9 months; September through May (unless otherwise indicated).

In a time of constant change, when adaptive leadership is utilized every day, this model of open discussion cohorts will allow you and your group to discuss the topics that are relevant to you.

Group Details and Descriptions

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

2nd Wednesday of each month - Starting 9/14/22

1pm Eastern / 10am Pacific

Join other camp and retreat leaders in a supportive "community of practice" to explore and reflect on experiences of race, racism, and diversity in your ministry setting. We commit to learning together and growing in anti-racist practices.

Group Leaders: John Michael Spelman (Camp Aldersgate, RI), Jenna Johnson (West River Center, MD), Melinda Trotti (MI)

Leadership Book Group

Last Wednesday of each month - Starting 9/28/22

1pm Eastern / 10am Pacific

Be a part of this group of camping and retreat leaders who are coming together to lift up one another in leadership development through respectful discussion and holy reading. Sign up for any/all of the sessions you would like to be a part of:

  • Sept 28 - "Dare to Lead" by Brené Brown

  • Oct 26 - "Sacred Playgrounds"by Jacob Sorenson

  • Nov 30 - "Strengthen the Soul of Your Leadership" by Ruth Haley Barton

  • Dec 28 - "If" by Mark Batterson

  • Jan 25 - "Harnessing the Power of Tension" by Sam Chand

  • Feb 22 - "In the Name of Jesus" by Henri Nouwen

  • Mar 29 - "Jesus, CEO" by Laurie Beth Jones

  • Apr 26 - "Minority Leader" by Stacey Abrams

Group Leader: Relena Lyddon Myers (Birchwood Camp, AK)

Productivity

1st Thursday of each month - Starting 9/1/22

1pm Eastern / 10am Pacific

We’ll spend our time together learning how to work smarter, not harder. Bring your best practices on how to prioritize and manage time, develop helpful routines and find time for rest, renewal and play. This will be a time of learning, support and accountability.

Group Leader: Jack Shitama (Pecometh Camp & Retreat Ministries, MD)

Program Directors' Cohort

3rd Thursday of each month - Starting 9/15/22

1:30pm Eastern / 10:30am Pacific

Share ideas and gain inspiration as part of this dynamic group of Program Directors.

Group Leaders: Hope Montgomery (Camp Magruder, OR), Megan Lynch (Camp Aldersgate, RI)

United Methodist Executives & Conference CRM Staff Cohort

3rd Tuesday of every other month - Starting 9/20/22

11am Eastern / 8am Pacific

For those who oversee United Methodist Camp & Retreat Ministries on behalf of an Annual Conference or who serve as multi-site Camp & Retreat executives. This group is for connection & mutual support among those who truly get what you do. Discussions focus on topics such as navigating Annual Conference dynamics, UMC polity, and CRM advocacy among denomination leaders. Bi-monthly (ish).

Group Leader: Varies by month

Retreat Center Directors' Cohort

2nd Thursday of each month - Starting 9/8/22

2pm Eastern / 11am Pacific

Directors of Retreat and Conference Centers meet monthly on the 2nd Thursday. Come find connection and guidance from peers who do what you do and know the struggles of leading this type of ministry. New members welcome. Each week we discuss topics that are timely and relevant specifically to retreat center directors.

Group Leader: Richelle Darrell (Pecometh Camp & Retreat Ministries, MD)

Women in Leadership

1st Wednesday of each month - Starting 9/7/22

1pm Eastern / 10am Pacific

The number of women in camping and outdoor ministries continues to grow. The realities of being a woman in ministry comes with challenges. This group is focused on connecting women who lead the valuable ministry of camp and retreats. In this ILG you will find support, growth, and community.

Group Leader: Jessi Persson (Cedar Crest Camp, TN)

Fundraisers' Cohort

3rd Wednesday of each month - Starting 9/15/22

2pm Eastern / 11am Pacific

Is fund development part of your job description? Are you a board member wanting to learn more about raising funds for your organization? Join us for idea sharing and collaborative learning.

Group Leader: Jeff Wadley (Camp Bays Mountain, TN)