4th Wednesday of each month - Starting 8/23/23 

1pm Eastern / 10am Pacific

Gather monthly to discuss and advocate for Creation justice within the context of our ministry. This group seeks to raise awareness about pressing environmental issues and explore ways to promote sustainable practices in our local camp setting. We aim to deepen the role of our Christian camp/retreat ministries in modeling and teaching Creation care and building a supportive network of leaders who share that goal. 

Group Leaders: Jeff Wilson (Camp Lake Stephens, MS), Jen Burch (UMCRM, CO)

2nd Thursday of each month - Starting 9/14/23

2pm Eastern / 11am Pacific

Camp directors, administrators, and other stakeholders come together to share valuable insights and innovative solutions to address the unique challenges faced by faith-based, nonprofit camps. Based on the book, "Nonprofit Management 101: A complete and practical guide for leaders and professionals" by Darian Rodriguez Heyman and Laila Brenner, these discussions aim to enhance the overall efficiency, sustainability, and impact of camp ministries. This group focuses on ensuring that each camp can thrive and fulfill its mission of providing memorable and transformative experiences for campers. By fostering collaboration and learning from each other's experiences, the group continuously seeks to elevate the standards of our ministry through nonprofit management.

• Sept 14 - The Big Picture (What nonprofits are all about)

• Oct 12 - Managing Organizations and People

• Nov 9 - Nonprofit Law and Finance

• Dec 14 - Nonprofit Technology and IT

• Jan 11 - Fundraising Part 1

• Feb 8 - Fundraising Part 2

• Mar 14 - Marketing and Communications

• Apr 11 - Boards and Volunteers Part 1

• May 9 - Boards and Volunteers Part 2

Group Leader: Jessica Gamaché (UMCRM, PA)

1st Thursday of each month - Starting 9/7/23

noon Eastern / 9am Pacific

Do you aspire to increase your daily efficiency? The answer lies in more than just a general desire to "boost productivity." Sustaining productivity can be challenging, particularly when confronted with constant diversions that strain our focus and self-discipline. In this group, members will share valuable insights and personal experiences with one another to help each other build routines that optimize their time and output. Join us for a valuable opportunity to learn, receive encouragement, and build up a system of mutual accountability.  

Group Leaders: Rev. Ron Bartlow (Desert Southwest Conference, AZ), Katlyn White (Lakeshore Camp, TN) 

3rd Thursday of each month - Starting 9/21/23 

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), Adam Ledbetter-Bock (Chestnut Ridge, NC)

3rd Tuesday of every other month -  Starting 9/19/23

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 each meeting

1st Monday of each month -  Starting 10/2/23

2pm Eastern / 11am Pacific

The Summer Staff Strategies Group is a dynamic and collaborative community that convenes monthly to share insights, best practices, and innovative approaches to recruiting, managing, and empowering summer camp staff. They discuss various strategies, ranging from effective leadership techniques to staff training, to ensure that each staff member feels valued and equipped to deliver a memorable and enriching camp experience. Through these discussions, they continuously strive to create lasting impacts on the lives of staff and campers alike. 

Group Leaders: Leslie Hobson (Northern Pines Camp, MN), Dawn Martin (Hinton Rural Life Center, NC)

2nd Wednesday of each month -  Starting 9/13/23

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 (Potosi Pines, NV)

MEETING DATE AND TIME ARE TENTATIVE AND MAY CHANGE:

2nd Monday of each month -  Starting 9/11/23

1pm Eastern / 10am Pacific

This group provides a safe and open space for camp leaders to share experiences, strategies, and insights on navigating the challenges that arise when juggling familial responsibilities with ministry commitments. Through these conversations, participants seek to uncover practical solutions, offer mutual support, and explore effective ways to ensure their family lives remain harmoniously intertwined with their vocational callings. 

Group Leaders: Megan Lynch (Camp Aldersgate, RI), Jonathan Gowan (Mingus Mountain, AZ)

No longer enrolling for 2023-24 (24 week commitment required)

Groups meet weekly starting the week of 9/11:

Group 1 - Wednesdays at 9am ET / 6am PT

Group 2 - Tuesdays at 2pm ET / 11am PT

New this year: DISCIPLE Bible Study using the new BeADisciple app -- we will be beta-testers to try out the new app format. The 24-week Fast Track DISCIPLE I class begins in September, will take a holiday break, and wrap up before camp next spring. The study is a survey of the whole Bible from Genesis to Revelation, with all materials right in the app on your phone or iPad: curriculum, the CEB version of the Bible in text and audio format, study notes, group chat, and a prayer wall just for your group. There is a cost of $45/person, and these groups require a commitment of daily reading and a covenant to faithful weekly participation (this isn't a group where you can just drop in on occasion). Select a first and second choice for meeting time, as we need a minimum of 8 people for each group, so it's possible that all 3 may not fill. We're excited to have cohorts of Camp/Retreat Ministry folks diving into the Bible together this year, growing together in faith community. Site staff, summer staff, board members, and volunteers are all welcome, so please share this opportunity with others who might be interested. Groups' first meetings will be the week of September 11th; signup deadline is 9/6. 

Group 1 Leader: Gene Haning (Beaver Creek, CO)

Group 2 Leaders: Lu Harding (retired, SC), Jen Burch (UMCRM, CO)