2024 - 2025 

Intentional Leadership Groups

Take your leadership skills to the next level by joining a vibrant network of supportive colleagues and friends. The 2024-2025 season of Intentional Leadership Groups (ILGs) is here to inspire and nurture your growth through meaningful connections with others who share your interests and goals. Welcoming all camp, retreat, and conference leaders affiliated with the Outdoor Ministries Connection (OMC), these groups are designed to foster collaborative learning and collegial support.


In each ILG, you'll participate in open discussion cohorts where the meetings are convened by individuals but guided collectively by the group. These hour-long gatherings occur monthly from September through May (unless otherwise indicated), creating a dedicated space for exploration and development. In a world that demands adaptive leadership, our model of open discussion cohorts empowers you to tackle the topics that matter most to your success.

Group Details and Descriptions

New Camp Directors' Cohort

2nd Tuesday of each month - Starting 9/10/24 

2:00pm Eastern / 11:00am Pacific

This specialized group is tailored for those new to the role of camp director (in your role for less than 2 years), offering a supportive environment to grow and find success in your new leadership role. Connect with fellow new directors, share experiences, and gain insights from peers who understand your challenges and aspirations. Together, you'll explore essential topics, build valuable skills, and develop the confidence to lead your ministry successfully.  

Group Leaders: Casey Perry (Camp Rockfish, NC), Jessica Gamaché (UMCRM)

Program Directors' Cohort

3rd Thursday of each month - Starting 9/19/24 

1:30pm Eastern / 10:30am Pacific

Share ideas, receive support, and gain inspiration as a part of this dynamic group of Program Directors. 

Group Leaders: Hope Montgomery (Camp Magruder, OR), Adam Ledbetter-Bock (Chestnut Ridge, NC)

Organization Development & Fundraising (100 level)

1st Wednesday of each month - Starting 9/4/24 

1:30pm Eastern / 10:30am Pacific

Dive into the essentials of fundraising and organizational development with this Intentional Leadership Group (ILG) designed for camp and outdoor ministry leaders. Perfect for those looking to master the basics, this group will explore the foundational principles of fundraising and how it integrates with your Board and overall ministry. Gain a comprehensive understanding of fund development, from the ground up, while connecting with peers who share your passion for impactful ministry. Join us to build your skills, expand your knowledge, and see the bigger picture of successful organizational growth.

Group Leader: Scott Gilpin (General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, AL), Katlyn White (Lakeshore, TN)

Fundraising (200 level)

1st Tuesday of each month - Starting 9/3/24

11am Eastern / 8am Pacific

This group will be talking and sharing about fundraising with an optional learning event “field trip” in the middle of it. Doug Walters (PCCCA) and Nathan Pile (LOM) will facilitate monthly conversations in fundraising. We will be going deeper than the basic definitions to a second and third level of conversations. If your leadership path over the next year needs support in fundraising maybe this ILG is for you.  Occasionally, there might be a blog to read, a podcast to listen to, or short video to watch prior to the session. A full schedule will be shared at the September gathering. 

Topics:

** The eighth is not the 1st Tuesday, but this session needed to be moved to avoid a conflict. 

Group Leaders: Doug Walters (Camp Hanover, VA), Nathan Pile (Sequanota, PA) 

Nature: Our first way of knowing God

2nd Thursday of each month - Starting 9/12/24

2pm Eastern / 11am Pacific

Nature: Our First Way of Knowing God is a spiritual study curriculum by Dr. Beth Norcross of Wesley Seminary and The Center for Spirituality in Nature. This study is meant to awaken our visceral knowing of the Creator through the Creation, reconnect us with the sacred landscapes we call home, encourage us to provide space and time for spiritual reflection in nature, and to live in greater harmony with God’s Earth. Each session includes video, discussion, and a suggested spiritual practice in nature. Participants will also encourage one another to examine and transform our own lifestyles and ministry practices to help bring health and wholeness to God's beloved Creation.

There are 7 sessions. Each session will be 90 minutes.

Topics:

** The twenty-first is not the 2nd Tuesday, but this session needed to be moved to avoid a conflict. 

Group Leader: Jen Burch (UMCRM, CO)

Creation Justice

4th Wednesday of each month - Starting 9/25/24

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), Leslie Hobson (Northern Pines, MN)

Women in Leadership

3rd Wednesday of each month -  Starting 9/18/24

1pm Eastern / 10am Pacific

As the presence of women in camping and outdoor ministries continues to grow, so does the need for a supportive community to navigate its unique challenges. This Intentional Leadership Group (ILG) is dedicated to connecting women who lead in the vital ministry of camps, retreats, and conferences. Here, you'll find a nurturing environment where you can share experiences, seek guidance, and celebrate successes. Join us to build a strong network of women leaders, fostering support, growth, and a sense of community.

Group Leader: Jessi Persson (Potosi Pines, NV), Jessica Gamaché (UMCRM)

Inclusive Communities

2nd Wednesday of each month -  Starting 9/11/24

1pm Eastern / 10am Pacific

This group of camp and retreat leaders is a dynamic community dedicated to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in their ministry. Guided by topics found in the DEI Guidebook, our monthly gatherings create a safe and supportive environment for members to engage in meaningful conversations about DEI topics and share their real-world experiences. Through collaborative dialogue and coaching, group members will empower each other to navigate challenges, celebrate successes, and develop actionable strategies for creating inclusive camp and retreat communities. Whether you're an experienced leader or just beginning your journey, this group offers a space to learn, grow, and make a lasting impact together. Embrace intentional leadership with us and be a catalyst for positive change within your ministry.

Group Leaders: Jenna Johnson (West River Center, MD), John Spelman (Camp Aldersgate, RI), Todd Bartlett (Oregon-Idaho Conference, OR), Melinda Trotti (Healthy Camp Leadership, MI)

Summer Staffing Strategies

2nd Monday of each month -  Starting 9/9/24

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: Kallie Handlong (Camp Washington, CT), Nathan Vaughn (Pecometh, MD)

Methodism for Camp & Retreat Leaders

(DATE TENTATIVE)

1st Thursday of each month -  Starting 9/5/24

3pm Eastern / noon Pacific

Each 90-minute session of the Methodism ILG will offer a short lesson on an aspect of United Methodism's doctrine, theology, and/or polity. We will offer time for Q&A and explore ways Wesleyan/Methodist principles show up in the camp/retreat setting.

Specific topics may be adapted to the needs and interests of participants.

Note: We will not meet in February.

Group Leaders: Jen Burch (UMCRM, CO), Jenna Johnson (West River Center, MD), along with guest speakers from the Immersion Event Faculty

United Methodist Executives & Conference CRM Staff Cohort

3rd Tuesday of every other month -  Starting 9/17/24

noon Eastern / 9am 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). 

Note: The November meeting will be held in-person at the Execs & Conference Staff Summit and the January meeting will be held in-person at the UMCRM National Gathering

Group Leader: Varies each meeting