Mentoring – typically a one to one relationship where the mentee seeks out advice and guidance from an experienced camp and retreat professional. A mentor is usually someone who you already know and trust at some level. The duration of the mentoring can be many years and the arrangement is pretty informal, though it can be helpful to name it as mentoring.

Mentors can be different things for different mentees. "Mentors can guide, challenge, give advice, make referrals, open doors, answer questions, share experiences, be a brainstorming partner, provide a sounding board and be a critical friend." - Melissa Richardson, Managing Director Art of Mentoring

Whether you are moving into a new role in your ministry, have a challenge that you need to overcome, or are looking for peace in your career, mentors are people who have walked that path before. Being in a mentor/mentee relationship means you will have access to the knowledge and wisdom of someone who has experienced the challenges that you are currently facing.

Some outcomes of a mentoring relationship

1. The development of a professional relationship that can help you grow.

2. Receiving advice or guidance with a specific problem that you are dealing with in your work life.

How do I choose a mentor?

There are a couple of elements that you should look for when choosing a Camp and Retreat mentor.

• Look for someone with more experience than you have (think wiser – not necessarily older).

• Look for someone you trust – so someone you already know or someone you have heard speak and may have something to share with you.

If you are still struggling to identify a mentor within UMCRM connections, you can call someone you know and ask for suggestions as to who would be a good person to talk to as a mentor. The clearer you are on the advice/guidance that you are seeking the better match can be made through your connections. When you approach a possible mentor be clear about what you want from them and ask them if they are able to help you in this way. If not, might they have a suggestion for someone else.

Another way that you might find a mentor is through another camp and retreat circle (ACA, Presbyterian, Episcopal, Lutheran, UCC, etc.)

For additional assistance in identifying a mentor that will support you, feel free to reach out: info@umcrm.org (add "Mentor Request" in the subject line)

Has this information helped you identify a mentor that you would like to be connected with? Let us know (info@umcrm.org) and we will reach out to them with a mentor best practices guide.