“You have to get away to learn, to be together, to grow together.” Camp and retreat ministry leaders know deeply the value of “sacred places apart,” but it is rare and special when they can be on the receiving end and actually get away for their own time of renewal.
When Gary Jones first brought the Directors and Assistant Directors from all 3 East Ohio Conference camps to the UMCRM National Gathering, it was a turning point for their shared ministry. That team, which included two new leaders, divided up the workshops and then gathered together to teach one another what they had learned. After the conference, the team had a new, shared identity and purpose. They continued to meet once a month, leveraging the team-building from their shared adventure and developing a culture of collaboration and professional development.
On a different National Gathering trip, the staff team got stuck in a parking garage for several hours, which turned out to be a bonding experience that bore fruit long-term for the ministry. Just as challenges on a hike or the ropes course can help a group of campers learn to function as a team, the ordeal of travel to UMCRM events (and the enriching experiences while there) cemented the leadership crew from East Ohio camps in a way that bolstered their decision-making and shared mission.
As he closes out a 24-year career at the helm of the East Ohio Conference camps, Gary reflects on how UMCRM has been a constant source of expertise, connection, and encouragement. “Sometimes I felt like I was on an island,” Gary says, echoing a common sentiment among camp and retreat ministry leaders. Like Gary, many in the UMCRM community serve in contexts where there’s no one else who really understands what they do. The UMCRM Association provides a vital link to leaders across the country who share in our unique ministry context, giving opportunities to feel seen and supported. Gary looks back at his three years of classes in the UM Camp & Retreat Ministry Certification program as a formative time. New to his role back then, he felt embraced in community while learning skills and concepts that would shape his ministry leadership. Regular connections through jurisdictional gatherings and other opportunities provided ongoing reminders that he was not alone on that proverbial island.
By way of advice to other camp leaders, Gary offers this: “Build UMCRM events into the tradition of your camp.” He attests that leaders who commit to regular rhythms of retreat function better as a team, are strengthened by connection to the larger UMCRM community, and develop a culture of continuous learning that helps the ministries grow stronger.