May newsletter is at 2009MayNewsletter

Outdoor and Retreat Ministries
 Nurturing Disciples, Transforming Lives!
March/April 2009

Judson Collins   Myers Lake   Lake Huron   Camp Kinawind
Ministry Jubilee   Shirt Photo   Summer Employment   Supporting the Ministry

Core Foundations of Camp and Retreat Ministry

United Methodist camp and retreat leaders across the United States have committed ourselves to seven core foundations that undergird our ministry. These values emerged from several grass roots gatherings, with broad and inclusive discussion throughout our United Methodist camp and retreat leaders’ network. There is wide agreement through United Methodist camping that these are important aspects of our ministry that we will seek to implement in an intentional way. This powerful statement of shared values has inspired us, and we would like to share them with you. The seven foundations (not in order of priority) are:

  • Providing Intentional Places Apart:  Sabbath, Silence, Solitude, and Prayer
  • Developing Christian Spiritual Leaders
  • Extending Genuine Christian Hospitality and Community
  • Collaborating with United Methodist Churches and Agencies
  • Nurturing Faith and Discipleship
  • Teaching Creation Care and Appreciation
  • Equipping Guests to do Love and Justice

In each newsletter, we will share how we are implementing one of these foundations. This time we begin with “Providing Intentional Places Apart.”


Providing Intentional Places Apart:  Sabbath, Silence, Solitude, and Prayer

We provide children, youth, adults, families, and groups with opportunities to find sanctuary and rest from the many pressures and distractions characteristic of modern life, so they can:

  • Renew physically, mentally, and spiritually.
  • Get back in touch with what inspires purpose and joy for them
  • Seek God in a setting combining silence and stillness with refreshing play and adventure.

Christian camps and retreats are not escapes from life; they are quite the opposite. These experiences are geared to enhance a person’s ability to recognize the goodness and sacredness of life in every moment. Guests learn to slow down, to notice, and to become more attuned with what is happening around them and within them. It is so easy to be distracted and to sacrifice the beauty and possibilities of the present by living in the past or worrying about the future. Often, getting away from routine provides a major recharge. It offers the gifts of disconnecting, assessing, and refocusing, so people can revision and return to live more thankfully and with greater purpose. In other settings, groups that “come away” for retreats can both grow and accomplish much more by being able to focus, away from the distractions of every day life at home. Christian camps and retreats are meant to be more than recreation. They are intended to be experiences of re-creation. Camp and retreat settings are especially powerful places for journeys of the heart.

Judson Collins Center

One of my favorite things to hear at Judson Collins from campers and our retreat groups is “It feels like coming home when I am here.” It is so important for us to step back out of our busy lives and find places that are set apart for connecting with God. One refreshing experience felt by many is watching the wildlife as they wander and live off this land that God has provided them, whether it is the deer, wild turkeys, or sand hill cranes, God’s majesty can be experienced in the quiet of the woods or by the waters lapping at the edge of the lake. From the quiet misty mornings of stillness at the outdoor chapel to the brilliant colors often seen as you watch the setting sun you can feel God’s presence, God's creativeness, and God's love by quieting yourself and experiencing what He has laid out before you.
 

There are intentional places at JC for worshipping God and places that just hum with excitement and wonder. It is amazing, in the summer, to see farm campers watching a chick hatch from an egg that they have been caring for all week. You can walk through the stillness of the pine stands and hear the wind passing through the trees as God’s carpet of pine needles crackles under your feet. And yet places like the three crosses on a hill off the main path or the outdoor chapel reminds us or what Jesus has done for all and how much God loves us. I challenge you this week to look at the places around you and find the ones that God is using to speak to you. Is it a quiet coffee shop where God shows you His love for the people around you? A beautiful garden that is beginning to sprout this spring? Maybe it is a place in your own yard or neighborhood where you can just feel God? Look for those places, seek out those areas, and turn to God and just bask in His glory.

Myers Lake Campground

Many families and individuals come to the shores of Myers Lake each summer seeking rest and relaxation while also looking for program opportunities in place to meet the varying ages and stages within the family unit.  Perhaps mom or dad are ready for  some solitude on the nature path, but the children are ready for some activities that enhance their relationship with new friends in a new environment that invites Christ to be present in the fun. The programs at Myers Lake are designed to provide experiences and a place apart that provide guidance and interest for Christians and non-Christians alike.  The play and recreation offered at Myers Lake is focused on cooperation and fun rather than heavy competition, so families can be immersed in occasions where they are free to soak up the camaraderie, to laugh, to let go of their struggles for awhile in order to find new perspective by enjoying the goodness of life.  It is our hope that families will embrace their visit to Myers Lake as a time apart to spend as a family and allow God to nurture their souls.
 

Myers Lake has been developed and maintained by the United Methodist Church as a special place where families can camp in a style that is comfortable to them.  Whether arriving in a large RV, a tent, or perhaps staying in one of the camps cozy camping cabins, families can commune together during an affordable and easy vacation. Stays may be for a day, a weekend, or longer, but Myers Lake engages guests and invites them to be part of a Christian community, to be restful, and take a hiatus from the tasks and hectic schedules that are a part of our everyday lives.  It is our hope that families will be more present to one another on a daily basis at home by taking time away and playing together at camp.

Please consider how the short trip to Myers Lake may fill your cup as a family, or a larger church family group through recreation, play, music, prayer, and becoming part of a temporary community that invites Christ to be present among all people.  Come experience great Christian family fun in a place set apart.

Lake Huron Retreat Center

Mark 6:30-32 is the Scripture on which we base our ministry here at Lake Huron Retreat Center. Jesus models for us the need to be intentional about taking time apart – time for prayer, meditation, fellowship and rest. Here at the lakeshore we’ve put some things in place to assist our guests in that practice. 

We have placed numerous Adirondack chairs around the site for guests to enjoy. Some are on the hillside, others right down on the beach. Guests often comment how much they have enjoyed a time of solitude just sitting in those chairs, enjoying the beauty of creation around them.

On the second floor of Littleton Lodge we have created a small space we call our Meditation Corner. A small table with a Bible, cross and candle welcome guests for a few moments of reading and prayer. It’s a quiet space that is utilized frequently when guests are on site.
 

Our beautiful outdoor chapel, nestled on an east slope overlooking Lake Huron, has been part of our campus since the mid 40’s. New handrails, solar lighting and landscaping all are in place to keep this holy site user friendly.

Several years ago on the north end of our property we installed a 7-circuit prayer labyrinth. A flyer is available at the front desk of Littleton Lodge giving history on the labyrinth, as well as guidance steps on how to utilize the labyrinth for a time of personal prayer. The labyrinth has been utilized so much we’re having a second one installed in August by a group of volunteers. We also have an indoor labyrinth that can be set up in Poole Chapel.

Each guest group – regardless of denominational affiliation and including our not-for-profit groups – are invited to spend time in prayer and meditation while here for their retreat experience. Often times guests can be spotted sitting in the outdoor chapel in the early morning hours, or walking the beach, or sitting in one of those Adirondack chairs. 

Jesus says, “Come away with me and rest awhile.”  Guests do exactly that when they come to Lake Huron Retreat Center.

Camp Kinawind

Kids plugged into nature

There is something very wrong with the title of this article. Plugged in implies electrical. It sounds like kids are experiencing nature through the media. Do we learn by plugging in and gaining knowledge of nature or is it better to unplug and learn by first hand experience? Marcia L. Tate, Ph.D., wrote in Camping Magazine, Jan/Feb 2006, that "a child today can likely tell you about the Amazon Rain Forest - but will just as likely be hard pressed to describe the last time he or she explored the woods in solitude." Richard Louv's book, The Last Child in the Woods, reports that reduced contact with nature has human costs, including "diminished use of the senses, attention difficulties, and higher rates of physical and emotional illnesses."

For thousands of years humans have lived in close contact with nature. It is a recent phenomenon that finds so many of our youth removed so drastically from things natural. Most of our urban youth have not seen animals in their natural habitat. Our youth are paying high physical, emotional, and spiritual costs because of this societal trend. Child development professionals are concerned about the physical and emotional impacts for our youth. Environmentalists are concerned about the implications of a citizenry that has lost its connection for and appreciation of the environment. As Christians those issues should concern us along, with our efforts to make disciples.
 

  
Louv's book, although not a religious publication, has a chapter on spirituality. He notes that a high percentage of folks feel more spiritual or closer to God in natural settings. As Christians interested in the faith development of our youth, this is important information to consider. Christian camps are the church's most intense form of youth ministry and are generally located in natural settings. Our camps are offering parents and youth leaders an excellent opportunity not only to get their youth unplugged and into nature, involved with healthy physical exercise, and having a lot of fun but also the opportunity to register their youth for very effective programs aimed at helping youth to grow in their faith and relationship with Jesus. After all, when Jesus needed to spend time with His Father, He went out into the wilderness. He did not check into a spa or plug in; he camped.

The word "camp," which historically meant out-of-doors and living in close relationship with nature, has come to be used in many contexts, some of which have little or nothing to do with the out-of-doors. Some "camps" only experience the outside as they move from the car to the gym and back. Other camps are indeed located in beautiful outdoors settings but campers spend a large amount of time in one building or another. Effective ministry is possible in all of those settings. I also believe if youth and those who love them want to maximize the potential for Christian growth while at the same time maximizing their contact with nature, then they would be well advised to check out our numerous United Methodist camps in Michigan. Within those camps there exists various levels of exposure to nature.
 

Ministry Jubilee

Many churches have been asking for more information on Ministry Jubilee programs. In 2009, Outdoor and Retreat Ministries has 19 programs in Ministry Jubilee. This area of the newsletter highlights an Outdoor and Retreat Ministry MJ program so that you can learn more about them.

MJ 1257
Camp Staff Training

Detroit Conference Outdoor and Retreat Ministries offer life-changing programs of Christian discipleship and hospitality for people of all ages and from all walks of life. Significant faith development as well as new friendships, skills and self-confidence are all nurtured in the camp setting. Prior to the start of each summer camp season is a critical time of staff training. Individuals arrive at our sites with various levels of experience and skills. The love of the Lord, love of the youth ministry, and love of the outdoors are the common denominators. Those, combined with an intense time of training, create a unified staff ready to serve a wide variety of campers.    

Training at Camp Kinawind and Judson Collins Center is a two week experience. Staff members spend time exploring their site, practicing various program activities, reviewing the many policies and procedures, singing, skill building, learning the curriculum, spending time in devotional/worship activities, learning specific job task – support and program, and getting acquainted. Staff gain certification in CPR and first aid. As needed for their unique assignments, some staff gain additional certification, e.g. Lifeguarding and/or Wilderness First Aid. There is much to learn and experience, a lot of work, and a lot of fun. The end result of such an intense time of living, eating, working, worshiping, studying, and playing together is a staff that is ready to function as a team to better serve our campers and volunteers.

Gifts to this MJ 1257 will help underwrite the cost of dean and counselor training, including resource leaders, staff materials, first aid training, and other expenses. Target Amount: $2,500 (from Jubliee Spotlight).

Where is your shirt?

Your camp shirt, that is! We want to see photos of you wearing your camp shirt. Send us a photo of you in your camp shirt from Camp Kinawind, Judson Collins Center, Lake Huron Retreat Center, Acorn Camp or Myers Lake. You could be at an interesting vacation spot, working on a service project, or hanging out with friends you met at camp. All submissions with a correctly completed entry form will be posted on our website. Photos with inappropriate content will not be posted. The most interesting submissions will be placed in our newsletter.
Enter your camp shirt photo; for contest rules and form go to http://umccamps.org/shirtcontest.htm

Ann, wearing a Lake Huron Retreat Center shirt, with Bishop Keaton, leading a tour through Education Opportunities in Jerusalem. February 2009.

Looking for a Summer Job?

Would you looking to serve Christ this summer? Do you have what it takes to share your faith journey with others? Are you a creative and spontaneous type of person? Outdoor and Retreat Ministries has several positions available for persons who wish to serve the Lord in a staff position.

Sites and positions

Camp Kinawind Boyne Falls, MI
Camp Kinawind is for those who want adventure, rustic camping, and an opportunity to learn about and to praise God in creation. The camp consists of 500 wooded acres located on Thumb Lake, and is part of the Lake Louise Christian Community. Staff cabins are equipped with electricity and indoor bathrooms. During the work week counselors will sleep with their group in accommodations ranging from cabins to tents.
Positions available include counselors, lifeguards, DVD production, food service staff, and maintenance. Salary starts at $200/week in addition to room and board.
For more information contact Director Fred Elmore 231-271-3089 or kinawind@umccamps.org.

Judson Collins Center Onsted, MI (Irish Hills)
Come join our Christian community at Judson Collins Center where participants can discover who they are in God, grow in their faith, and have the chance to serve God. Our program offers a variety of options including a high ropes course, archery, swimming and boating, a working farm and horse program, and traditional camp activities. Positions available include counselors, general staff,
Program Interns, DVD Production, and Health Officer. Salary starts at $200/week in addition to room and board.
For more information contact Director Sarah Ratz 517-467-7711 or judsoncollins@umccamps.org.


Myers Lake Campground Byron, MI
Myers Lake is a United Methodist campground focusing on family recreation, open from May-October. Campers can bring their tent or RV and also enjoy swimming, fishing, boating, basketball, video games and more!
Positions available include park attendants and housekeepers, and a program & ministry specialist. We’re looking for work campers, students, parents, retirees, or other qualified candidates to demonstrate a spirit of first class Christian hospitality. Salary range is minimum wage up to $9.00 per hour. (Training wages may apply during first 90 days of employment for those under age 20.) On-site housing is negotiable.
For more information contact Director Jon Lawrence 800-994-5050 or myerslake@umccamps.org.

Why should I work at camp?

A positive work environment: Good times! Spiritual growth! Strengthening Community!

Challenges and responsibilities that are unmatched by any other job placement available for young adults. Great career builders! Great character builders!

Gain college credit! Ask your department head or instructor if this is a possibility.

On the job experience! Especially valuable for education, psychology, counseling, recreation, social work, health specialist, naturalist and management majors. Anyone can benefit from the experience gained by working with others, the planning and implementation process, responsibilities, and judgment development.

Share and grow in your faith.

Be part of the camp community. You will live closely, share your work and experience special moments and adventures.

Supporting the Camp and Retreat Ministry  

How can you support Outdoor and Retreat Ministries? 

Visit www.umccamps.org and click on “Support Our Ministry” There you will find: 

  • On-Line Donations! You can make an on-line donation at www.umccamps.org
     

  • Wish lists for each camp site. You can see what items camps would like, or a dollar amount for each item if you wish to donate financially toward a specific item.
     

  •  Ministry Jubilee programs. Your church will receive credit from the Detroit Conference if a donation is made through Ministry Jubilee. The website lists the 19 programs offered by ORM in the Ministry Jubilee booklet and tells how donations will be used.
     

  •  Volunteering Opportunities. The website lists the opportunities available at each camp site.

 Other ways to support Outdoor and Retreat Ministries:

  • Use Goodsearch. When you use the Goodsearch engine for your internet searches you can designate Outdoor and Retreat Ministries to receive donations.  Go to http://www.goodsearch.com.
     

  • Attend one of our programs!  For a full listing of events go to www.umccamps.org.
     

  • Prayer. Support camp and retreat ministries with your prayers as we endeavor to nurture disciples and transform lives!
     

  •  Major gifts.  Did you know...

o        that you can make a planned gift or estate gift to camp and retreat ministries?

o        that good things would result from a gift?

o        that assistance in gift planning is available?


For more information, contact:
Jan Thomas, Director, Outdoor & Retreat Ministries
800-334-0544 or
jthomas@umccamps.org