How do camps and retreats help my congregation?
By Rev. Michael WeeksCamp Christian
Conference Center affords unique living and learning opportunities to persons
of all ages. Camping complements the year-round work of the local church
as it ministers to its own members and touches the lives of others not directly
involved in the life of a local church.
 Church
camping provides experiences away from the distractions of everyday life.
Camp Christian retreats for adults and youth camps are growth and spiritual
renewal opportunities for individuals who will go back home and share their
gifts with the church of Jesus Christ. Through the action-reflection process,
so natural in a camp setting, campers come to a deeper understanding of
God’s word. The camper is involved in activities which not only evoke praise
of God, but also help to discover the will of God.
Anyone who has ever experienced twenty-four hour a day
Group living, learned something about building Christian community. Many
participants interacted with people from diverse backgrounds at camp. Camp
is where I learned to develop an understanding and appreciation for others
and to discover the meaning of reconciliation. Personal relationships are
faced, the use and abuse of all of the created order become real, the responsibility
each has for others takes on new meaning, and one is encouraged to accept
their place in the totality of God’s creation.
Our region has accepted the responsibility to create and
mange programs, conferences, camps, and retreats. We provide a retreat center
for groups seeking spiritual growth and connection with God. We continue
to share the gospel of Jesus Christ in all that we do. Thanks for your support
of camping and retreating. We hope that members of your congregation will
benefit and that they will share those insights in the local congregation.
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