As we enter a new century of ministry, we are announcing some new roles and directions for staffing. These new responsibilities are designed to respond to the changing needs and expectations of our campers, guests, and supporting community.
The Brethren Faith in Action Fund (BFIA) has given grants to four Church of the Brethren congregations and to one church-related camp. The fund provides grants using money generated by the sale of the upper campus of the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md.
Betty Taylor is retiring as administrative assistant, and Pieter Tramper has resigned as program director at Brethren Woods, a camp and outdoor ministry center near Harrisonburg, Va. Brethren Woods also announces the hiring of Megan Babcock as office manager.
Galen Jay, a lifelong camper, volunteer, and employee at Camp Mack in Milford, Ind., was asked at the Outdoor Ministries Association (OMA) breakfast just when he had last been to a Church of the Brethren Annual Conference. Without hesitation he answered, “1962, Ocean Grove, New Jersey.”
Older adult FaithX participants had a wonderful week at Camp Ithiel in Gotha, Fla., where they spent time together in service, fellowship, and worship. A variety of volunteer projects were completed under the guidance of camp director Mike Neff, including removal of invasive plants, trimming of overgrown forest, kitchen help, cleaning, window washing, and painting.
Song and Story Fest 2024 will be hosted by Camp Brethren Heights in Michigan, July 7-13, right after the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference in Grand Rapids.
From Nov. 12-16, Camp Eder in Fairfield, Pa., hosted members of the Outdoor Ministries Association of the Church of the Brethren for a retreat/conference. Leadership from 14 camps and Brethren Volunteer Service joined together in exploring the theme of “Discipleship.” Pieter Tramper, from Brethren Woods in Virginia, was the coordinator.
We have EXCITING news! Lilly Endowment Inc., through the Strengthening Youth Programs Initiative, has awarded Camp Mack a three-year $620,926 grant to use the outdoor education program in support of local school districts and to offer a day camp during extended school breaks. Camp Alexander Mack, a ministry of the Northern Indiana and South Central Indiana Districts of the Church of the Brethren, is located near Milford, Ind.
Staff Member of the Year and Volunteer of the Year were announced at the Outdoor Ministries Association breakfast held Wednesday morning July 5
Randall Westfall has been called as the next camp manager of Camp Emmaus, a camp/outdoor ministry center affiliated with the Church of the Brethren Illinois and Wisconsin District. He will begin in the role in late August.