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Camps
& Local Churches — Partners in Ministry
An
enormous number of people of all ages will participate in faith
experiences at more than 250 United Methodist Camp and Retreat Centers in
the U.S. and beyond. People will find new meaning and direction for their
lives. The partnership between
local churches and camp/retreat ministries underlies an amazing, long-term
system for the development of faith and spiritual leaders.
Experiences
of Christian community that take place away from normal routines —
amidst the beauty of creation — open people to God in ways that need to
be broadly appreciated. By
their very nature, camps and retreats are short-term, highlight
experiences — temporary Christian communities. This fact does not in any
way negate the importance of camps and retreats. They often serve as the
tremendous, life-changing catalysts toward deeper faith, which then can be
reinforced by local churches and families. We must never forget that local
churches and camp/retreat ministries share the same primary aim: to reach
out to people, help them connect more deeply with God, nurture them in
what it means to be a follower of Christ, and to encourage them to live as
Christian people who practice the way of love in relationships with other
human beings and all of creation. We fulfill our ministry far more
effectively by working together rather than in isolation.
(Contributed
by Kevin Witt, Director of Camp and Retreat Ministries for the General
Board of Discipleship.)
Children & Youth Camps and Retreats
What a great time for children and
youth to enjoy growing and learning in new and different ways.
That is what it’s all about: learning, laughing, growing, and
sharing in an environment of affirmation and closeness to God.
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Opportunities
for grades 1-13 in all 4 seasons.
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Experiential
learning through challenge courses, boating, nature hikes, skits, outdoor living, and active Bible stories.
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See God
in new ways in the people around you and in creation.
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Meet
new friends in an accepting community.
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Caring
leaders that take the time to listen and love you as a child of God.
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Enjoy
the outdoors through worship and play.
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Opportunities
to learn new skills.
Church Retreats
and Gatherings
Camping
ministry is an extension of the
local church. The role of the
local church is not just to provide the camp with campers
and funds, but to provide the “camping experience” and training to
local churches. Consider a
retreat with your church as an opportunity to provide a quality experience
for everyone to encounter God, deepen relationships with each other, and
come together as a church community. Here
are a few suggestions:
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All
church retreats
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Women’s,
Men’s, or Youth Retreats
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All Day
Summer Picnics
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Winter
Retreats – youth, families, or churches
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Winter
Snow Days
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Church
Planning Meetings
Adult Camps & Retreats
Camp…it isn’t just summer, and it
isn’t just for kids anymore! It’s
all about connections: finding a place to strengthen your connections with
God and spend time with others who share your interests.
We have events for the busy adult that needs some time away to
rest, relax, and renew.
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Opportunities
available year-round.
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Specialized
events responding to emerging trends.
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Something
for all ages.
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Attending
to mind, body and spirit.
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Personal
renewal and faith formation.
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Helping
local churches develop small groups and spiritual life.
Family Camps
and Retreats
“Family” means loved ones.
No matter what kind of “family” you bring to this experience,
whether it is yourself, you and a friend or spouse, your children,
grandchildren on your life, it is our hope you will experience the
assurance while you are here that you are all beloved members of God’s
universal family. Camp is a time for you and your family…
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To
balance personal and community time.
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To
invest in your life and the life of your family.
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To tend
to the important rather than the urgent.
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To
strengthen relationships through shared experiences.
Twinlow
Ripples
A monthly update for local churches on
what is happening at Twinlow. Feel free to use the information in your monthly newsletter and/or Sunday
Bulletins. Content will be available by the 10th of each month for
inclusion in church publications. Click here for Twinlow Ripples.
Retreat
Planning Support
Twinlow
Materials & Brochure
The Twinlow
Camp & Retreat Center's brochure is
a great resource to you as you begin planning your retreat or hand it out
to potential retreat participants to get them excited about coming to
Twinlow. Contact
the camp to request copies of the brochure.
Camp
Representative Information
Each church in the Inland District is encouraged to have a
designated Twinlow/Camp Representative to serve as a liaison between the
church and camp & retreat ministries. The "Camp Rep" job
description and monthly planning guide
are available to assist your efforts as communicator and encourager of Camp
& Retreat Ministries and Twinlow Camp. Click here for
materials.
Church Visits
& Presentations
The Twinlow Staff and/or Camp Ambassadors
are available to come your church and share about the exciting things going
on in Camp & Retreat Ministry. We are prepared to present a
message at your Sunday Worship, share a children's moment, speak at Sunday
School, share resources during your fellowship time, or share during a
special event. Contact the
camp to discuss your needs.
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