Conference Schedule is now available.

Take a look at the overall conference and workshop schedule. Note that one-on-one opportunities are available to meet with our Spiritual Director, Elizabeth Conrad, as well as Tori Barnes from the American Camp Association to create a customized path to accreditation, and independent IT manager Tony Butt on your DIY  IT questions.

Meet our Spiritual Director: Elizabeth Conrad

Elizabeth began working at Christ Church Cathedral in Lexington, Kentucky in 1994 as the Minister of Christian Formation. She graduated with a Masters of Divinity in 2002 from Lexington Theological Seminary. That same year she completed training from Sursum Corda Spiritual Direction training program and has been practicing this ministry ever since. In 2010, she completed the training in Dream Leader Training from the Haden Institute. She has held dream groups and also incorporated dream work into spiritual direction. In 2011 she completed a PsyD in psychology and spirituality from the Graduate Theological Foundation. "It is a gift and humbling experience to listen for god in people's lives. I often receive guidance for myself during these sessions." Godly Play spiritual formation program is another passion of Elizabeth's. She has overseen this ministry for children since her employment with the church. It has proven to be a powerful method for the formation of adults as well. The stories are a way for us to find God in our own lives. Elizabeth has been married to Bernie for 40 years. They have 3 grown children, 5 grandchildren with one on the way, and an old bull dog - Chopper.

The Hiring Cycle

This session will go over how to create effective applications, conduct effective interviews, both in-person and on the phone/online, including red flags when reference checking, and skills for behavioral and competency-based interviewing

Presented by Tori Barnes, American Camp Association

How Gen Z Campers See the World

Every generation has a style and some traits all their own. Some are stereotypical and others are shaped by world events. Gen Z (1995 - 2015) is still figuring out who they are and what they will become is still to be determined. For now, we are thankful for researchers who have given us a glimpse into their world. This includes their motivations, priorities, and how they learn. These factors are very important in learning to communicate with and care for campers.

The Rev. Lee Yates is one of the authors of Faith Formation with the Next Generation, and serves as Managing Editor of "InsideOut Camp Resources." He served the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Indiana as Minister of Faith Formation before moving to California where he serves as pastor of Covina Community Church (The Rainbow Church) and does consulting for local congregations. You can find out more about Lee and his work at www.FaithShaping.com.

Cultivating an Alumni Group

Developing strong alumni relationships reaps benefits in many areas of institutional life at your camp or center especially in the recruitment of future campers and attendees. During this session we will explore elements of successful alumni programs and the impact on recruitment, fundraising and communication, and generally raising the visibility and profile of your camp or center. We will hear from staff of Virginia Theological Seminary about what has worked for them in recruitment efforts and in developing a broad alumni program, followed by time for discussion and sharing of best practices.

Joining us from Virginia Theological Seminary are Shelagh Casey Brown, Director of Alumni and Church Relations, and Derek Greten-Harrison, Director of Admissions and Financial Aid. They will be joined by Beth Bojarski, past Executive Director of Camp Stevens and a member of the Alumni Association Executive Committee of VTS. 

Beth Bojarski lives in Cincinnati, OH where she mothers, runs, and drinks copious amounts of coffee. Currently working on a project for Virginia Theological Seminary learning about the goals, programs, and outcomes of faith formation at Episcopal camps, Beth has attended, worked, or volunteered at a number of ECCC centers including Shrine Mont (Virginia), Camp Stevens (Southern California), Procter Center (Southern Ohio), and All Saints (Kentucky). Beth serves on the Alumni Council at VTS and is a member of the Governing Board of Episcopal Chaplains. She lives with her husband Mitch+, sons Eliot (10) and James (4), Petey the dog, six reptiles, and a school of fish.