Job: Residential Host (The Bishop's Ranch, California)
Overall Description:
The Bishop's Ranch is a self-supporting institution of the Episcopal Diocese of California.
The mission of the Ranch is to serve God by providing for people of all walks of life a place where lives are changed; a place of hospitality amidst the beauty of God’s creation where renewal of spirit, mind and body is nourished, leading to spiritual growth and closer relationships with God and one another.
We fulfill the mission of the Ranch by providing hospitality for retreats, conferences and other gatherings to groups and individuals from the Diocese of California, other churches, and non-profit groups. Our goal is to provide these services in a personal and relaxed but efficient way that enables guests to reach their goals for spiritual, personal, and organizational growth.
Working at The Bishop’s Ranch is service-oriented, and doing our jobs successfully is based on teamwork. Because of the wide-ranging nature of the tasks involved in caring for our guests and facilities, it may be necessary to perform tasks outside our usual line of work. For example: when on duty in the kitchen a guest may come in and ask where sports equipment is found; an office worker may be called to help when a guest finds a broken water valve; a maintenance worker may need to help in the kitchen when a group suddenly has increased in numbers, or a cook must leave due to illness. The flexibility to help in such a situation in order to support our guests and the overall goals of the Ranch is a requirement of working at The Bishop’s Ranch.
About the Position: The Residential Host is part of our residential staff community and provides gracious hospitality to all our guests, volunteers, residents and staff. The Resident Host is responsible for assuring that facilities are prepared for guest arrival and guest use while groups are in residence. The Residential Host assists the host on duty when groups are in residence, supports other hosts, acts as host when scheduled, provides support to other staff and departments and responds to off-hour maintenance or safety needs.
Job Description:
Prepare for group arrivals:
Conduct thorough walk through prior to guests’ arrival making sure meeting and lodging rooms are safe, ready and welcoming for groups
Make sure exterior lighting is operating correctly at dusk and that welcoming interior lights are on if guests are arriving after dark
Check heating/cooling systems settings so that rooms are comfortable for group arrival
Tables and chairs set up as requested by group (through reservations process)
Equipment setup and tested prior to use by guests, including any needed audio-visual equipment
Fireplace and/or fire circle areas clean and have firewood, starters and matches available for guest use (firewood stocked by Facilities staff)
Check/clean pool area before and after groups.
Blow leaves, skim pool as needed, reset chairs, pool toys etc… (Facilities staff performs water tests)
See that linen receptacles and trash areas are ready for use
Lodging and Meeting facilities readiness:
Conduct regular walkarounds, as appropriate to respect guests’ space, of all facilities to ensure that everything is neat and in working order.
Report maintenance and repair issues to Facilities and Land department using the Request Form. If the issue has an immediate impact on guests (e.g. malfunctioning toilet, shower, heating or cooling systems, property damage, etc…) text or call Assistant Executive Director for immediate support.
Raking leaves and other cleanup of Ranch House Courtyard and Pavillion as needed and time permits.
Maintaining Pavilion Ornamental Landscaping (Facilities and Land to maintain border edging and prevent weed encroachment from lawns and natural areas.
Remove trash along Westside Road and entrance monthly as time permits
Host Groups in Residence
Remain on the Ranch premises while host on duty Host groups as scheduled
Greet and welcome arriving groups
Attend meals to act as liaison between groups and kitchen
Make announcements
Be on-call and available to respond to group needs
Follow guidelines in hosting manual, know emergency response procedures including fire alarm system
Respond to urgent maintenance or safety issues at night and on weekends when Facilities and Land staff is not on duty and keep Facilities staff informed of action items.
Keep FLD Request form link on phone to report maintenance and repair issues.
Keep Sheriff, Fire Department, PG&E, Residents and Staff phone numbers in phone.
Walk campus in the morning and evening to check that pathways are illuminated and areas are safe and ready for guest use.
As requested and scheduled in advance, be able to offer additional services to groups (e.g. guided hikes and tours, campfires, social hours, etc…)
Pick up linens, garbage and recycling as needed during retreats, camps and other events.
Follow-up after guest departure
Monitor energy usage; confirm that heat, cooling and lights have been turned off
Do linen, garbage and recycling pickup.
Conduct a walk-through of all rooms and facilities and check for needed repairs.
Use Facilities and Land Request Form to report needed maintenance and repairs.
Housekeeping Support
Communicate needs and work with Housekeeping Manager and staff to ensure building readiness and that building entryways and walkways are clear of cobwebs, dust and debris, including cleaning light fixtures, trash receptacles, porches, and outdoor furniture. Assist when needed.
Support Facilities and Land Manager in monitoring and replacing lightbulbs in guest rooms with proper model bulbs as needed; bulb models set by Facilities and Land department.
Set and Monitor Chapel and Swing Pavilion HVAC systems with weekly schedule depending on group usage.
Keep time clocks for exterior lights set to proper time including seasonal changes.
Keep electric scooters charged, clean and ready for guest use
Kitchen Support
Provide serving and cleanup support at Refectory when needed, in addition to hosting
When hosting, check in at Refectory 15 minutes prior to each meal to provide support.
Program Support
Lead hikes as requested and scheduled.
Give Ranch tours as requested and scheduled.
Greet and orient arriving Prayer Residents when needed.
Additional Duties as assigned
Job Qualifications:
Knowledge of basic emergency response skills: contacts, CPR, AED
With initial direction, able to complete tasks alone
Excellent communication skills
Strong interpersonal skills
Basic knowledge of plumbing and other maintenance skills
Good attention to detail
Able to lift and carry tools and objects while walking over the property
Knowledge of safe practices when using hand and power tools
Able to lift 40 pounds unassisted and 60 pounds with assistance
Environmental and religious sensitivity
Able to adapt to flexible scheduling, including weekends
Comfort working with ladders and heights helpful.
Salary Range: $26,000 - $34,000 with housing and generous benefits.
To apply: Send application, resume, references, questions to john@bishopsranch.org.
Overall Description:
The Bishop's Ranch is a self-supporting institution of the Episcopal Diocese of California.
The mission of the Ranch is to serve God by providing for people of all walks of life a place where lives are changed; a place of hospitality amidst the beauty of God’s creation where renewal of spirit, mind and body is nourished, leading to spiritual growth and closer relationships with God and one another.
We fulfill the mission of the Ranch by providing hospitality for retreats, conferences and other gatherings to groups and individuals from the Diocese of California, other churches, and non-profit groups. Our goal is to provide these services in a personal and relaxed but efficient way that enables guests to reach their goals for spiritual, personal, and organizational growth.
Working at The Bishop’s Ranch is service-oriented, and doing our jobs successfully is based on teamwork. Because of the wide-ranging nature of the tasks involved in caring for our guests and facilities, it may be necessary to perform tasks outside our usual line of work. For example: when on duty in the kitchen a guest may come in and ask where sports equipment is found; an office worker may be called to help when a guest finds a broken water valve; a maintenance worker may need to help in the kitchen when a group suddenly has increased in numbers, or a cook must leave due to illness. The flexibility to help in such a situation in order to support our guests and the overall goals of the Ranch is a requirement of working at The Bishop’s Ranch.
About the Position: The Residential Host is part of our residential staff community and provides gracious hospitality to all our guests, volunteers, residents and staff. The Resident Host is responsible for assuring that facilities are prepared for guest arrival and guest use while groups are in residence. The Residential Host assists the host on duty when groups are in residence, supports other hosts, acts as host when scheduled, provides support to other staff and departments and responds to off-hour maintenance or safety needs.
Job Description:
Prepare for group arrivals:
Conduct thorough walk through prior to guests’ arrival making sure meeting and lodging rooms are safe, ready and welcoming for groups
Make sure exterior lighting is operating correctly at dusk and that welcoming interior lights are on if guests are arriving after dark
Check heating/cooling systems settings so that rooms are comfortable for group arrival
Tables and chairs set up as requested by group (through reservations process)
Equipment setup and tested prior to use by guests, including any needed audio-visual equipment
Fireplace and/or fire circle areas clean and have firewood, starters and matches available for guest use (firewood stocked by Facilities staff)
Check/clean pool area before and after groups.
Blow leaves, skim pool as needed, reset chairs, pool toys etc… (Facilities staff performs water tests)
See that linen receptacles and trash areas are ready for use
Lodging and Meeting facilities readiness:
Conduct regular walkarounds, as appropriate to respect guests’ space, of all facilities to ensure that everything is neat and in working order.
Report maintenance and repair issues to Facilities and Land department using the Request Form. If the issue has an immediate impact on guests (e.g. malfunctioning toilet, shower, heating or cooling systems, property damage, etc…) text or call Assistant Executive Director for immediate support.
Raking leaves and other cleanup of Ranch House Courtyard and Pavillion as needed and time permits.
Maintaining Pavilion Ornamental Landscaping (Facilities and Land to maintain border edging and prevent weed encroachment from lawns and natural areas.
Remove trash along Westside Road and entrance monthly as time permits
Host Groups in Residence
Remain on the Ranch premises while host on duty Host groups as scheduled
Greet and welcome arriving groups
Attend meals to act as liaison between groups and kitchen
Make announcements
Be on-call and available to respond to group needs
Follow guidelines in hosting manual, know emergency response procedures including fire alarm system
Respond to urgent maintenance or safety issues at night and on weekends when Facilities and Land staff is not on duty and keep Facilities staff informed of action items.
Keep FLD Request form link on phone to report maintenance and repair issues.
Keep Sheriff, Fire Department, PG&E, Residents and Staff phone numbers in phone.
Walk campus in the morning and evening to check that pathways are illuminated and areas are safe and ready for guest use.
As requested and scheduled in advance, be able to offer additional services to groups (e.g. guided hikes and tours, campfires, social hours, etc…)
Pick up linens, garbage and recycling as needed during retreats, camps and other events.
Follow-up after guest departure
Monitor energy usage; confirm that heat, cooling and lights have been turned off
Do linen, garbage and recycling pickup.
Conduct a walk-through of all rooms and facilities and check for needed repairs.
Use Facilities and Land Request Form to report needed maintenance and repairs.
Housekeeping Support
Communicate needs and work with Housekeeping Manager and staff to ensure building readiness and that building entryways and walkways are clear of cobwebs, dust and debris, including cleaning light fixtures, trash receptacles, porches, and outdoor furniture. Assist when needed.
Support Facilities and Land Manager in monitoring and replacing lightbulbs in guest rooms with proper model bulbs as needed; bulb models set by Facilities and Land department.
Set and Monitor Chapel and Swing Pavilion HVAC systems with weekly schedule depending on group usage.
Keep time clocks for exterior lights set to proper time including seasonal changes.
Keep electric scooters charged, clean and ready for guest use
Kitchen Support
Provide serving and cleanup support at Refectory when needed, in addition to hosting
When hosting, check in at Refectory 15 minutes prior to each meal to provide support.
Program Support
Lead hikes as requested and scheduled.
Give Ranch tours as requested and scheduled.
Greet and orient arriving Prayer Residents when needed.
Additional Duties as assigned
Job Qualifications:
Knowledge of basic emergency response skills: contacts, CPR, AED
With initial direction, able to complete tasks alone
Excellent communication skills
Strong interpersonal skills
Basic knowledge of plumbing and other maintenance skills
Good attention to detail
Able to lift and carry tools and objects while walking over the property
Knowledge of safe practices when using hand and power tools
Able to lift 40 pounds unassisted and 60 pounds with assistance
Environmental and religious sensitivity
Able to adapt to flexible scheduling, including weekends
Comfort working with ladders and heights helpful.
Salary Range: $26,000 - $34,000 with housing and generous benefits.
To apply: Send application, resume, references, questions to john@bishopsranch.org.
Cyber Security Questions To Ask
Is your camp/retreat ministry's data secure? Are we protected against ransom attacks like those we've seen in recent news? What questions should we be asking our software providers? View the list
Is your camp/retreat ministry's data secure? Are we protected against ransom attacks like those we've seen in recent news? What questions should we be asking our software providers? View the list
Blessed are the cake buyers -- but will they get promoted?
I’ll admit that this article (and ones related to it, like this one, and this one) hit hard. Though I work remotely now, I have never worked in an office setting where it wasn’t a woman who shouldered the responsibility of the celebrations that are a crucial part of company culture. What traditions exist at your organization? Who keeps them going? Who adds birthdays to the office calendar, and circulates the card? Who knows the favorite dessert to request from the kitchen team for a celebration?
So much of the desire for this return to a shared physical workspace focuses on the culture of an office, from holiday parties to familiar faces at the front desk to the ability to simply pop our heads into others’ offices for quick questions…
The assumed and unsaid expectations run deep: even if you’re not initially asked to buy the card or the cake or the decorations, once you do it, it morphs into your role, your responsibility. And the research shows that this may come with career consequences.
I’ll admit that this article (and ones related to it, like this one, and this one) hit hard. Though I work remotely now, I have never worked in an office setting where it wasn’t a woman who shouldered the responsibility of the celebrations that are a crucial part of company culture. What traditions exist at your organization? Who keeps them going? Who adds birthdays to the office calendar, and circulates the card? Who knows the favorite dessert to request from the kitchen team for a celebration?
So much of the desire for this return to a shared physical workspace focuses on the culture of an office, from holiday parties to familiar faces at the front desk to the ability to simply pop our heads into others’ offices for quick questions…
The assumed and unsaid expectations run deep: even if you’re not initially asked to buy the card or the cake or the decorations, once you do it, it morphs into your role, your responsibility. And the research shows that this may come with career consequences.
Is Your Staff Crumbling in 2021? With Fraying, We Must be Braiding
I have a feeling that many of us running summer camps have seen and experienced elements of this fraying — and practiced braiding — in the last month.
People are exhausted, mentally and physically. Expect the crumble. It’s coming, if it hasn’t already. Plan for the crumbling and consider new ways to braid people, yourself, and your community back together.
What have you learned? Leave a comment here.
I have a feeling that many of us running summer camps have seen and experienced elements of this fraying — and practiced braiding — in the last month.
People are exhausted, mentally and physically. Expect the crumble. It’s coming, if it hasn’t already. Plan for the crumbling and consider new ways to braid people, yourself, and your community back together.
What have you learned? Leave a comment here.
10 Tips for Creating Stunning Portraits
The Noun Project is one of my favorite resources for marketing imagery. You can download icons representing almost anything, specific to whatever color you need, and there’s flair to spare. They also host a creativity sparking blog, including this new article to inspire your next summer camp brochure.
The Noun Project is one of my favorite resources for marketing imagery. You can download icons representing almost anything, specific to whatever color you need, and there’s flair to spare. They also host a creativity sparking blog, including this new article to inspire your next summer camp brochure.
Survey Shows People Want To Discuss Social, Political Issues At Work
We’re not working at Facebook and Google, but we still need to ask how our employees and volunteers’ social and political lives impact their work.
Gartner found that “68% of employees would consider quitting their current job and working with an organization with a stronger viewpoint on the social issues that matter most to them.” It turns out that “employees whose employer has taken a strong stance on current societal and cultural issues are twice as likely to report high job satisfaction.”
We’re not working at Facebook and Google, but we still need to ask how our employees and volunteers’ social and political lives impact their work.
Gartner found that “68% of employees would consider quitting their current job and working with an organization with a stronger viewpoint on the social issues that matter most to them.” It turns out that “employees whose employer has taken a strong stance on current societal and cultural issues are twice as likely to report high job satisfaction.”
Graduate Resident Youth or Children's Minister -- Center for Youth Ministry Training (Multiple Openings)
Graduate Resident Youth Minister
About the Residency: Fulfill your call to youth or children’s ministry through the Graduate Residency in Youth Ministry at the Center for Youth Ministry Training (CYMT). The Graduate Resident Youth or Children’s Minister is a unique professional ministry opportunity that provides you with a job at a local ministry setting (church, camp, or nonprofit) while both training and coaching you as you earn your Masters of Arts in Youth Ministry through CYMT’s partner seminary. CYMT partners with Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, in Austin, TX and also has a Nashville Extension. Acceptance to the program is competitive, as the cohort spots are limited in each region. The cost to the resident is only $2,000 for the 3-year program, with discounts for early application acceptance.
Graduate Residents (on the Placement Track) will receive:
Full scholarship for tuition, books, and housing
Masters degree from accredited seminary
A job as a youth minister in a local church/camping ministry
$1,000 per month stipend
Veteran youth ministry coach
Core Components:
Cohort: Residents are part of a dynamic, group-learning community that provides encouragement and support as they walk through ministry together.
Coaching: Residents receive one-on-one coaching from a youth ministry veteran to help master and apply critical skills.
Classroom: In retreat-style, four times per semester, residents will be challenged to think theologically about ministry and empowered to create ministry programs that evoke deep, life-changing Christian faith.
Church: Residents get hands-on experience in a local church where they serve 25 hours weekly as youth minister.
Care: Residents receive pastoral care and encouragement, empowering them to seek wholeness in their life.
Qualifications: Distinct call to youth or children’s ministry; Ministry experience working with children or youth; Undergraduate degree
General Overview of Job Duties:
Oversee the youth or children’s ministry program, providing strategic leadership to all weekly gatherings, monthly events, and regular trips.
Recruit, train, and work with a volunteer Ministry Team to organize and implement the work of the ministry.
Call on and meet regularly with youth and parents to involve them in the ministry.
Publicize all events to the larger community.
Make a special effort to get youth/children’s members and visitors involved in the ministry.
Work closely with the staff, on calendaring and planning events to avoid scheduling conflicts.
Participate in the weekly Staff Meetings, Ministry Team Meetings, etc.
Ensure that Child Protection policies are observed with all volunteers and staff.
Train volunteers annually on Child Protection policies.
Develop the youth/children’s budget line items annually.
Observe financial policies on expense reporting.
Keep informed as to budget and fund raising accounts.
Other duties as needed and agreed upon with the supervisor.
Assist in worship as scheduled.
Develop service and mission opportunities.
Create fellowship events for youth/children; retreats, off-campus events, parties, etc...
Theological Beliefs: CYMT partners with congregations and individuals representing the theological views and diversity of mainline Protestant Christianity. We partner with mainline Protestant denominations including the United Methodist Church, Presbyterian (PCUSA), Cumberland Presbyterian, Lutheran (ELCA), Episcopal, Disciples of Christ, American Baptist, and Coopera)tive Baptist Fellowship. Our partner seminary is Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary.
Application Process: Apply online at www.cymt.org
Complete online application
Pay $50 application fee
Provide: 3 references (professor, ministry, personal), transcripts, photo, proof of insurance, complete background check
Application deadlines:
Spring Term: November 1
Fall Term Early Admission Deadline 1: November 15 (Save $500 by applying early!)
Fall Term Early Admission Deadline 2: January 15 (Save $250 by applying early!)
Fall Term Final: March 15
Contact: Center for Youth Ministry Training Office: 615.823.7595 Dea Wathen, Admissions Director: dea@cymt.org.
The Center for Youth Ministry Training is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that exists to equip youth ministers and churches to develop theologically informed and practically effective youth ministries. Learn more at cymt.org.
Send application, resume, references, questions to: tiffany@cymt.org. For more information visit www.cymt.org/graduate-residency.
About the Residency: Fulfill your call to youth or children’s ministry through the Graduate Residency in Youth Ministry at the Center for Youth Ministry Training (CYMT). The Graduate Resident Youth or Children’s Minister is a unique professional ministry opportunity that provides you with a job at a local ministry setting (church, camp, or nonprofit) while both training and coaching you as you earn your Masters of Arts in Youth Ministry through CYMT’s partner seminary. CYMT partners with Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, in Austin, TX and also has a Nashville Extension. Acceptance to the program is competitive, as the cohort spots are limited in each region. The cost to the resident is only $2,000 for the 3-year program, with discounts for early application acceptance.
Graduate Residents (on the Placement Track) will receive:
Full scholarship for tuition, books, and housing
Masters degree from accredited seminary
A job as a youth minister in a local church/camping ministry
$1,000 per month stipend
Veteran youth ministry coach
Core Components:
Cohort: Residents are part of a dynamic, group-learning community that provides encouragement and support as they walk through ministry together.
Coaching: Residents receive one-on-one coaching from a youth ministry veteran to help master and apply critical skills.
Classroom: In retreat-style, four times per semester, residents will be challenged to think theologically about ministry and empowered to create ministry programs that evoke deep, life-changing Christian faith.
Church: Residents get hands-on experience in a local church where they serve 25 hours weekly as youth minister.
Care: Residents receive pastoral care and encouragement, empowering them to seek wholeness in their life.
Qualifications: Distinct call to youth or children’s ministry; Ministry experience working with children or youth; Undergraduate degree
General Overview of Job Duties:
Oversee the youth or children’s ministry program, providing strategic leadership to all weekly gatherings, monthly events, and regular trips.
Recruit, train, and work with a volunteer Ministry Team to organize and implement the work of the ministry.
Call on and meet regularly with youth and parents to involve them in the ministry.
Publicize all events to the larger community.
Make a special effort to get youth/children’s members and visitors involved in the ministry.
Work closely with the staff, on calendaring and planning events to avoid scheduling conflicts.
Participate in the weekly Staff Meetings, Ministry Team Meetings, etc.
Ensure that Child Protection policies are observed with all volunteers and staff.
Train volunteers annually on Child Protection policies.
Develop the youth/children’s budget line items annually.
Observe financial policies on expense reporting.
Keep informed as to budget and fund raising accounts.
Other duties as needed and agreed upon with the supervisor.
Assist in worship as scheduled.
Develop service and mission opportunities.
Create fellowship events for youth/children; retreats, off-campus events, parties, etc...
Theological Beliefs: CYMT partners with congregations and individuals representing the theological views and diversity of mainline Protestant Christianity. We partner with mainline Protestant denominations including the United Methodist Church, Presbyterian (PCUSA), Cumberland Presbyterian, Lutheran (ELCA), Episcopal, Disciples of Christ, American Baptist, and Coopera)tive Baptist Fellowship. Our partner seminary is Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary.
Application Process: Apply online at www.cymt.org
Complete online application
Pay $50 application fee
Provide: 3 references (professor, ministry, personal), transcripts, photo, proof of insurance, complete background check
Application deadlines:
Spring Term: November 1
Fall Term Early Admission Deadline 1: November 15 (Save $500 by applying early!)
Fall Term Early Admission Deadline 2: January 15 (Save $250 by applying early!)
Fall Term Final: March 15
Contact: Center for Youth Ministry Training Office: 615.823.7595 Dea Wathen, Admissions Director: dea@cymt.org.
The Center for Youth Ministry Training is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that exists to equip youth ministers and churches to develop theologically informed and practically effective youth ministries. Learn more at cymt.org.
Send application, resume, references, questions to: tiffany@cymt.org. For more information visit www.cymt.org/graduate-residency.
Job: Guest Services Manager (Lake Logan, North Carolina)
Owned by the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina and located in Haywood County, Lake Logan is open year-round to host all types of events, groups, and individuals and is home to Camp Henry, a summer camp program for children, youth, and families, and a year-round outdoor education program (currently in development). The 300-acre property is adjacent to the Shining Rock Wilderness Area of Pisgah National Forest and includes a mile-long lake fed by the West Fork of the Pigeon River, forested and open land, a wide array of historic buildings with 86 cabin beds and 80 dorm style beds, and 4-12 rustic campsites.
Position Purpose: To further the mission and vision of Lake Logan by securing, contracting, planning, and coordinating all Lake Logan groups and functions with the focus on meeting and exceeding guest expectations with every interaction to ensure that guests leave happy.
Relationships:
This position is considered a leadership role and a core member of the staff reporting directly to the executive director.
This position is forward facing with the community.
This position is a strong link connected to the safety and care of the guests of Lake Logan.
This position is a supervisory role working with office volunteers.
This position works closely with all departments as well as with volunteer work teams.
This position works closely with the business manager to track all guest billing and payments.
This position works closely with the Camp Henry director to coordinate space needs during the summer and program/ space needs for the outdoor school.
This position works closely with the director of facilities, director of dining services, and head housekeeper to ensure excellent service for guests.
Owned by the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina and located in Haywood County, Lake Logan is open year-round to host all types of events, groups, and individuals and is home to Camp Henry, a summer camp program for children, youth, and families, and a year-round outdoor education program (currently in development). The 300-acre property is adjacent to the Shining Rock Wilderness Area of Pisgah National Forest and includes a mile-long lake fed by the West Fork of the Pigeon River, forested and open land, a wide array of historic buildings with 86 cabin beds and 80 dorm style beds, and 4-12 rustic campsites.
Position Purpose: To further the mission and vision of Lake Logan by securing, contracting, planning, and coordinating all Lake Logan groups and functions with the focus on meeting and exceeding guest expectations with every interaction to ensure that guests leave happy.
Relationships:
This position is considered a leadership role and a core member of the staff reporting directly to the executive director.
This position is forward facing with the community.
This position is a strong link connected to the safety and care of the guests of Lake Logan.
This position is a supervisory role working with office volunteers.
This position works closely with all departments as well as with volunteer work teams.
This position works closely with the business manager to track all guest billing and payments.
This position works closely with the Camp Henry director to coordinate space needs during the summer and program/ space needs for the outdoor school.
This position works closely with the director of facilities, director of dining services, and head housekeeper to ensure excellent service for guests.
Job: Director of Program Ministries (Pecometh Methodist Camp and Retreat Ministries, Maryland)
The Pecometh Camp and Retreat Ministries (Pecometh) Selection Committee announces a national search and invites inquiries and resumes for its next Director of Program Ministries. Pecometh seeks a highly skilled professional to administer and oversee all aspects of the program operations including, but not limited to camp, retreat, and outdoor programs.
Pecometh partners with over 400 churches of the Peninsula Delaware Conference of The United Methodist Church to provide camps, retreats and outdoor programs to persons of all ages and from all walks of life. Pecometh has operated continuously since 1946 on the Chester River near Centreville, Maryland, providing Christian hospitality and programming that promotes God-inspired, life-changing experiences through camp and retreat ministries.
The Director of Program Ministries is responsible for providing visionary, spiritual leadership and oversight, direction and management for the Pecometh Camp and Retreat Ministries program operations. The preferred candidate must be a highly skilled, visionary leader with genuine passion for people, camping, and the outdoors.
Pecometh’s intention is for the successful candidate to ultimately assume the position of Executive Director in the next two to three years. This is not guaranteed but interested candidates should consider this when making application.
Key Responsibilities:
Responsible for articulating the mission, vision, and values, serving as representative of Pecometh’s ministry in all instances, in both word and deed.
Cultivate vital, healthy relationships for ongoing ministry engagement with staff, volunteers, campers, congregation, donors, local community, organizations, and other potential groups.
Supervise the Camp Programs Coordinator, Retreat Programs Coordinator, and Outdoor Programs Coordinator, ensuring they are meeting the needs and requirements of their programs and are providing high quality experiences.
Coordinate with the Director of Facilities and Director of Retreat Ministries to ensure that facilities and program requirements are met for each program.
Collaborate with the Executive Director and Registrar/Bookkeeper to ensure the financial health, stability, and sustainability of the camp and retreat ministry is maintained. Assist in the development of the annual operating budget.
Create, develop, and implement a fundraising strategy that is mutually beneficial for campers, guests, and donors.
Direct the marketing efforts for all program ministries including, but not limited to, print materials, direct mail, email, website, and content marketing.
Collaborate with the Executive Director to learn all aspects of the donor development operation.
The Pecometh Camp and Retreat Ministry is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively seeks and encourages applications from minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities. All offers of employment are subject to the applicant successfully completing background, reference, and other applicable checks.
Minimum Qualifications:
High School Diploma or GED equivalency is required. Bachelor’s Degree is preferred.
7+ years operational management experience is required, preferably in a camp and retreat setting.
3 to 5 years of previous experience working in a camp and/or retreat environment is required.
3+ years of supervisory experience, including responsibility for program staff is strongly preferred.
Prior experience working with budgets and payroll systems is strongly preferred.
Must possess excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
Must possess strong written, verbal and communications skills.
Genuine passion for people, camping, and outdoors is required.
Ability to independently manage time and effectively prioritize tasks.
Ability to effectively manage a crisis.
Microsoft Office Suite and basic computer knowledge is required.
First Aid, CPR and additional training is strongly preferred.
Current knowledge or willingness to learn the polity and theology of The United Methodist Church is required.
Experience within mainline denominational camping strongly preferred.
Email resume and cover letter to jobs@gcfa.org.
The Pecometh Camp and Retreat Ministries (Pecometh) Selection Committee announces a national search and invites inquiries and resumes for its next Director of Program Ministries. Pecometh seeks a highly skilled professional to administer and oversee all aspects of the program operations including, but not limited to camp, retreat, and outdoor programs.
Pecometh partners with over 400 churches of the Peninsula Delaware Conference of The United Methodist Church to provide camps, retreats and outdoor programs to persons of all ages and from all walks of life. Pecometh has operated continuously since 1946 on the Chester River near Centreville, Maryland, providing Christian hospitality and programming that promotes God-inspired, life-changing experiences through camp and retreat ministries.
The Director of Program Ministries is responsible for providing visionary, spiritual leadership and oversight, direction and management for the Pecometh Camp and Retreat Ministries program operations. The preferred candidate must be a highly skilled, visionary leader with genuine passion for people, camping, and the outdoors.
Pecometh’s intention is for the successful candidate to ultimately assume the position of Executive Director in the next two to three years. This is not guaranteed but interested candidates should consider this when making application.
Key Responsibilities:
Responsible for articulating the mission, vision, and values, serving as representative of Pecometh’s ministry in all instances, in both word and deed.
Cultivate vital, healthy relationships for ongoing ministry engagement with staff, volunteers, campers, congregation, donors, local community, organizations, and other potential groups.
Supervise the Camp Programs Coordinator, Retreat Programs Coordinator, and Outdoor Programs Coordinator, ensuring they are meeting the needs and requirements of their programs and are providing high quality experiences.
Coordinate with the Director of Facilities and Director of Retreat Ministries to ensure that facilities and program requirements are met for each program.
Collaborate with the Executive Director and Registrar/Bookkeeper to ensure the financial health, stability, and sustainability of the camp and retreat ministry is maintained. Assist in the development of the annual operating budget.
Create, develop, and implement a fundraising strategy that is mutually beneficial for campers, guests, and donors.
Direct the marketing efforts for all program ministries including, but not limited to, print materials, direct mail, email, website, and content marketing.
Collaborate with the Executive Director to learn all aspects of the donor development operation.
The Pecometh Camp and Retreat Ministry is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively seeks and encourages applications from minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities. All offers of employment are subject to the applicant successfully completing background, reference, and other applicable checks.
Minimum Qualifications:
High School Diploma or GED equivalency is required. Bachelor’s Degree is preferred.
7+ years operational management experience is required, preferably in a camp and retreat setting.
3 to 5 years of previous experience working in a camp and/or retreat environment is required.
3+ years of supervisory experience, including responsibility for program staff is strongly preferred.
Prior experience working with budgets and payroll systems is strongly preferred.
Must possess excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
Must possess strong written, verbal and communications skills.
Genuine passion for people, camping, and outdoors is required.
Ability to independently manage time and effectively prioritize tasks.
Ability to effectively manage a crisis.
Microsoft Office Suite and basic computer knowledge is required.
First Aid, CPR and additional training is strongly preferred.
Current knowledge or willingness to learn the polity and theology of The United Methodist Church is required.
Experience within mainline denominational camping strongly preferred.
Email resume and cover letter to jobs@gcfa.org.
Handling Negative Reviews & Comments Online
Caffeinated Church offers some tips and tricks for engaging (or not) with snarky, negative, hateful, or spam comments on social media or a review site:
Don’t ignore negative messages, especially on public platforms. Unless you are a church with thousands of negative comments and messages a day, you do not have the luxury of affording those comments going unnoticed or unacknowledged. This not only makes the commenter feel as if their experience and anger has gone unheard, but it makes visitors, church shoppers, and everyone else who can see that comment believe that you are trying to avoid confronting the issue and the person behind it. In this moment, everyone who can see the unacknowledged comment or message will begin to doubt your level of public engagement with your community.
Caffeinated Church offers some tips and tricks for engaging (or not) with snarky, negative, hateful, or spam comments on social media or a review site:
Don’t ignore negative messages, especially on public platforms. Unless you are a church with thousands of negative comments and messages a day, you do not have the luxury of affording those comments going unnoticed or unacknowledged. This not only makes the commenter feel as if their experience and anger has gone unheard, but it makes visitors, church shoppers, and everyone else who can see that comment believe that you are trying to avoid confronting the issue and the person behind it. In this moment, everyone who can see the unacknowledged comment or message will begin to doubt your level of public engagement with your community.
4 Expert Recommendations on Managing Gen Z in the Workplace
This article offers four practices for engaging and managing Gen Z in the workplace:
Keep things moving, and fast
Want their attention? Use visuals, not text
Keep your internal communications game strong
Offer workplace flexibility
Read the complete descriptions here. The article is two years old now, and doesn’t take into account the effects of the pandemic. What still rings true? What would you add?
This article offers four practices for engaging and managing Gen Z in the workplace:
Keep things moving, and fast
Want their attention? Use visuals, not text
Keep your internal communications game strong
Offer workplace flexibility
Read the complete descriptions here. The article is two years old now, and doesn’t take into account the effects of the pandemic. What still rings true? What would you add?
Camp in the national media
Good Morning America ran this story in June about what campers and counselors are doing to stay safe at summer camp. Watch it here. How do stories like this impact and influence your parents, campers, staff, and program?
Good Morning America ran this story in June about what campers and counselors are doing to stay safe at summer camp. Watch it here. How do stories like this impact and influence your parents, campers, staff, and program?
What 'Likeability' Really Means In The Workplace
Alicia Menendez is a journalist, podcast creator and the author of The Likeability Trap.
She says likeability is a moving target — an invisible scorecard that we internalize but that those around us fill out for us. And the stakes of that scorecard are even higher in the workplace.
Alicia Menendez is a journalist, podcast creator and the author of The Likeability Trap.
She says likeability is a moving target — an invisible scorecard that we internalize but that those around us fill out for us. And the stakes of that scorecard are even higher in the workplace.
Whitness at Work: 5-Part Training for Organizations & Leaders
One of the anti-racism resources that ECCC’s staff and board has been relying on is The Adaway Group’s Whitness at Work trainings. They’re releasing new modules (videos and exercises) that we recommend; the topics include:
Foundations
Organizational Reckonings: Past, Present & Future
Power, Perfectionism, and Cultures of Nice
Trust and Culture of Care
Operationalizing Racial Equity
Sign up now and you’ll have access to the materials until March 2022.
One of the anti-racism resources that ECCC’s staff and board has been relying on is The Adaway Group’s Whitness at Work trainings. They’re releasing new modules (videos and exercises) that we recommend; the topics include:
Foundations
Organizational Reckonings: Past, Present & Future
Power, Perfectionism, and Cultures of Nice
Trust and Culture of Care
Operationalizing Racial Equity
Sign up now and you’ll have access to the materials until March 2022.
What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?
Scott Stoner at Living Compass recently shared a lovely reflection about the start of summer and Mary Oliver’s poem, The Summer Day.
The ample pleasures of summer invite us to pay attention, to fall down into the grass, to be idle and blessed, and to stroll through the fields.
Scott Stoner at Living Compass recently shared a lovely reflection about the start of summer and Mary Oliver’s poem, The Summer Day.
The ample pleasures of summer invite us to pay attention, to fall down into the grass, to be idle and blessed, and to stroll through the fields.
Job: Executive Director (Boys Home of Virginia, Diocese of Southern Virginia)
Boys Home of Virginia is a 501c3 organization that provides young men a healthy, supportive environment to foster the growth of their spiritual, educational, and physical life. Founded in 1906 by an Episcopal minister, Boys Home continues to provide boys an environment in which they can succeed and develop to their full potential. The combination of caring adult supervision, a welcoming school environment, a stable living situation, and opportunities to explore educational and career options help students become responsible, well-rounded young men. Boys Home is not an orphanage or simply a school but rather an opportunity for young men to receive a fresh start to mold their character in positive and meaningful ways, in an environment shaped by its ministry. Time spent at Boys Home is a fresh chance for young men to develop their spiritual, mental, physical, and social potential.
Boys Home is located just outside Covington Virginia, a community of approximately 6,000 residents that lies within an area called the Alleghany Highlands - well known for its exceptional outdoor recreation, including the best mountain biking in Virginia and world-class fly fishing. Covington rests within the Appalachian Mountain range and specifically within the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest.
Position Summary: The Executive Director of Boys Home works closely with the Boys Home Board of Trustees and will carry out the organization’s mission, policies, and initiatives. The Executive Director is the official representative of the Boys Home and the administrative leader of all programs and organizational activities including ministry, programming, business management, and fundraising. In addition to working with the Board of Trustees, the Executive Director will work closely with supporters and donors to ensure the financial stability of the organization.
Primary Responsibilities: The Executive Director is the key management leader of Boys Home and directly supervises all activities of Boys Home, its programs, staff, facilities, strategic plan and the ministry. Other key duties include fundraising, marketing, and community outreach. This position reports to the Board of Trustees.
As the key management leader of Boys Home, the Executive Director will have the responsibility to ensure that all functions and responsibilities are focused on the organization’s mission: “To help each student strive to become a productive member of society by developing his spiritual, mental, physical and social potentials”.
Key Responsibilities Include:
Board of Trustees Relationships
Works collaboratively with the Board in order to fulfill the organization’s mission.
Financial Performance and Viability
Develops and manages sufficient resources to ensure the financial health of Boys Home.
Organization Mission and Strategy
Works with the Board and staff to ensure that the mission is fulfilled through the Strategic Plan, programs, and community outreach.
Organization Operations
Oversees and implements the appropriate resources to ensure that the operations of Boys Home meet the mission’s requirements.
Professional Qualifications and Personal Characteristics: The following list of qualifications and characteristics are required for this position. Additionally, the successful candidate must be mission focused and see this opportunity as a calling.
Strong interpersonal skills – proven ability to build and maintain critical relationships with boys, family members, staff, Board members, representatives of the Episcopal Church, community members and donors.
Impeccable integrity, ability to conduct one’s self with honesty and humility in all settings.
Ability to provide thought leadership, vision, and inspiration in fulfilling the mission of Boys Home.
Demonstrated passion for improving the lives of boys through prior successful leadership experience.
Ability to lead and support all Boys Home staff.
Excellent organizational and team management skills, including planning and program development.
Ability to provide strategic input and guidance to Boys Home’s governing Board, staff, and community partners.
Proven ability to fundraise, to build rapport with potential donors and maintain key relationships with existing donors.
Preferred Education and Experience: Minimum 5 years previous executive leadership experience in not-for-profit human service organization is required, preferably residential program experience. Bachelor’s degree required; graduate degree preferred.
Compensation: The Boys Home Executive Director will receive a competitive salary commensurate with education and experience, which includes a comprehensive benefits package, including housing on the campus. Benefits package includes health insurance, retirement (403b plan), life insurance, vacation sick/personal leave and paid holidays.
Statement of Non-Discrimination: Boys Home is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.
Application Process: For more information regarding the Boys Home Executive Director position, please contact Jon Rosell, Senior Search Consultant, The Moran Company: jon (at) morancompany.com. To apply for this position, submit resume and cover letter to Jon Rosell, The Moran Company.
Job Qualifications: Minimum 5 years previous executive leadership experience in not-for-profit human service organization is required, preferably residential program experience. Bachelor’s degree required; graduate degree preferred.
Boys Home of Virginia is a 501c3 organization that provides young men a healthy, supportive environment to foster the growth of their spiritual, educational, and physical life. Founded in 1906 by an Episcopal minister, Boys Home continues to provide boys an environment in which they can succeed and develop to their full potential. The combination of caring adult supervision, a welcoming school environment, a stable living situation, and opportunities to explore educational and career options help students become responsible, well-rounded young men. Boys Home is not an orphanage or simply a school but rather an opportunity for young men to receive a fresh start to mold their character in positive and meaningful ways, in an environment shaped by its ministry. Time spent at Boys Home is a fresh chance for young men to develop their spiritual, mental, physical, and social potential.
Boys Home is located just outside Covington Virginia, a community of approximately 6,000 residents that lies within an area called the Alleghany Highlands - well known for its exceptional outdoor recreation, including the best mountain biking in Virginia and world-class fly fishing. Covington rests within the Appalachian Mountain range and specifically within the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest.
Position Summary: The Executive Director of Boys Home works closely with the Boys Home Board of Trustees and will carry out the organization’s mission, policies, and initiatives. The Executive Director is the official representative of the Boys Home and the administrative leader of all programs and organizational activities including ministry, programming, business management, and fundraising. In addition to working with the Board of Trustees, the Executive Director will work closely with supporters and donors to ensure the financial stability of the organization.
Primary Responsibilities: The Executive Director is the key management leader of Boys Home and directly supervises all activities of Boys Home, its programs, staff, facilities, strategic plan and the ministry. Other key duties include fundraising, marketing, and community outreach. This position reports to the Board of Trustees.
As the key management leader of Boys Home, the Executive Director will have the responsibility to ensure that all functions and responsibilities are focused on the organization’s mission: “To help each student strive to become a productive member of society by developing his spiritual, mental, physical and social potentials”.
Key Responsibilities Include:
Board of Trustees Relationships
Works collaboratively with the Board in order to fulfill the organization’s mission.
Financial Performance and Viability
Develops and manages sufficient resources to ensure the financial health of Boys Home.
Organization Mission and Strategy
Works with the Board and staff to ensure that the mission is fulfilled through the Strategic Plan, programs, and community outreach.
Organization Operations
Oversees and implements the appropriate resources to ensure that the operations of Boys Home meet the mission’s requirements.
Professional Qualifications and Personal Characteristics: The following list of qualifications and characteristics are required for this position. Additionally, the successful candidate must be mission focused and see this opportunity as a calling.
Strong interpersonal skills – proven ability to build and maintain critical relationships with boys, family members, staff, Board members, representatives of the Episcopal Church, community members and donors.
Impeccable integrity, ability to conduct one’s self with honesty and humility in all settings.
Ability to provide thought leadership, vision, and inspiration in fulfilling the mission of Boys Home.
Demonstrated passion for improving the lives of boys through prior successful leadership experience.
Ability to lead and support all Boys Home staff.
Excellent organizational and team management skills, including planning and program development.
Ability to provide strategic input and guidance to Boys Home’s governing Board, staff, and community partners.
Proven ability to fundraise, to build rapport with potential donors and maintain key relationships with existing donors.
Preferred Education and Experience: Minimum 5 years previous executive leadership experience in not-for-profit human service organization is required, preferably residential program experience. Bachelor’s degree required; graduate degree preferred.
Compensation: The Boys Home Executive Director will receive a competitive salary commensurate with education and experience, which includes a comprehensive benefits package, including housing on the campus. Benefits package includes health insurance, retirement (403b plan), life insurance, vacation sick/personal leave and paid holidays.
Statement of Non-Discrimination: Boys Home is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.
Application Process: For more information regarding the Boys Home Executive Director position, please contact Jon Rosell, Senior Search Consultant, The Moran Company: jon (at) morancompany.com. To apply for this position, submit resume and cover letter to Jon Rosell, The Moran Company.
Job Qualifications: Minimum 5 years previous executive leadership experience in not-for-profit human service organization is required, preferably residential program experience. Bachelor’s degree required; graduate degree preferred.
4-day workweeks can boost happiness
At non-profits, and camps, and church organizations, we’re used to doing more with less. What might that look like with actual work days?
Some companies have started exploring shortened work weeks, and not noticing a drop in productivity.
When employees are given a good reason to work harder, they often focus more ruthlessly on their most important tasks. Barnes found that even though weekly working hours were cut by 20 percent, employees’ time spent on nonwork websites fell by 35 percent. It also helped that employees had more time outside of work to manage the rest of their lives, so nonwork responsibilities were less likely to intrude on the workday.
What could this look like in your setting? And what ramifications could a shortened work week have on our retreat centers or camp programs?
At non-profits, and camps, and church organizations, we’re used to doing more with less. What might that look like with actual work days?
Some companies have started exploring shortened work weeks, and not noticing a drop in productivity.
When employees are given a good reason to work harder, they often focus more ruthlessly on their most important tasks. Barnes found that even though weekly working hours were cut by 20 percent, employees’ time spent on nonwork websites fell by 35 percent. It also helped that employees had more time outside of work to manage the rest of their lives, so nonwork responsibilities were less likely to intrude on the workday.
What could this look like in your setting? And what ramifications could a shortened work week have on our retreat centers or camp programs?
Six reasons it pays to trust your employees
One survey found that employees in a trusting environment felt 76% more engaged than those in “low-trust workplaces”: Trusted employees generally feel happier, and happy people are more likely to go the extra mile for their employers. Here are six other benefits to practice trusting your staff:
Enhanced employee engagement
Increased productivity
It enables flexible working
Improved communication
It helps to build team spirit
It encourages employee advocacy
One survey found that employees in a trusting environment felt 76% more engaged than those in “low-trust workplaces”: Trusted employees generally feel happier, and happy people are more likely to go the extra mile for their employers. Here are six other benefits to practice trusting your staff:
Enhanced employee engagement
Increased productivity
It enables flexible working
Improved communication
It helps to build team spirit
It encourages employee advocacy
One way to build trust is to practice flexibility: Get tips on doing that here.
How to Be an Antiracist Supervisor: Start with Changing What You Call Yourself
This article from Nonprofit Quarterly asks an essential question: What would we call ourselves if we were not using terms rooted in oppression? What would we do differently?
European management thinkers are credited for identifying the function of supervisors into five roles: to plan, organize, coordinate, command, and control. This mechanization of labor and unrelenting drive for production led to long work hours, unsafe working conditions, low wages, and exploitative child labor…
Recently, that narrative has been shattered by documented accounts of violently sophisticated business practices originating on the slave plantations of the Caribbean and in the Southern states of America.
This article from Nonprofit Quarterly asks an essential question: What would we call ourselves if we were not using terms rooted in oppression? What would we do differently?
European management thinkers are credited for identifying the function of supervisors into five roles: to plan, organize, coordinate, command, and control. This mechanization of labor and unrelenting drive for production led to long work hours, unsafe working conditions, low wages, and exploitative child labor…
Recently, that narrative has been shattered by documented accounts of violently sophisticated business practices originating on the slave plantations of the Caribbean and in the Southern states of America.
Job: Seasonal Educator (Kanuga, North Carolina)
Mountain Trail Outdoor School is located in the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina. The property has a diverse ecosystem ranging from streams and lakes to mountains and forest. MTOS is a residential environmental education program serving students from both public and private schools from around the southeast. The typical students population ranges from 4th-8th grade. The Mountain Trail Outdoor School’s mission is to offer programs which provide youth and adults the chance to experience positive community, grow physically and mentally, improve self-confidence, and increase awareness and stewardship of our natural environment. The program uses an experiential education model to teach and inspire youth and adults to care for their natural environment around and cultivate community among their peers.
Job Qualifications: We are looking for enthusiastic instructors who enjoy working with youth and have a desire to teach in an outdoor setting. Applicant's must have a Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Education, Recreation, or equivalent work experience. We will also work with interns wishing to receive college credit while working with the outdoor school.
This job includes on-site housing, and a salary of $295/week.
Mountain Trail Outdoor School is located in the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina. The property has a diverse ecosystem ranging from streams and lakes to mountains and forest. MTOS is a residential environmental education program serving students from both public and private schools from around the southeast. The typical students population ranges from 4th-8th grade. The Mountain Trail Outdoor School’s mission is to offer programs which provide youth and adults the chance to experience positive community, grow physically and mentally, improve self-confidence, and increase awareness and stewardship of our natural environment. The program uses an experiential education model to teach and inspire youth and adults to care for their natural environment around and cultivate community among their peers.
Job Qualifications: We are looking for enthusiastic instructors who enjoy working with youth and have a desire to teach in an outdoor setting. Applicant's must have a Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Education, Recreation, or equivalent work experience. We will also work with interns wishing to receive college credit while working with the outdoor school.
This job includes on-site housing, and a salary of $295/week.