Hero of Camping
Award
This award honors exceptional individuals who have significantly contributed to the ministry and vitality of Episcopal camps and conference centers. This award recognizes those who embody ECCC’s mission with a spirit of advocacy, leadership, and dedication. Through their unwavering commitment, award recipients have significantly influenced their communities and the church, cultivating spaces for growth, reflection, and transformation in Episcopal Camping Ministry. This award was first given to the Rt. Rev. Thomas Shaw at the 2009 General Convention of the Episcopal Church.
Past Winners
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For her tireless advocacy, Safe Church initiatives, exemplary leadership, and commitment to enriching the camp experience, leaving a lasting impact on campers and staff alike.
2022
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In recognition of her passion for camping ministry as a visionary educator, committed researcher, innovative program designer, and a generous ECCC Visionary & Advocacy Council member, conversation starter, and friend.
2018
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In recognition of the passion, vision and unfaltering leadership in helping create and sustain excellent camping ministries, while ardently serving camp as counselors, activities director, teachers, priest, chaplain, dean, archdeacon, bishop, retreat leaders, and ECCC visionary council members.
2015
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As camp director, trip leader, folk dancer, card player, singalong initiator, mentor, founding ECCC member and the organization's Executive Director, and friend to many, Peter's compassion, integrit vision, and committed leadership helped create and sustain excellent camping and conferencing ministries, and a community of camping & conferencing professionals.
2015
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In recognition of her vision and lifelong commitment as educator, priest, bishop and Presiding Bishop to the training of generations of young leaders who are transforming the world.
2012
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In recognition of his lifelong commitment as educator, board leader and ECCC National Council member to help children and young adults discover the beauty and wonder of God's creation.
2012
2024
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On behalf of the many he has inspired to “be a blessing,” and in recognition of Bishop Brian N. Prior’s decades of commitment to Episcopal camping, through mentorship and clear vision.
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In recognition of his bold vision and his commitment to enriching the lives of children, adults and families by creating, promoting, and sustaining the Barbara C. Harris Camp and Conference Center.
2009
Peter Bergstrom
Award
This award recognizes a deeply committed member of our community who has advanced the cause of Episcopal Camps and Conference Centers through mentoring, advocacy, and innovative programming.
To be considered for this award a candidate needs to exemplify mentoring, advocacy and innovative programming.
Past Winners
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Eleanor is a remarkable leader who has made a significant impact on the ECCC community. Her accomplishments, including transforming Beckwith Camp and Conference Center into a premier center, revitalizing the Board of Directors and fundraising apparatus, and mentoring numerous colleagues, demonstrate her exceptional leadership skills. Her ability to inspire and guide others, not only in their professional development but also in their personal lives, is a testament to her strength as a mentor and her commitment to fostering a sense of community and belonging.
2023
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Toni Marie is a dedicated and influential leader who has made a significant impact on the ECCC community. Her tireless efforts to secure health benefits have saved thousands of dollars, contributing to the financial stability of ECCC and its member centers. Her mentorship of Patty during a transition period was invaluable, and her guidance has been sought by many. Toni Marie's exceptional leadership skills, joy, and support have earned her the Peter Bergstrom Leadership Award, and her departure is deeply felt, but she will always be remembered as an essential and beloved leader.
2020
2018
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On January 16, 2017, we presented the second annual Peter Bergstrom Leadership Award, which recognizes a member of our community who has been a mentor and an advocate of the camping and retreat ministry.
Last year's recipient, Peter Bergstrom, presented this year's award, to someone who has always been actively available to support the organization and its members: "Like Google, this person has been an open source of tips, insight and resources that come with 39+ years of experience."
Our award winner has been a mentor to many people in this organization at all job levels. This person has helped our organization develop a relationship with the American Camp Association and has personally been a sounding board to camps as they go through accreditation. Our award winner took their own camp from being in the red, with dropping attendance, to being ACA accredited, self-sustaining, and a point of pride for its diocese, along the way developing many innovative camp programs, always with same goal: help campers to build self esteem.
2017
2016
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Brad’s contributions have left an indelible mark on ECCC and the broader camp and conference ministry. His six years on the ECCC Board of Directors, including his tenure as Treasurer, showcased his keen financial insight and commitment to transparency. By reshaping how the ECCC budget was presented, he empowered members to better understand financial operations and inspired increased generosity, demonstrating how donations directly impact education, scholarships, consulting, and advocacy efforts. As board president, Brad led ECCC through the hiring of ECCC's current executive director and walked alongside Jess during her first year.
During the challenges of the pandemic, Brad’s leadership at St. Columba was nothing short of extraordinary. His innovative Certainty Campaign raised over $225,000, ensuring the center’s survival and eventual reopening. His ability to make bold decisions while instilling hope in the St. Columba community and the Diocese of West Tennessee exemplifies his forward-thinking leadership.
Brad has also played a pivotal role in expanding St. Columba’s camping programs, serving over 1,000 youth annually. Through programs like Mud Camp, Camp Able, Camp Sweet Retreat, and Winterfest, he has ensured that children of all abilities and backgrounds have access to life-changing experiences in a welcoming and nurturing environment. At a time when young people face increasing stress and mental health challenges, Brad has worked tirelessly to create a space where they can grow in faith, build meaningful relationships, and develop a deeper connection with God.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Brad’s true gift is his unwavering support for his colleagues. He is always available to listen, offer guidance, and walk alongside others in their challenges. His frequent check-ins—asking, “How can I help?” and “How are you doing?”—are a testament to his care and commitment to those around him.
Brad’s leadership, advocacy, and deep sense of community embody the very spirit of the Peter Bergstrom Leadership Award. His dedication has strengthened not only St. Columba but also the entire ECCC network, ensuring that more people experience the transformative power of camps and conference centers.
2025
2024
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Helen exemplifies the advocacy of camp and conference ministry through her passion for helping others. Every human being who has come in contact with Helen feels her love and knows she will always advocate for what is right. Camp and conference centers play a vital role in each individual's spiritual journey, connecting their own journey to their parishes and then completing the circle by offering a thin place for all of these components to intertwine. Allowing communities to grow and strengthen alongside each other. Even after serving as Co-EDs at Camp Mitchell for many years, Helen and Rick continue to serve as Interim Directors, helping other Episcopal camp and retreat centers stay afloat during transitions.
2022
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Teri is a steadfast supporter and cheerleader for camping ministry, and it shows in her dedication not only to the individual program she serves but also her broader support for the entire ECCC network. She is committed to showing up, both physically and mentally/emotionally for the organization and the individuals who make it up. Teri is kind, smart and hard working. She is always willing to help one of her colleagues - either through assisting them in a job or supporting them in a time of need. She, through her very being, exemplifies the welcome/care/love that our camps try to teach.
2019
Lifetime Achievement Award
This award is given as to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding dedication, contributions, and service to the field of camps and conference ministry throughout their career.
This award was given out for the first time at ECCC’s 2025 Annual Conference at Kanuga.
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In recognition for his dedication, innovation, and resiliency in the field of camp and conference ministry throughout his distinguished 42 year career as Director and Executive Director at Camp Arrowhead.
2025
Past Winners
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In recognition for her vision, support, and dedication to the field of camp and conference ministry throughout her distinguished 40 year career at Camp Stevens.
2025
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In recognition for her outstanding dedication, tenacity, and intentionality to the field of camps and conference ministry throughout their career.
2025
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In recognition for his transformative leadership, collaborative spirit, and unwavering commitment to eco-justice in the field of camp and conference ministry throughout his distinguished 30 year career as Executive Director of the Bishops Ranch.
2025
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In recognition of their commitment, inclusiveness, and dedication to community building in the field of camp and conference ministry throughout their distinguished career.
2025
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In recognition of their unwavering dedication, boundless hospitality, and spirit of generosity in the field of camp and conference ministry throughout their careers and beyond.
2025
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In recognition for his outstanding dedication, tenacity, and intentionality to the field of camps and conference ministry throughout their career
2025
Trailblazer Award
This award recognizes a leader who, even though is relatively new to their role, has already made a significant impact, showcasing remarkable leadership that inspires those around them through their energy, initiative, and commitment.
This award was given out for the first time at ECCC’s 2025 Annual Conference at Kanuga.
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In recognition of her passionate commitment to inclusion and gift for making every individual feel seen, valued, and celebrated, leading with warmth, compassion, and a vision that inspires those who work alongside her.
2025
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In recognition of her exceptional leadership, dedication, and inspiration to the ECCC community, as well as her resilience in restoring and revitalizing.
2025
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In recognition of his visionary leadership, tireless efforts, and passion for creating spaces where others find joy, connection, and growth.
2025
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In recognition of his unyielding commitment and resilience in the face of challenges, both expected and unforeseen, for his work moving with steady pace and peace, and for recognizing others’ vulnerabilities can be strengths in a camp environment.
2025
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In recognition of her steadfast dedication to Camp Kanuga and ECCC - she has remained a guiding force, inspiring campers, staff, and families with her passion and perseverance.
2025
Past Winners
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In recognition of her unwavering commitment to community building, visionary mindset, and sharing the gifts of others with those in need.
2025
Bishops Council
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