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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For more than twenty years, Stuart has been a steady and visionary presence in this ministry — serving as Executive Director of Camp Galilee, previously offering leadership at Camp Stevens and St. Christopher, and strengthening countless lives shaped by camp. His impact extends far beyond any single site. Through his service as President of the ECCC Board, his leadership in executive searches and transitions, and his generous consulting work with centers across the country, Stuart has helped guide and sustain this entire network.
At the heart of Stuart’s leadership is mentorship. He has walked alongside generations of young adults, helping them discover their gifts and step into leadership with confidence, curiosity, and faith. Many now serve across the Church and beyond — living proof of his enduring influence. Stuart was himself mentored by Peter Bergstrom, and he often asks, “What would Peter do?” — a question he answers daily through patience, wisdom, and generosity.
Stuart is also a passionate advocate for this ministry, for justice, for care of creation, and for the people who find belonging in these sacred spaces. His leadership reminds us that to stay in this work — despite its challenges — requires deep belief in its importance.
It is a profound and fitting honor to recognize Stuart Campbell with the Peter Bergstrom Leadership Award — not only because Peter was his mentor, but because Stuart so beautifully embodies Peter’s spirit, vision, and love for this ministry.
2026
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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.
2024
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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.
2022
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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
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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
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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.
2023
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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.
2020
2019
2018
2016
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.
Past Winners
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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
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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 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 for his outstanding dedication, tenacity, and intentionality to the field of camps and conference ministry throughout their career
2025
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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 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 unwavering dedication, boundless hospitality, and spirit of generosity in the field of camp and conference ministry throughout their careers and beyond.
2025
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.
Trailblazer Award
Past Winners
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Cn. Alex Flannagan is a leader who builds belonging wherever he goes. In his first summer at Camp Cross, Alex helped launch the camp’s inaugural Queer Family Camp, creating sacred space for LGBTQ+ families at a time when very few Episcopal camps were doing this work. Under his leadership, Camp Cross deepened its commitment to inclusive, Christ-centered formation and broke ground on an accessible retreat center. Whether cooking meals, fixing facilities, comforting campers, or leading prayer, Alex shows us that no task is too small when it is done with love. He is a true trailblazer in servant leadership.
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Kate Howton leads with joy, creativity, and deep love for camp ministry. Through tireless work, she rebuilt and transformed youth programming at the Barbara C. Harris Center, centering community, equity, restorative practices, and belonging. Her leadership has strengthened programs, grown participation, and created a culture of trust, laughter, and care. Kate also has a rare gift for building community beyond her own center, welcoming others and calling us all into deeper connection. She is a trailblazer because she reminds us that joy itself is a powerful form of leadership.
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Sara Yoe stepped into their first summer as Camp Director during a season of major transition and led with remarkable calm, care, and clarity. Despite staffing challenges and leadership change, Sara ensured that campers and counselors continued to experience the transformational heart of Claggett’s ministry. They strengthened safety, compliance, and operational integrity while holding people with compassion and grace. Sara’s steady presence created a culture where staff and campers could thrive — and the fact that every Camp America staff member wants to return next year speaks volumes. Sara is a trailblazer in resilient, heart-centered leadership.
2026
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 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
2026
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Hannah Graham is a leader who holds both the details and the vision. During a year of significant transition, Hannah helped steady the ship while improving operations with creativity, curiosity, and kindness. No task is beneath her, and no challenge goes unmet — she shows up fully, whether washing dishes or imagining a more sustainable future. Hannah doesn’t just solve problems; she invites others into the journey, building shared ownership and hope along the way. Her leadership has helped the community not only endure change, but grow through it.
2026
2026
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Christian is kind and professional and never shies away from saying hard things. And though his camp career took him away from one of our member centers, he continued to serve as an active member on the ECCC Council of Advice and agreed to serve on this year’s awards committee. Don’t worry - he did not sway this vote. He is a trailblazer because he reminds us all to bring our whole selves to our work.
2026
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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.
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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
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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
Bishops Council
MORE INFORMATION COMING SOON