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Our Christ-Centered Devotional Book Can Help.

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Creative camp names can make people feel welcome
"Develop a theme, and stick to it!” This is 3CA member Camp Timberline’s advice for giving creative names to ordinary areas around camp. Some of their lingo includes Gram's Chapel (home-like environment for small groups), The Plunge (lake), The Rocky Dome (basketball court), Lone Elk Lodge (dining hall), Flat Rock (quiet area in the woods for small groups) and Prayer Point (scenic overlook with a prayer journal and bench). “A unified theme makes the most sense to camper families instead of one that is disjointed and random,” says Isaac Bartholomew, associate director. Located in the Colorado Rockies, Camp Timberline has also borrowed names related to the area. For example, all the camper cabins are named after mountain peaks or passes (e.g. Wild Basin and Trail Ridge). “We want people to come up to Camp Timberline and truly have a ‘mountain top’ experience (pun intended). So by having fun names and a relaxed environment, kids feel the freedom to be themselves and experience God's love,” Isaac says. “This is also achieved through our counselors who, early on, are trained and inducted into the Camp T culture and have adopted these names as their own dwelling places.” To get started, Isaac suggests creating a culture. Go crazy for the theme and maybe even slightly over the top. He says it might feel funny at first, but the impact will be immeasurable. “Get your staff involved, especially full-time staff, and have fun with it.”

If you have a Big Idea that’s worked well for your camp or conference, please pass it along to Martha Krienke at editor@ccca.org for possible publication in a future issue of Thursday Mail.

Camp staff returns safely from Haiti missions trip
Over the last four years, 3CA member Frontier Camp (Grapeland, Texas), working in partnership with Haitian Pastor Gersan Valcin and his wife, Betty, from Port au Prince, has been developing Jacob’s Well Christian Youth Camp in Northern Haiti. During a recent missions trip, Frontier’s staff team of 16 conducted workshops in camp administration, counseling and camp support/logistics, and worked on developing the piece of property for camp. The team left Port au Prince, Haiti, approximately 44 hours before the earthquake hit Jan. 12, 2010. Frontier Camp staffer Noelle Gonzalez, a veteran of three short-term Haiti trips, stayed behind to continue working with a Global Outreach mission team. She and that team survived the earthquake and treated severely injured victims at the mission’s compound about 15 kilometers north of Port au Prince. She was evacuated last Friday.
Gersan and Betty also survived the earthquake. Although their house is still standing, it is too damaged to go inside. They are currently living in their van. The church that Gersan pastors survived with minor damage and has become a refugee center for over 400 displaced Haitians. But there are no supplies (food or water) available for distribution, according to Frontier Camp. Other Haitian staff working with the Valcins have lost their homes and are staying with the Valcins in front of the Valcin’s home. The camp property and Haitians associated with Jacob’s Well are unharmed but report worsening conditions due to the massive influx of refugees from the south and the unseasonably rainy weather. Those interested in following the relief efforts on behalf of the Valcins can visit the Facebook group ECC Haiti Relief. Please pray for Frontier Camp’s ministry partners in Haiti. “The Lord is doing awesome things there in the midst of the chaos,” says Hans Meinardus, Frontier’s summer camp director.

Las Vegas church launches 'Facebook campus'
Continuing with its mission to “connect the unconnected,” Las Vegas-based Central Christian Church recently became the world’s first church to launch a Facebook campus, holding live church services six times per week. Inspire magazine says the site features interactive church services with live lobby chat, personal chat, tithing, worship and teaching. Mike Bodine, executive pastor of Central Christian Church, led the new campus’s development and launch, and will continue on as head pastor for the site. The church partnered with Plainjoe studios and Facebook to develop the campus after positive response from its year-old online campus. Launched in September, the inaugural service of the Facebook campus saw more than 450 attendees from around the world comprised of a wide variety of demographics. With four valley campuses and two online campuses, Central Christian has more than 15,000 attendees worldwide.

How much did a day at camp cost in 2009?
The answer to this question and others also pertaining to 3CA members' 2009 finances and attendance will be available in the months ahead, but first comes some number crunching. This week 3CA launched the online survey “My Ministry: By the Numbers” to all 3CA executive members. Once the data is tallied, the results will be available to members free of charge through 3CA’s Waypoint Research. You’ll be able to see for yourself how your daily fees for programs or guest group rentals measured up with other camps and conferences in 2009, how your personnel expenses looked in relation to others, and if your annual insurance premiums were in line with similar-sized operations. The deadline for completing the survey is on or before Feb. 19. Executive members with questions about the survey can contact support@ccca.org.

3CA member earns ‘A+’ as a Christian workplace
One of the 2010 Certified Best Christian Workplaces in the U.S. includes 3CA member SpringHill Camps (Evart, Mich.). The research, conducted by the Best Christian Workplaces Institute (BCWI), involved 6,700 employees in 62 organizations across North America to identify great workplaces with a Christian mission and/or values. In order to be Certified as a Best Christian Workplace, organizations must complete the Best Christian Workplaces Institute Employee Engagement survey and meet predetermined standards of excellence. [Source: Christian News Wire, Jan. 5]

A reasonable service
for your camp families

When a camper is injured, out-of-pocket medical expenses can easily exceed the cost of camp, whether or not a family has personal insurance.  American Income Life Insurance Company specializes in affordable, easy to use, camper medical plans for camps and conference centers.

Visit www.americanincomelife.com for basic plan information,  or discuss your coverage needs with Bill Viar at (800) 849-4820 or e-mail bviar@americanincomelife.com.
"Serving Those Who Serve Others” since 1952

Executive Leadership Summit registration begins Friday
3CA is committed to equipping members with valuable resources they can use to improve their ministries. One such opportunity is the Executive Leadership Summit, which will be held in conjunction with Christian Leadership Alliance’s annual conference April 19–21 at the Town and Country Resort & Convention Center in San Diego, Calif. Open to all CEOs and their key staff members, ELS is a high-end, high-intensity training opportunity. In addition to the content-rich CLA conference program, 3CA will bring in outside expertise to facilitate and lead specialized sessions exclusively for 3CA members. Also, throughout the event, 3CA will maintain a homeroom (with snacks and free Wi-Fi) so attending 3CA members can take part in camp-focused training, application and networking. Opportunities for sponsorships (for businesses) in the homeroom are available. Registration for ELS begins by close of business Jan. 22 at www.ccca.org.

Who is Gregg Hunter, and where is he leading 3CA? 
Here’s your chance to learn more about our new president, Gregg Hunter, and his passion and vision for 3CA. Next Thursday, Jan. 28 at 11 a.m. (MT) through a 3CA teleconference, Greg Fields, director of education and field services, will interview Gregg about his life, his passion to serve 3CA members, his love of camping and his vision for our association’s future. Plus, as an attendee, you’ll have the opportunity to submit questions during the last part of the teleconference. It’s free to attend, but you must sign up in order to receive instructions of how to dial in. We hope you can join us in getting better acquainted with Gregg and the exciting future direction of our association. 

Staff changes at 3CA national office
Mike Staires, director of communications and marketing services, has left 3CA to pursue other opportunities. We thank Mike for his service to the association and its members over the last two and-a-half years, and we wish him well in his new endeavors. Please join us in praying for Mike and his family as they follow God’s leading in the next phase of their journey.

Camping leaders exchange ideas on new 3CA blog
Check out the latest post "How Many Safety Lines are Too Many?" at the new 3CA President's blog, Kindling. Gregg Hunter recalls his experience riding a zipline and how a staff member's silence cost him some pain and embarrassment. Then jump over and read last week's post "Listening for God's Voice" and tell us your thoughts. In the same way small pieces of wood can aid in starting big fires, we want this blog to be fire starter for your brain. Join the conversation by sharing your similar experiences, asking a question or giving some advice. To receive e-mail updates when a new post is available, you can subscribe to the blog by following the links on the blog site.

Book speaks to heart of teenage pain
With the powerful arrival of its sixth studio album, Confessions, Pillar continues to impress critics and fans alike. Known for unparalleled energy, commitment to excellence and consistently surpassing fan expectations, the hard rock quartet delivers big on its album’s weighty message with a new book produced by Pillar’s frontman, Rob Beckley and American Bible Society. The “Confessions” book emerges as a resource to address some of the most salient issues affecting youth today: spiritual doubts, sexuality, brokenness and self image. Each section includes thematic confessions, a short devotional, reflection questions and Scriptures references for digging deeper. “Confessions” book will be available online soon at www.pillar.americanbible.org. 

The 411 on growing closer to God
Looking for a way to get your parents and older campers in God’s Word daily? Check it out: 411God is a minute of Bible on your phone. When their cell phone rings, people everywhere can listen to God's Word and start to know Him better. They set the time. Their phone rings. They answer. They listen. Camp Cedar Cliff (Asheville, N.C.) has been sharing links to this new service with parents to sign up themselves and their kids who have e-mail and cell phones. “Parents have told us they like the e-mail and phone call they and their kids are getting from 411God.net,” says Hugh Wright, president and CEO. Though there is no charge for 411God, be aware that standard cell and Internet service charges still apply. 411God is brought to you by the Center for Bible Engagement, a ministry of Back to the Bible. 

Jan. 22–31: WFR course in Colorado
This 10-day Wilderness First Responder course at Camp Redcloud (Lake City, Colo.) is designed specifically to provide you with the tools to make critical medical and evacuation decisions in remote locations. Half of your time will be spent completing practical skills, case studies and scenarios designed to challenge your decision-making abilities. This course also includes the WMI CPR class and is approved for 70 continuing education hours for EMTs. For more information visit www.campredcloud.org/wfr or contact Brandi Compton at bcompton@campredcloud.org, (254) 644-6503 or (970) 944-2625, ext. 246.

February–April: 2010 CCCA Sectionals
An extensive network exists for CCCA camp and conference members. It's on this local level that an exciting synergism is felt and the amazing momentum of the association is most evident. Each CCCA section has officers who oversee valuable benefits, including sectionals, annual grassroots conferences to nurture and educate leaders on all levels. Several sectional conferences will kick off the new year with warm fellowship, valuable education, meaningful worship times, and relevant product and service exhibits. To find out when your 2010 sectional will be held, check out 3CA's online calendar.

Feb. 4–7: ACCT Symposium and Conference in Georgia
Professionals from all aspects of the challenge-course industry, including canopy/zip line tours, will present a host of workshops for you to choose from during eight different 90-minute time periods. Additionally, there will be several three-hour workshops on Sunday morning for extended learning opportunities. For complete information on the conference and a tentative list of workshops, visit www.acctinfo.org/displayconvention.cfm.

Feb. 6: Camp to Camp in New York
Calling all Western NY camp leaders! A Camp to Camp is a regional gathering of camp leaders for the purpose of fellowship, networking and prayer together. Come for lunch at noon (suggested donation of $5 for lunch) at Odosagih Bible Conference (Machias, N.Y.). Section President-Elect Ron Mackey will be present to share vision for a renewed New York Section and to hear your input. Please RSVP by e-mailing Roger White.

Feb. 19–21: WFR Recertification course in Colorado
Are your wilderness medicine protocols on the tip of your tongue or in the bottom of your pack? This three-day scenario-based course at Camp Redcloud (Lake City, Colo.) is designed as review and practice of evacuation and decision-making guidelines. It also provides wilderness medicine practitioners with current updates in the wilderness medicine field. For more information visit www.campredcloud.org/wfr or contact Brandi Compton at bcompton@campredcloud.org, (254) 644-6503 or (970) 944-2625, ext. 246.

Feb. 25: Camp to Camp in New York
A Camp to Camp is a regional gathering of camp leaders for the purpose of fellowship, networking and prayer together. This Camp to Camp will be held at Camp Pinnacle (Voorheesville, N.Y.). Come for lunch at noon (suggested donation of $5 for lunch). Section President Chris Gerardi and President-Elect Ron Mackey will be present to share vision for a renewed New York Section and to hear your input. Please RSVP to Chris Gerardi.

April 14–17: Christian Paintball Symposium in Ohio
Paintball is considered one of the safest and fastest growing sports in the U.S. and is attracting both youth and adults from all walks of life. This Christian Paintball Symposium at 3CA member Pleasant Vineyard Ministries (Camden, Ohio) will instruct your camp on how you can use this sport as an evangelistic tool to reach countless individuals. To register, download the form at www.pvmcamp.com. Any questions, contact David Maynard or Tim Gray at (937) 452-3347.

April 19–21: CCCA Executive Leadership Summit
Held in conjunction with Christian Leadership Alliance’s annual conference at Town and Country Resort and Conference Center in San Diego, the Executive Leadership Summit is open to all 3CA CEOs and their key staff members. ELS will be a high-end, high-intensity training opportunity. In addition to the content-rich CLA conference program, 3CA will bring in outside expertise to facilitate and lead specialized sessions exclusively for 3CA members. Also, throughout the event, 3CA will maintain a homeroom (with snacks and free Wi-Fi) so attending 3CA members can take part in camp-focused training, application and networking. Opportunities for sponsorships (for businesses) in the homeroom are available.  Registration for ELS begins by close of business Jan. 22 at www.ccca.org.

May 6–12: OLL adventure staff training in Virginia
The Outdoor Leadership Lab (OLL) will host its annual spring training at Crossroads Camp and Conference Center (Lowesville, Va.). This year’s instructor training courses include rock climbing, facilitation and adventure recreation, backpacking/expedition planning, and an American Canoe Association certification course (May 7–12). In addition OLL will host a SOLO Wilderness First Aid and Wilderness First Responder recertification course on May 6 and 7. To register or for more information, visit www.outdoorleadershiplab.com or e-mail Nathan at nhelweg@altusadventures.com.

Sept. 23: CCCA Online Training Conference
For the first time in its history, 3CA will offer an entire conference exclusively online. This unique training event will feature recognized experts in each of our 10 core educational tracks giving a 20-minute presentation all delivered online to your computer. OTC will also include segments (between each presentation) where practitioners will be interviewed to glean the most out of each presentation. Multiple sponsorship opportunities will be available for this event. Watch for more information at www.ccca.org.

Oct. 21–24: CHA International Conference in Florida
The CHA 2010 International Conference will be held at The Oaks Equestrian Center - O’Connor Signature Facility in Lake City, Fla., just outside of Gainesville. Plan on joining CHA for an educational and fun experience. Visit www.cha-ahse.org/conferences to find out more about presentations, etc. as they are scheduled.

Nov. 1–4: CCCA National Team Gathering
Held at Ridgecrest Conference Center, Asheville, N.C., this event will be team focused and staff friendly. With ample educational opportunities and multiple housing options, the NTG is an excellent place for leaders to bring their entire teams. Watch for more information at www.ccca.org.

Visit the CCCA Online Calendar for more details and other events.

When things don’t go your way
I recently visited a camp that maintained a wonderful menagerie of snakes, fish, birds and even a two-toed sloth. Within the confines of his critter room, this unique creature hangs upside down from ropes and moves across the room with glacial speed. The staff feed him while campers pet his unique hairdo because keeping him well fed and comfortable makes the sloth less likely to feel threatened or defensive. When I get my way, I tend to cooperate as well. When I have my needs met, I can be a pretty nice person. The challenge is when things don't go my way and when others are not meeting my needs. Do I become grumpy, defensive, aggressive or dangerous, or do I rise above my life’s self-centered, me-first tendency? Paul enjoyed good days and faced miserable conditions as well, yet he learned to live above the circumstances. He said, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:12-13). Our contentment must not rest on our circumstances because eventually things will not go our way. Ultimately, we must ride above this life’s highs and lows, and relax in the strength God provides.

—Contributed by Dan Bolin, D.Min., International Director, CCI Worldwide (If you would like the weekly update “Fresh Bread” from Dan Bolin, please contact him at dan@cciworldwide.org.) 

If you would like to write a Words to Grow On devotional thought for Thursday Mail, make it 100–200 words long, include at least one Bible verse, and send it to Martha Krienke at editor@ccca.org.

Advertising information

POSITIONS AVAILABLE

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: SKYVIEW RANCH CAMP & RETREAT CENTER (www.skyviewranch.org) is seeking applications for the position of Assistant Director. The Assistant Director provides team leadership while enhancing programs and serving as the guest group coordinator for extensive year round events. The position grants opportunity for outdoor ministry and adventure activities in a hands-on learning environment. Seeing lives changed through the gospel message is our passionate pursuit as we seek this vital ministry partnership role. Collegiate education and Christian Camping experience is preferred. On-site housing, competitive wage and health benefits are just part of the blessings that overflow in a ministry that has witnessed over 60 percent growth rate in the past three years. Please send request for job description/application and complete resume/references to: Jeremy Hales, Executive Director by e-mail: jeremy@skyviewranch.org.

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT – IMMEDIATE OPENING. MISSION SPRINGS CHRISTIAN CAMPS AND CONFERENCE CENTER in the Santa Cruz Mountains is seeking a seasoned full-time Director of Development to join our team. Candidate must have a heart to serve the Lord and strong desire to serve people of all ages through the ministry of Christian camping and engage others in the same. Qualified candidates will have five years experience in the development and implementation of strategic fundraising plans. Responsible for all development activities including overseeing, executing, and managing of the annual giving programs, capital fund drives, fundraising events, and relationship building. Candidates must have strong verbal and written communication skills. Computer and database management skills required. Excellent compensation package including benefits. To apply, submit resume and cover letter to Bryan Hayes at bhayes@missionsprings.com. Visit  www.missionsprings.com to learn more.

REAL ESTATE
BEAUTIFUL RETREAT PROPERTY FOR SALE: Just off the banks of the Guadalupe River in New Braunfels, Texas, lie 50 acres with an attractive red barn and sleeping for 70 guests to get away. Live Oak Ranch is established in a valley encompassing high bluffs, live oaks, starry nights and four ponds pouring into each other, which provide an ideal setting for one to disconnect from the daily routine. Founded in 2003, Live Oak Ranch has provided all-inclusive services to many groups/ages. Our ropes course and hiking trails along with multiple meeting areas and down home amenities provide an intimate setting for all to enjoy. Nearby recreational opportunities: Guadalupe River for fly fishing and tubing along with Canyon Lake for those interested in mountain biking and water skiing. Live Oak Ranch is located just 35 minutes north of San Antonio off IH-35 in the Hill Country and 50 minutes south of beautiful Austin. For further information and photos, check us out by tapping into www.liveoakranch.org; or contact us by phone/e-mail: (830) 964-5540; stephen@liveoakranch.org.

PROFITABLE CAMP REDUCED FOR SALE AFTER 2010 SUMMER SEASON! The Eagle Ranch on Ice Mountain www.eagleadventures.com is located two hours north of Atlanta on the most western mountain in the State of NC. The 36-acre full service camp caters to youth groups & can accommodate 300 guests daily. Established in 1994 the camp continues operating in the black and is financially on target with bookings for the 2010 season. After paying all salaries for the entire staff of 25 and all the annual operational & maintenance expenses, the camp generates a six figure operating net profit in only 12 weeks. The existing facility can support double the number of campers currently using the camp without any additional infrastructure needed. The Appalachian Mission Outreach Program centers on Habitat, Humanitarian & Environmental Service Projects. "On property" amenities include high tower rappelling & climbing, a team building challenge course & paintball trails. Whitewater rafting & tubing are operated daily for campers through separate companies using camp staff as guides. The updated appraised listing price of $1.2m includes the 36-acre camp property, all the infrastructure, a solid ongoing positive cash flow, equipment & programming. Owner financing is not available. To receive a prospectus call (423) 496-4666 or e-mail davidhscott@bellsouth.net.

MISCELLANEOUS

TRINITY MEMBERS ARE NOW COLLECTIVELY SAVING MORE THAN $7,000,000 DOLLARS EACH YEAR!  We are currently serving more than 1,000 members in 49 states, with average savings of several thousand dollars, and many members saving tens of thousands, often without changing anything they do. TRINITY MINISTRIES, in affiliation with HPSI, can help substantially through agreements with U.S. Foodservice, SYSCO, Gordon Food Service, Martin Brothers, Feesers, HFM and IFH, as well as with Office Depot, Staples, The Original Mattress Factory, HD Supply, Suburban Propane, Ferrellgas, Summit Payroll, Sherwin-Williams, ECOLAB, Briggs Corporation for first aid supplies, Direct Supply for commercial kitchen equipment, and many more. Please visit www.trinity-usa.net for further information and our supplier listing. Join now to save during the winter/spring conference and facility maintenance season and have a head start on savings for next summer!

There is NO COST for membership in TRINITY/HPSI and no obligation for anything. You decide which agreements are beneficial for your camp and use them at your discretion. For more information or a complimentary analysis of your foodservice savings opportunity, call us at (615) 672-0229 or e-mail trinity-usa@comcast.net . See how the $9 billion annual volume of HPSI members can benefit your ministry budget.

To advertise in future TM Classifieds:
Ad size is a maximum of 1,000 characters and spaces per ad placed; deadline is the Friday before the first or third Thursday in any given month. Member rates are $89 per ad placement per issue (or just $129 for two successive issues); members may add their logo for an additional $15. Members who purchase online job listings will receive a discount on TM Classifieds. Submit your ad and make payment online.

CCCA is a not-for-profit organization committed to furthering Christian camping. CCCA provides limited space in the “TM Classifieds” for advertising opportunities, services, and products to advance the cause of Christian camping. CCCA is not responsible for the claims made by its advertisers and reserves the right to select or reject any advertising, in the sole discretion of CCCA, for any or no reason.
 
PRIVACY: Protecting your privacy is very important to us at CCCA. We will not rent, sell, or exchange your e-mail address with a third party for any purpose. All Scripture quotations taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, unless otherwise noted. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers.

Thursday Mail is sent to you as a member service of CCCA. The content does not necessarily represent the views of or imply endorsement by CCCA. To submit items for publication, e-mail Martha Krienke at editor@ccca.org. If your organization or company is interested in sponsoring a future issue of Thursday Mail, contact Bob Baylor at (719) 260-9400, extension 121, or e-mail advertising@ccca.org See www.ccca.org/public/publications/thursmail.asp for rates and deadline information.