CHURCH MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY protects 1,800 camps and conference centers and is the official underwriter of the CCCA Property and Liability Insurance Program. Coverage includes activities few general insurers cover, including horseback riding, ropes courses and climbing walls. We also offer an online library of free safety materials designed for camps and conference centers. Our free on-site risk and insurance needs analysis has benefited thousands of camps. For your free on-site analysis and quotation, call (800) 554-2642, e-mail marketing@churchmutual.com, visit www.churchmutual.com, or write to Church Mutual Insurance Company, 3000 Schuster Lane, Merrill, WI 54452.

Helping guest groups get their ducks in a row
In today’s culture it is likely that the first place someone will go to get information about your camp, conference or retreat center is the Web. If you can provide that information in a quick, clean and fun manner, then the inquiries that you get will be less about your camp and more about, “When can we come?” Heartland Conference Retreat Center (Marengo, Ohio) estimates the ratio of bookings due to their Web site versus all other forms of advertising is 50/50. Their Web site plays a vital role in marketing and providing information to potential guests. The way they determine what content to post is to ask if it will benefit a potential guest in one of three ways: 1) Provide information—Can potential guests quickly access enough information to determine if they would like to move from merely browsing about a possible location for their event to an actual inquiry? 2) Assist in planning—Does the information provided add value to potential guests while planning their retreats? “We want potential guests to know we will assist and serve them during every phase of their retreat,” says Lonnie Thompson, director of marketing and guest services. 3) Provide downloadable resources—Can guests go directly to the Web site to print off resources and documents that they can then distribute to their group? “We want to equip retreat planners with everything from maps to consent forms,” Lonnie says. Visit www.heartlandretreat.com/retreats to learn more and perhaps gain some ideas for your camp or conference’s Web site.

Change of FEMA flood maps affecting camps
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been digitizing designated flood plains throughout the country in recent years. In many cases this has expanded the previously defined flood plains affecting homeowners, businesses and camps. 3CA member Darrie Nelson of Riverside Bible Conference Association in Wisconsin says they used to have three to four buildings that were in the designated flood plain; now the majority of their buildings are. 3CA members should be aware that FEMA is not notifying property owners about the changes directly, but rather the news is coming through banks that hold mortgages. There are a few instances where the new lines change the designation of structures from within to outside the flood-plain designation. Mortgage holders will require property within the newly expanded 100-year flood areas to have flood insurance. Owners will also be required to meet additional requirements for new construction. In some cases, new construction will be impossible. Property owners may appeal the designation (i.e. where the line is drawn defining the 100-year flood plain), but they must bear the expense of surveys and engineering studies of the river. For more information about these changes, read these two recent articles: "FEMA flood maps are full of errors, cities say" and "Floodplain map revamp raises anger." Information about the process is available at the FEMA Web site.

Teenage boys really do eat a lot
In a lunch-buffet experiment involving 200 kids ages 8 to 17, researchers found that boys routinely ate more compared with girls their own age. But boys in their mid-teens were the most ravenous of all, downing an average of nearly 2,000 lunchtime calories. Prepubescent boys, generally between the ages of 8 and 10, averaged nearly 1,300 lunchtime calories, versus 900 among prepubescent girls. Girls showed the biggest increase in appetite during early- to mid-puberty, roughly between the ages of 10 and 13. Girls that age averaged almost 1,300 lunchtime calories, and that figure was only slightly higher among girls who were in late puberty. [Source: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, May 26]

Camp and conference summer staff compensation
3CA asked its members in the most recent Waypoint Research online survey, what is your typical gross weekly pay for summer staff, not including room and board. Tallying the data from 137 survey respondents, 3CA discovered the highest paying job is the summer program director, ranging from $180 to $300 per week. The lowest paying job is waiters and waitresses, ranging from $100 to $193 per week. Cabin counselors' compensation ranges from $150 to $210 per week. And payment for head/lead counselors ranges from $173 to $230 per week. The other survey results are available online free of charge to members. Non-members must purchase the report in the online store for $39. To view the results, log in to the Member Portal and select the icon for “My Ministry: Compensation & Benefits.” As a reminder, this and all other research data should be used as one of, and not the only tool or source of information in guiding your decisions about your camp. [Source: “My Ministry: Compensation & Benefits,” 2010]

Job-seeking hardly a ‘full-time job’ for most unemployed
Less than 40 percent of unemployed job-seekers spend an average of more than four hours per day searching for work, and only 7 percent devote six hours or more to the task daily, despite abundant advice that looking for work should be a "full-time job," according to research led by Connie R. Wanberg of the University of Minnesota. The finding dovetails with research showing that the unemployed are natural targets for time-consuming family tasks. [Source: Academy of Management, June 29]

CCCA National Conference more affordable than ever
OK, OK. You’ve heard it all before: Register for the 2010 CCCA National Conference before July 31, and you’ll save $50 per person. But did you know this year’s early-bird rate for 3CA members is $200 less than it was last year? For years, many members have expressed a desire to attend a national conference, but they’ve been unable to because of the costs associated with travel, lodging and the conference fees. We’ve listened and are now building a National Conference (Dec. 6–9 in Asheville, N.C.) that will provide all the benefits of past conferences—education, networking and spiritual growth—at an affordable rate that will allow you to send more leaders and staff to this important event. Plus accommodation and meal options provided by Ridgecrest Conference Center allow you to customize the cost and experience to your staff’s needs. Learn more and register today at www.ccca.org.

3CA is now on Facebook and Twitter
For all the latest in 3CA news, photos, videos, contests and more, visit www.facebook.com/cccaorgconnect, and connect with our growing online community. And while you’re at it, you can also follow 3CA on Twitter. While @CampRetweet is a great way to stay connected with the latest from camps across the association, @CCCAORG provides you with up-to-date news and instant connection to 3CA. Follow us now and receive tips, links, news and special offers with just the click of a button.

Promote your business with 3CA
The recently updated 3CA Marketing Media Kit includes everything a business needs to take advantage of the association's opportunities to promote helpful products/services to Christian camps and conference centers. It features items such as the rate card for InSite magazine, a mailing list rental form and a business membership application. Camping leaders, if you are working with a company or organization which supplies your camp/conference with beneficial products/services which would be of help to many other 3CA members, please tell them they can market well beyond your camp/conference, helping more members, 3CA and their business. Businesses can download the full marketing media kit now or read about individual opportunities at www.ccca.org.

National radio show tells stories of Christian camping
Focus on the Family’s radio broadcast Weekend Magazine is featuring snippets about Christian camping during the first four weekends in July. You’ll hear host, John Fuller, interview 3CA President Gregg Hunter and Tim McKinney, director of family and adult ministries at 3CA member Camp Redcloud in Colorado. Topics include the spiritual benefits of a camp experience and stories about transformed lives. To listen online, go to www.focusonthefamily.com/weekend. 

Worship leader Audrey Assad releases new album
A new worship album from the up-and-coming Christian recording artist Audrey Assad hit stores across the U.S. on July 13. Audrey, along with Brian Wurzell, will lead worship at the 2010 CCCA National Conference at Ridgecrest Conference Center Dec. 6–9. Audrey says her new album, titled The House You're Building, is about faith. "It's about the cross and fear and pain and how God is carrying me even though sometimes it doesn't feel like it," Assad told Breathe Cast, an online Christian music source. The new album has already won endorsements from fellow musicians like Chris Tomlin and Jars of Clay's Charlie Tomlin. According to Christian's Music Review, "Her vocals are Female Vocalist of the Year quality….I think she could be the next big thing.”

Webinar to teach participants a major donor game plan
How are ministries raising six- and seven-figure gifts in this economy? Tune in Thursday, July 29, at 10 a.m. (MT) for an hour-long Christian Leadership Alliance (CLA) webinar. Major donor veteran Pat McLaughlin will explain strategies for maximizing your gift income potential this fall. President and founder of The Timothy Group, Pat has assisted more than 1,000 Christian organizations. The webinar is free for CLA members and $29 for non-members. Call (949) 487-0900, ext. 116 or e-mail Holly Rosario for non-member registration. Recordings will also be available.

Global Outreach: Future of missions
When entering a cross-cultural relationship, start with a commitment to the belief that the future of missions is equipping indigenous leaders. This will help you avoid the all too common scenario in which those you’ve gone to serve become overly dependent on you. The dependency model is short-sighted, and the result will be a treadmill you can’t get off of, and the people you went to help can’t get on. For a better way, employ these principles: 1) Momentum: Start by helping an existing entity achieve their dreams. Example: a group of indigenous churches want your help to start a camp. 2) Time: Unless your host has defined it as a short-term opportunity, don’t enter the relationship with an exit date, but an exit philosophy. Setting a date can unintentionally say, “We love you—until January.” Exit philosophy deals in readiness, accountability, results and sustainability. These will take a while. 3) Ownership: Don’t only teach them what you know; make sure they know how to teach it to others. Move from mentor to colleague by increasing their responsibility. Decide in advance not to do any job an indigenous leader can do. Remember: Those who know “what” and “how” always work for those who know “why.” In all your training, teach them why; that gives them wings.

To discuss cross-cultural camping issues, ask advice or suggest international topics for Thursday Mail, contact Dan DeGroat at ddegroat@globaloutreachgroup.org. He's also on Facebook and Twitter.

Sept. 15–18: Christian Paintball Symposium in California
The Christian Paintball Academy will host its fifth paintball symposium at Old Oak Ranch (Sonora, Calif.) for camps looking to start a paintball program or take their existing program to the next level. Pleasant Vineyard Ministries (Camden, Ohio) was the first camp in the U.S. to offer paintball programs and is now sharing their expertise with fellow camps through Christian Paintball Academy. These workshops have already instructed over 50 camp personnel in more than 30 camps throughout the U.S. Participants will learn how to incorporate a safe and effective program that can be utilized as an evangelistic tool to reach more youth and adults. Program includes a paintball marker tech class, safety standards for ACA requirements, how to build and maintain a field, program and marketing ideas, hands-on refereeing class, a 230-page paintball manual that includes devotionals that parallel spiritual truths with paintball, and below wholesale prices for paintball supplies. To register, contact David Maynard or Tim Gray at (937) 452-0072 or e-mail david@pvmcamp.com. Registration forms can be downloaded at www.pvmcamp.com.  

Sept. 21: Allegheny Section Burger Flip
WLD Ranch (Girard, Pa.) is hosting the third annual Burger Flip for the Allegheny Section from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 21. Come for a day full of conversations, connections and chow. Lodging options are available for Monday night. The event is open to full-time and part-time staff, board members, and staff and board families, as well as CCCA member camps and non-member camps. (You don't even have to be part of the Allegheny Section to come. Those of you across the borders in New York and Ohio are welcome as well.) To register, contact Joseph Preston at joseph@wldranch.com or (814) 474-3414.

Sept. 22–25: Christian Paintball Workshop in California
This four-day Christian Paintball Workshop will be held at Alpine Camp & Conference Center (Blue Jay, Calif.) for camps looking to start a paintball program or improve their existing program. Participants will learn how to use paintball as an evangelism outreach tool, refereeing rules and regulations, safety precautions, paintball marker repair, paintball devotionals, Speedball setup and tournaments, Woodsball field setup and development, hands-on training on how to run a large, all-day scenario tournament, and how to answer the question, “How can you be a Christian and play paintball?” Participants will receive a paintball manual and resources that will equip them on how to run a safe and successful paintball program that can draw thousands of kids and adults to their facilities and will allow them to recoup their paintball workshop fees with the first big game or program they host. To register, e-mail Keith Harriott at keith@alpine-cc.org or call (909) 337-6287.

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 (Eddie Gibbs, Charles Lee, Reggie McNeal, Guy Richards, Duffy Robbins, Horst Schulze and Peg Smith) giving a short, hard-hitting presentation all delivered online to your computer. Each presentation will be followed by a live “debrief” led by 3CA staff and camp leaders who will discuss the presentations and take online questions from the virtual classroom. Then you'll have 20 minutes to discuss the topic with others in the room right where you are. Learn more about the conference and register online at www.ccca.org.

Oct. 11–13: Fall Fellowship in Iowa
Gather with other camp and conference professionals in the CCCA Iowa Section during this fall event, which concludes after brunch Oct. 13. Fall Fellowship will be held at Riverside Lutheran Camp (Story City, Iowa). To register, contact Dave McDermott at rlbc@riversidelbc.org or (515) 733-5271.

Oct. 12–13: Personal Retreat Initiative in Indiana
Come explore the possibility of launching a Personal Retreat Ministry with other camp and conference centers. This conference will provide an opportunity to explore and rediscover the biblical foundations of rest, to envision a plan to strategically launch a successful personal retreat ministry at your camp or conference center, to receive all the resources you’ll need from start to finish, and to enjoy a quiet afternoon off the beaten path for yourself. The conference will be held at Camp Lutherhaven in Albion, Ind. Cost is $50 for commuters, $65 to stay in a dorm and $80 to stay in a hotel-like room. For more information, download this PDF or contact Brenda Jank at (260) 636-7095.

Oct. 14–16: Wilderness Risk Management Conference
Attend the WRMC and gain practical risk management skills, network with others in the industry, share field and administrative techniques, and help develop risk management standards for the adventure and education industries. This year’s conference will be held at The Crowne Plaza in Colorado Springs, Colo. Learn more about the seminars, presenters, schedule, cost and how to register at www.nols.edu. The Wilderness Risk Management Conference is brought to you by National Outdoor Leadership School, Outward Bound and Student Conservation Association.

Oct. 21–24: CHA International Conference in Florida
The Certified Horsemanship Association 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.

Dec. 6–9: CCCA National Conference
Round up your entire crew and come to the 2010 CCCA National Conference Dec. 6–9 at Ridgecrest Conference Center in Asheville, N.C. From the general sessions and worship to the exhibit hall and seminars, you and your team will be equipped, educated and encouraged—increasing your capacity to produce greater organizational and ministry results. Two of the general session speakers planned include Jeff Foxworthy and Will Graham. Bryan Loritts will lead the Morning Worship Hour each day of the conference. And Audrey Assad and Brian Wurzell will lead us in worship. To learn more about the conference and register online, visit www.ccca.org. Save $50 per person by registering before July 31, 2010.

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

Fowl words
My husband, Larry, and I were recently checking out a lumber yard for a house project when suddenly a giant dollop of bird droppings landed splat on my shoulder. I described it loudly to my husband, saying something I shouldn’t have. Larry asked, “What did you just say?” and I replied, “No, really. A bird dumped on my shoulder!” Now, please understand. I know the Scripture: “Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be” (James 3:10). I have repented, and I will be working on that temptation. But this experience reminded me that Satan will stoop to anything to attack or tempt us. The pain and suffering we all experience from time to time often comes from other people's leftover issues, and we get it all over us. How do we respond? With an angry, defensive or withdrawn reaction? Or with grace, soft answers and good boundaries? The enemy prowls around like a roaring lion—or a flying bird—seeking whom he may devour. I pray he can’t touch you in this season of summer craziness because you are so soaked in God’s Word and His Spirit's presence. May you respond as Jesus would to every situation that drops in on you this week—with praises and prayers rather than foul words or actions.

—Contributed by Jaye Beatty, administrative assistant at Jumonville (Hopwood, Pa.)

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

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LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FOR COLLEGE GRADUATES: New Life Ranch exists to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and equip believers for ministry. The LEAD program is a 9-month experience in which participants work within this paradigm to invest in themselves while serving others. Participants have real ministry responsibility as they work with the guests and programs of New Life Ranch, a Christian camp that provides: summer camp, team building, outdoor education, retreats, and community outreach programs. LEAD participants experience mentoring, challenge, and space for reflection, all while gaining life-changing ministry experience. The program begins Aug. 18 and goes through May of 2011. Salary is $400/month, with the opportunity and resources provided to raise additional missionary support. Housing and most meals are provided. Check out the program and apply at www.newliferanch.com/Leadership_Development/LEAD.html. E-mail luke@newliferanch.com for more information.

PRODUCTS & SERVICES  

TRINITY MEMBERS ARE NOW COLLECTIVELY SAVING MORE THAN $7,000,000 DOLLARS EACH YEAR!  We are currently serving more than 1,140 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 Lowes, 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 this busy summer season!

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.

REAL ESTATE

FOR SALE: SUCCESSFUL, OPERATING CHRISTIAN CAMP/RETREAT CENTER IN THE HEART OF BROWN COUNTY INDIANA: This turnkey ministry is located on 65 beautiful wooded and secluded acres. Fishing/boating lake; swimming pool; full-sized gymnasium with sleeping capacity; a log lodge and retreat center, both self contained for sleeping, cooking and meeting. Unique year-round environment with incredible geographic proximity to millions. Less than one hour from Indianapolis; 1.5 from Louisville; 2.5 from Cincinnati; and 3.5 hours from Chicago. Sleeps 100 in three distinct buildings/program centers. Clean, modern and well maintained for just $1,749,000. Current good cash flow so you can walk in today and start your ministry tomorrow. Call Christian Camping Foundation (719) 260-9400, ext. 111 or e-mail bkobielush@ccca.org for photos and more information. 

ELEGANT COUNTRY ESTATE – SENSATIONAL RETREAT CENTER – FOR SALE: Christian couple desires to see their country estate used as a Christian Retreat Center. It has 27 rooms with common space including living, family and great rooms. Gourmet kitchen with dining and breakfast rooms. Recreation room, seven bedrooms with seven baths and five fireplaces. This fabulous estate sits on 40 mature wooded acres, has a fishing pond, horse barn and paddock, and a three-bedroom separate caretaker/manager's home. State of the art amenities/furnishings. All negotiable for the right ministry buyer. Only 20 minutes from the Indianapolis airport. Built in 2000 and zoning appropriate for retreat center usage. Priced under $2,000,000. If interested please contact Christian Camping Foundation at (719) 260-9400, ext. 111 or e-mail bkobielush@ccca.org for photos and more information.

OPERATING CHRISTIAN YOUTH CAMP FOR SALE: Located on 88 acres in the beautiful Kiamichi mountains of southeastern Oklahoma. Just three hours from Oklahoma City and Tulsa and four hours from Dallas/Fort Worth. Camp Jon David has everything you need to start your ministry right away. Capacity for 300 with basketball and volleyball courts, two swimming pools, 18 RV hook-ups, horseback riding trails, 40 acres of wilderness, creek, stocked fishing lake and more. Motivated sellers who founded the camp are retiring after 28 years. Asking $1million. Owner financing is a possibility. Call Christian Camping Foundation (719) 260-9400 ext. 111 or e-mail bkobielush@ccca.org for photos and more information.

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.