Christ-Centered Devotional books for Youth and Teen CAMPERS

We're pretty excited about this. After 13 years of providing Christ-centered devotional books for staff members, now we are releasing two new devotional books for your campers.

Yes, we said campers!

We have two editions: one for youth (ages 9-12) and one for teens (ages 13-16). To receive free samples of these books, simply e-mail us.

Family Day is ‘worth the expense,’ says camp director
About 20 years ago HoneyRock (Three Lakes, Wis.) started Family Day to have parents be more involved in their kid’s camp experience. Today, staff consider it a crucial part of their ministry. Participating in Family Day is how parents can maximize their investment of sending their child to HoneyRock. They learn hands on what happened in their child’s life at camp as they experience life at HoneyRock for the day. One of the activities is a meeting for parents to get to know the director and other staff. Parents also get to spend some important time with their child’s counselor or trip leader. “We see ourselves as a partner with parents in helping them raise their kids for Christ and His kingdom," Program Director John Vandervelde says. "Family Day is about our learning about parents and their needs and concerns.” Family Day takes place on the last Thursday afternoon of each session (Friday afternoon for one-week camp). And at no charge, campers' parents and siblings can come and enjoy a rodeo, ski show, dinner and evening activities. “The connections we make with families are worth every dime we spend feeding them dinner,” John says. “Parents who come to Family Day are often so thrilled at the experience that they commit to sending their kids back the following summer because of it. They also become donors and prayer partners. It is well worth the expense.” For more information about HoneyRock’s Family Day, contact John at johnv@honeyrockcamp.org.

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.

New credit card law now in effect
A law related to credit cards that President Barack Obama signed last May went into effect Feb. 22. The new law shields card users from sudden interest rate hikes, excessive fees and other gimmicks that card companies have used to drive up profits. Consumers will save at least $10 billion a year from curbs on interest rate increases alone, according to the Pew Charitable Trust, which tracks credit card issues. But what is of concern is card companies had nine months to prepare while certain rules were clarified by the Federal Reserve. They used that time to take actions that ended up hurting the same customers who were supposed to be helped, says a Feb. 22 report from The Associated Press. Read how the credit card changes could affect you.

Dobson says final goodbye to Focus on the Family
Dr. James Dobson, 73, has said his final farewell to the ministry he founded 33 years ago. His last day at Focus on the Family was Feb. 26. According to The Christian Post, some 40,000 cards expressing gratitude and appreciation have poured in for the evangelical leader who has spent three-fourths of his professional life helping people build healthy families. Calls from listeners around the world were featured the week of Feb. 22 on the ministry's daily broadcast, each sharing how much Dobson has influenced their lives. In the days to come, Dobson will start a new ministry called "Family Talk." With a $1 million grant from FOTF, Dobson plans to continue to reach families, addressing marriage, parenting and cultural issues, with his son, Ryan, alongside him.

Help for recruiting, hiring and training summer staff
A large majority (61%) of 3CA members reported in the Feb. 18 Thursday Mail Poll that their summer staff recruiting and hiring is right on schedule. What’s the next step? Staff training. 3CA’s highly acclaimed Focus Series can give counselors key information on important issues. Seven Keys to Understanding Child Abuse, The Counselor’s Role in Camper Discipline and How to Share the Good News with Campers are just three examples that may be helpful. If you’re part of the 9 percent who said hiring has been tougher this year than previous years, one 3CA Focus Series title you may be interested in is Five Good Reasons to Work a Summer at a Christian Camp or Conference. The more than 20 titles in the Focus Series give counselors, pastors, donors, board members, campers’ parents and conference guests key information on important issues. Quantity discounts and member discounts are available. Learn more at 3CA’s Member Store. All titles currently available in print are also available by PDF. Contact Dan Everest for more information.

Layoffs among men boost women's share of workforce
With downturn-related job losses affecting females less than males, women are headed toward constituting half of all U.S. employed. Women's share of the workforce increased from 46.5 percent in December 2007 to 47.4 percent in December 2009. The same has not proven true among executive director positions at Christian camps and conferences. The percentage of females in this role dropped by more than half from 14 percent in 2006 to 5 percent in 2009.  [Source: Pew Research Center, Jan. 19 and 2009 Waypoint Research]

More young adults today have no religion
Young adults today are less church-connected than prior generations were when they were in their 20s, but a new study says the Millennial generation, ages 18 to 29, are as likely to pray and believe in God as their elders were when they were young. Among Millennials, 26 percent cite no religious identity, compared with 20 percent for most members of Generation X (born 1965-1980) at the same ages, and 13 percent for most Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964) at those ages. [Source: Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life, Feb. 17]

121 members complete 3CA's online survey
As further incentive for 3CA executive members to fill out Waypoint Research's online survey "My Ministry: By the Numbers," 3CA had planned to give away an Apple iPad if there were 200 respondents. Unfortunately, only 121 members completed the survey. In appreciation of those who took the time and completed the survey by Feb. 28, they will all be entered into a drawing to win a TomTom GO 470 portable GPS navigator. Stay tuned for the announcement of the winner. Meanwhile, check out the survey's preliminary results. Later this month a full report will be available free of charge to 3CA members, and the final segment of Waypoint Research, "My Ministry: Compensation & Benefits," will also begin. More information to follow.  

3CA member facility to host 2010 National Conference
The 2010 CCCA National Conference will be held at Ridgecrest Conference Center, located 17 miles east of Asheville, N.C. Natural stone buildings and thick mountain laurel create a restful charm throughout the campus. The sunrises are spectacular, with ambient colors reflecting off the mountain mist. Ridgecrest’s beautiful 1,300-acre campus climbs from valley to mountaintop, offering elegant comfort in guest lodging and meeting space for over 2,000 people. Since its founding more than 100 years ago, Ridgecrest has welcomed millions of guests, and 3CA welcomes you and your team to visit Ridgecrest during the National Conference. To make the conference more affordable, this team event provides a low program fee as well as several housing options and meal plans from Ridgecrest. Save $50 by registering before July 31, 2010. Learn more at www.ccca.org.

New issue of ‘InSite’ available online
The March/April 2010 issue of 3CA’s InSite magazine hit mailboxes this week. If you’d prefer a digital version, this PDF will be right up your alley. Click on the article you wish to view, and you will be linked to that page of the magazine. Then, let us know what you think! Was a certain article helpful to you? Do you disagree with one of the authors? Whatever your feedback, send it to editor@ccca.org. By e-mailing your comments, you grant 3CA permission to use your letter in any medium. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.

You've got questions; the 3CA president has answers
In January, Director of Education and Field Services Greg Fields interviewed President Gregg Hunter during a session of the 3CA Teleconference/Webinar Series. In case you missed it, you can learn more about Gregg’s life, his passion to serve, his love of camping and his vision for the association’s future by visiting www.ccca.org/members/askGregg. This page contains excerpts from the teleconference, a link to subscribe to the podcast, plus instructions on how to submit a question. As questions come in and as soon as Gregg has the opportunity, he’ll provide an answer on this Web page.

Resources for reaching campers with disabilities
For over a quarter of a century, Joni and Friends has been dedicated to extending the love and message of Christ to people who are affected by disability, whether it is the disabled person, a family member or friend. The organization's objective is to meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of this group of people. This summer several 3CA members will host Joni and Friends' Family Retreats, five-day summer programs for families affected by disability. If you're looking for ways to do a better job at your ministry of meeting special needs, check out Joni and Friends' resources and curriculum. Learn more by visiting their Web site at www.joniandfriends.org.

Creator of VeggieTales launches new video series
From the man who made vegetables talk (and sing and dance and tell Bible stories) comes a groundbreaking new series that walks kids through the entire Bible. The series created by Phil Vischer of VeggieTales features memorable puppet characters, original music, hilarious writing and entertaining animation. DVDs 1 and 2 are available now. Learn more at www.whatsinthebible.com.

Leaders are Readers: ‘In Search of Balance’
In his latest book, In Search of Balance (NavPress, 2010), Richard A. Swenson, MD, author of the best-selling book Margin, helps readers understand the dangers of living in a fast-paced world and gives hope for recovering a foundational sense of equilibrium. Dr. Swenson offers not only important organizational principles for making sense of one’s priorities but also scores of practical tips for finding rest and contentment in a world that emphasizes materialism and busyness. His advice is grounded in daily realities, but his wisdom has been honed by the big-picture perspective of an exhaustive study of the stresses of modern life.

If you've read a book recently that you think would be helpful for other camping leaders, send the title, author and a short review to Martha Krienke at editor@ccca.org for consideration for the Leaders are Readers feature of Thursday Mail.  

March–April: 2010 CCCA Sectionals
An extensive network exists for 3CA 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 3CA section has officers who oversee valuable benefits, including sectionals, which are annual grassroots conferences meant to nurture and educate leaders on all levels. The sectional conferences will include 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.

March 31: CCCA Webinar with Randall Niles
"Web 2.0: Destructive Earthquake or Profitable Groundswell?" is the next session planned for the CCCA Teleconference/Webinar Series on Wednesday, March 31 at 11 a.m. (MT). Our guest Randall Niles will help you discover the strategic power of the Internet and ways to position your ministry with the latest tools and techniques. Randall is an attorney and educator, developing cutting-edge media to spark critical thinking. For the last seven years, he has served as co-founder and director of operations at www.allaboutgod.com. 3CA members may register for free at the Member Portal, and non-members may register for $9.99 in the 3CA online store.

April 9–10: Film School in Ohio
Want to make a movie? Learn from a master of the craft while you work with others to actually produce a short film at Skyview Ranch (Millersburg, Ohio). Mike Pritt has done work for MTV, Nike, ESPN, Lebron James and Diane Sawyer, among others. He’ll bring his talents and a large truckload of tools to help you learn what movie pros do to bring their imagination to life. The price for this event is $199 for all food and lodging, the use of equipment and all the sessions. The event starts at 7 p.m. April 9 and runs through 7 p.m. April 10. Register online today. Have questions? Shoot an e-mail to Media Specialist Ryan Simmons, or call the Ranch at (330) 674-7511.

April 9–11: Challenge Course Certification in Texas
A Level 1 Challenge Course Certification will be held at Ceta Canyon Camp & Retreat Center near Happy, Texas (45 miles from Amarillo) over two consecutive weekends, April 9-11 and April 17-18. The training conducted by Adventure Experiences, Inc., is offered through West Texas A & M University's Department of Continuing Education. The cost is $450. Meals and lodging are extra. For more information or to register, contact WT's Department of Continuing Education at (806) 651-2037 or visit their Web site at www.wtamu.edu/oce. Registration deadline is April 1.

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 17–18: Challenge Course Certification in Texas
A Level 1 Challenge Course Certification will be held at Ceta Canyon Camp & Retreat Center near Happy, Texas (45 miles from Amarillo) April 17-18. The training conducted by Adventure Experiences, Inc., is offered through West Texas A & M University's Department of Continuing Education. The cost is $450. Meals and lodging are extra. For more information or to register, contact WT's Department of Continuing Education at (806) 651-2037 or visit their Web site at www.wtamu.edu/oce. Registration deadline is April 1.

April 19–21: MOSAIC Executive Leadership Summit
Held in conjunction with Christian Leadership Alliance’s (CLA) annual conference at Town and Country Resort & Convention Center in San Diego, the Executive Leadership Summit is open to all 3CA member CEOs/presidents/executive directors and their key staff members. Our featured presenter is pastor, author and popular conference speaker Richard Dahlstrom of Bethany Community Church in Seattle. Richard's exclusive CCCA sessions will be held in a homeroom where you can enjoy snacks, Wi-Fi and conversations with friends old and new. Register online.

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.

June 4–6: Wilderness First Aid and CPR in California
Be prepared for your next backpacking, hiking, rafting or camping adventure with a Wilderness First Aid and CPR Certification. The Salvation Army’s Camp Redwood Glen (Scotts Valley, Calif.) is hosting the National Outdoor Leadership School’s Wilderness First Aid and CPR program. Dorm-style lodging will be provided at $10 per night. For more information contact Ben Ward at redwood.wfa@gamil.com or (831) 461-2022.

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, critters 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 Symposium in California
“How can you be a Christian and play paintball?” Alpine Camp & Conference Center (Blue Jay, Calif.) has been answering this question with incredible ministry results for over five years. They are now offering their experience and expertise to camps, churches and conference centers that are looking at starting a paintball program or taking their existing program to a new level of ministry excellence. For further information view www.alpine-cc.org or contact Keith Harriott at (909) 337-6287.

Sept. 23: MOSAIC 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 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 we’ll take a short break for you to discuss the topic with others in the room right where you are. Multiple sponsorship opportunities (for businesses) will be available for this event. Learn more about MOSAIC, and register online at www.ccca.org.

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.

Nov. 1–4: 2010 CCCA National Conference
Since 1981, 3CA has provided at its national events rich times of networking and fellowship among Christian camping professionals. This tradition now continues in 2010 with the team-focused, staff-friendly National Conference. Round up your entire crew and join us at Ridgecrest Conference Center in Asheville, N.C., for four days of spiritual encouragement and professional growth. From the general sessions and worship to the exhibits and seminars, you and your team will be equipped, educated and encouraged, increasing your capacity to produce greater organizational and ministry results. Learn more about MOSAIC, and register online at www.ccca.org. Save $50 by registering before July 31, 2010.

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

What is most important
Paul knew his mission. In Colossians 1:28 he says simply, “We proclaim him.” In the past he had supported Stephen’s murder and did all he could to halt the church’s growth. But the Lord met him on the road to Damascus, and Paul’s life (and the world!) was changed forever. He met the living Jesus. For the rest of his life, telling people about Jesus Christ was everything. We have met the same powerful Jesus Christ and committed our lives to serving Him. Camp ministry involves lots of necessary stuff: marketing and foodservice, finance and facilities, and all the rest. But those tools are merely in service of a higher goal. Our mission is to point our campers and guests to Jesus Christ, to help them take one more step toward living their lives in faithful submission to His loving lordship. Camp staff members find their lives being pressured by budgets, crises, phone calls, deadlines and conflicting opinions held by important stakeholders. We need to measure it all by our mission and whom we serve. Remember what is most important: “We proclaim Him.”  

—Contributed by Dan Everest, 3CA member relations specialist

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

FOREST HOME is looking for a Full-time Program Reservations Associate and a Finance Coordinator to join our team! If you would like to view a full job description of these positions please visit our Career Search at www.foresthome.org/appone.

MISCELLANEOUS

BOOST YOUR SALES!
“Our 2009 fall rental marketing campaign returned $5 for every $1 spent. I think even a $2 return for every $1 invested may be worth the effort. Overall, we did not see as much growth in 2009 with the recession, compared to 2008 and 2007...but we did still see some growth.”  —Joseph H. (Chip) Sherer, Jr., President, Bonclarken Conference Center

Boost your camp or conference center’s rental sales. Ask about FullCamp’s $2400 Rental Marketing Campaign.

FREE ANALYSIS!
Schedule your FREE rental marketing analysis today. Go online www.fullcamp.com Call (410) 740-1272, or e-mail bob@fullcamp.com. A CCCA Business Member.

Pioneer Clubs® camp curriculum
Camp Bible Exploration
12 complete age appropriate small-group lessons designed to help camp counselors lead effective and exciting Bible studies. Easy-to- use lessons include teaching tips, interactive activities, at camp and at home applications, enrichment ideas, Bible memory techniques, salvation guidelines, and dig deeper questions. Lesson titles include, “Belonging to God”, “You and God’s Word”, “Living by Faith”, and “Jesus Calms a Storm”. Purchase one for each counselor.

Camper Morning Watch
12 camper daily devotions correspond with small-group Bible studies. Each devotion will help campers pray, read, apply, memorize, reflect on and review Scripture. Books also include age appropriate activities.  The “Keep it Up at Home” section encourages studying God’s Word after camp.  Purchase one for each camper.

Check out our online store for more details, curriculum options and other camp resources.

Looking for Bible study curriculum?

Visit www.moreoftheking.com and check out a series of Bible studies written specifically for the camp setting. 

Three age levels are available:  teens, 5th-6th grade, and 2nd-4th grade.  Bible Exploration booklets aid counselors in leading a daily Bible study for their cabin group. Morning Watch booklets guide campers in their own personal devotions with God. This is camp-tested curriculum that strives to honor Christ (to "make much more of the King") and teach campers and staff to handle God's Word responsibly.

Special Introductory offer: Get a sample set (one Bible Ex and one MW booklet) for just $5.00 instead of the regular price of $10.96 with shipping. See for yourself what these books are like and decide if they would be right for your camp. Go to www.moreoftheking.com/OrderInfo.html.

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.

REAL ESTATE

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.

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.