WORKSHOP DETAILS
There are 7 Tracks, with concurrent events during the conference. Attend all sessions in the track that fits you best, or choose sessions from different tracks.
(Along with Workshops, there will also be three 20-minute Speed Networking sessions on Tuesday morning.)
Click on the images to view a full description of each session, topic and speaker for that Track.
ADMIN TRACK
GUEST services / first impressions
FACILITIES TRACK
FACILITIES TRACK
GUEST services / first impressions
FACILITIES TRACK
FOOD SERVICES
GUEST services / first impressions
GUEST services / first impressions
GUEST services / first impressions
GUEST services / first impressions
GUEST services / first impressions
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
PROGRAMMING
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
SPIRITUAL
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
SPIRITUAL
ADMINISTRATION TRACK
(Click the dropdown arrow next to each time slot below to expand the details.)
TUESDAY MORNING
8:30-8:50 a.m.
Using AI & "ChattyB" in your Camp Ministry - Connect with others who are currently using or are curious about using forms of AI and ChatGPT. We'll talk pros/cons, tips/tricks, and maybe even touch on boundaries of use.
9:00-9:20 a.m.
Finances in Camp Ministry
9:30-9:50 a.m.
All Things Registration Software
Unclogging the Ministry Pipeline
Speaker: Bob Witte, Ozark Christian College
Ozark Christian College has a deep passion to help camps develop students who produce kingdom impact in local churches and on the mission field. This workshop will help give ideas on how to utilize camp to send more students into vocational ministry.
Admin with Purpose: Rhythms That Renew and Strengthen Your Ministry
Speaker: Grace Jones, Ozark Christian College
This workshop invites administrative leaders to slow down and rediscover healthy rhythms that sustain both their personal well-being and their servant leadership. We’ll explore simple spiritual practices and practical tools that can help you navigate the real challenges of camp ministry with greater clarity, rest, and focus on your targets of excellence. You’ll also learn how to care for your support team by setting clear expectations, organizing workflows, holding purposeful meetings, and showing genuine appreciation—all essential for hitting those targets with consistency and grace. Designed to be both reflective and practical, this session offers space to share, learn, and renew so you can lead your ministry with health, excellence, and intentionality.
Save your Time, Paper and your Sanity - Streamlining Camp Operations
Speaker: Jeanna Hoover, FunFangle
When the organized chaos of camp starts leaning more toward chaos and away from organized, we just need some simple strategies for streamlining our operations. This discussion-based seminar will help identify operational bottlenecks, introduce streamlined processes, and share strategies to improve communication across your staff and eliminate some of that chaos. Our goal is to reduce unnecessary distractions that pull focus from your camp's primary mission and lessen camper experience.
Pursuing Integrity in Camp Finances - A Guide to Financial Stewardship Excellence
Speaker: David Sayers
In this workshop, participants will examine best-practice strategies for managing church camp finances with integrity and excellence, aligning faithful stewardship with biblical principles. Participants will leave with clear, actionable Targets of Excellence—practical best practices that strengthen transparency, accountability, and sustainability, including:
- Strong internal controls and segregation of duties to reduce risk, prevent misuse of funds, and build donor and stakeholder trust.
- Financial transparency and regular reporting through clear budgeting, expense tracking, and effective communication of financial information.
- Sound financial policies governing restricted funds, compensation, conflicts of interest, and related areas to ensure ethical decision-making and long-term financial health.
FACILITIES track
(Click the dropdown arrow next to each time slot below to expand the details.)
TUESDAY MORNING
8:30-8:50 a.m.
You're not alone. We've been where you are. Can we talk?
9:00-9:20 a.m.
When everything breaks at once
9:30-9:50 a.m.
What's Working Well at Your Camp?
Communicating Clarity and Responding Responsibly
Speaker: Appalachia Christian Camp Staff
Healthy camps thrive on clear communication and Christ-centered relationships. This workshop brings together camp leadership and frontline staff for an honest, practical panel discussion on how communication flows—and sometimes breaks down—between those who lead and those who serve.
Together, we will explore how leaders can clearly communicate vision, expectations, and decisions with humility and transparency, while staff and team members learn how to respond responsibly, ask good questions, and offer feedback with respect and integrity. Grounded in biblical principles of unity, accountability, and servant leadership, this conversation seeks to bridge gaps, reduce frustration, and build trust across all levels of camp ministry.
Whether you serve in leadership or on staff, this session invites you into a shared conversation aimed at strengthening teamwork, sharpening communication, and advancing the mission God has entrusted to our camps—together. This session will be discussion-based, so please come prepared to ask questions and offer feedback of what you have seen work at your camps as well.
Understanding your role in the ministry of...
Speaker: Troy Brunstien, Pastoral Care Minister at Unity Christian Church in Cynthiana, KY
Helping Christian camp leaders discover how their unique gifts, responsibilities, and daily actions fit into the larger ministry of the camp. Whether you serve in programming, maintenance, administration, or camper care, you play a vital part in shaping the spiritual atmosphere and mission impact. Together we’ll explore how to serve with clarity, purpose, and unity—seeing our work not just as tasks, but as ministry that reflects Christ to campers, families, and fellow staff.
Let's Talk Numbers
Speaker: Jordan Settles, Administrator for Camp Calvary
Learn how to create and update a maintenance budget within the overall direction of your camp. Project your vision for the maintenance department to your director and board.
Pond Maintenance
Speaker: Nick Derico - Maintenance Director at Elkhorn Valley Christian Service Camp
FOOD SERVICES TRACK
(Click the dropdown arrow next to each time slot below to expand the details.)
TUESDAY MORNING
8:30-8:50 a.m.
Food Allergies or Dietary Preferences
9:00-9:20 a.m.
Kitchen Management
9:30-9:50 a.m.
Portion Control & Waste
Managing Volunteers & Making Good Food with Mercy Chefs
Speaker: Thomas Yager, Vice President of Community Kitchens and Outreach with Mercy Chefs in Portsmouth, VA
Let's look at:
- Volunteer Scriptures
- Who is Mercy Chefs
- Working with Volunteers
- The Recipe
- Cooking with Mercy Chefs
Food Safety Training: Necessary or Optional?
Speaker: Thomas Yager, Vice President of Community Kitchens and Outreach with Mercy Chefs in Portsmouth, VA
We'll review best safe practices in:
- Food Storage
- Food Handling
- Food Preparation
- Food Service
Stewardship- It's not just about money
Speaker : Shannon Kubisiak, North Florida Christian Camp
How can we be good stewards of:
- Our food budget
- The campers' wellbeing
- The spiritual connections we make in/around the kitchen
- The earth with our waste
More real food, less junk food- Why do that at camp?
Speaker : Melissa Stephenson, High Hill Camp
GUEST SERVICES/FIRST IMPRESSIONS TRACK
(Click the dropdown arrow next to each time slot below to expand the details.)
TUESDAY MORNING
8:30-8:50 a.m.
Creating "Holy Space": Beyond cleanliness, how do we use aesthetics, ambiance, and attitude to create an environment that feels welcoming and conducive to encountering God?
9:00-9:20 a.m.
Fix-It Fast: Feedback Loops: What is your system for guests to report maintenance issues or supply needs, and how quickly is it resolved?
9:30-9:50 a.m.
"The Golden Rule" Scenarios: Share a challenging guest service scenario and how your staff handled it, or how you train them to handle it.
Elevate Your Guest Experiences! Become a camp known for Unreasonable Hospitality
Speaker: Jeremy Jackson, Forcamps
As someone in camp ministry, you’re clear about the importance of WHAT your camp offers. In this seminar we’ll lean into HOW you offer it.
Learn how to create and install a system that transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary ones, by deeply caring for your campers/guests and exceeding their expectations.
5 Meetings That Will Make Your Team Unstoppable! Eliminate distractions and do more of what you’re called to do.
Speaker: Jeremy Jackson, Forcamps
Wouldn’t it be nice if your team worked with clarity, and every single decision didn’t need to come across your desk? Stop relying on to-do lists, impromptu meetings, and calls and texts at all hours.
This seminar will help you have LESS meetings, get MORE done, and experience more of the outcomes your ministry was created for!
10 Characteristics of an Impactful Camp Ministry Professional
Speaker: Jeremy Jackson, Forcamps
Amplify your passion and purpose in camp ministry! Whether you’re leading the entire organization, supporting behind the scenes, or serving anywhere in-between, this seminar is crafted for you.
Discover 10 key characteristics that empower camp ministry professionals to experience deep satisfaction and create lasting impact.
Gain, or renew, perspective and aspirations to thrive in your calling as a camp ministry professional!
Elevate Your Guest Experiences! Become a camp known for Unreasonable Hospitality
speaker: Jeremy Jackson, Forcamps
(REPEAT OF TUESDAY WORKSHOP #1)
As someone in camp ministry, you’re clear about the importance of WHAT your camp offers. In this seminar we’ll lean into HOW you offer it. Learn how to create and install a system that transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary ones, by deeply caring for your campers/guests and exceeding their expectations.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT TRACK
(Click the dropdown arrow next to each time slot below to expand the details.)
TUESDAY MORNING
8:30-8:50 a.m.
Leading the next generation (Ben Miller)
9:00-9:20 a.m.
Trends in Camping ( Randy Pim)
9:30-9:50 a.m.
Books that camp leaders need to be reading- Be ready to share what books have helped you along the way. (Gary Baker)
Leadership From the Inside Out (PART 1)
Speaker: David "Duffy" Robbins, Professor of Christian Ministries Biblical & Theological Studies Master's Theology
- In this two-part seminar we’ll be exploring some of the basic principles of Christian leadership.
- To consider what theology has to do with "real world camp management and leadership
- To identify their personal Leadership Style
- To Identify the BIG 5 of essential leadership skills
Leadership From the Inside Out (PART 2)
Speaker: David "Duffy" Robbins, Professor of Christian Ministries Biblical & Theological Studies Master's Theology
The second of this 2- part seminar will help you:
- To recognize that there are three types of authority (and they're not all created equal)
- To reflect on a case study of when flawed leadership pretty much detonated a thriving ministry
Making Decisions Without Making Enemies
Speaker: David "Duffy" Robbins, Professor of Christian Ministries Biblical & Theological Studies Master's Theology
- To consider the balance between two critical elements of problem solving.
- To recognized the five main styles of decision making and to develop a criteria to determine when a particular style of decision making is most appropriate
Board Members' Role
Speaker: Randy Pim, RP Camp Consulting
- Does your camp have a detailed list of the role of board members?
- Are the board members in agreement as to what type of Board you are or should be?
- Is there alignment between the Board and the Camp Manager in terms of their working relationship?
PROGRAMMING TRACK
(Click the dropdown arrow next to each time slot below to expand the details.)
TUESDAY MORNING
8:30-8:50 a.m.
What is Hot and what is Not in Camp Programming?
9:00-9:20 a.m.
Camp and Senior Adults: What programming for this demographic of the churches? What is the mutual benefit for churches and camps?
9:30-9:50 a.m.
Camp programs for students that don't like "camp." Outside the box ideas.
The huge impact of tripping programs and ways to keep them fresh!
Speaker: Gus Denzik
Butler Springs Christian Camp has been doing some sort of tripping program for over 30 years. These programs represent additional options for campers who want to try something different and also opportunities to share the gospel. We have had off site programming for 3rd graders through college age! We will consider: How to start, how to maintain and when to let it go!
Stewarding the Waterfront (Pools, Lakes, etc.): Safety, Service, and Spiritual Leadership
Speaker: Alec Elam, Program Director/Guest Services at Butler Springs Christian Camp
This workshop will, Lord-willing, better help you equip your camp staff and volunteers with the skills, systems, and spiritual mindset needed to steward the waterfront with excellence. Blending practical safety instruction with principles of Christ-centered leadership, this session will focus on creating an environment where campers can experience joy, growth, and God’s presence while staying safe.
Through interaction, group discussions, and guided reflection, attendees will learn how to assess and maintain a safe waterfront area, understand essential risk-management strategies, and implement best practices for supervision, communication, and emergency response. The workshop also explores how waterfront staff can model servant leadership, foster inclusive fun, and use moments at the water’s edge as opportunities for ministry and mentorship.
Expanding your program options (You have more than you think you do!)
Speaker: Gus Denzik
Most programs fall into the routine of doing the same things every year. You may be missing awesome and exciting opportunities to do things fresh and hook them for years to come!!! We will explore what you may have near your property that could be added to the mix, things you have on property that need some spice and how to add without breaking the bank! Come with ideas to share!
To Build or Not to Build, that is the Question.
Speaker: Andrew Johnson and Tim Becker, Woodland Lakes
Every Camp desires to have knew programming activities and equipment from pools to ping-pong. This session with be the Dollars and "Sense" of it all. We also know that every camp is different. Different demographics, landscapes, and budgets. We will be looking together at practical ideas in determining what is projects should we do our not do. Things we will cover. Is project with in the realm of our mission? How much will is cost? What are the hiding cost? How much labor does it create? How long of if we can recover the investment? And many more. We also want to hear what as worked well and what has not gone well for your ministry.
SPIRITUAL tRACK
(Click the dropdown arrow next to each time slot below to expand the details.)
TUESDAY MORNING
8:30-8:50 a.m.
Sharing the Struggle With Jesus and Others: Who are you in Him, not the hustle? What's your holy 'no'?
9:00-9:20 a.m.
Early Diagnosis and Burnout Shadow: What’s your soar story, and how do eagles often act like chickens? What is a burnout shadow flickering in your life and leadership?
9:30-9:50 a.m.
Green Pasture Strategies: What ARE still waters and green pastures in real time? Can you walk away from CCL with one doable step forward?
How Do You Hear in the Chaos?
Speaker: Alan Scott, Heart For Pastors
- Flipping the script on performance-driven ministry.
- Rest flows from grace, not grit.
- How do you shift from self to Savior?
- What do you do when budget spreadsheets and ministry collide?
- Matthew 11:28-30
Reigniting the Holy Pause
Speaker: Alan Scott, Heart For Pastors
- Do you know your limits when everyone around you is pushing for achievement?
- What is productive rest?
- Is rest reward or design?
- Mark 2:23-28
Burnout Shadows When The Flame is Flickering
Speaker: Alan Scott, Heart For Pastors
- What is your plan for ministry longevity?
- How does waiting turn into wings?
- Spotting tired shadows before they exhaust you.
- Isaiah 40:28-31
Attainable Leadership That Is Sustainable
Speaker: Alan Scott, Heart For Pastors
- Imbalance is no joke; it’s ungodly.
- How do you Sabbath correctly?
- How balance can lead to blessing.
- Planning your best Sabbath experience.
- Exodus 18