Workshops

by David Gill
Both Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and Good360 work in the area of disaster assistance, but that doesn’t mean you have to experience a disaster to benefit from their services. Hear how specific camps have benefited from PDA services and partnerships. At least 7 of our camps have enjoyed deeply discounted products from Good360. Hear how and the different levels at which you can connect.

by Bedford Holmes (workshop repeated during session #3)

Join Bedford Holmes as he hikes around Zephyr and explores the history, values and complexities of this very special conference center on the shores of Lake Tahoe.

by Brian Frick
When we started, camp directors served as camp pastors – the mission heart of our ministry. In the 80’s and 90’s we were charged to become financially self-sufficient – those mission-oriented leaders became Executive Directors. Essentially, we turned our mission leaders into administrators who managed finance and board, shared our story, and had entry-level program directors implement our ministry. What if we flipped it? Together we will muse and plan to put mission first and administration in the supporting role.

facilitated by Bob Pryor

Participants in the Compass Points Certificate Program will be presenting their final projects as part of the Capstone class. Each student will be making a pitch to his/her “governing body” for a new/innovative/out-of-the-box program idea for which they would like to receive “authorization” to implement. Come be part of “the approving body” which will act as a camp/retreat center’s program committee or board. Ask questions, challenge assumptions, and seek clarification for the proposed projects so that the presenters get a feel for how their “real” governing body might receive their proposed projects. The presentations will span both afternoon workshop blocks. Please select this option for Workshops #2 and #3 if you wish to see all of them.

by Ryan McKenzie (workshop repeated during session #6)

Using the scenic vista view locations around Zephyr Point’s property, Ryan will lead you on a tour through Tahoe’s two-million-year-old past. By having the ability to see locations on the north, south, east and west shores of the lake, spanning distances of over 30 miles, you will have a visual opportunity to see key sites central to understanding Tahoe’s geological/natural history, hearing the in-depth story of how Tahoe came to be the incredible natural wonder she is today! Far from a boring lesson in rocks, Ryan will make this experience interactive and fun as you engage God’s Creation in unique and exciting, awe-inspiring ways! Don’t miss it!

by Chantal Jackson
Building Community is one of my favourite things to do. We all know that a strong established community only leads to a more cohesive staff and therefore happier campers, parents, and clients. In this active workshop we will discuss and participate in my favourite and most effective community building activities.

by Lea Kone and Brian Frick

For years, Camp Whitman on Seneca Lake has been struggling to authentically engage its campers and staff in meaningful faith formation that continues in their lives beyond the car ride home from camp. End of summer surveys indicated that less than 10% of campers shared with a parent a message or scriptural lesson learned at camp. Fail. Inspired by Brian Frick’s workshop on the 5 Sabbath Practices (Hospitality, Prayer, Service, Retreat, Story-telling) as identified by the Christian Formation team at the Presbyterian Mission Agency; Camp Whitman took a leap of faith and chose to shift its entire daily camp program and staff training to embrace this radically different approach. Lea and Brian built a camp curriculum framework and began to lay the groundwork for a multi-presbytery pilot program for sabbath practice programs for families, youth and children in participating congregations. Come and hear an update on what lessons they have learned in the process and receive outlines and other resources for how to develop a similar program for your own camp and related congregations and governing bodies.

facilitated by Bob Pryor

Participants in the Compass Points Certificate Program will be presenting their final projects as part of the Capstone class. Each student will be making a pitch to his/her “governing body” for a new/innovative/out-of-the-box program idea for which they would like to receive “authorization” to implement. Come be part of “the approving body” which will act as a camp/retreat center’s program committee or board. Ask questions, challenge assumptions, and seek clarification for the proposed projects so that the presenters get a feel for how their “real” governing body might receive their proposed projects. The presentations will span both afternoon workshop blocks. Please select this option for Workshops #2 and #3 if you wish to see all of them.

by Stefanie Marsden of the Texas Presbyterian Foundation (Day Sponsor)

Can you really nurture generosity through abundant hospitality? It’s true. Hospitality really is part of generosity. This interactive session focuses on how we can inspire generosity in people of all generations. Together we will discover how a legacy can truly welcome others, so we can nurture our supporters.

by Bedford Holmes (workshop repeated during session #1)

Join Bedford Holmes as he hikes around Zephyr and explores the history, values and complexities of this very special conference center on the shores of Lake Tahoe.

by Matthew Black
Yes, everyone is creative. Yes, anyone can write a song. And practicing creativity is a wonderful way to care for yourself, push yourself to grow, and/or enrich and strengthen other skills. We’ll talk about songs and songwriting and take some time to practice and share in a supportive environment. All skill levels welcome, whether you’ve never written a song or whether your fourth studio album is dropping next week.

by Melonee Tubb of the Presbyterian Mission Agency


Student Loan debt is a serious issue the nation and in the church. Even if you don’t have debt personally, it is very likely you work with those who do. Learn about current strategies for repayment and how to leverage national debt assistance resources for your programs.

by Stacey Otlin and Graeme Marshall of Camp America


As camp administrators you have a critical role in recruiting, supervising and supporting your summer camp staff. Staff mental health has become an increasing consideration for camps and if you’ve ever had questions about how to support your staff’s mental health and wellbeing this, session will provide valuable information and tools in this endeavor. The session will cover per and post camp as well as the crucial summer season and will introduce you to best practices and potential pitfalls through the latest research-based learning and case-study driven responses.

by Josh Bradshaw of CampBrain

Join this panel of seasoned administrators/directors as we delve into the details of camper financial management. This is a collaborative session for us to discuss and share unique ideas and best practices – expect to question your camp’s current methods and share your great ideas. Ideal for those involved in the administration of camp!

by Leslie DeMattia

Learn the most pressing and litigious issues facing conferences and camps. Acquire the knowledge and tools to avoid these landmines. Ask the professional any of your pressing questions in an open forum. Come ready to learn and discuss problems, questions, and answers.

by Ryan McKenzie
Throughout the last thousand years, the Church has spread, crisscrossing cultures around the world to create innumerable contributions into what we can call “Christian Tradition.” By reaching back and studying these rich traditions we can learn from the wisdom of our brothers and sisters and be inspired to find congruency between our current ministry philosophies and theirs. At Zephyr Point, we have adopted a Celtic expression of Christian tradition, helping us to both clarify our mission and vision, while leading us forward into the kind of ministry we hear God calling us toward in the next chapter of Zephyr’s story. Come and join us to brainstorm ideas and learn from each other as we explore what it looks like to reach back into the numerous expressions within our faith tradition’s past to move forward!

by Gregg Morrow of UltraCamp (Day Sponsor)
Without camp staff, camp is impossible, so keeping them healthy takes an intentional investment. This session will present the areas of wellness and pursue creative ways to apply these areas into the busy day of camp staff.

by Colleen Earp and Peter Surgenor (workshop repeated during session #7)


How do our camp programs raise awareness of broad faith issues (Matt 25:34-40) as programs are designed to remove outside influences in order to build camp community, increase individual living skills and build faith? What place does concern for Palestine/Israel, turmoil in Africa, land justice in Central and South America, private/public land tension in the USA and food justice in our communities have in our camp programs? Join us to be challenge in your program design to begin a discussion without needing a bus to leave camp.

by Chantal Jackson and Maria Shupe

Researcher and thought leader Dr. Brené Brown offers a powerful new vision that encourages us to dare greatly: to embrace vulnerability and imperfection, to live wholeheartedly, and to courageously engage in our lives. In her book, Daring Greatly, Dr. Brown challenges everything we think we know about vulnerability. Based on twelve years of research, she argues that vulnerability is not weakness, but rather our clearest path to courage, engagement, and meaningful connection. Daring Greatly will spark a new spirit of truth – and trust – in our organizations, families, schools, camps and communities.” Daring Greatly has changed our perception of directing and leadership. We believe that it will be a powerful tool of reference for all camp directors as they continue to do incredible work in their own communities. For this workshop, we ask that participants read Daring Greatly ahead of the conference. We will delve into how daring to “lean in” to vulnerability will be helpful in directing and leading our camps.

facilitated by Peter Surgenor, Suzanne Getz Bates, and Jim Bates
Listen and engage with voices of experience, expertise and enthusiasm reflecting on busy camp ministries. What energizes you for the long haul? What challenges do campers and staff bring each summer? What do you see as opportunities and threats in the years ahead? This topic will be discussed by a panel of seasoned camp folk in company with lightly seasoned and unseasoned friends (old timers, veterans, and those who are new to camping).

by Matthew Black

Singing is such a central part of camping ministry, and leading music in a camp or conference setting is a very particular skill set, different from directing a choir or accompanying hymns in a traditional church setting. This interactive workshop will offer tips for effective teaching and leading of songs in a camp setting, whether around a campfire or silly songs in the dining hall.

by Tommy Campbell
Designed with a variety of experience levels and annual budget sizes in mind, seasoned and new camp leaders will be able to get something out of this workshop covering all things in camp marketing. Attendees will leave this workshop with at least a few new ideas of how to “do marketing” at your site. There will be a brief time to share at the end as well, so marketing experts come share the wealth.

by Scott Henderson

Every year you make sure your lifeguards go through American Red Cross or Jeff Ellis training. Who trains your senior leadership staff and management team? Did you know that managers and senior leadership carry over 90% of the liability for what happens at your pool or waterfront. In this interactive workshop, you will be equipped with sustaining, repeatable practices and procedures to avoid incidents or one of the worst possible days for you and your staff.

by Elise Bates Russell and Tom Paradise
Having international as part of your camp community will change your program for life. Giving your campers and staff the opportunity to interact with people from all over the globe will make them better global citizens. In this session we will dive into why this commitment is important, how to find the best international staff for your camp, and how to make their experience the best it can be.

by Ryan Moore


The world outside the walls of the church has changed, and our role as camps might just be to help local churches navigate the new reality. This workshop will explore the journey and thought process behind a brand new conference designed to leverage camp’s assets into helping churches and presbyteries be a more effective in the 21st century.

by Glenn Svetnicka

We will explore how United Church Camps, Inc. has grown and learned from 12 years of Camp AweSum, a specialty camp serving children and families affected by Autism Spectrum Conditions. The essence of Camp AweSum is being applied in a Memory Camp for folks with dementia and their care partners. We will give you ways to grow your program by thinking outside the typical.

by Brian Frick
A workshop guaranteed to blow your mind, and make you say – well, duh! Current practices in Christian Education are leading our children and youth RIGHT OUT THE DOOR! Join us as the National PC(USA) offices share a new way for Christian Formation re-engaging inter-generational ministry and how camps and retreats are vital for success.

by Colleen Earp and Peter Surgenor (workshop repeated during session #5)

How do our camp programs raise awareness of broad faith issues (Matt 25:34-40) as programs are designed to remove outside influences in order to build camp community, increase individual living skills and build faith? What place does concern for Palestine/Israel, turmoil in Africa, land justice in Central and South America, private/public land tension in the USA and food justice in our communities have in our camp programs? Join us to be challenge in your program design to begin a discussion without needing a bus to leave camp.