“Beyond S’mores”
Camping ministry and the church, today and tomorrow!
A Research Project
It has been nearly 20 years since congregations and communities of faith have expressed their hopes and dreams for camping ministry in the region. The Camp Futures project in 2005 – 2010 saw an investment of $11 million into the infrastructures and facilities of Camp Fircom and Camp Pringle. With the restructuring of the United Church, five additional camps have come under the support of the Pacific Mountain Region. Camp Koolaree, Camp Grafton, MacKenzie Camp, Rock Lake Christian Camp and Camp Braeburn.
Throughout the month of October, four key leaders in the church – Kerry Child, Ibi Chuan, Jen Cunnings, and Deborah Richards are teaming with First Third Ministry to explore a big question:
“What do Congregations and Communities of Faith want? What do they look for from camping ministry? What do they know/feel about camping ministry? What are their connections? What are their aspirations for the future, and do they want to be involved?”
Beyond S’mores will involve a number of activities:
October 1 – 25 A survey is available for your immediate response. Click here to respond to the online questionnaire.
October 9, 1 pm – the region’s bi weekly town hall will be dedicated to Beyond S’mores. Participants at the town hall will be divided into break out groups where they will participate in a small research focus group, hosted by First Third Ministry and the Task Group.
October 10 – 30 – follow up conversations will be held with a sample of the survey participants. The Task Group will lead those one-to-one conversations.
This information will be collated, interpreted and presented by the task group for presentation at a gathering of the seven camping societies, November 22-24, at Camp Pringle.
We look forward to sharing the outcome of this survey in the weeks ahead.