A Word from Executive Director, Todd Bartlett

Several months ago, I hatched a plan that we would mark the beginning of my second year as Executive Director with a blog reflecting some of what I have learned during my first year serving Camp and Retreat Ministries in this role. Alas, other elements conspired to delay that post, the reflections about the first year will be sent out next week.

For the past couple of weeks, the theme has been “Change”. There was the announcement of Dave Hargreaves’s retirement, after 46 years of leading our ministry at the Sawtooth United Methodist Camp. Then, the change of personnel in the conference office, including the departure of Janice Repin, who was the accountant, and Geneva Cook (our registrar for 21 years) changing jobs to become the accountant for Camp and Retreat Ministries. Really, change has been a large part of this first year – change in leadership at Magruder, Latgawa and Collins, in addition to the Executive Director! That is a lot of change for an organization. Stability has been maintained with our Board being led by David Armstrong, and at our other three sites, until Dave’s retirement announcement. Most importantly, stability has remained because we have staff (paid and volunteer) who are committed to our mission of “creating quality environments of Christian hospitality and learning”.

With our mission focused on work in six beautiful settings and in supportive community, we continue to see impact on the lives of our United Methodist campers, along with our Episcopal partners and all the other organizations who hold events at our facilities. Thank you for your contribution to the strength of this ministry and the well-being of campers for generations to come.

Most importantly, our stability is experienced through our trust in the faithfulness of God to be present wherever we gather. In addition to our belief that God’s imprint of creation dictates much of what we do at our sites, we are also aware of how the Spirit works through sharing scripture and building short-term faith communities. Yes, change is happening, and God is in the midst of it. For that I am deeply grateful.

See you around the campfire soon.

Job Announcements for Camp & Retreat Ministries

Camp and Retreat Ministries has had two announcements recently regarding staffing changes. First, Dave Hargreaves announced his plans for retirement from Sawtooth Camp in April, and then Todd Bartlett announced that Geneva Cook would be changing her role from camp registrar to camp accountant. We promised to send out job announcements and descriptions for both of those positions, and below you will find that information. Please pass this information on to anyone who may have the qualifications and interest!

Registrar for Camp and Retreat Ministries

Oregon-Idaho Camp and Retreat Ministries is hiring a registrar. The successful candidate for this position will support our mission of creating quality environments of Christian hospitality and learning, work cooperatively with the Executive Director, site directors, accountant, donor relations staff and volunteers. Essential skills include: communications – written and spoken, database management and other computer based programs. This job is currently 20 hours per week. You can find the job description here. Please submit your resume electronically to campingjobs@gocamping.org. Application process is open until filled.

Director for Sawtooth Camp

Oregon-Idaho Camp and Retreat Ministries is hiring a director for Sawtooth Camp. The director is responsible for carrying out the mission of creating quality environments of Christian hospitality and learning at Camp Sawtooth. This includes: daily operation of the site, hiring and oversight of staff, supporting conference programming, booking groups, and working with volunteers and the Camp and Retreat Ministries staff. This is primarily a summer season camp (June through August) with some additional events in September and early October. Sawtooth is located north of Fairfield, ID in the Sawtooth Range. You can find the job description here. Please submit your resume electronically to campingjobs@gocamping.org. Application process is open until filled.