Magruder Hiring All Summer Staff Positions

by Hope Montgomery, Program Director for Camp Magruder

Are you ready for a life-changing experience, working hard as part of a dynamic team that grows together as friends and discerning disciples? Working at camp this summer may be just the opportunity you are looking for!

Camp Magruder has announced that all summer staff applications are now open. We are hiring a summer Program Coordinator, Resource Staff members, and Resident Counselors. The applications are available at www.campmagruder.org/employment. Resource Staff and Resident Counselor applications are available at www.gocamping.org. Each application includes a thorough cover letter that gives a more detailed description of the job.

Camp as a Place of Service Formation

by Todd Bartlett, Executive Director for Camp and Retreat Ministries

A few weeks ago I began a series of reflections on the mission statement of the Oregon-Idaho Camp and Retreat ministries, which reads:

We are people dedicated to creating quality environments of Christian hospitality and learning. We nurture persons so that they may . . .

Grow in wisdom and healthy self-esteem.

Develop lifestyles of loving interdependence with each other and all of creation,

Affirm and expand their faith in God and their service as Christian disciples within God's world.

We serve individuals, families, educational institutions, religiously affiliated groups, social service agencies, community service organizations, and other non-profit organizations that enrich life in the world.

Last week I wrote about “loving interdependence with each other and all of creation”. This week I follow that up with some thoughts about “service as Christian disciples”.

As I continue to grow into what it means to be the Executive Director of the Oregon-Idaho Camp and Retreat Ministries, I am getting clearer about my role is in fulfilling our collective mission. We rejoice when participants experience the gracious nature of God and when we see growth through the years; we ache with those who long to recognize God’s presence in their lives; we accompany those who wrestle with our God of mercy and love when they see and experience so much pain and suffering around them.

I am also more aware than ever that we are partners with congregations who are forming disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. The daily work that congregations do to form disciples of Jesus is reinforced and supported by our sites and programs, deepening the spirituality in every participant and volunteer. Together we are more effective in shaping disciples to be persons of grace and love for the world.

I am hopeful that, in committing to this work, we will inspire some to join us to work in Camp and Retreat Ministries. I am also aware that we are at our best when we avoid a self-serving attitude. We are at our best when we help all of God’s children find their calling to serve others wherever they are called as an expression of their faith in God.

See you around the campfire soon,