![]()
Reflections with Camp & Retreat Ministries
![]()
Our Mission: Learning
During this Covid-19 pandemic we are learning many new things: how to use our computers to meet for videoconferences and parties, how to see the roots and depth of racism in our nation and ourselves, how to hear the cries of justice from those who for too long have borne the burden of this nation’s inequitable systems, the art of gratitude related to wearing masks, and the definition of terms we would just as soon not know (social distancing, coronavirus, comorbidity, etc.).
Camp and Retreat Ministries grew out of the Board of Education for the annual conference, which means that learning has been a part of our identity from the beginning. While we may have concepts and skills we want to teach our campers and guests, what they choose to learn is up to them. By providing different opportunities during a normal week at camp, those who experience our hospitality may learn the meaning of community, spiritual growth, faith, self-esteem, confidence, grace, compassion, trust, and/or what it means to have God as an intimate part of one’s life.
One of the lessons that I learned years ago came from a rock-climbing program that was part of a Senior High Adventure camp I was helping to lead. I had the opportunity to climb the wall of rock, like everyone else, but I found myself stuck in a place that had me scared. I wasn’t sure that I could continue up the path that I had found, nor did I want to go back down without having reached the top (yes, there is a bit of a competitive streak in me). What should I do? I paused and took a breath and considered my options, and as I did, support came to me from the group of students, who encouraged me to go forward, and gave guidance as to where I could find a hand-hold. As I made the decision to continue upward, I found myself trusting in two other things: my own body (that I would be capable of doing this; this was difficult as I was not in the best physical condition of my life at the time); and the rope, including the people on the other end of the rope, who would make sure that I would not fall or become seriously injured.
I have reflected on this experience many times over the years and I am so grateful to have learned that I could trust my own body to do something that it hadn’t done for awhile and more importantly, to have learned I had a community that wanted to see me do well and was invested with me in the journey to make sure that everyone experienced a sense of community through that camp event.
As we climb higher up this rocky wall of covid-19, I am reminded that you are a part of the community who still encourages me and wants to see all of us safely through the journey. To deepen this sense of community, I will be leading a six-week course, Love Your Neighbor as Yourself: The Art of Compassionate Communication. This course is based upon the practice of Non-Violent Communication, and will introduce the basics of this style of communication as well as provide opportunities for us to practice this particular way of being followers of the One who taught us to love our neighbors as ourselves. The course is being co-sponsored by Camp and Retreat Ministries and the Southeast Portland Parish (Trinity UMC and Sellwood Faith Community), and is limited to 24 people. Will you join me for this journey? Or do you know someone else who might be interested? Please send them the link.
See you on the adventure ahead,
Rev. Todd Bartlett
Executive Director of Camp and Retreat Ministries
*photo from 2019 Suttle Lake Mid-High Adventure Camp (photographer unknown)
The Art of Compassionate Communication:
A Learning Opportunity
Have you struggled with what to say to someone who has a different opinion than you when it comes to matters of social disagreement? Have you ever been at a loss for words when you are trying to provide a compassionate presence to another who is struggling? Are you looking for ways to inject hope into our world that is in the midst of chaos from the pandemic, the awareness of the depths of racism, and the economic challenges that are going to get worse before they get better? Then this course is for you.
Camp & Retreat Ministry's Executive Director, the Rev. Todd Bartlett, will be leading the six-week online course, “Love Your Neighbor as Yourself: The Art of Compassionate Communication." This learning opportunity is being offered here for the first time, and will rely heavily upon the Non-Violent Communication work that Bartlett has done over the past sever years. The six-week course will explore the process of Compassionate Communication through the sharing of stories and experience, as well as through practicing this method of communication. The only requirement is that you show up and participate. The registration link is below. This event is co-sponsored by Camp and Retreat Ministries and the Southeast Portland Parish (Trinity UMC and Sellwood Faith Community).
So you want to learn about . . . fireflies?
For many kids and adults, summer camp is synonymous with watching, chasing, and/or catching fireflies! But there is probably a lot about lightning bugs that you don't know. Never fear, Camp & Retreat Ministries is on the job with another learning opportunity! And before you say, "But we don't have fireflies here in the West," check out #3 on this list of 12 Fascinating Facts about Fireflies.
Blessings Report
- From Camp Magruder, the blessing of eager students learning to play the guitar via Zoom with Hope Montgomery
- From the Board of Camp & Retreat Ministry, the blessing of Cesie Delve Scheuermann's willingness to teach the Board and site directors about fund-raising
- From Suttle Lake, the blessing of volunteers who are helping with the clean up after the tree removal project
Please send your blessings to share in future issues of the e-news. Click on this link
What have you learned at camp?
This week Todd shared his story of a transformative life lesson learned at camp. Are you willing to share your own story of life skills or spiritual insights learned at a retreat or while camping? Todd is eager to hear of your experience. You can also take this opportunity to say THANK YOU for the learning experiences offered to generations of children, youth, and adults through our camping and retreat ministry by donating now to support more learning--and transformation--in the future.
