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Times Have Changed in America, Are You Prepared?

The legal landscape and environment has changed in so many ways for camps and Christian ministries, we must ensure we have all of the protections in place to ensure maximum ministry with minimum liability.

A seasoned nonprofit executive with over fifteen years of experience guiding charities and faith-based organizations through the complex legal, financial, and operational challenges of today’s nonprofit landscape.

With a foundational background in finance and marketing, Jonathan Bailie has led growth initiatives across sectors including legal services, medical outreach, technology, and broadcast media. He served as marketing director for two national Christian ministries before advancing to vice president of digital strategy at one of the world’s leading nonprofit marketing agencies. In that capacity, he partnered with influential ministries and organizations such as Ligonier Ministries, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, WORLD News Group, Trans World Radio, and numerous rescue missions through his work with ResourceOne.

Today, as an attorney and nonprofit strategist, Jonathan provides comprehensive legal counsel and executive-level advisory to churches, schools, and religious charities across the country. His work focuses on helping ministries navigate governance challenges, mitigate legal risk, protect property and tax-exempt status, and strengthen organizational structure. He regularly advises on strategic planning, employment matters, regulatory compliance, and conflict resolution. Drawing on his multifaceted background, he equips nonprofit leaders to proactively address legal threats, steward resources wisely, and pursue opportunities for long-term growth and ministry impact.

From Crisis to Confidence: Preparing for Emergencies and Building a Safer Camp

In light of the heartbreaking tragedy at Camp Mystic, camps nationwide are more aware than ever of the urgent need to proactively assess and strengthen their safety policies and crisis preparedness. At River Valley Ranch (RVR), a freak storm that took the life of a camper in 2014 became the catalyst for a complete reevaluation of how we approach risk, safety culture, and crisis communication. This workshop not only shares lessons learned from real-life experience but also offers practical strategies any camp can implement to prevent, prepare for, and respond to crisis situations. Whether you're just getting started or looking to strengthen existing systems, you'll leave with tools to make your camp a safer place for all.

Jon Bisset is the president of Peter and John Ministries (PJM) and the executive director of River Valley Ranch (RVR), a Christian camp and retreat center located in Maryland. With a B.A. in history and communications from Towson University and an M.A. in communications from Wheaton College, Illinois, Jon has dedicated his career to impactful leadership in nonprofit and community-focused organizations.

Target Audiences: “Purple Worm”

Identifying and understanding your target markets/audiences. Learn how to establish a specific strategic plan/campaign to reach your new or existing defined audiences.

Tammy Briggs brings nearly 30 years of non-profit experience in Event Fundraising, Marketing, Communications and Public Relations. Through the years, she has performed four capital campaigns, organized over 100 fundraising events, executed targeted communications, and has written hundreds of grants.

Leading Up: How Executive Directors Create Clarity with Their Boards

Executive Directors sit in a unique and challenging space—responsible for results, accountable to a board, and often navigating unclear expectations. This workshop equips camp Executive Directors with practical tools to lead up with clarity, strengthen their partnership with their board, and reduce friction around roles, strategy, and operations. Participants will explore how clarity of governance versus management, mission and vision alignment, and operational expectations build trust, improve decision-making, and free leaders to focus on mission impact. Designed specifically for Executive Directors and board members, this session offers real-world insights and immediately applicable strategies to create healthier boards and stronger camps.

Chad is the co-founder and CEO of Tractus Leadership Solutions.  His passion is to provide clarity for high-capacity leaders and growth minded organizations.  With over a decade of experience working directly with leaders and organizations, he gained the ability to take complex and confusing situations and bring clear plans of action.  Chad’s experience spans businesses, nonprofits, and religious organizations. Chad values people and realizes that each situation is unique and requires creative solutions.

5 T’s of Biblical Stewardship

There really is a difference between stewardship and fund-raising. This seminar will show you the opportunity you have to disciple your investors. You will come to discover the Biblical basis for giving and what your greatest donors look like. This seminar is a foundation to every development strategy.

Mark is a gifted presenter and brings 35 years or experience to the table. Mark’s passion is to train organizational leaders to see clearly, to proceed effectively and to develop the resources needed to accomplish their mission. He has partnered with scores of urban, local, and international schools and ministries to help them to experience their vision and see lives impacted for the cause of Christ. He has 35 years of expertise

Sabbatical - What I Learned and What I Still Long For

In camping ministry, the call to rest, reflect, restore, and renew is constant. Yet for many of us, the idea of stepping away for an extended period—truly pausing our work to seek God in a deeper, more reflective way—can feel almost impossible.

After serving as an Executive Director for 17 years, I was granted an 8week sabbatical. In this workshop, I will share what I learned through the process: how to craft a sabbatical proposal for your Board, what challenges and joys emerged during my time away, and how the experience reshaped my professional expectations. I will also offer practical guidance for those considering a sabbatical of their own.

A sabbatical should continue to shape our professional and personal lives—and most importantly, our life in Christ. In the beauty and busyness of Christian camping, we are invited to “set our hearts at rest in His presence” (1 John 3:19–20), not only during extended time away but in the rhythms of everyday ministry. Come, and let us learn—and yearn—together.

Greg has worked in Christian camping for 23 years. First as the Associate Executive Director at Ligonier Camp and Conference Center and 19 years in his current position as the Executive Director of Pine Springs Camp. Prior to God calling him into Christian Camping he worked for 18 years in Student Development at various colleges and universities. After graduating for Taylor University, he moved to Pennsylvania and worked in Campus Ministry with the Coalition for Christian Outreach where he met Ellie, his wife of 37 years. They have 2 adult children and 3 grandchildren.

Lessons from the Boot Club: When Our Ministry Friends Get Fired

Far too many people in the ministry face forced resignations and transitions. What lessons can we learn from others to avoid this situation within our own camps?

Mike has served as director at Camp Conquest for 23 years. Prior to that time, he faced his own forced transition from camp ministry, and since that time he has had numerous opportunities to help others transition into or from a ministry position.

Metaphors: Metaphors for Your Ministry

The use of metaphors in ministry contexts has a long history of use. What is the good, the bad, and the ugly of using metaphors in adventure activities in a camp context? How do metaphors enhance what you intend to teach or potentially distract from the values you are modeling?

Paul Harbison serves as Director of the Department of Transformative Opportunities, and as the leader of the CCO Experiential Designs (XD) Team.

Paul spent his undergraduate years involved in a CCO campus ministry, and he joined CCO staff in 1978 with the vision and responsibility of integrating outdoor adventure education into the context of college ministry. During his time with CCO, Paul has served as a youth pastor at a local church, directed a summer wilderness camp for troubled youth, and served as adjunct faculty for an undergraduate youth ministry program. As the Director of Experiential Designs, Paul now oversees the implementation and operation of this specialized area of ministry that uses adventure education to transform students in Christ to transform the world.

Preparing for Launch

Are you a young leader, or do you aspire to be a leader one day? Do you crave a strategic approach that will help prepare you for launching your leadership career? This seminar delivers a list of the top 15 leadership principles that have guided its presenter, CCCA President/CEO Gregg Hunter, for more than 30 years of leadership. Bring your questions and prepare for active discussion.

Leading Through Challenging Times

What kinds of crises have you had to walk through as a leader? Did you feel like you might not come out the other side with your sanity intact? Your job? Because of the leader’s position, facing significant challenges can be lonely and daunting. This seminar walks through steps a leader can take spiritually and practically to process those crises and emerge better and stronger as a leader.

Gregg Hunter became President/CEO of CCCA in 2009 and is responsible for the overall strategic direction of CCCA in its efforts to maximize ministry for its members. He leads the creation and implementation of CCCA’s strategic plan, which is focused on delivering member benefits that support and strengthen camp operations and ministry impact.

Gregg’s diverse background in communications, marketing and development includes six years at The Boeing Company, where he helped introduce the 777 airplane to the world, five years at Young Life, where he was a member of the President’s Cabinet as the organization’s senior Communications officer, and Georgia Family Council, where he spearheaded all aspects of the nonprofit’s communications and fundraising efforts.

He is the co-author of the book “Terrify No More,” and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Washington, and an MBA from University of Colorado at Colorado Springs.

Excel/Sheets For Your Ministry

Have you wanted to learn more about how Excel/Sheets can help your ministry stay organized, but feel overwhelmed each time you open a new tab? This workshop will show you how to teach yourself Excel/Sheets in specific situations for your context.

Joe serves as the Executive Director at Wesley Woods Christian Camp. Prior to that, he worked in software sales and summer camp ministry on the program side. He has an MBA from Westminster College and a seminary degree from Columbia International University. When he’s not at camp, you can find him reading, golfing, or working on his love/hate relationship with running.

Steal This: Ideas of Parenting Awesomeness

Parenting is the most important job you will ever have, and it does not come with an instruction manual. This book is packed with practical wisdom, Biblical encouragement, and real-life strategies to help you raise kids with faith, love, and purpose. Organized into clear categories such as Faith and Values, Love and Relationship, Guidance and Discipline, Growth and Learning, and Care and Encouragement, each section gives you actionable ideas you can put into practice right away. Whether you are looking for fresh inspiration or a solid framework to guide your parenting journey, this resource will help you take simple steps that make a big difference in your family’s life.

Steal This: Ideas of Awesomeness
This is the original class that started it all. Just a huge random collection of super epic programing for your camp! We will be presenting a slew of ideas that you can steal and start doing. I will have gobs of handouts and hands-on activities so that you can take these ideas back home and implement them into your programming tomorrow!

Steal This: 25 Rules for Unparalleled Hospitality
This is the session for anyone who wants to take their hospitality game to the next level! These are 25 practical, actionable tips you and your team can implement tomorrow to create unforgettable experiences for your guests. This high-energy session will break down our favorite tried-and-true strategies that anyone can master. Plus, you’ll walk away with a resource guide to use in your own staff training.

Steal This: Ideas for Escape Rooms and Puzzleness Vol. 2: Beyond the Room - 
Prepare for an adventure like no other as we go beyond the escape room. Join us for a thrilling journey of puzzles, teamwork, and excitement through activities like Mystery Trails, Escape Bags, Puzzle Rooms, Table-top Games, and more! These activities help campers work together by deciphering clues, solving mysteries, and unlocking the hidden secrets. This session will help you add these incredible programs for campers to test their wits, unleash their problem-solving skills, and have an unforgettable time at your camp.

Chris and Carrie have been serving in camp ministry since 2000, working at four different camps and loving every minute of it. They are passionate about all things camp and spend much of their free time helping others grow in their own ministry. They have taught camp leadership and programming sessions at conferences across the country and have written multiple books covering many areas of camp life. When they do manage to find a little free time, they hunt for the newest and most creative ideas they can “steal” and bring back to their Camp. Their workshops are fast paced, practical, and packed with ideas you can use right away.

Adding Local Flavor to Your Menu

Camps, your entire meal doesn’t need to come off a truck. It is easier than ever to find and incorporate locally grown or produced food on your menus, which can educate and enlighten guests, benefit local businesses and farms, and help you make worthwhile connections in the community.

Bill Pitcher has been a food journalist and a food service director in Christian camps and entertainment venues. Since 2015, he also has helped his peers optimize their food purchasing and menu planning through The Buying Networks, a procurement group working with over 400 camps around the country.

Faithful Stewards of What God has Entrusted: Preventative Maintenance at Your Camp

This one hour seminar equips camp maintenance staff to shift from reactive, emergency- driven repairs to preventative maintenance that protects people, property, and ministry. 

Participants will explore how preventative maintenance is an act of biblical stewardship, learn how small issues become costly emergencies, and gain practical tools for planning seasonal maintenance, improving safety, and reduce burn out. Through real camp examples, scripture based encouragement, and hands on discussion, this seminar helps maintenance teams see their work as essential ministry that supports every guest experience 

 Key points:

·      Preventive vs. reactive maintenance 

·      Maintenance as ministry and stewardship

·      Reducing emergencies through planning 

·      Practical checklists and seasonal tools 

Caleb Ray serves as the Campus Manager at Roxbury Holiness Camp, where he brings years of hands-on experience in both leadership and facility care. Before stepping into his current role, Caleb spent several years leading the camp’s maintenance department, helping ensure the campus stayed safe, functional, and welcoming for guest groups. He also has a strong background in residential construction and groundskeeping, giving him a practical, preventative approach to caring for camp facilities. Caleb and his family are passionate about camping ministry and he believes that well-maintained spaces play a vital role in supporting life-changing experiences that happen at camp. 

Wisdom from Unc

Foundational principles for young and emerging leaders. How to honor your leaders while finding your own voice.

Matt (known as “Matto” by all his friends) and his wife Jen. Matto and Jen have eight children named Jada, Emery, Silas, Matthias, Naomi, Selah, Kayden and Arabella. Matto and Jen love Jesus,  their kids, adventure, and a good cup of coffee. Matto grew up in camping and has been at Pine Valley full time since 2004. Camp is a place where Matto and his family can invite others into fun and adventure while introducing them to the good news of Jesus. Matto currently serves as the Avodah internship director.

Giving a Talk That Gets a Hearing: From Mouth, to Ear, to Head, to Heart

Remember the old question about the tree falling in the forest? If no one heard it fall, did it actually make a sound? Well, every summer thousands of camp speakers ask the same question: “If a camp speaker gives a talk, and nobody actually hears it, did he actually speak at all?” You will leave this session with clear, actionable tips for how to prepare and deliver an effective camp message.

Duffy graduated magna cum laude with a Master of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, Mass., and completed his Doctor of Ministry in Youth and Family Ministry at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, Calif.

Duffy is the author of over 15 books and hundreds of articles. His titles include: Ministry of Nurture: A Guide to Building Teenage Disciples, Everyday Object Lessons, Youth Ministry Nuts and Bolts: Mastering Ministry Behind the Scenes, There’s a Teenager in My House (ed. Wayne Rice), Speaking to Teenagers: How to Think About, Create and Deliver Great Messages, Enjoy the Silence: A Thirty Day Experiment in Listening to God and This Way to Youth Ministry: An Introduction to the Adventure.

Duffy lives in Cranberry Township, Pa., with his wife and best friend, Maggie. They have two grown daughters, Erin and Katie.

How To Build a Ropes Course

Learn about materials, cost, planning, etc. to build a ropes course at your camp. 

Inspections and Upkeep for Your New Course

Learn about what you will need to do to get your high ropes course ready to be used and how to plan to maintain it. 

Self-Care isn’t Selfish

This session will help you recognize burnout, explore a biblical basis for self care, and give you practical tools and strategies for improving your physical, emotional, and spiritual health. You will leave with a personalized self care plan with realistic goals for incorporating new habits and routines into your life.

Christa Rose grew up in South Central PA and has been involved in camping ministry since her teen years. Upon graduating college, she developed a love for empowering others to build new habits and create healthier lives. She is married to her husband Eric and has 2 girls ages 7 and 4, as well as another girl on the way! She currently resides in Chester County and spends her days homeschooling her daughters, coaching others to better health, and actively participating in music and children’s ministry at her church Christ Church West Chester. 

Starting with the Fundamentals of Marketing

Fundamentals of marketing are your go-to for guaranteed results. If you are not doing these things, stop everything and focus on these fundamental issues. Bring your questions as this will be interactive.

For the past 15+ years, Donnie has been marketing national events, producing world-class media projects, and sharing his skills with others. Donnie founded ROSIE Marketing in 2010 in order to help more businesses and organizations grow and tell their stories. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Business from the Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, and now serves at Miracle Mountain Ranch as the Chief Financial Officer and Marketing Director. Donnie is an FAA licensed drone pilot and still very much enjoys photography after all these years. He is married to Tonya, and they have four children.

Ropes Course Round Up

Camp staffers involved with ropes/challenge courses, ziplines, or climbing walls will benefit by attending this workshop where we will discuss PA regulations, as well as best practices for inspections, operations, and staff training.

Jason serves as SB2W Property Director, as well as High Adventure Director (Certified as a Qualified Instructor through the Professional Ropes Course Association).  He is a graduate of Cedarville University and has been on staff at SB2W since 1999.

Conversations over Presentations

Tyree Sterling’s workshop on evangelism equips camp leadership to build a Gospel-fluent staff culture that doesn’t wait until the “big service night” to share Jesus. Instead of relying on one major moment, you’ll learn how to help your counselors naturally start spiritual conversations anywhere (cabins, meals, rec time, late-night talks, etc… and lead campers toward a clear understanding of the GOSPEL. You’ll walk away with simple tools your staff can master quickly, a strategy for training seasonal volunteers, and a system you can implement in under two weeks. This is evangelism designed for real camp life, not a one-time service.

Disciple in Cycles

Tyree Sterling’s workshop shows how discipleship can thrive in the short, intense environment of camp. Instead of assuming discipleship must be long-term or program-based, you’ll learn how to leverage “nudging moments” that happen constantly during camp (devotions, mealtimes, challenge courses, evening reflections, one-on-ones, and more). Counselors will discover how to identify a camper’s spiritual chair, how to guide them to their next step, and how to partner with home churches so spiritual momentum continues after camp. You’ll leave with a clear system that makes discipleship more simple, relational, and repeatable.

Tyree Sterling is a speaker and trainer who helps ministries create Gospel-advancing cultures. With decades of youth experience, he equips leaders to build Gospel-advancing systems that are simple, relational, and ones that leaders can implement quickly. See more at www.TyreeSterling.com/LinkTree 

Tried and True Camp Recipes

In food service, we’re excited to find new recipes for our cookbooks . . . but only if they actually work in a camp setting.  Come hear from a panel of Food Service Directors who actually work at camp and hear some of their tried and true recipes for breakfast, lunch, supper, and everything in between.  Each attendee will receive a copy of the recipes discussed to take back to their camps as well!

The Food Service Panel has over 40 years combined experience in food service, including over 20 years combined experience in camp kitchens.  Join Amber DePew (20 years in food service; 5 years at Seneca Hills), Malinda Palm (15 years in food service; 11 years at Christian Retreat Center), and Christy Preston (8 years in food service at WLD Ranch) to glean much kitchen wisdom and experience and a collection of tried and true recipes that actually work for camp.