camps and conference centers

Episcopal camps, conference centers and retreat centers dwell at the intersection of three different organizational models: the faith community, the non-profit, and the recreation and hospitality industry.  Each of these models has a particular set of practices for achieving their missional, financial and business development goals. Faced with this challenge camps and centers may find themselves questioning which path to take; often mixing and matching practices from each model in the hope of achieving their goals despite the fact their programming has a positive impact in the lives of those they serve everyday.

Building The Relational Community is a program designed specifically to address the unique nature and needs of ECCC members. It uniquely pairs the missional and financial faces of stewardship under a common process of shared practices and resources that connect the practical need for funding with the call to nurture meaningful relationships with constituents and donors in ways that inspire them to give – through donations, donor referrals, booking events and volunteerism.

The program will take a 7-person cohort of ECCC ministry leaders through a 10-session course over 4.5 months. The format includes bi-weekly group meetings designed to address the common goals, challenges and strategies associated with camps, conference and retreat centers, while incorporating 1-on-1 coaching in the intervening weeks to address the unique circumstances, skills and experiences of each ministry leader. Collegial input and the exchange of ideas are an integral part of the program.

In the first half of the program each participant will develop a comprehensive institutional narrative that describes the depth and breadth of their ministry’s history, mission, the constituent groups they serve, the programming that meets their needs, and the impact their ministry has in the lives of all those they serve. Equipped with this new resource, participants will explore how their narrative influences the day-to-day conversations they have with their network of guests, volunteers, donors, parishes, and other constituents. This extends to the communications they craft and deliver in conventional and digital contexts.

In the second half of the program cohort participants will transition from an inward focus on ministry to an outward process of engagement. Participants will receive a framework for engaging in intentional conversations with a variety of traditional and non-traditional constituent groups. Conversations will focus on connecting each constituent and donor’s core motivations and desire for change with the relevance and authenticity of your ministry’s mission and capacity to affect change. As conversation partners come to   find themselves in each other’s stories meaningful emotional, spiritual and financial bonds are forged. It is within this framework that the mindset and practice of stewardship shifts from a series transactional and potentially awkward requests for money to deeper, more meaningful and transformational experiences of giving that inspire a deep appreciation and enthusiasm for participating in your mission.

The program will start in September and will be facilitated by Joe Merlino, Principal of Emergent Mission. The cost for participation in the program is $2,700 per person.

If you have questions, please contact Joe Merlino, principal of Emergent Mission or Jess Elfring-Roberts, executive director at ECCC.