Campfire Collective
Annual Conference
Presbyterian Mo-Ranch Assembly in Hunt, TX
Welcome
We are excited to offer a special conference that seeks to address the needs of outdoor ministry leaders from across the United States and Canada. We look forward to seeing everyone at the event hosted by Presbyterian Mo-Ranch Assembly (Hunt, TX) on November 8-12, 2026.
The Annual Conference is the signature event of the Campfire Collective. This organization is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church Camp and Conference Association and the Outdoor Ministries Institute (serving the camps of the United Church of Canada). It also includes camps, retreat centers, and conference centers from many other denominations.
Endorsing Organizations
Lead Sponsors
OUR CONFERENCE IS HOSTED BY THE PRESBYTERIAN MO-RANCH ASSEMBLY
Since 1949, Mo-Ranch has served as a sacred and transformative place in the Texas Hill Country for guests to meet, stay, play, and pray! Nestled on 500 acres along the Guadalupe River, Mo-Ranch offers beautiful views, comfortable accommodations, unique historical features, and abundant land and water recreation options. Mo-Ranch is located about 1.5 hours northwest of San Antonio.
Learn more about our host site
OUR THEME
Day by Day
Could you use some hope? In Paul’s second letter to the church in Corinth, he reminds his readers that “we are being renewed day by day.” During times that can feel hopeless, Paul’s words inspire light, resilience, grace, renewal, and hope. Throughout our time together, we will focus on 2 Corinthians 4:6-16 that helps us acknowledge the darkness, persecution, and challenges while being reminded that we “do not lose heart!” Come be encouraged to live day by day in the hope of Christ.
Our Keynote PresenterS
Sterling Nell Leija is the co-founder of Innovative Camp Company. She is a seasoned nonprofit executive whose camp roots began as a camper at Slumber Falls Camp, a Campfire Collective member site in New Braunfels, Texas. Her childhood camp experiences shaped her faith, values, and commitment to mission-driven work. Sterling advances camps and youth-serving programs through intentional programming, continuous improvement, strategy, capacity-building, and positive youth development. A trusted partner to camps and national leaders, her work centers on safety, quality, and outcome-based, intentional programming. As a consultant, educator, speaker, and writer, Sterling shares practical tools and best practices that strengthen organizations and elevate the camp experience.
Tim Huchton is the President and CEO of Mo-Ranch and has spent 30-plus years working in the camping industry. He is passionate about the camp experience and thinks that every child should have the opportunity to attend camp. He has worked at independent private, nonprofit, special needs, and religiously affiliated camps, and also worked for the American Camp Association. Tim married way above his pay grade to Becca, whom he met while they were working at camp; his two kids both attend and LOVE camp. He and Becca have seen firsthand how camp has helped shape and impact their lives. Tim is a professional photographer, voice actor, and speaker who has spoken at numerous camps, emergency response, and risk management conferences around the country. Tim prefers jellies over jams, dogs over cats, and summer over winter!
OUR WORSHIP LEADERs
Regina Strader Hunt is an Elder at First Presbyterian Church of Dallas, Texas where she chairs the Worship Committee. She holds a Certificate of Ministry from the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary. Ms. Hunt also holds Certificates of Spiritual Leadership and Spiritual Direction, works in private spiritual direction ministry, and leads retreats, small groups, and spiritual education programs for churches and organizations in Texas. She is a graduate of Seminary of the Wild’s Eco-Ministry program and facilitates “wild wanders” as part of Wild Spirituality programs at Retreat House Spirituality Center. She is retired from a consulting career in project management, training, and change facilitation for organizations and corporations undergoing major changes.
Rev. Dr. Dongwoo Lee is a scholar and author in religious studies, a higher education administrator, and an ordained minister. He currently serves as University Minister and Faculty Member in the Department of Religion at Schreiner University in Kerrville, Texas. He has taught at Claremont School of Theology in Claremont, California. Dr. Lee earned his PhD in Religious Studies from Claremont School of Theology. His academic work focuses on comparative theology and philosophy of religion, with attention to ecological civilization and theological engagement with Artificial Intelligence. He is the author of several books and book chapters, including Imagining a Post-Pandemic Meta-Church (2021) and “Renewing God: When God Meets Artificial Intelligence” in Renewing Faith (2025). His work has appeared in academic journals, and he has delivered keynote addresses in academic and ecclesial settings.
Rev. Fran Tilton Shelton is co-founder of Faith & Grief, a 501(c)3 that provides opportunities of comfort and hope to those who have experienced the death of a loved one. Opportunities include podcasts, round table discussions, grief workshops, retreats, and seminars across the country. She continues to bask in the delight of serving three PCUSA congregations in Texas. Fran has a D.Min. degree from Austin Theological Seminary. After caring for and journeying with her husband, Bob, through Alzheimer’s, she wrote a book, No Winter Lasts Forever: A Memoir of Loving Bob & Loathing Alzheimer’s. Her latest book is The Spirituality of Grief: Ten Practices for Those Who Remain. Fran’s hobbies include duplicate bridge, watercolor painting, and reading, reading, reading.
OUR Music LEADER
Joseph Williams was raised in a house with lots of guitars in Sherman, Texas. Currently, he lives in a house with fewer guitars in Kerrville, Texas, where he graduated from Schreiner University. He has been involved both in leading and participating in camps and conferences across the states of Texas and Oklahoma, including as a camp counselor at Presbyterian Mo-Ranch Assembly.
Some of Our Featured Workshop Leaders
Over half of our workshop leaders will be presenting at the Annual Conference for the very first time. We are highlighting some of those folks below, but more will be added soon.
Mark Adams
The Rev. Mark Adams is the U.S. Coordinator for Frontera de Cristo, a role he has held since his ordination in 1998. A graduate of Columbia Theological Seminary, Mark works alongside his wife, Miriam Maldonado Escobar, to foster understanding and community-driven partnerships across borders. Through initiatives such as Café Justo (Just Coffee), Frontera de Cristo builds relationships and bridges between communities, emphasizing connection and collaboration over division.
Tori Barnes
Tori is a risk consultant and trainer specializing in safety within the camp and outdoor recreation industry. She combines hands-on industry experience with an expert perspective to help organizations strengthen risk assessment, abuse prevention, emergency planning, and insurance practices. Known for identifying overlooked questions and risks, Tori helps leaders build safer, more prepared organizations.
Thom Cunningham
Thom is Executive Director of the Association of Partners in Christian Education, where he works to strengthen faith formation and educational ministry across the church. With extensive experience as an educator and church leader, Thom is passionate about helping communities move beyond simply welcoming people to creating environments where individuals feel known, valued, and included. His work in intercultural development explores how culture, identity, assumptions, and relationships shape communities, bringing a practical and relational perspective to hospitality and belonging.
Anna Danila
Anna is the National Network Director with the American Camp Association, where she connects camps to the resources they need. American Camp Association is a community of camp professionals who, for over 100 years, have joined together to share their knowledge and experience and to ensure the quality of camp programs.
Peter Elbaum
Peter is the Operations Director at Camp Greystone, where he focuses on the day-to-day systems and behind-the-scenes challenges that keep camp running smoothly. As he prepares to step into ownership, he also develops practical tools and approaches that help camps reduce operational friction, make processes more visible, and allow staff to spend less time managing logistics and more time connecting with campers and colleagues.
Peter is the Operations Director at Camp Greystone, where he focuses on the day-to-day systems and behind-the-scenes challenges that keep camp running smoothly. As he prepares to step into ownership, he also develops practical tools and approaches that help camps reduce operational friction, make processes more visible, and allow staff to spend less time managing logistics and more time connecting with campers and colleagues.
Michael Erwin
Rev. Michael Erwin is President of Church Campaign Services, with more than 25 years of experience guiding churches and nonprofits through capital campaigns, feasibility studies, and major gift development. He focuses on building donor confidence through thoughtful planning, compelling vision, and strong leadership rather than high-pressure fundraising. Michael also serves as Executive Director of The Good Samaritan Home, supporting aging services and affordable housing, and regularly speaks on campaign readiness, stewardship, and generosity.
Brian Hodges
Brian is on the executive leadership team at LAWS Systems, a Texas manufacturer of outdoor warning systems for camps and communities. Brian Hodges also helped build an emergency action plan for his family's camp, Kamp Kickapoo, near Kerrville in the heart of the Hill Country, where the 2025 floods unfolded. Working alongside his family, he built the camp's plan to meet the full set of requirements under Texas Senate Bill 1, the new law passed in response to those floods.
Rebecca Huchton
Rebecca “Becca” Huchton is the Director of Programs at Mo-Ranch, bringing experience from working at a summer camp for children with disabilities, teaching elementary school for 10 years, and serving in church administration. She leads a talented team that hosts more than 20 retreats and conferences each year, including Grand Camp. A lifelong camp enthusiast, Becca and her husband, Tim, met while working at camp, and their two children are also passionate about the camp experience. She enjoys quilting, reading, and ice cream.
Gini Norris-Lane
Rev. Dr. Gini Norris-Lane is the Executive Director of the UKirk Collegiate Ministries Association, bringing extensive experience in collegiate ministry, chaplaincy, and congregational leadership. Before joining UKirk National, she served as chaplain and campus minister at Schreiner University for 14 years and led congregations in Texas and Georgia. Her family life also gives her firsthand insight into Generation Z and the experiences of today’s young adults.
Marley Palin
Marley, is co-founder of The Safety Navigator, a free national nonprofit working to raise safety standards for youth camps across the United States. The Safety Navigator now supports more than 500 camps reaching an estimated 510,000 campers. Alongside this work, Marley leads Innovation as Vice President at BHP, the world’s largest mining company. She previously led BHP Xplor, the company’s global critical minerals accelerator, and spent time in strategy roles at Monitor Deloitte and Coca-Cola. Marley is Australian, but is based in Denver, Colorado.
Jenifer Rabenaldt
Jen is a Commissioned Ruling Elder at First Presbyterian Church San Luis Obispo who is passionate about creating a safe, nurturing environment and supporting lifelong faith formation for people of all ages. She views Christian education and faith formation as lifelong practices that deepen relationships with God and equip people to live out their faith in the world. Jen is representing the Presbyterian Older Adult Ministry Network at this event.
Miriam Ross
Miriam is a Pediatric Chaplain at Children’s Health Plano, serves on the Presbyterian Youth Workers Association board, and is discerning her first ordained call to ministry. With more than 15 years of experience in youth ministry, Christian education, and church leadership, she holds an MDiv and MACE from Union Presbyterian Seminary. Passionate about faith formation and developing future church leaders, Miriam especially values camp and conference ministry as spaces for creativity, honest faith exploration, relationship-building, and unexpected moments of grace.
Jake Sorenson
Jake leads the team at Sacred Playgrounds, helping camp ministries thrive through research, insights, leadership development, and partnerships. With experience in youth ministry and year-round camp work, he has led numerous research projects, written extensively, taught at colleges and seminaries, and presented at camps and conferences nationwide. He is the author of “Sacred Playgrounds: Christian Summer Camp in Theological Perspective” and holds a PhD in practical theology, an MDiv, and an undergraduate degree from Wartburg College.
Miatta Wilson
Miatta is an Associate in the Office of Christian Formation for Presbyterian Life & Witness and works with the Christian Formation Collective, including PCCCA/Campfire Collective and other ministry organizations. A Certified Christian Educator with more than 30 years of experience serving congregations and Gilmont Camp and Conference Center, she focuses on connecting people with one another and with resources that support faith formation, camp, mission, and intergenerational ministry. She also leads resource development for the Around the Table Initiative, helping parents and caregivers engage young people in conversations about faith.
Conference Schedule
| When | What | Where |
|---|---|---|
| 1:00-6:00pm | Conference Check-In | Mabee Building |
| 2:00pm | Afternoon Snack Reception (Sponsored by General Mills) | Lobby in Mabee Building |
| 4:00pm | Check-in Time for Rooms | Mabee Building |
| 5:00pm | Last Shuttle Leaves the Airport | San Antonio International Airport |
| 6:00pm | Dinner | King Dining Room |
| 7:00pm | Conference Orientation | Trull 4 |
| 7:00pm | Social Time | Lobby in Mabee Building |
| 8:00pm | Welcome and Opening Worship | Dishman Auditorium |
| 9:00pm | Evening Snack Reception + Bonfire (Sponsored by General Mills) | Outside of Mabee |
| After Bonfire | Games | Grace |
Lodging
We have some different lodging options for your four-night stay during the conference. All of the accommodations are located within an easy walk to meals, workshops, and plenary sessions. For families who will be attending the event, we suggest the Manor House.
Wynne Flato and Pheasant Run
(private bath lodging – single and double occupancy)
These large hotel rooms have either one queen or two full beds with a full, private bath. All buildings are located near the King Dining Hall and the Mabee Building, where the keynotes and worship services will be held.
Single Occupancy (private bath, queen bed, and linens/towels) $660.00 per person (limited availability)
Double Occupancy (private bath, two full beds, and linens/towels) $330.00 per person
River Dorm
(lodging with connected bath - quintuple occupancy)
River Dorm sleeps up to six people with bottom bunks and a connected bathroom. It
features a large porch that overlooks the crystal-clear Guadalupe River. The building
includes air conditioning and heat. Which gender will occupy this building? That will be
determined by the first person who selects it.
(lodging with connected bath - quintuple occupancy)
River Dorm sleeps up to six people with bottom bunks and a connected bathroom. It
features a large porch that overlooks the crystal-clear Guadalupe River. The building
includes air conditioning and heat. Which gender will occupy this building? That will be
determined by the first person who selects it.
Quintuple-Occupancy Room (connected bath and linens/towels) $160.00 per person
Guest Lodge
(lodging with hall baths - single, double, and triple-occupancy)
The Guest Lodge is a historic, two-story structure overlooking the Guadalupe River. It has 11 bedrooms with shared bathrooms. Most of these rooms have bunk beds, but we are only putting one or two people in each of these rooms. For our triple-occupancy option, we have two rooms with three twin beds and a shared bathroom.
(lodging with hall baths - single, double, and triple-occupancy)
The Guest Lodge is a historic, two-story structure overlooking the Guadalupe River. It has 11 bedrooms with shared bathrooms. Most of these rooms have bunk beds, but we are only putting one or two people in each of these rooms. For our triple-occupancy option, we have two rooms with three twin beds and a shared bathroom.
Triple-Occupancy Room (shared bath and linens/towels) $150.00 per person - only one triple occupancy space is available for a female participant. Please contact the conference registrar to inquire about this limited space in Guest Lodge.
Double-Occupancy Room (shared hall bath and linens/towels) $200.00 per person - only one room is still available. Please contact the conference registrar to inquire about this space in Guest Lodge.
Single-Occupancy Room (shared hall bath and linens/towels) $300.00 per person SOLD OUT
MEALS
The conference meals are Sunday dinner through Thursday breakfast. The King Dining Hall offers a wide variety of savory and fresh buffet-style options, prepared daily by their culinary staff who use only the freshest ingredients. During breakfast, you might find menu items that will include scrambled eggs, sausage links, French toast, breakfast potatoes, biscuits and gravy, breakfast tacos, hot and cold cereals, fresh fruit, yogurt, and their famous cinnamon rolls! Lunch and dinner spreads will include some of the Hill Country Region’s favorite entrées with a Mo-Ranch twist, fresh vegetables and sides, homemade soups, a fresh salad bar with fruit, and an assortment of wonderful desserts. Their chefs will accommodate personal dietary restrictions whenever possible.
We are pleased to offer at-par pricing for our Canadian participants on the conference lodging, meals, and registration. This was based on the exchange rate when registration began and will be adjusted on the first day of each month.
Adult: $197.50
Children (Age 4-11): $128.00
Children (Age 3 and under): Free
TrANSPORTATION
Flying to Mo-Ranch
The conference will provide shuttle service to and from the San Antonio International Airport (SAT) on the first and last days of the conference. The cost for the shuttle service is $50.00 round trip or $30.00 one way. On Sunday, November 8, the first shuttle will pick up at SAT at 11:00 a.m., and the last shuttle will leave from SAT for Mo-Ranch at approximately 5:00 p.m. On Thursday, November 12, the first shuttle will not leave Mo-Ranch before 5:00 a.m. Departing flights for those using the shuttle service should be scheduled no earlier than 8:00 a.m. First and last shuttle times are subject to change depending on the number of reservations for shuttle services.
Those arriving/departing outside of these times will need to make other arrangements for travel. All major rental car companies are available at SAT. You can arrange alternate transportation by contacting Kars for Hire in Kerrville at (830) 890-8200 at least 15 days in advance of the conference.
You may choose to fly into another airport, but you will need to provide your own transportation. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is the next closest airport and is about 2.5 hours from Mo-Ranch.
The cost for flights can fluctuate wildly. You may want to consider using Google Flights, Skyscanner, or another website that tracks the cost of the fare (and can contact you when the price drops).
Driving to Mo-Ranch
Mo-Ranch is located at 2229 FM 1340, Hunt, TX 78024. You can find directions on the Mo-Ranch website.
Please plan to arrive between 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 8. When you arrive at Mo-Ranch, please follow the signs to check in at the Mabee Building. You can get your room key at 4:00 p.m., and dinner will start at 6:00 p.m.
Registration INFO
We encourage everyone with a role related to outdoor ministry to attend this amazing event. All staff (executive, program, office, facilities, hospitality, kitchen), board members, and volunteers will benefit from outstanding workshops, worship, and professional connections.
We are pleased to offer at-par pricing for our Canadian participants on the conference lodging, meals, and registration. This was based on the exchange rate when registration began and will be adjusted on the first day of each month.
Registration Fee
Participant: $210.00
Non-participant: $150.00
Children & Youth: $225.00
Children and Youth Program
The conference is an intergenerational event offering an extended program for children and youth (ages 5-14) during keynote and workshop sessions. The children and youth will engage in fun activities and learning opportunities; outdoor play will happen as much as possible! The program begins each day after breakfast. Your children/youth will be returned to you before lunch. You can return the children/youth to the program after lunch until dinner time. The deadline to register for the Children and Youth Program is September 1st. Please register as soon as possible if you are interested in this program.
Cancellation Policy
Before October 9, all but $125.00 will be refunded to you. After this date, the entire fee is nonrefundable.
Scholarships
If you need financial assistance to attend the conference, please contact
Joel Winchip for PCCCA
Joe Richards for OMI-UCC
Joel Winchip for all other Campfire Collective sites
Bill Bourdon for OMA-UCC
SPECIAL POST-EVENT ON NOVEMBER 12-13
Are you seeking additional adventures in the Texas Hill Country?
Do you want to add two more to the list of camps you have visited?
We have put together a special post-event that includes visits to John Knox Ranch and Slumber Falls Camp and Retreat Center. After breakfast on the last morning of the Annual Conference (Thursday), we will hit the road.
Visit #1: John Knox Ranch (Fischer, TX)
Join us for lunch and an in-depth tour of our site. Visit our magical Blue Hole Spring and learn about our recently completed site master plan and conservation easement (that also allowed us to establish an endowment!). We will visit our facilities, kitchen, maintenance barn, and even our well and septic tanks if you want!
Visit #2: Slumber Falls Camp and Retreat Center (New Braunfels, TX)
Located on the beautiful Guadalupe River, we will tour our main camp and smaller retreat center, take a walk to the river, and enjoy a meal together at Woelke Lodge in the evening. The next morning, we invite you to reflect on the conference and shared fellowship at Vesper Point before departing for the San Antonio airport. We can't wait to welcome you to the falls!
This special post-event includes lunch and dinner on Thursday, an overnight stay at Slumber Falls, and a continental breakfast the following morning. You can travel in your own vehicle, but free transportation to these two camps (and to the San Antonio Airport on Friday) is included for the first 10 people to sign up!
This whole package is available for just $67 for a double-occupancy room or $117 for a single-occupancy room (limited availability). For the first 10 people to sign up, the free shuttle can get you to the San Antonio Airport by 7:00 am (so please book your departing flight for 8:00 am or later). Check out for everyone else is 11:00 am.
You will have the opportunity to add this post-event to your registration when you sign up for the Annual Conference.
FAQ
