Your facilities are tools for ministry, and protecting them requires intentional stewardship. Learn how consistent inspection and observation can reduce liability, prevent property damage, and protect your resources. We will discuss practical tools to identify hazards, prioritize maintenance projects, and document corrective action to create a safer environment. 

Chad is the Director of Loss Control with the Insurance Board. Prior to this position, he worked for Navigate360 (ALICE Training Institute) as the VP of Education and Curriculum. Chad also served 24 years in law enforcement, achieving the rank of lieutenant while working at the University of Akron Police Department.

This workshop explores how creative, intergenerational projects can deepen faith formation by bringing people of all ages together to engage with Scripture, prayer, and faith stories. Participants will discover low-cost, accessible activities for churches, homes, classrooms, camps, and groups that encourage conversation, storytelling, reflection, and connection, while emphasizing that art is about expression and participation rather than talent. Participants will leave with practical, ready-to-use ideas, instructions, and faith connections for immediate use in intergenerational ministry.

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. A longtime member of the church community, she brings deep faithfulness, continuity, and care to her leadership, working collaboratively to develop meaningful opportunities for learning and spiritual growth. Jen 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.

This workshop draws on five years of multi-denominational research to help camp leaders better understand the motivations, needs, and experiences of summer staff. Participants will explore how to apply these insights throughout the staff experience cycle—from recruiting and preparing to training and retaining emerging adults—so they can better support the people at the heart of summer ministry and help them thrive.

Jared is a creative and communications leader with Sacred Playgrounds, where he develops visual branding, websites, graphics, marketing, and storytelling strategies while also co-hosting and producing the Sacred Playgrounds Podcast. With experience in congregational and outdoor ministry as well as coaching and design work for camps, churches, nonprofits, and small businesses, he helps organizations stay creative, connected, and effective in telling their stories.

This session explores simple ways to document how a camp operates so staff can work confidently, even when experienced team members are unavailable. Participants will learn what processes are worth documenting, how to avoid making documentation overwhelming, how to get started efficiently, and which simple tools can help create more consistency and stability for the camp team.

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.

This workshop, inspired by Mo-Ranch’s Grand Camp model, equips leaders to create intergenerational programs that bring grandparents and grandchildren together through faith formation, outdoor recreation, and relationship-building. Participants will learn how to structure multi-day experiences that balance worship and organized activities with flexible family time, while accommodating a wide range of ages. Leaders will leave with practical tools and ideas for creating meaningful, memorable camp experiences that strengthen intergenerational connections.

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.

This Wild Wander invites participants to explore the natural beauty and wildness of Mo-Ranch while reflecting on the spiritual connections and mysteries found in creation. Through walking, observation, and shared experiences, participants will consider how the land reflects the conference themes of Light, Resilience, Grace, and Renewal, while deepening their appreciation for the Earth as a gift worthy of care and wonder. Comfortable closed-toe footwear is required.

Regina is an Elder at First Presbyterian Church of Dallas, where she chairs the Worship Committee and holds a Certificate of Ministry from the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary. As a Senior Grief Educator with Faith & Grief Ministries, she facilitates grief workshops and community programs, while also providing spiritual direction, leading retreats and small groups, and supporting spiritual education. A graduate of Seminary of the Wild’s Eco-Ministry program, Regina also facilitates “wild wanders” and serves in spiritual life ministry. She brings additional experience from a retired career in project management, training, and organizational change facilitation.

This workshop equips camp leaders, staff, volunteers, and colleagues with practical peer-support skills to help others navigate challenging situations with greater intention and confidence. Participants will learn simple tools such as validation, reflective listening, and gentle challenges to reduce stress, improve clarity, and encourage healthier decision-making. The session emphasizes that effective peer support goes beyond compassion by providing a shared language and usable skills for creating a more supportive camp community.

Dorie is cofounder of MESS Ministries, where she equips people and organizations with practical mental, emotional, and spiritual support skills. With more than 20 years of experience in peer support, training, and program development, she helps transform compassion into skills that reduce stress, improve clarity, and strengthen cultures of care. An ordained ELCA Deacon, Dorie brings together ministry, education, and peer support to promote healthier, more sustainable communities.

This workshop explores how camp leaders can better understand and support Gen Z staff by recognizing their strengths, challenges, motivations, and leadership potential. Participants will learn strategies for creating a summer experience that encourages creativity, builds confidence, supports personal development, and empowers Gen Z young adults to take initiative and lead effectively.

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.

By engaging in conversation and reflection, participants will leave with fresh ideas and practical tools for fundraising and planned giving opportunities for their camps.

Stefanie is a relationship-building, legacy-planning, and generosity professional who has served as Director of Ministry Services at Texas Presbyterian Foundation since 2010. With more than 25 years of business and development experience, she works to strengthen partnerships, grow assets, and help churches and nonprofits expand their missions through education and strategic initiatives. She is also a former president of the Dallas Council of Charitable Gift Planners, a jazz vocalist, and an active church leader and mother.

Four simple phrases – “Please forgive me,” “I forgive you,” “Thank you,” and “I love you” hold essential wisdom in the mending of interpersonal relationships. In this session we will work with these life-affirming words and learn how they can empower emotional well-being in our relationships and in ourselves. In family strife, strained friendships, divorce, and in the face of death and grief, we can experience the benefits of letting go of old grudges and help facilitate healing by letting people know that we love them using these simple phrases to begin the conversation.  Inspired by the work of Dr. Ira Byock, M.D.

Fran Tilton Shelton, DMin, 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, roundtable discussions, grief workshops, retreats, and seminars across the country. She is a spiritual director and keynoter for conferences.  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 (2019). Her latest book is, The Spirituality of Grief Ten Practices for Those Who Remain.  Fran’s hobbies include watercolor painting, duplicate bridge, and reading, reading, reading.

Regina Strader Hunt is an Elder at First Presbyterian Church of Dallas, where she chairs the Worship Committee, and holds a Certificate of Ministry from the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary. As a Senior Grief Educator with Faith & Grief Ministries, she facilitates grief workshops and community programs, while also providing spiritual direction, leading retreats and small groups, and supporting spiritual education. A graduate of Seminary of the Wild’s Eco-Ministry program, Regina also facilitates “wild wanders” and serves in spiritual life ministry. She brings additional experience from a retired career in project management, training, and organizational change facilitation.

This session explores how camp and ministry leaders can strengthen relationships and partnerships within their local communities by taking their mission beyond their own gates. Drawing on Mo-Ranch’s experiences with organizations such as fire departments, garden clubs, and school districts, participants will discover practical ways to build community connections and create meaningful partnerships through initiatives like Mo Gives Back, helping their ministries become more engaged and visible members of the communities they serve.

Tim is the President and CEO of Mo-Ranch with more than 30 years of experience in the camping industry across private, nonprofit, special-needs, and religiously affiliated camps, as well as the American Camp Association. A passionate advocate for camp and relationship-building, Tim also brings extensive experience in photography, speaking, emergency response, and risk management. He is a longtime firefighter, EMT, and search-and-rescue volunteer, serves on the Kerr County Emergency Services District #4 board, and is pursuing graduate studies in ministry and disaster preparation and emergency management.

This guided tour invites participants to explore the rich history and unique heritage of Mo-Ranch, visiting historic buildings, significant landmarks, and spaces that reflect its evolution from its early beginnings along the Guadalupe River into a place of worship, retreat, recreation, and renewal. Through stories of the generations of families, campers, conference attendees, and staff who have experienced Mo-Ranch, participants will gain a deeper appreciation for the people and events that have shaped the Ranch and continue to make it a meaningful place of connection and inspiration.

This interactive workshop helps participants recognize how stress can shape unhelpful stories and reactions, particularly when caring for others. Through practicing the pause, naming thought patterns, and choosing more accurate and healthy perspectives, participants will develop greater self-awareness, clarity, and compassion, allowing them to respond with grounded care rather than simply react to stress.

Dorie is cofounder of MESS Ministries, where she equips people and organizations with practical mental, emotional, and spiritual support skills. With more than 20 years of experience in peer support, training, and program development, she helps transform compassion into skills that reduce stress, improve clarity, and strengthen cultures of care. An ordained ELCA Deacon, Dorie brings together ministry, education, and peer support to promote healthier, more sustainable communities.

This session helps camp leaders navigate communication and conflict among multigenerational staff and volunteers. Participants will explore their own communication and conflict-resolution styles, recognize how behaviors can express underlying needs, and examine the assumptions and biases that influence professional relationships. Through guided reflection and discussion, they will gain greater empathy, self-awareness, and practical insight for building stronger teams and becoming more effective, thoughtful leaders.

Sterling Nell Leija, co-founder of Innovative Camp Company, is an experienced nonprofit executive and consultant who helps camps and youth-serving organizations turn vision into strategy and action. Inspired by her childhood experiences at Slumber Falls Camp, she brings a strong connection to camp ministry along with extensive leadership experience. Sterling is known for asking insightful questions, simplifying complex challenges, strengthening organizational systems, and helping leaders move ideas forward to achieve meaningful results.

This session introduces The Safety Navigator’s five-area risk framework to help camp leaders understand the foundations of camp safety, determine where to focus their efforts first, and make practical use of available tools and learning resources. Participants will gain a clearer starting point for strengthening safety practices, with access to free resources designed to support camps and youth-serving programs.

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.

A functioning Board has 3 things to do: 1) Set the Organization's Purpose / Mission, 2) Hire the Chief Executive, and 3) Support the Chief Executive in delivering the expressed Purpose / Mission. You either manage this process or it manages you. In this workshop, we will strategize how to make this fun and productive for everyone!

Glenn is a Senior Consultant with The Sherry Group, bringing more than 35 years of leadership experience across nonprofit, for-profit, and camp and retreat ministries. A lifelong camper and Eagle Scout, he combines business expertise from Target Corporation with extensive mission-driven leadership, specializing in finance, strategic planning, operations, governance, and board development. Glenn works with camps, retreat centers, and nonprofits nationwide to strengthen sustainability, navigate transitions, and increase organizational impact through relational leadership and long-term vision.

Tiffany is a Senior Consultant with The Sherry Group who helps mission-driven organizations strengthen vision, governance, and long-term sustainability. With extensive nonprofit leadership and communications experience, she specializes in feasibility studies, capital campaigns, strategic planning, property evaluations, and governance restructuring for camps, retreat centers, and nonprofits. Tiffany is known for guiding organizations through major transitions, developing compelling cases for support, and equipping boards and staff with practical strategies for long-term success.

This session provides an overview of the American Camp Association (ACA) accreditation process and how it can strengthen a camp’s commitment to health, safety, risk management, and effective operations. Participants will learn about available resources, the time and costs involved, common misconceptions, and practical strategies for successfully navigating ACA’s voluntary peer-review process.

Anna is the National Network Director with the American Camp Association (ACA), 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.

This behind-the-scenes tour explores Mo-Ranch’s safety infrastructure and emergency preparedness systems, including river and flood monitoring, the Emergency Action Plan, and recent improvements that strengthen emergency response. Participants will learn how staff and departments coordinate during emergencies and conclude with a visit to the Ranch’s new fire station to explore local partnerships and response resources.