Why Should Board Members Attend the Annual Conference?

by Lorraine Burch, Board Member at Sherbrooke Lake Camp in Franey Corner, Nova Scotia

Lorraine Burch (in the purple sweatshirt) is pictured here with other camp leaders from the Outdoor Ministries Institute

I was one of the board members who attended the Campfire Collective Annual Conference 2023 at Ferncliff. I am so glad I did! I met amazing staff and volunteers from all across the United States and Canada. These folks make their organizations thrive! I learned so much from them and all the amazing workshop presenters. Being there helped me recognize more deeply my role as a figurehead of our camp and I was able to understand the beauty and the challenge faced by multi-generational boards like ours.

Why was the Annual Conference such a great experience?

  1. I was able to network. I met with lots of likeminded people from all different geographical areas. We shared stories and contacts, and the exhibit hall was amazing too - a wealth of resource information was available.
  2. I was able to expand my knowledge and find solutions to problems. I heard things that were new to me - new techniques, new types of equipment, unpublished data, etc. I had the opportunity to ask presenters questions about their work and the rationale behind it.
  3. I benefited from the sacred spaces and the opportunities to sing together in praise.
  4. The social events were meaningful, fun, uplifting, and thought-provoking!
  5. The food was GREAT!
  6. The camp setting was "next level" beautiful and comfortable.
  7. EVERYONE was so welcoming, enthusiastic, and energetic.

It was a perfect event! Thank you to all the hard-working planners and volunteers. All the best for the Annual Conference in 2024. I encourage all board members to register- your time will be well spent and you will not be disappointed!