Join us for a three day gathering to explore the role of camps and conference centers as Earthkeepers and stewards of the world. This event is ideal for camp and conference center leaders and volunteers who want to learn more about how to make Eco-Justice more central to your ministry. This event is co-hosted by the Outdoor Ministries Association and Camp Fowler.
Camp Fowler is an ideal location to explore our role as “Earthkeepers” and what that means for our camps as we steward the land and the lives of those who stay at our facilities.
Presenters include:
Brooks Berndt, Minister for Environmental Justice, UCC. “Lost Together in the Wilderness: Prophets, Priests, and Camp Directors: Join in discerning together the potential gifts and roles of outdoor ministries as our society confronts the twin crises of climate and inequality. Within the broader movement of how people of faith respond to these crises, Berndt sees vital contributions and possibilities for outdoor ministries.” Brooks will also share how you can become an “Eco-Justice” Camp.
Kendra Joyner-Miller - chaplain at Catawba College. She will guide us through immersive, meditative, and interactive times of worship and reflection.
Laura Krieger - founder and director of Camp Stomping Grounds. She will inspire us with her vision of providing space both welcoming AND inviting for all as she shares her story of creating a camp that practices Radical Empathy. Don’t miss her story.
Kent Busman - Executive Director of Camp Fowler. He will demonstrate how through word and deed we can infuse our camps with the values and practices necessary for Earthkeeping. He will walk us through his 38 year old experiment at Fowler.
Along with presentations, there will be time to remember WHY we chose to answer the call to outdoor ministry. With 245 acres and sited on a mountain lake, your time here will both empower and renew your call to these sacred ministries. This gathering may be what we all need.
Chickens and solar panels are just the start of how Fowler is trying to live into our call to be Earthkeepers.
Details
Arrival and Departure: Our gathering will begin with dinner and introductions on Monday evening, October 7. Fowler is situated approximately 2.5 hours from Albany International Airport. Our time together will end after worship on Thursday morning, October 10.
Lodging: Fowler offers 3 lodging opportunities that are limited on a first come basis
-Prayer Cabins (2) which are private cabins with a queen bed, bathroom, and sitting area.
-Chi Rho House has (12) rooms with queen and twin beds, and private bathroom. This is the main lodge with Adirondack Great Room and break out spaces.
-Pine Lodge provides bunk style sleeping with a shared bathroom
Cost: Includes Lodging and 8 meals, as well as programming
Prayer Cabins - $500 per/person (2 per cabin)
Chi Rho House - $400 per/person (2 per room)
Pine Lodge - $275 per/person (up to 12)
Costs for this Event are partly underwritten by the Outdoor Ministries Association of the United Church of Christ.
Speakers:
Brooks Berndt, UCC Environmental Justice Minister is our keynote speaker. His experience in organizing eco-justice churches will be invaluable as we seek to align our camps as centers for earthkeeping and Justice.
Kendra Joyner-Miller, Chaplain at Catawba College is our worship leader. She will be an invaluable guide to remind us of our connection with the earth and God’s love and care for it.
Laura Kriegel, founder and director of Camp Stomping Ground, which serves “intentionally diverse population of campers with trauma-informed, culturally responsive programing.” Earthkeeping and Eco-Justice fall short of their goals if not everyone is at the table. She will share her vision of
Kent Busman, Director of Camp Fowler and Chair of OMA is our host for the event. He will guide us on how his experience at Fowler has made the camp both environmentally aware and economically viable.