January 11-16
Program Connection
This event will be held at Massanetta Springs Camp and Conference Center in Harrisonburg, VA on January 11-16, 2026. Program Connection is a meeting of faith-based programmatic minds; a space where those who love camp and conference programs can discuss theory and practice. It is based on the idea that we build each other up and improve our ministries through the sharing of ideas, insight, experience, and resources. Additional details can be found on the Massanetta Springs website.
February 9-13
Maintenance Connection
This event will be held at Holmes Camp and Retreat Center in Holmes, NY on February 9-13. Maintenance Connection is the annual gathering of Site Managers, Maintenance Staff, and Volunteer Craftsman involved in camp, retreat, and conference ministries across the United States and Canada. The event is a unique blend of fellowship, networking, continued education, hands-on learning, sabbath, and sharing of ideas. All are welcome. Additional details can be found on the Holmes Center website.
March 3
Compass Points Presents! Succession Planning for Directors and Board Members
Our Compass Points Certificate Program is expanding to add three-hour workshops on various topics related to camp and retreat ministries. These online offerings will be facilitated by Compass Points faculty and guests. Our first Compass Points Presents! workshop, “Succession Planning for Directors and Board Members,” will be led by Glenn Svetnicka. This session is designed to equip participants to plan for leadership transitions that honor the past, sustain the present, and secure the future of their ministry. Participants will be able to define succession planning, why it matters, and how to build a culture of leadership continuity. Please go to the Compass Points website to learn about this session (registration is coming soon!).
March 16-19
Compass Points :: Biblical and Theological Foundations
Our certificate program will offer its first online class, Biblical and Theological Foundations, on March 16-19. What makes our church camps so uniquely wonderful and sets us apart from other camping organizations is our firm foundation in our beliefs as Christians. This course will enable participants to deepen their knowledge and strengthen their understanding of our biblical and theological roots as the core value for all that we do in our outdoor ministry settings. Please go to the Compass Points website to check out the structure of this course and to learn about the co-instructors who will teach it. Registration for this program is now open.
September 28 - October 1
Compass Points :: Articulating Our Mission, Role, and Value
This certificate class will be held at Pilgrim Firs Camp and Retreat Center in Port Orchard, Washington. The identification and implementation of mission, core values, and philosophy are central to all aspects of successful outdoor ministry: program, site management, hospitality, marketing, finances, and more. Course participants will delve into their organization’s mission and core values. Please go to the Compass Points website to find out more about this class (and register).
November 8-12
Campfire Collective Annual Conference
The host site for our signature event will be the Presbyterian Mo-Ranch Assembly in Hunt, Texas. The theme for the conference will be “Day by Day.” Throughout our time together, we will focus on 2 Corinthians 4:6-16 which helps us acknowledge the darkness, persecution, and challenges in our world. We are reminded that we “do not lose heart!” Come be encouraged to live day by day in the hope of Christ. More information about the 2026 Annual Conference will be available at the OMC Great Gathering. For now we just ask that you please put it on your calendar – November 8-12, 2026. We look forward to seeing you in the Texas Hill Country next year!