Program Connection 2024
An engaging conference for program-minded camp and conference professionals.
Hosted at Cedarkirk Camp & Conference Center | Lithia, FL
PROGRAM CONNECTION is a meeting of program-minded professionals from faith-based camps and retreat centers in the U.S. and Canada. It is an affirming and uplifting time and space to discuss theory and practice, to ask questions and share experience and resources.
Built on the idea that we build each other up and improve our ministries through the sharing of insight, experience, and lessons-learned, we will spend time in discussion, spiritual retreat, networking, and learn during workshops with experts in various fields. You will leave refreshed and energized with lots of new ideas and resources.
Keynote Sessions
Key Theology for Camp Ministry:
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Current Practices in Human Resources and Staff OnboardingLed by: Annie Taylor Slattery |
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| Faith formation for young adults is an essential aspect of camp and conference ministry. We expect our young staff to provide spiritual leadership and education to our campers, but how do we engage a generation of Jesus followers who haven’t grown up in the church and might need some leadership of their own? How can we equip and inspire them to lead with confidence and create the kinds of safe and open spaces we strive to create each summer?
Anne and Kelly will present a core theology for camp ministry to help you impart key concepts to your staff during training and continue the process of education and growth throughout the summer camp season. |
Large companies are great at hiring and onboarding employees in a way that not only prepares them for their positions, but empowers to succeed within the framework they’ll be working in. Few camps have a dedicated HR team, but there are basic strategies we can implement in our organizations to set ourselves up for success.
This workshop will focus on universal standards of HR compliance as well as best practices for hiring employees in a way that invites them into your mission and ensures their success. You will identify where and how your staff selection and hiring processes can be streamlined and have an opportunity to get answers to those vexing questions that pop up every hiring season. |
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| Rev. Kelly Fitzgerald Kelly is a pastor, artist, recreation leader, family ministry specialist, and president of the Cedarkirk Camp & Conference Center board. She is also the mom of three, so she lives intergenerational ministry on the daily.Rev. Anne Russ Anne is a pastor, worship and workshop leader, digital creator, and president of the Johnsonburg Camp & Retreat Center board. She has written liturgy for Montreat Youth Conference and other conferences. |
Annie Taylor Slattery Annie has over 15 years of experience in Human Resources, Leadership Development, and Coaching. She began her career in consulting and has worked for global, billion dollar firms as an HR business partner as well as an organization effectiveness and design leader. Currently, Annie is the owner of Your One Big Life Professional Coaching and partners with her husband, Patrick, in their sober living residential and outpatient treatment business, Real Recovery. |
Free Day
We are excited to host Program Connection and know participants will have a wonderful experience at Cedarkirk and the Tampa Bay area. Options for the conference free day include a visit to Tampa Bay and St. Pete, enjoying a local beach (yes, people go to the beach in Florida in January), or the Busch Gardens theme park. The Disney and Universal theme parks are only about 60 miles away. We will collaborate with participants to choose a few options that satisfy everyone!
Optional Pre-Event | January 12-14
ACCT Level 1 or 2 High Ropes Certification
This certification includes technical skills and operating systems at Cedarkirk and will be led by Signature Research. Technical skills and certification are transferable to other sites. Cost for the course includes training tuition, certification testing, and all training materials. Meals and lodging will be provided by Cedarkirk.
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Training | $475 |  |
Meals & Lodging | $160 |
Accommodations & Travel
Participants will be housed at Cedarkirk in Hickory Cottage, Kirk Cabins, or Cedar Lodge. Meals will be provided from dinner on Sunday through breakfast on Friday, with the exception of the Free Day where lunch and dinner are on your own.
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Group-Style Room | $280 (4-6 Occupants) |
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Shared Room | $315 (Double Occupancy) |
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Airport Shuttle | $35 |
Shuttle service will be offered from Tampa International Airport. If flying, please plan to arrive before 4:00pm on January 14th. Please schedule departing flights after 10:00am on January 19th.
Conference Registration
Registration is open online. You will be able to indicate your lodging preference, roommate requests (if any), dietary restrictions or food allergies, and submit payment from the link below.
You may also call 813.685.4224 x3 to register by phone.
REGISTER FOR PROGRAM CONNECTION
Sponsored By…
This event is sponsored by the following professional organizations.
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