As You Embark on a New Season

Praying for Camps and Conference Centers

As the sun stretches across the horizon and the warmth of summer fills the air, camps and conference centers come alive with the promise of adventure, growth, and connection. For many, these sacred spaces are more than just venues for recreation; they are sanctuaries where hearts are opened, minds are enlightened, and spirits are rejuvenated.


As we stand on the threshold of a new camping season, it is fitting to pause and reflect on the significance of these places in our lives. They serve as incubators of community, where strangers become friends and differences dissolve in the light of shared experiences. They are classrooms where lessons of resilience, empathy, and faith are learned not from textbooks, but from the untamed beauty of nature and the wisdom of fellow campers.


Amidst the excitement and anticipation, it is important to recognize the challenges that lie ahead. Camps and conference centers often operate on shoestring budgets, relying on the generosity of donors and volunteers to keep their doors open. They face logistical hurdles, from maintenance issues to staffing shortages, which threaten to derail their worthy mission.


In times like these, our prayers become more than just words; they become lifelines of hope and support for these sacred spaces. So let us lift our voices in prayer for camps and conference centers around the world as they embark on this new season:


For Strength: May the staff and volunteers be endowed with the strength and resilience to face the challenges that come their way. Give them the fortitude to weather the season knowing that they do not walk alone.


For Wisdom: Grant wisdom to those in leadership positions, that they may make sound decisions that honor the mission and values of their respective organizations. Guide them in stewarding resources wisely and fostering a culture of inclusivity and belonging.


For Safety: Protect all who enter these sacred spaces, from the youngest camper to the seasoned veteran. Shield them from harm and illness and surround them with your loving presence.


For Transformation: May these camps and conference centers be fertile ground for personal transformation, softened hearts, expanded minds, and renewed spirits. Open our eyes to the richness of shared humanity and a deeper understanding of ourselves and each other.


For Gratitude: Finally, we offer our heartfelt gratitude for the privilege of participating in this sacred work. Thank you for the countless lives that have been touched and the countless souls that will be nourished. May we never take for granted the gift of community, nor the power of nature to heal and inspire.



Amen.




Subscribe

* indicates required
Topics you're interested in:
By Amanda Thompson September 8, 2025
Drew Demery and Glenn Svetnicka of The Sherry Group cover the who, what, why, when and how of a great volunteer work day at your summer camp.
By Amanda Thompson September 1, 2025
Drew Demery and Glenn Svetnicka discuss the finer points of hosting a great staff meeting. Everything from the perfect snack selection to empowering a "Gatekeeper", this episode is packed with tons of useful tips for your next professional meeting.
Dav and Drew discuss what Camp Directors can do after summer camp ends in order to rest, reset and
By Amanda Thompson August 26, 2025
Dave and Drew discuss what Camp Directors can do after summer camp ends in order to rest, reset and reprioritize the upcoming year.
By Amanda Thompson April 4, 2025
This final episode of the series covers fundraising for development, naming rights and many other useful tips. It also covers how to overcome unique challenges that might arise in the process and several insightful success stories.
By Amanda Thompson March 7, 2025
Sherry Group members takes a deep dive into site master planning, mapping and how to create a future vision for your summer camp using the inventory discussesd in episode two.
February 28, 2025
This second episode in the series focuses on how to take an inventory of your property, then evaluate the details and finally how to add context to your finding to make better decisions about site development.
Show More