brochure - The United Church of Canada

CONNECTIONS 2013
The United Church of Canada’s National Camping Conference
Living Radical Welcome!
Thursday, September 26–Sunday, September 29, 2013
Camp Pringle, Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Keynote Speaker
Rodger Nishioka
Sunday Worship
The Right Rev. Gary Paterson
Worship and Music
Jeff Poynter • Curt Allison • Eric Hamlyn
Workshop Leadership
Chloe Wyman • Emily Clark • Megumi Matsuo Saunders • Yoko Kihara • Janet Ross • Alcris Limongi • Gordon Lambie •
Doug Nutting • Kerri Mesner • Anna White • Betsy Exley • Robin McGauley • Tressa Brotsky • Doris Kizinna • Alex McGilvery
• Cheryl Curtis • Susan Graham Walker • Nancy Walker • Bev Oag • Jeff Willis • Jane Harding
More info and online registration:
www.united-church.ca/getinvolved/events/connections-2013
Registration
Early Bird: $325 per person (ends July 15, 2013)
Regular: $375 per person
Deadline: September 9, 2013
The United Church of Canada/L’Église Unie du Canada 1

Keynote Speaker
Rodger Nishioka has spoken at a number of United Church of Canada events in recent years,
including Rendez-vous 2011 (a national gathering for youth, young adults, and their leaders)
where he was a huge hit!
Rodger is an associate professor at Columbia Theological Seminary in Georgia. While he teaches
in the area of Christian education and practical theology, he specializes in ministry with youth
and young adults and second-generation ministries in Asian-American congregations. He recently
completed a research project comparing the participation of young adults in mainline Protestant
congregations and nondenominational independent Christian movements.
Rodger also served as the youth and young adult ministry staff person for the Presbyterian Church
(U.S.A.). He received his undergraduate degree from Seattle Pacific University, his master’s degree
in theological studies from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, a Doctor of Divinity
degree from Austin College, and his Ph.D. from Georgia State University in Atlanta. He has
published several articles, chapters, and books largely focused on ministry with youth and young
adults and the educational ministry of the church as spiritual formation. Rodger is the son of an
honourably retired Presbyterian pastor and is evidence that you can be a pastor’s kid and still love
Jesus.
Worship & Music
Jeff Poynter is a multi-instrumentalist, educator, and artist manager based in Victoria BC. He
holds a Bachelor of Music from the University of Victoria, with a major in Saxophone Performance,
and is the chairperson of the Music for Youth Works Society. Jeff is the music director at Pilgrim
United Church in Colwood BC. He regularly tours Canada, and has been featured in performances
in the United States and Cuba. Jeff plays many styles of music, from classical to funk, latin to
celtic, and jazz to folk.
Curt Allison has a degree in Piano Performance, and a Master of Arts degree in Church Music.
He served as Minister of Music at two United Methodist Churches in Oklahoma before moving
to Vancouver in 1998. Today, Curt serves as Minister of Urban Outreach at St. Andrew’s Wesley
United Church in Vancouver, where he co-leads the younger adult program and directs a gospel
choir. He has also offered music leadership at Naramata Centre’s summer programs, EVOLVE, and
the Imagine LGBT weekend, and served as a music resource at various local United Churches.
Eric Hamlyn is the Youth & Young Adult Ministry Facilitator for Vancouver Burrard and South
Presbyteries. He loves working with young people, United Church camping, and being part of the
AWE (Alternative Worship Experience) Team. He finds meaning in brainstorming and the creative
process of planning worship that is meaningful, interactive, visual, and prayerful. Eric is originally
from Newfoundland, but has made Vancouver his home for the past 16 years. He loves snow, fun,
friends, good food, yoga, and quiet time. Eric loves life!
2 Connections 2013

Workshops
STREAM 1—Living Radical Welcome: Understanding and embracing the variety of differences at camp
W1: Becoming Welcoming of Socio-economic Differences.
Come explore what it looks like to welcome campers from lower
socio-economic backgrounds—along with the gifts and challenges
you’ll face in the process. This workshop will incorporate research
and experience about how to make your camp more inclusive and
why it is an important step to take. Presenters: Chloe Wyman,
Community Outreach Worker, and Emily Clark, Development
Officer—Camp Scugog ON
W2: Bao Bao to Cedar: Mystery of Spiritual Journey.
This hands-on workshop will focus on seeing faith from the
perspective of others, learning how to welcome campers from all
religious backgrounds, or none. Learn how we are all connected with
our environment, and come to an understanding of our own culture
and other people through a unique focus on trees. Presenter: Megumi
Matsuo Saunders, First-Metropolitan United Church and Camp
Pringle, Victoria BC
W3: Will You Join Our Camp? The Radical Invitation to
Intercultural Camping. What does “intercultural camping” look
like? Camping is an important part of Canadian culture, but many
newcomers to Canada have neither a camping culture nor a custom
of long holidays. Very few children of new immigrants attend our
camps because of the cultural gap. This workshop will explore the
way of invitation, the planning process, and a more inclusive style
of camping based on an understanding of intercultural ministry.
Presenter: Yoko Kihara, Minister of Christian Development &
Outreach, Gilmore Park United Church, Richmond BC
W4: Intercultural Communication: Who Am I? Who Are
You? And Where the Wild Words Are. Meaningful camp
experience is about relationships—learning something new of
ourselves, of others, and of us together. Come take a close look at the
communication that helps build relationships across cultures. What
language resolves conflict? stirs up conflict? encourages a positive
self-image that inspires engagement? What are the seven deadly sins
of intercultural language? Presenter: Janet Ross, Program Coordinator,
Intercultural Engagement and Education, General Council Office,
Toronto ON
W5: Courageous Conversations about Difference. We are all
created equal, yet different and unique. Camp life includes differences
in age, gender identity, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, spirituality,
socio-economic reality, and so on. When differences are perceived
as negative they can create barriers, and often we don’t know how
to deal with them. Radical welcome calls for a shift of attitude to
value and celebrate differences. Learn how to engage in conversations
around differences in life-giving, engaging, and deep ways. Presenter:
Alcris Limongi, Racial & Gender Justice and Sexual Minorities, General
Council Office, Toronto ON
W6: Creating Space for Introverts at Camp: Just Because I’m
Not Yelling, It Doesn’t Mean I’m Not Having Fun. Explore what
it means to be an introvert, and how traditional camp activities may
or may not be well suited to an introvert’s personality. Participants
will plan strategies to better live radical welcome at camp by creating
safe and fun space for introverts and extroverts alike. Presenter:
Gordon Lambie, writer, teacher, and participant in Quebec-Sherbrooke
Presbytery Camp, Sherbrooke QC
W7: Camp for All: Including Campers with Disabilities.
Learn the philosophy behind, and the importance of, including
campers with disabilities in our camps. This workshop will provide a
general overview of the major types of disability, with practical tips on
including campers with disabilities and adapting activities. Presenter:
Doug Nutting, Executive Director, Recreation Integration Victoria,
Victoria BC
W8: Broadening Our Rainbow of Welcome: Celebrating
Sexual & Gender Diversity at Camp. With so many terms used
to refer to LGBTTSQIA folk, it can be a little overwhelming. Come
learn about the variety of terms and gain a basic understanding of
them. Deepen your awareness of sexual and gender diversity, and
learn how your camp can become a ministry that is committed to
radical welcome for camp staff, volunteers, and campers of all sexual
orientations and gender identities. Presenter: Rev. Kerri Mesner, Affirm
United/S’affirmer Ensemble, Vancouver BC
W9: CampOUT! Embodying Radical Welcome. The exciting
journey of a small and impactful summer camp for BC’s queer,
trans, and allied youth. Learn about creating and running a radically
inclusive summer camp and the key concepts that have made it so
successful. Learn about the vision and mission of CampOUT!, the
Social Change Model of Leadership, our leadership structure, and
specific methods used to ensure access for marginalized youth.
CampOUT! is run out of the University of British Columbia’s Access
and Diversity Unit. Presenter: Anna White, Director, CampOUT!,
Vancouver BC
The United Church of Canada/L’Église Unie du Canada 3

STREAM 2—Effective Leadership & Passionate Programming: Engaging and nurturing campers
W10: Ignite: Bringing Faith to Life at Camp. This isn’t Kumbaya
anymore! We believe that it takes more than a spark. We want to
ignite the hearts of campers. This workshop will highlight the role of
camp in the faith journey of campers, and help staff understand the
theology, culture, and traditions of the United Church. Participants
will become better equipped to develop and run faith-based
programming. Presenters: Betsy Exley, Faith Formation, YAYA Minister,
London Conference; and Rev. Robin McGauley, Program Director, Five
Oaks Centre, Hamilton Conference
W11: How to Choose & Integrate a Theme at Camp. Come
learn how to create dynamic and faith-based themes for your camp
settings! Highlighting key aspects of the Planning Wheel, Tressa will
take you to the far reaches of creative theme development, enabling
you to bring faith, fun, and success into your programming. Designed
by Allison Rennie and used at Naramata Centre, the Planning Wheel
is a tool that enables leaders to bring camp programs and themes alive
in relevant and reachable ways. Presenter: Tressa Brotsky, Leadership
& Program Development, Victoria BC
W12: Creating a Genuinely Safe Space for Queer and Trans
Folks. People come in more than two genders, in every shape, size,
colour, class, race, ability, sexual orientation, family constellation,
and so on! In this workshop we will engage in learning activities
that address intersectionality. Participants will explore how different
aspects of our identities intersect to affect our relationships and
experiences of social environments; gain understanding, awareness,
and tools to challenge oppression; and cultivate safer spaces.
Work will be done on welcoming LGBTQ2S participants into
camp environments. Presenter: Anna White, Director, CampOUT!,
Vancouver BC
W13: Building Community through Practising Rites of
Passage. Historically, rites of passage were vital parts of growing up
and initiating youth into adulthood, but our modern world has lost
many of these practices. Learn how camp programming can focus
on offering spaces that recognize, honour, celebrate, mentor, and
take young people seriously as they become adults. Presenter: Doris
Kizinna, BC Conference Minister for Youth, Young Adults and Their
Leaders, and United Church Camps
W14: Dealing with Bullying at Camp: Anti-Bullying. This
workshop will address bullying as a breakdown in relationships. Often
both the victim and the bully have a lack in social skills that makes
it difficult for them to interact in more appropriate ways. How do
we teach social skills and interaction in a way that lowers the risk of
bullying interaction? By teaching the value of diversity, encouraging
and nurturing courage, and creating relationships. This approach
creates a place where everyone is welcomed and valued. Presenter:
Alex McGilvery, Board Chair, Wellman Lake United Church Camp MB
W15: Whole Life Stewardship. Engage in an active session
exploring whole life stewardship based on A New Creed and the
church’s “Mending the World” report. The United Church declared
a commitment to joining with other persons of good will in the
search for justice, wholeness, and love. Come learn ways to integrate
whole life stewardship learning, reflection, and practice into almost
any camp curriculum. Presenters: Cheryl Curtis, Mission & Service
Funding Officer; Susan Graham Walker, Manager, Congregational
Giving & Stewardship, General Council Office, Toronto ON
STREAM 3—Nurturing & Strengthening Our Camps: Developing boards, staff, and camps
W16: Before the Accreditors Arrive: What You Need to
Know. The accreditation visit doesn’t have to be stressful. Come
learn about how you can be prepared for an accreditation visit at
any time. Includes tips on manual preparation, record collection,
and more. Also hear about possible changes to the program as we
complete a comprehensive review. Presenters: Nancy Walker (former
camp accreditor and director), Christian Development Minister,
Parkminster United, Waterloo ON; Bev Oag, Duty of Care and
Incorporated Ministries, General Council Office, Toronto ON
W17: The Policies Are Written—Now What? So you’ve written
all your policies and your job is done, right? Think again. Policies and
procedures need to be living, breathing documents if they are going to
be more than just a piece of paper. Join in for a brief summary of what
to include in your policies and procedures and then how to make
them effective tools and keep them current in your camp situation.
Feel free to bring policies for discussion. Presenter: Bev Oag, General
Council Office, Toronto ON
W18: Marketing for What the Community Wants, Not What
You Want. Come learn easy steps to building strategic networks
and partnerships, the art of word-of-mouth promotion, creative
approaches to marketing, and core ingredients to building your
network. You can continue to pour money into print/social media
or put on the brakes and try the oldest and most effective type of
marketing—relationship building and providing what the customer
needs and wants. Presenter: Jeff Willis, Executive Director, Camp
Fircom, Vancouver BC
W19: Effective Proposal Writing: From Fundamentals to Fine
Points. Learn the art and science of writing proposals to foundations
and other granting agencies. What background work should you
undertake? What is included in a good proposal? How do you work
with granting agencies? What are some practical tips? Where can you
go to find useful information on granting agencies and the application
process generally? This practical session will help to ensure that your
applications are “submission successful.” Presenter: Jane Harding,
Financial Development Officer, BC Conference
4 Connections 2013

TOUR DAY Thursday, September 26
Join the Victoria “City of Gardens” Tour
Option 1: $155 includes all sites, with lunch/tea at the Empress Hotel
Option 2: $90 includes all sites, minus the Empress Hotel—lunch on your own
Tour participants need to arrive at Camp Pringle by Wednesday evening (Sept. 25). Tour day costs include transportation from
airport/ferry terminal (if you complete and return the travel assistance form in the confirmation packet), dinner on Wednesday, one
night’s accommodation at camp, breakfast on Thursday, and bus transportation. Wednesday evening, coffee shop space is available
in Branter Lodge, where participants can gather informally with snacks, music, games, and good conversation. The tour day bus will
depart from Camp Pringle at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday morning after breakfast.
Sites visited will include:
10 a.m. Guided Walking Tour of Downtown Victoria
11:00 Free time: Explore & Shop Victoria
Explore and shop for many unusual and one-of-a-kind items from a wide variety of
artists and artisans. Aboriginal art, crafts, and foodstuffs are widely available. Scores
of shops specialize in imported British wares, textiles, or food, and many operate
in well-preserved Victorian or Edwardian buildings. The city’s layout encourages
strolling and exploring the many side streets and alleyways at an easy pace.
See www.tourismvictoria.com/things-to-do/shopping.
1:00 p.m. (Option 1) Afternoon Tea at the Empress Hotel—includes lunch
A time-honoured tradition, a grand afternoon tea at The Fairmont Empress has served
Victoria’s royalty, celebrities, and dignitaries alike. Surrounded by historical décor
and vintage furnishings, the picturesque backdrop of the Inner Harbour provides the
quintessential Victoria experience.
See www.fairmont.com/empress-victoria/dining/afternoontea.
2:45 The Royal BC Museum
As the provincial museum and archives, the Royal BC Museum preserves and shares
the stories of British Columbia—on-site, off-site, and online—through its research,
collections, exhibitions, and educational programs. Its two-hectare cultural precinct
also includes a number of historically significant buildings and First Nations sites.
See www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca.
4:45 Head back to camp—meet bus at museum
Stop at Ogden Point for the view
The United Church of Canada/L’Église Unie du Canada 5

Conference At-a-Glance
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
4:00 p.m. On-site registration for Tour Day
6:00 Supper
Free evening Informal gathering in Branter Lodge
10:30 Quiet time
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
8:00 a.m. Breakfast
9:00 Tour day begins (back at 5:00 p.m.)
12:00 noon Lunch (for planning team only)
4:00 p.m. On-site registration open
6:00 Supper
7:30 PLENARY GATHERING
9:00 Vespers/campfire
9:30 Mug up (optional)
10:30 Quiet time
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
7:30 a.m. Morning watch (optional)
8:00 Breakfast
9:00 PLENARY GATHERING
10:15 Break
10:30–12 noon WORKSHOPS #1
W2
W3
W8
W14
W19
Bao Bao to Cedar
Will You Join Our Camp?
Broadening Our Rainbow of Welcome
Dealing with Bullying at Camp
Effective Proposal Writing
12:30 p.m. Lunch
1:45–3:15 WORKSHOPS #2
W4
W1
W11
W15
W16
Intercultural Communication
Becoming Welcoming of Socio-economic Differences
How to Choose & Integrate a Theme at Camp
Whole Life Stewardship
Before the Accreditors Arrive
3:15 Break
3:45–5:15 WORKSHOPS #3
W5
W7
W12
W10
W18
Courageous Conversations about Difference
Camp for All: Including Campers with Disabilities
Creating a Genuinely Safe Space for Queer & Trans Folk
Ignite: Bringing Faith to Life at Camp
Marketing for What the Community Wants
6:00 Supper
7:30 PLENARY GATHERING
9:00 Vespers/campfire
9:30 Mug up (optional)
10:30 Quiet time
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
7:30 a.m. Morning watch (optional)
8:00 Breakfast
9:00 PLENARY GATHERING
10:15 Break
10:30–12 noon WORKSHOPS #4
W6
W9
W13
W17
Creating Safe Spaces for Introverts
CampOUT! Embodying Radical Welcome
Building Community through Practising Rites of
Passage
The Policies Are Written—Now What?
12:30 p.m. Lunch
1:45–3:15 OPEN SPACE SESSIONS
3:15 Break
3:30–5:00 OPEN SPACE SESSIONS
5:30 Group photo
6:00 Banquet
7:00 2013 Camping Award presentation
8:00 Entertainment
9:30 Vespers/campfire
10:30 Quiet time
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29
7:30 a.m. Morning watch (optional)
8:00 Breakfast
9:00 PLENARY GATHERING
10:00 Event evaluation
10:15 Break
10:45 WORSHIP
12:00 noon Lunch
1:00 p.m. Adjourn
6 Connections 2013

Registration
Please register online if possible: www.united-church.ca/
getinvolved/events/connections-2013. Registration by mail is
accepted, but online is much preferred.
Book Sale
Send your recommendations for resources to be sold at the
book sale to Jordan Sullivan at camping@united-church.ca by
June 30, 2013.
Confirmation Packet
After you’ve registered you will receive a confirmation packet
with forms to complete, including travel assistance, emergency
contact info, and release forms if under age 18. Be sure to
return the necessary forms a.s.a.p.
Medical Insurance
You are reminded to buy Travel Medical Insurance, as your
provincial health plan pays to other provinces only what they
pay in your own province. See www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hcs-sss/
medi-assur/faq-eng.php.
Accommodations
Accommodations are provided at the camp in shared rooms.
Sheets, pillows, and blankets will be provided if you’re unable
to bring your own. We will do our best to provide lower bunks
for participants. Choices of accommodation include:
• Rustic Cabins: Bunk beds, no power (heaters and lanterns to
be provided), adjacent washrooms/showers.
• Lodge: Bunk style rooms, washrooms with showers on each
floor.
• RV Parking: 5 spaces available with water and power
(no sewer). To book RV parking space, e-mail registrar@
camppringle.com
Optional accommodations: Finding a hotel near the camp may
be difficult. When you register, you will receive information on
your options. All additional costs incurred are the responsibility
of the participant. Participants staying off-site are responsible
for their own travel to and from the camp each day.
Travel
Book your flight to Victoria BC. Travel assistance to and
from the camp and the Victoria airport/ferry terminal will be
provided to all who complete the travel assistance form (see
Confirmation Packet above).
What to Bring
• sleeping bag/bedding and pillow (if able)
• towels and toiletries
• flashlight and batteries
• clothing for cool and rainy weather
• swimsuit (for the brave ones)
• water bottle
• musical instruments (campfire/vespers)
Open Space Sessions
On Saturday afternoon, two Open Space blocks of time will be
set aside as a time for sharing. These sessions are determined
by you at the event. It is your time to identify what topics and
issues you wish to lead a discussion on, when to discuss them,
and self-select sessions of interest to you. Come prepared to
share a topic that concerns you, start a discussion, or share
resources.
United Church Camping Award!
At Connections 2013, we will continue the celebration of
recognizing outstanding staff and volunteers associated with
United Church camping. All camps are encouraged to nominate
an individual who has demonstrated an energetic commitment
toward the continued success of their camp. Deadline: June
30, 2013. For more information, see www.united-church.ca/
exploring/camping/award.
Call for Camp Photos
Help us create a slide show/video by sending in photos
highlighting how diverse your camp is. Photos should highlight
differences such as gender, race, abilities, age, or ethnicity. The
show will be posted on YouTube and shown at Connections.
Deadline extended! Send your camp photos to Jordan Sullivan
at jordansully@hotmail.ca by June 30, 2013!
Permissions: When submitting your photo(s) you must clearly
state in your email that you or your camp have permission to
use these photos for promotional purposes.
Note: Camp display space will not be provided.
The United Church of Canada/L’Église Unie du Canada 7

Camp Pringle
Camp Pringle is nestled on the western shore of Shawnigan Lake on 18 acres of
forest land. The camp is located in the southern part of Vancouver Island, just 45
minutes north of Victoria or 120 km south of Nanaimo.
With great facilities including the new Spencer Hall (dining), Laura Butler Lodge
(dormitory style accommodations), Branter Lodge (leaders’ accommodation and
daily café), a beautiful waterfront and beach, big fields, beautiful forests, and lake
views from almost everywhere on the property, Camp Pringle will be an awesome
place to host The United Church of Canada’s national camping conference.
Inside typical cabin
Branter Lodge
Inside Laura Butler Lodge
Inside Spencer Hall
Spencer Hall (dining hall)
Sailing on Shawnigan Lake
CONTACTS
Jordan Sullivan
The United Church of Canada
3250 Bloor St. West, Suite 300
Toronto, Ontario M8X 2Y4
E-mail: camping@united-church.ca
Phone: 1-800-268-3781 ext. 4151
Nancy House, Registrar
connections2013@hotmail.ca
1-250-549-2334 (home)
MISSION AND
SERVICE FUND
130033