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December 2024 | Volume 14, Number 12
Your CCCA Pacific Southwest Section Newsletter
Hello!
As we celebrate the birth of our Savior this Christmas season, we’re reminded of the hope, joy, and love that Jesus brings into our lives. This is a time to reflect on His faithfulness and the incredible opportunity we have to share His story through camp ministry.
Your PSW Cabinet has been diligently preparing for our 2025 Sectional, and we’re excited to bring everyone together this February at Camp Daley. Stay tuned for Early Bird registration details—coming to your inbox soon!
We are so thankful for you and your tireless work in shaping lives for the Kingdom. May this season fill your hearts with peace and joy as we look forward to what God has in store for the year ahead.
Gratefully,
Steve Garcia and the PSW Cabinet
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Seeking God’s Will
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by renewing your mind. Then you can test and approve God’s will—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2 gives helpful insight as we seek to pursue God’s will.
“If our transformation to the image of Christ comes through such ongoing renewal, and through that renewal, we can discern God’s will for us and our organization, then perhaps we need to ask some rather unique questions,” R. Scott Rodin encourages.
Here are some questions Rodin shares for leaders who want to be transformed by the renewing of their minds.
- What does it mean to have my mind continually renewed by the Holy Spirit?
- Am I seeing this renewal taking place in me? Are others seeing it?
- What old viewpoints, attitudes and beliefs am I holding on to that believe conformity to the world’s way of thinking?
- How do I put myself in the posture of surrender where the Holy Spirit can do this renewal work?
- How do I help my team develop practices that keep us open to this ongoing renewal?
Read The Full Blog Post
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This issue of Section President’s Briefing is sponsored in part by:
CoreScreening
Christian camps are more than recreational retreats—they are safe spaces where faith is nurtured, character is shaped, and lifelong memories are created. Ensuring these environments are not only safe but also supportive, and spiritually enriching is vital to their mission. One of the most essential steps Christian camps can take to maintain this environment is conducting comprehensive background checks on potential staff and volunteers. Let’s explore why these checks are critical, the key considerations, and how best practices help create a secure environment for all.
Why Background Checks Matter in Christian Camps
As stewards of God’s mission, Christian camps are responsible for the spiritual and physical well-being of the children and families they serve. Background checks help protect camp participants, uphold the camp’s reputation, and reflect the camp’s commitment to integrity and accountability. By screening staff and volunteers during the onboarding process, camps can honor their commitment to provide a safe place where the love of Christ is evident, and participants can grow in faith. Read More.
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Follow Along With Let It Rain
CCCA’s National Conference, Let It Rain, is happening Dec. 9–12. Follow CCCA on Facebook and Instagram to see updates from the conference. We’ll share general session highlights, notes from seminars, participant posts, videos of worship and more. Even if you can’t make it in person, we hope you’ll be able to take away some tips and encouragement.
Follow CCCA on Instagram
Follow On CCCA’s Facebook
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Pete Scazzero on Rhythms for Lives in Crisis
In a podcast recorded by Barna, David Kinnaman, Carey Nieuwhof and Pete Scazzero discussed how churches and pastors can respond to troubling times. They agreed that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought a new dimension to how the Church should deal with trauma. Not only are pastors helping their congregants with individual griefs, but also church leaders are experiencing and healing from trauma right alongside the people they are leading.
Scazzero shares three helpful practices for leaders who are walking through crisis and hard times.
- Practice congregational lament.
- Ask, “What is God doing?”
- Look to traditions for mental health practices.
- Sabbath, pray regularly, have silent time with God.
Read More Here
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Upcoming Events
Webinars
Come for an hour of practical training from experts in their fields.
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Raising Compassionate Kids
“While our culture may whisper that self-fulfillment and personal happiness are life’s highest goal, Jesus continues to show us a better way,” Christianity Today shares.
This blog post shares stories and practical tips to foster a spirit of compassion and empathy in children. Consider how these insights might be helpful for your campers, camp guests and nearby youth leaders.
- Invite kids into tasks that serve others.
- Connect with others whose lives may look different so kids can see we still have more in common than what separates us.
- Learn about another culture.
- Read devotionals that help kids see the world through Jesus’ eyes.
Check out this blog post for resources from Compassion International.
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Bill Abeler Retires From Executive Director of Camp Lebanon
Earlier this month, Monte Abeler shared this Instagram post to celebrate the retirement of his dad, Bill Abeler. Bill served as the executive director of Camp Lebanon (Burtrum, Minnesota) for 38 years! Congratulations, Bill, and thank you for serving at camp.
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Advent at Pine Cove Camps
Pine Cove Camps (Tyler, Texas) shared this beautiful sunset picture to kick of Advent. They shared Isaiah 9:2 in the caption, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.”
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SpringHill Camps Celebrates Thanksgiving
On Thanksgiving, SpringHill Camps (Evart, Michigan) posted on Instagram with seven things they are thankful for including summer staff, commitments made to Jesus, friendships and s’mores! As the year draws to an end, take some time to give thanks with your camp or conference center team.
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© 2024 Christian Camp and Conference Association
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