Staff Impact Camps Beyond Mount Hermon
On a rainy November evening in 1949, thirteen men from eight West Coast camps met at Mount Hermon. They came together intending to address their current needs, and to encourage each other in their ministry callings.
However, no one imagined that this gathering would birth both the Christian Camp and Conference Association and Christian Camping International – Worldwide, two organizations that now represent over 1,000 camps and conferences around the globe. In serving member camps and conference centers, these organizations work to maximize our ministries, equipping and enabling us to help our guests grow closer to Jesus. Over the years many on our staff have participated on the national board of directors, as faculty at national conferences and in many other ways.
The Sierra-Pacific Section of CCCA includes Northern California, Nevada, and Hawaii. Three members of our Mount Hermon staff currently serve on the Sierra-Pacific section board: Terra Edwards (Reservations and Event Services Coordinator), Josh Edwards (Recreation Manager), and Dave Peterson (IT/AV Manager).
We’ve asked Terra and Josh to share with us about their involvement.
Q. What does the CCCA Section Board do and who is involved?
Terra: We organize the annual three-day sectional conference for our regional member camps, where we gather together for fellowship and worship. We provide instruction and certification pertaining to specific camp roles, and also offer various training days throughout the year. Our board includes 14 members from several camps of varying size and scope.
Q. How did you become involved with CCCA and their board?
Terra: My parents served at a camp, so my Christian Camping experience began at age five. As a freshman in college I was asked by the Section Board President to take the notes at their meetings. It was a huge honor to serve alongside directors who had been in camp ministry for 20+ years. They were giants in my eyes, still they were so intentional in getting to know me, encouraging me and praying for me. After college I came to serve as Mount Hermon’s Family Camp Registrar. I soon was asked to join the Sierra Pacific Board, and was appointed their Secretary. I’ve had the joy of serving in this capacity for four years!
Josh: I’ve been involved with the board for over 3 years now, introduced to CCCA by my wife, Terra. My role in serving as marketing coordinator has been a great experience. I’ve enjoyed my time with the board, which has allowed me to see the impact Christian camping has on both the local and the national level.
Q. What is your favorite part of serving on the board?
Terra: Planning an event for those serving on the ministry front lines is an honor. Camps face significant challenges – financial stresses, never-ending maintenance issues, concerns about ministry effectiveness. But while together at a sectional, camp staff can see they are not alone “in the trenches,” and they find support and encouragement. It is amazing to watch people connect, be encouraged, and return to camp with renewed spirits and energy for serving the Lord. Being a small part of helping to facilitate much of this is incredibly humbling.
Josh: In serving on the board I love being able to encourage others in camping ministry. Often times serving in ministry can be a thankless job. Planning a conference centered around loving, encouraging and equipping people in Christian camping is a true joy!
