by Amanda Akes-Cardwell | Aug 18, 2022
Supporting faith formation leaders is part of my ministry as the Missioner for Faith Formation and Development. Since joining the bishop’s staff six months ago, one of my priorities has been to meet with Christian educators and formation leaders working with children and youth. These conversations informed me about how our leaders are doing and what the landscape of formation ministry for rising generations looks like in our diocese.
When asked what they need right now, leaders responded. “I yearn to feel connected,” one leader said. “I want to learn from my colleagues,” another shared. Other sentiments included a desire to hear what’s happening in the diocese and to learn how folks are engaged in formation ministry as we emerge from the pandemic. Others spoke of just needing a break. “I just want some rest,” a colleague said, “this stuff is hard.”
It is hard. Even before the pandemic, rhythms of life were changing for many of our families. In this climate, the traditional models of Sunday School and Youth Group aren’t always as life-giving as they were in the past. This means that Christian formation leaders, whose ministry is to help form young people as Christians, are shifting their ministerial approach. That takes energy, creativity, and trust in the Holy Spirit.
Communities of support – colleagues in ministry – also help. One of my goals is to create spaces where these communities of colleagues can flourish and feed one another. To this end, the diocese is sponsoring an in-person retreat for formation leaders who work with children and/or youth. Held at the Claggett Center Friday and Saturday, November 4 & 5, the retreat is an opportunity for formation leaders to connect, pray, engage, and refresh. There will be ample time for community building as well as personal retreat space. Participants will stay in private rooms at the Christiane Inn and have access to the center’s beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces, including walking trails and a labyrinth.
Retreat registration opens Thursday, September 1 through the School for Christian Faith and Leadership. Any formation leader in the diocese working with children and/or youth is welcome to participate, but please note that attendance is limited to 20 participants and registration will close once all spots are full. The retreat costs $50 and covers all your expenses for the event. I hope you will join us and be refreshed.
For more information about the retreat or other opportunities to connect with formation leaders, contact The Rev. Amanda Akes-Cardwell.
by afitzpatrick | Jul 31, 2022
Camp Spirit Song is offered in partnership with the SpiritWorks Foundation to give the gift of a camp experience to children in Province III (Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Virginia, Washington, DC and West Virginia) affected by the opioid substance use disorder of a parent or other close loved one.
Campers have the opportunity to participate in all the classic camp activities: swimming, games, crafts, ropes course, canoeing, chapel* and more. First and foremost, Camp Spirit Song is a place where kids can leave aside their burdens and be kids for a week. Claggett counselors lead campers in recreational and relationship building activities, helping campers to create a supportive community, make new friends, and have fun.
Each day, campers gather for Small Group sessions led by experienced counselors from Spiritworks Foundation for the Soul, an organization that specializes in addiction services and recovery for families affected by addiction.
Campers learn the “Seven C’s” of a family member’s addiction: “I didn’t cause it, I can’t cure it, I can’t control it, but I can take care of myself by communicating my feelings, making good choices, and celebrating myself.” Sessions give campers a safe place to talk openly about their experiences with addiction and support each other as they process the ways in which opioid addiction has affected them.
by afitzpatrick | Jul 17, 2022
Residential camp for grades completed 2nd-5th
We’ll hike and bike, get messy stomping in the Monocacy, take to the Potomac in canoes and kayaks, sing and wonder together in chapel, and have plenty of time for friendship bracelet-making and relaxing by the pool. Come to spend time with old friends and come to meet new ones. Come if you’ve been coming for as long as you can remember and come if this summer will be your first time at Claggett. Come as you are. We can’t wait to see you soon!
Stay tuned for the 2022 camp theme!
by afitzpatrick | Jul 10, 2022
Residential camp for grades completed 4th-8th
This camp will focus on adventure activites and excursions, including hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, and more. Stay tuned for more information!
Come to spend time with old friends and come to meet new ones. Come if you’ve been coming for as long as you can remember and come if this summer will be your first time at Claggett. Come as you are. We can’t wait to see you soon!
Stay tuned for the 2022 camp theme!
by afitzpatrick | Jul 5, 2022
Spend a weekend together splashing at the pool, flying down the zipline, and growing together with family-based faith formation. Families of all shapes, sizes, and ages are welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult.
PRICING
Powell Hall and cottages – First two campers (of any age) $900, each additional camper $125
Christiane Inn – First two campers (of any age) $1250, each additional camper $125
