CAMP AND CONFERENCE CENTERS

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Each Methodist conference, Baptist state convention, Episcopal Diocese, and other similar faith-based organizational structure usually has a camp and conference center program. These programs are vital to the energy of the denomination because major personal changes take place in these recreational settings: young people learn critical life skills, meet persons who may become their life partners, become Christians, grow closer to God, hear God's call to the ministry, and many other significant events shaping the remainder of their lives. These facilities allow the time, solitude, and setting for similar impacts on young adults and adults.

In addition, conference centers provide creative spaces for church gatherings, conferences, weddings, reunions, picnics, baptisms, youth rallies, and a variety of other events important in the lives of individuals, churches, parishes, and groups.

Many camps and conference centers operate on fees charged for camps and programs. This schedule usually does not allow for sufficient funds for adequate maintenance, repair, and expansion.

New meeting centers, complex rope courses, larger dining halls, updated cabins, technology, off-site events, staff training, and special entertainment are normally out of the question unless the organization has an endowment for these items.

Carefully crafted comprehensive campaigns designed to strengthen annual funds, secure major gifts, and provide for and recognize planned gifts are necessary for camp and conference centers to thrive and continue to be a very relevant part of the life of the church and its members.

Cargill Associates has extensive experience in faith-based camp and conference center feasibility studies and campaigns. They understand these special programs and their unique needs.

HOW WIDE, LONG, HIGH & DEEP IS THE LOVE OF CHRIST

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As we consult with organizations to meet their needs, I am reminded of Paul's letter to the Ephesians as he wrote:

"...so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you...may have power... to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be the glory..."

DONOR BILL OF RIGHTS

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Several organizations developed and endorsed "A Donor Bill of Rights." Every non-for-profit organization should have its Board adopt this document and reinforce its principles through daily use. We declare that all donors have these rights:

I. To be informed of the organization's mission, of the way the organization intends to use donated resources, and of its capacity to use donations effectively for their intended purposes.

II. To be informed of the identity of those serving on the organization's governing board, and to expect the board to exercise prudent judgement in its stewardship responsibilities.

III. To have access to the organization's most recent financial statements.

IV. To be assured their gifts will be used for the purposes for which they were given.

V. To receive appropriate acknowledgement and recognition.

VI. To be assured that information about their donation is handled with respect and with confidentiality to the extend provided by law.

VII. To expect that all relationships with individuals representing organizations of interest to the donor will be professional in nature.

VIII. To be informed whether those seeking donations are volunteers, employees of the organization or hired solicitors.

IX. To have the opportunity for their names to be deleted from mailing lists that an organization may intend to share.

X. To feel free to ask questions when making a donation and to receive prompt, truthful, and forthright answers.