Camp Bethel is a member of the Outdoor Ministries Association of the Church of the Brethren

Outdoor Ministries Association is an association of persons committed to the educational ministry of the Church of the Brethren camps in partnership with congregations, districts, the denomination and ecumenical groups. OMA supports the total ministry of the church including education, evangelism, peace education and stewardship of all resources.

Tell me more about OMA and Camp Bethel:

There are currently twenty-nine Church of the Brethren camps in the USA, and Camp Bethel is one of the many who participate by membership in the Outdoor Ministries Association of the Church of the Brethren. OMA serves many roles: a support network for Brethren camps; an active association of camp enthusiasts and professionals; an educational body providing programs and support to districts; and OMA provides a voice for the Church of the Brethren to the larger camping industry through the American Camp Association, the National Council of Churches camp curriculum writers, the Christian Ministries in the National Parks, and Christian Camp/Conference International.

OMA seeks to challenge and assist leaders in outdoor ministries by setting forth a vision for ministry in their camping programs. This vision seeks to help persons of all ages:

· Deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ so that they may respond to the call to total discipleship.

· Grow in their understanding of themselves and their relationships with other persons.

· Develop an awareness of God's creation and their responsibilities to care for and preserve it.

Photo taken in November 2005 at the annual OMA Leaders' Retreat.

OMA Newsletter, September 2009

OMA National Conference, Nov 13-15, 2009 at Woodland Altars in Peebles, Ohio

OMA 2009 Director-Manager-Staff Retreat, Nov 15-19, 2009 at Woodland Altars in Peebles, Ohio

2010 Staff & Volunteer Awards Nomination Forms AND 2010 Environmental Grant Applications

OMA supports the outdoor ministry of the Church of the Brethren by initiating and coordinating:

. Sharing of information, resources and expertise on issues related to outdoor ministries.

. Professional growth experiences such as national conferences and leadership training events.

. Programs and events requiring specialized leadership or resources.

. Assistance to districts and camps in determining trends, goals and priorities for their programs.

BECOME A MEMBER AND SHARE IN THIS IMPORTANT MINISTRY!

OMA membership is open to: volunteers involved in all areas of outdoor ministries; other individuals interested in outdoor ministries; Church of the Brethren camps; and professional camp staff.

As a member of OMA you will be supporting Outdoor Ministries in the Church of the Brethren, providing leadership training and professional growth for leaders within the larger church community, and supporting programs that promote stewardship of the environment.

Throughout the year you will receive newsletters as well as information concerning opportunities for conferences and trainings.

It's simple to join OMA. Just print and complete the form below and mail it, with your membership fee to:

Outdoor Ministries Association

PO Box F

Bethel, PA 19507

(Make checks payable to: Outdoor Ministries Association)

Name: ___________________________

Street: ________________________________________________

City: ______________________

State: ____________________

Zip: __________________

Phone: ______________________