Dear Siblings in Christ in the Diocese of Virginia –
The 2024 camping season for Shrine Mont Camps has come to a close after a wonderful summer of fellowship on the mountain. It wouldn’t have been possible without all our terrific summer camp staff who gave their heart and soul to provide a fun, safe, and memorable camp experience to our campers. I commend James Williams, director of Shrine Mont Camps, for shepherding this ministry brilliantly the past two summers. It’s been a privilege to watch him lead with such integrity, faith, and grace. Thank you also to Jennifer Cox, camp registrar and administrative assistant, for your behind-the-scenes ministry supporting Shrine Mont Camps. We wish you both the best and pray God’s blessings be upon you. August 30 will be James and Jennifer’s last day on diocesan staff.
To develop the job description for the next director and take measure of the assets and challenges of our camping program, our Ministry Architects consultants have conducted a thorough assessment process over the past month. They interviewed camp counselors, nurses, chaplains, parents, diocesan staff, the Shrine Mont Camps advisory council, and other stakeholders. They synthesized the data gathered into a report, complete with recommendations on the path forward as we navigate this season of transition. I encourage you to read this Shrine Mont Camps Assessment Report. I am very confident that the future is bright for Shrine Mont Camps and also grateful to have a plan to address current obstacles preventing the ministry from reaching its full potential.
The search process for the next director is now under way and the job posting for the role of director, with this job description, will go live this week. We have an outstanding search team championing this work. Please hold these people, this process, and all those discerning this opportunity in your prayers.
The Rev. Anthony Gaboton
The Very Rev. Beth Franklin
Ms. Mary “Boo” Elmore
The Rev. Charles Cowherd
The Rev. Darren Steadman
Ms. Ericka Masias
The Rev. Janettarose Greene
Mr. Kirk Gibson
Ms. Lydia Whorley
Dr. Ron Carey
Ms. Sally Masri
Mr. Shawn Weneta
The Rt. Rev. Ted Gulick
Ongoing updates about this process will be provided via our diocesan E-communique newsletter. May God bless us all, remembering that we are called to Love Jesus, Embody Justice, and Be Disciples.