It has been a busy couple weeks of counselor training at Briarwood Retreat Center/Briarwood Leadership Center and your NT-NL Synod, ELCA staff has been a part of that work. Pastor Totzke has led leadership seminars and worship planning sessions with our staff leads and counselors (did you know she was a camp staff lead years ago)?
Also on Wednesday, June 5th, the Briarwood board met to discuss priorities and use of resources. They then had the chance to have lunch with our counselors. A wonderful way for them to interact with these leaders and have them know who are the leaders of this ministry.
I had the honor of leading a bible study with the staff on the Wednesday afternoon. Talking about how we can engage our young people’s questions and honor their curiosity as we teach the story.
On Friday June 7th Pastor Totzke and I joined in Friday night festivities as staff learned games and then we had worship. The staff then had a bit of time off before one more week of lifeguard training, ropes certifications, learning about each other and the scriptures and then campers arrive. Wednesday June 12th I spent time together with them as well as they had time to “Stump the Bishop” with any theological questions they had for me (or other inquiries as well).
These diverse and wonderful young people are growing as a team and will be role models and leaders for our campers. Another way the Briarwood Leadership Center trains and equips leaders for the life of the world. #NTNL #BWTX#InMissionTogether