AUTUMN
2 0 1 5 GENEVA
NEWS FROM GENEVA CAM P & RE TR EAT
CEN T
ER
GENEVA’s Hospitality Team It is easy to imagine how GENEVA’s setting is important to the experience retreat guests enjoy as they are surrounded by God’s beautiful creation here along the shores of Lake Michigan. But it’s not solely the facilities and grounds that garner favorable feedback — it’s also GENEVA’s hospitality team that makes a stay at GENEVA so exceptional. We are very intentional in the hiring and training of the hospitality team members, as they represent GENEVA when interacting with guests. Just as summer camp programming relies on the gifts and passion of our college age counselors, GENEVA’s retreat ministry depends on the hearts of young men and women who welcome more than 12,000 youth and adults participating in a retreat, conference, or special event. This year, the hospitality team totals 10 part-time GENEVA staff who live on-site in the staff housing on the Pines campus. Many of our hosts are past summer staff, and all are currently going to college, graduate school, seminary, or are working jobs in addition to hosting. A typical hosting shift includes greeting guests when they arrive, answering phone calls, overseeing each meal experience, unlocking and locking of facilities, answering guest questions, and providing resources to equip groups to have a successful retreat or event. In return, the hosts benefit from experiencing Christian growth, hands-on camping ministry, and personal development opportunities. At the heart of GENEVA is hospitality — creating an environment where the presence of God is experienced, the love of Christ is demonstrated, and a Spirit-filled life is inspired. GENEVA’s ministry has been blessed by hosting staff who have shown a passion for interacting and serving guests, truly being the hands and feet of the ministry. When asked about her hosting experience this past year, Erin Skidmore said, “Retreat season is full of peaceful energy, a chance to experience GENEVA in a way that is welcoming, warm, and allows time and space for connecting; connecting to creation and connecting to others. As part of the hosting staff, it was a gift to serve retreat guests and it was quite fun getting to meet many different people in many walks of life. It was also
GENEVA’s Hospitality Team (L to R): Jack Burk, Erik Dekker, Sarah Bair, Whitney Mast, Jordan Vermeer, Jose Gonzalez. Not Pictured: Jennie Styf, Nicki Beyer, Megan Beyer, and Sarah Ledeboer.
a great joy to observe the way the beauty of GENEVA’s landscape allowed guests to breathe deeper and relax more fully into their time spent on the grounds. I found it an honor to be a part of GENEVA’s Hosting team and will carry that experience forward in future endeavors.” From a youth retreat gathering on the Chapel deck overlooking a sunset, to an adult group worshipping in the Retreat Center, our hospitality team is excited to welcome and assist groups as they find GENEVA to be a place of building community, rest, and renewal. As the retreat season is underway, it is our sincere hope that God’s power and presence will be evident to all who walk on these sacred grounds.