Are you a former Glisson camper, retreater, counselor or staff member?  Would you be interested in knowing where your friends, counselors and former staff are now?  Would you enjoy coming back to Glisson to see how things have changed since you were here last?

In the August 2007 edition of Echoes from Camp, the Glisson newsletter, we asked people to give us feedback on the feasibility of providing a Glisson Alumni ministry.  The purpose of the ministry would be to give former Glisson campers, retreaters, counselors and staff an opportunity to re-connect with their former Glisson friends and re-live their favorite Glisson memories.  To those who were interested, a link to an on-line survey was provided for an immediate opportunity to offer feedback.

To view the brief survey, and even provide your own feedback on the Glisson Alumni ministry, follow this link:  Glisson Alumni Survey

The response to the survey has been overwhelming, and overwhelmingly positive!  By far, the top response to the purpose of an alumni group was "reconnecting with fellow campers and/or staff".  Support and advocacy for Glisson were also top responses.

With your feedback in mind, we are offering three events in 2008 as a starting point for this new ministry.  To see what we have planned initially, please visit the Upcoming Events page.

We do anticipate that there will be a cost involved in operating this new ministry at Camp Glisson, and we will need to pass that along in the form of a nominal membership fee.  Alumni should anticipate another survey to gather their thoughts on this matter. 

In addition, the Alumni ministry will be managed out of our Development office for logistical purposes.  Through the survey, some people expressed concern that this Alumni ministry not become simply a vehicle for fundraising.  We can assure you that although alumni will always have opportunities to give to Glisson, we see this alumni group as a new ministry of Camp Glisson and not as an avenue for raising funds.  That is a promise!

Here are some ways you can help to ensure that we're successful in launching this new ministry together:

• Help us get everyone connected.  Send any current contact information you have on former campers, staff members or counselors to development(at)campglisson.org.  Email addresses are especially important, but all contact information is helpful.
• Be an advocate for Camp Glisson.  Contact Pam at info(at)campglisson.org if you are interested in promoting Glisson within your local church congregation.  Pam can tell you if there is a "Glisson Ambassador" in your church and can give you information and tools for advocacy.
• Continue to share your ideas.  We're in the early stages of developing this ministry and are bound to make some mistakes.  We'll continue to rely on your feedback to avoid as many pitfalls as possible and to create an alumni ministry that gives you opportunities to re-connect with the people and the place that have made such a difference in your lives.

If you have questions or would like more information, please call us at (706) 864-6181 or email development(at)campglisson.org.