Camp Hanover’s Board of Directors met October 28 and 29 for their annual retreat. They spent this time worshipping, enjoying time with each other, and planning for the future.
Jennifer Gwyn, board president
“Retreats provide the opportunity for us to get to know one another outside of a business meeting and experience the beauty of Camp,” said Jennifer Gwyn, board president. “This extended time allows us to see the heart of each board member, their gifts and their passions for camp.”
Camp Hanover incorporated as 501(c)(3) organization in 2019. In the years since, the board has been maturing into its role managing the non-profit, creating policies, roles, and responsibilities for the leadership and committees.
“Each year we try to have a theme or main focus, which usually ends up being a springboard for action for our board over the next year,” member Will Kirk added about the retreat’s purpose.
This year’s theme was succession planning and leadership. As current members reach term limits, filling those positions with new faces and voices continues the energy and momentum of the team. The board seeks volunteers with a mix of gifts and talents, church affiliation, and clergy/laity distribution to reflect the community Camp Hanover serves.
Board members also learned about strengthening their skills in development and fundraising. Julia Carr, a member at Second Presbyterian (Richmond), shared her knowledge as a development professional working for VCUArts.
The board retreat also gives members an opportunity to provide service to Camp through a project. This year, attendees winterized the porches of Knoxwood Lodge by covering the screens with heavy plastic. This annual chore allows the porches to be used as additional gathering spaces during winter events.
Sam Pilc, Matthew Mahoney, and Will Kirk
Rev. Mike Burcher and John Richardson-Lauve
Tim Beane
Kate McGowan, Matthew Mahoney, and Tim Beane
Kate Fiedler, associate pastor at Second Presbyterian Church in Richmond, lead worship at the retreat. Kate joined the board in September 2021 because she has fond memories of the weeks she spent attending a PC(USA) camp near her childhood home in North Carolina.
“I grew up excited for that week,” she shared, “and I’m delighted to be a part of creating outdoor, small-group experiences for youth today.”
If you’re interested in helping Camp Hanover grow into the future, tell us using the board, committee, and volunteer interest form.