| Occohannock
on the Bay Camp and Retreat Center |
| "Where faith is
strengthened and lives are changed..." |
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OOTB |
Philosophy |
Function |
Form |
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Every
aspect of the summer program at OOTB follows a common function.
Our working philosophy centers on what it means to be a part
of the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12).
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Our
function is to help each camper gain a better understanding
of his/her part in Christ’s Body and his/her role in God’s
creation. Form follows function. Aspects of our form are as follows: |
- Small
Group Emphasis: 12-14 campers and 2-4 counselors
combine to make a unit (small group); low camper to counselor ratio; strong emphasis on safety; there is NO unsupervised
time.
- Sanctity
of the Small Group: Each unit (group) plans their
own week on with the Program Board; every camper’s location is known at all times by the counselors/program
director.
- Experiential
Christian Education: More time is spent living
and doing things together as Christians; relationships
and activities are foundations of the campers’ learning;
nightly worship in both large and small groups; counselors constantly seek the “teachable moment”.
- Emphasis
on Stewardship of God’s Creation: Nature
study and Bible study are both forms of God’s revelation of
love. OOTB provides low-impact site camping. Activities
involve active participation and interaction with God’s creation on 50 acres, a creek and the beautiful Chesapeake Bay.
- The
Small Group’s Dynamics: Each group experiences: Forming:
Individuals become a group following registration. Norming:
Group interactions take on patterns and “norms”. Storming:
Any group difficulties eventually surface. Performing:
Group realizes potential as the Body of Christ. Reforming: Debriefing and preparing for re-entry into the world.
- Progression
of Programs: Each age level offers new and more
challenging programming. Adventure and skillbuilding camps support this progression.
- Family
Style Meals and Cookouts: Meals are a major part
of the experiential Christian education each camper receives—family style expectations and table fellowship.
- Camping
(to camp) implies ACTION: OOTB believes there
should be effort required at camp to provide for our daily
needs (food, shelter, clean bathrooms, set tables, etc.).
When entering into this type of setting, a deeper sense of our own creativity emerges. Campers experience the closeness
of living and caring for self and others,
analogous to the community of early Christians as described in 1 Corinthians
12.
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9403
Camp Lane, Belle Haven, VA 23306 757.442.7836 Email: ootbay@verizon.net
Website maintained by Fanny Findley Hometown News Copyright 2009
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