50th Anniversary Video

Fifty Years of Service in the Camp & Retreat Property Management Industry

PETALUMA, CALIF. (PRWEB) JANUARY 26, 2020

United Camps, Conferences & Retreats (UCCR) has announced that the nonprofit camp and retreat management organization will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2020. 

UCCR was officially formed and registered as a nonprofit cooperative organization in 1970 by a group of Northern California clergy who sought to unite their efforts to manage their respective denominational camp and retreat properties. The design was to establish a central office that could handle accounting, reservations, staffing, and property oversight for seven church-owned camps and retreat centers throughout Northern California. UCCR established its first office at the Glide Memorial United Methodist Church in San Franscisco.

Over the years, UCCR has partnered with many non-profits to manage such as The Lighthouse for the Blind and the Optimist Foundation to manage their camp facilities.

In 1998, UCCR moved their office to a downtown office building in San Rafael. In 2006, the central office moved to Petaluma where it is still currently located. While the first thirty-eight years were spent managing camps and retreats in Northern California, in 2012 UCCR expanded to Southern California to manage Pilgrim Pines Camp & Conference Center.

Once it was understood that the UCCR central administrative office, located in Petaluma, California, could utilize the same management model at any location, UCCR began to offer facility management services to any camp, conference or retreat center in the United States. 

Pilgrim Hills Camp & Conference Center, owned by the Ohio Conference of the United Church of Christ, was the first non-California facility UCCR managed. Since that time, UCCR has begun management of camp and retreat facilities in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Iowa, and Michigan. 

UCCR is a unique cooperative model in the camp and retreat industry. All of the properties are owned by nonprofit organizations. Representatives from each of the organizations make up the Owner’s Council. This provides an opportunity for owners to share ideas, participate in UCCR webinars, and work in close partnership with UCCR. 

The Mission Statement: 
UCCR builds relationships with property owners and guests to deliver exceptional services and business resources that empower camps, conference and retreat centers to flourish. 

In 1989, the Web of Life Field (WOLF) School was created as a program of UCCR to provide quality Environmental Education to schools in California. Since that time, WOLF School has grown to be one of the finest providers of science and nature-based education, primarily to elementary school age groups. 

Mike Carr, UCCR President since 2005, says, “UCCR works with great customers: nonprofit groups that use the facilities to further their mission then return to improve their communities.” 

The organization is planning a special event to commemorate the 50th anniversary year. Past and current staff, board members, and friends of UCCR will gather in March 2020 to celebrate this unique business in the camp and retreat property management industry. 

For more information about facility management services, visit camppropertymanagement.org. 
To see the facilities we serve, visit Uccr.org. 
Contact us at 800-678-5102 
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Premier K-12th Grade Outdoor Education Program Expands Training on Diversity, Equity, and Social Justice in Education

United Camps, Conferences & Retreats Premier Outdoor Education Program, WOLF School, Leads the Way into its 30th Year of Environmental Education.

APTOS, CALIF. (PRWEB) NOVEMBER 28, 2019

WOLF School is celebrating 30 years of leading Outdoor Science School programs for students and their teachers with a renewed focus on Leadership. WOLF School, formally known as the United Camps, Conferences & Retreats (UCCR) Web of Life Field (WOLF) School, is a residential outdoor environmental education school serving K-12th grade. Both teachers and students engage in WOLF’s dynamic programs at our outdoor classrooms in the redwoods, and across California at UCCR managed camp, conference and retreat facilities. 

This school year, WOLF School educators are focusing on leadership and professional development in order to increase their knowledge of scientific concepts taught during WOLF programs, and to learn how to better create equitable access for all. “We are making it a priority to learn best practices for creating positive social learning opportunities for our students.” says WOLF School Director Heather Butler. WOLF’s staff continue to pursue a variety of trainings and incorporate these seeds of leadership into their teaching and program to benefit all who attend WOLF. This school year: 

• WOLF School Associate Director Desiree Gant currently participates in an 8 month Inside Education Program sponsored by the Santa Cruz County Office of Education that will result in her being able to help WOLF educators better understand the different schools and students that WOLF serves. 

• WOLF Educator Halli Boman recently attended Project Aquatic Wild, a nationally-recognized workshop focused on planning and delivery of hands-on activities on aquatic species and habitats and will present a workshop based on these activities for fellow educators in January.  

• WOLF Lead Naturalist, Tyler Feld, attended the 2019 LGBTQ Outdoor Summit in October where he learned methods to improve equity and representation of the LGBTQ community in outdoor settings. Tyler brought his new knowledge to WOLF’s November staff training and shared new ways to help make WOLF School more welcoming to LGBTQ students, staff, and teachers. 

• WOLF School Staff also attended events on Diversity, Equity, and Social Justice in Education, and Marine Biology and Sustainability. Butler also attended a California State Parks Foundation “Pathways to Parks” Conference that addresses ways to help California’s youth increase their health and get access to parks and the outdoors. 

WOLF School staff meet monthly to share their experiences at their leadership workshops and work together to improve the program, teaching practices, and the WOLF School community. WOLF School’s goal is to help children enjoy and engage with science and the outdoors through hands-on activities. WOLF School’s Mission is to build respect, appreciation and stewardship within the web of life. WOLF School is a program of UCCR, a nonprofit facility, program, and management organization. 

For information or to attend one of WOLF Schools programs in STEM/science, history, or teambuilding, contact us at WOLFSchool.org. For information about UCCR please visit UCCR.org

The Christian Camp Meeting Association (CCMA), Owners Of The Craigville Retreat Center, Make Commitment To Become A Net Zero Community

CENTERVILLE, MASS. (PRWEB) SEPTEMBER 18, 2018

The Christian Camp Meeting Association (CCMA) of Centerville, MA, owners of the Craigville Retreat Center, has made a commitment to becoming a Net Zero Community by 2050. This means that the CCMA is taking steps, along with other participants, towards becoming a community that is 100% sustainable and supports the natural waters, wildlife and community.

The CCMA is working with the suitably named nonprofit, Red Lily Pond Project, which is an independent nonprofit focused on the health and restoration of Red Lily Pond and Lake Elizabeth. The Red Lily Pond borders the village of Craigville and is the beautiful backdrop of the Craigville Retreat Center. The pond’s waters, and the sustainability of its herring run, depend on this restoration project for survival. The project also supports the health and well being of ducks, osprey, heron, turtles, and even herring and other fish.

The Red Lily Pond Project’s focus is on healthy waters, while CCMA will be lending its focus on energy and waste reduction. United, Camps, Conferences & Retreats, the nonprofit that manages the Craigville Retreat Center, will also do their part by being a leader in modeling the best ways for saving energy, waste reduction, and environmentally sustainable business practices for the rest of the surrounding village. 

“Because the project involves a cross section of property owners and community members, we are all working together for the restoration of our beautiful community” says Bill McKinney, spokesperson for the CCMA. In doing so, the Craigville leadership will use best efforts to reduce energy use, focus on healthy waters, and approach waste in an environmentally sustainable way.

The CCMA was founded in 1872 when members of the ecumenically-minded "Christian Connection" established a camp meeting ground now known as the Craigville Retreat Center, which is a series of buildings that host nearly 12,000 guests/year and is managed by United Camps, Conferences & Retreats. Other project members are The Red Lily Pond Project, The Craigville Beach Association and The Craigville Cottage Owners Association which represents the owners of the 90+ private homes that surround the Retreat Center.

Work is currently underway to help the CCMA meet its goals so that future generations may enjoy Craigville. 

For more information or to make a reservation to stay at Craigville Retreat Center please contact:

United Camps, Conferences & Retreats 
800-678-5102 
uccr.org/craigville

Camp and Retreat Center Offers Special Fall & Winter Rates in Sierra Nevada Foothills

From October through February, California camp & retreat center, Community of the Great Commission, encourages people to get outside and enjoy the splendors of the seasons in the Sierra Nevada foothills.

MICHIGAN BLUFF, CALIF. (PRWEB) SEPTEMBER 19, 2019

The Community of the Great Commission (CGC) is a camp and retreat center located near historic Michigan Bluff, in Placer County, California. The beautiful ridge-top property is available for nonprofit groups to use for overnight camps, retreats, workshops, or family gatherings. The site can host groups that range in size from 10 to 100 people in the Fall & Winter months. 

CGC has announced two Fall & Winter specials which begin on October 1, 2019 and run through February 29, 2020. The specials include 2 nights lodging and 5 meals. 

This tranquil and serene site is well-established at an elevation of 4000’ and offers a variety of walking trails through a pine conifer, fir, oak, maple, madrone, and dogwood forest. CGC also has a half basketball court, volleyball, low ropes course, amphitheater, and three campfire circles. 

“The Fall and Winter months are special times in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. True Fall colors start appearing in October and November in the Oak, Maple, and Dogwood trees at this elevation. The warm afternoons and cool nights are just ideal for a retreat. In the winter, if you’re lucky, there’ll be some snow to enjoy,” says Site Director Sandra Heck. 

The first special is for Claar House, the retreat building which can sleep between 10 and 20 guests. Claar House features semi-private bedrooms, most with private bathrooms, ample meeting areas with sofas, conference room chairs, tables and chairs. There is a full kitchen for group use and a large deck. The special rate per person at Claar House, including food and lodging is $170. The group minimum for this special is 10 people. 

The second special is for the Bobbitt Area Cabins. 8 cabins, each sleeping up to 10 guests, has its own bathroom. Cabins are winterized for year-round use. The cabins are situated around Bobbitt Hall, a lodge with fireplace, tables and chairs, kitchen, and a deck. Homemade meals are served in the dining hall. The special rate per person at the Bobbitt cabins, including food and lodging is $135. The group minimum for the Bobbitt special is 20 people. 

Facility information is available at uccr.org/community or call 800-678-5102. 

The Community of the Great Commission is managed by United Camps, Conferences & Retreats.

Brisk Mornings & Comfortable Afternoons

Fall is a beautiful time of the year in Pennsylvania, and fortunately it is just around the corner. After coming out of summer season, Fall brings a welcoming change of scenery, as well as weather. Those long hot summer days slowly begin to turn into brisk mornings with comfortable afternoon temperatures. The trees begin preparations for the long winter when leaves turn from green to reds, yellows and browns. There is no other sight like the Appalachian Mountains here in Pennsylvania during October and November. The colors of the trees are vibrant and resemble fire with the bright reds cradled together with energetic yellows. There is truly no better place to spend fall than outdoors in Pennsylvania. 

Come stay with us at Hartman Center this Fall season, take advantage of our Fall specials and be treated to warm meals and stunning views. Hosting your group or family reunion is what we do best.

Fall & Winter Special
2 nights + 5 Meals
Cabin - $100 per person, minimum 12 people
Michaux Lodge - $111 per person, minimum 16 people

Zach Hassinger 
Hartman Center Site Director 

United Camps, Conferences & Retreats (UCCR) Celebrates 28 Years of Hosting California Coast Music Camp (CCMC)

UCCR and CCMC acknowledges long term partnership for music camp in the foothills of California

PETALUMA, CALIF. (PRWEB) JULY 31, 2019

In 1992, the California Coast Music Camp (CCMC) began a partnership with United Camps, Conefrences & Retreats (UCCR) that continues today. The music camp, which welcomes up to 125 musicians for 2 weeks each summer at a UCCR camp facility, began their California camps in 1992 at Monte Toyon in Aptos. After a few years they moved to Camp Gualala, a camp that was managed by UCCR at the time, for 16 years. When Camp Gualala was sold, the musicians moved to the Community of the Great Commission, a UCCR camp in the Sierra foothills. 

Janet Peterson, who directs many music camps each year throughout the west, says, “My favorite thing is watching people discover their creativity, to take the time for themselves to actually do it. It’s great to come to a site where people take care of you. You can spend time with yourself. Will people really enjoy making music? Will they feel good about themselves? Absolutely!” 

The camp has a staff of teachers and assistants numbering about 40 plus 85 students each week. Classes happen throughout the day. Evenings are for special events such as teacher and student concerts and a dance. Staff arrive a few days early to set up the many screen tents and chairs for outdoor classrooms around the large camp. Participants can take a break from classes by taking a walk through the forest or enjoying a swim in the pool. 

“The camp experience is powerful… We spend so much time in isolation, behind our computers and such. We used to spend way more time in social community. What we’ve got here is that you feel someone cares about you,” continues Peterson. 

The CCMC music camp attracts a variety of musicians which include violinists, guitarists, celloists, banjo and ukulele players and more. The skill level is from beginners to advanced, so there are opportunities for everyone. 

The partnership between CCMC and UCCR is significant due to the longevity of the relationship. “Camp programs like CCMC are exactly the kind of groups UCCR enjoys long-term relationships with. The benefits for the sites and the participants alike embody real mutuality. They really are able to utilize the site and enjoy the wonders and peacefulness of the outdoors,” says Tina Heck, UCCR Director of Reservations and Communications. 

“We look forward to many more years of hearing the music through the trees from CCMC musicians. We would love to have more music camps like this at our other sites across the country. All of our camps and retreats are really ideal settings for gatherings like this,” continues Heck. 

Music camp coordinators can call UCCR directly at 800-678-5102 to explore opportunities for UCCR to host your next musicians gathering, workshop, or camp experience. 

UCCR, a non-profit cooperative formed in 1970, manages 13 camps, conference and retreat centers throughout the United States. For a list of all facilities available to rent visit UCCR.org

United Camps, Conferences & Retreats (UCCR) Recoginizes Grandparent Camps Encourage Adults and Children to Spend Time Together in Nature

With a growing number of programs offered around the country for Grandparents and Grandchildren, organized camps are seeing more young and old spending time together.

PETALUMA, CALIF. (PRWEB) JULY 31, 2019

United Camps, Conferences & Retreats (UCCR) encourages and supports innovative programs to get adults and children to spend time together in nature. With a growing number of programs offered around the country for Grandparents and Grandchildren, organized camps are seeing more young and old spending time together. 

These programs offer a variety of programs with different types of activities planned. Many camps and retreats can be found through local churches and regional denominations. With connectivity in this digital age, many who lived prior to the internet are seeing the need to get kids disconnected from their screens to spend time just being together with each other in a natural setting. 

Some programs offer a spiritual component while others focus on traditional camp and outdoor activities. Many programs offered around the United States last two to three days and may include visiting neighboring attractions. 

UCCR is an active member of the American Camp Association (ACA). ACA also promotes Grand Camp as a great option for families. ACA offers a great list of helpful to Grandparents planning on attending camp with their grandkids. "As baby boomers reach retirement age,the need for these kinds of opportunities for families is increasing. It is estimated that there will be be 70 million Americans in the elderly age group by the year 2030," say UCCR Director of Reservations & Communications Tina Heck.

United Camps, Conferences & Retreats manages 13 facilities throughout the US, many which are available for small groups to rent all types of accommodations from simple cabins to lodges. UCCR also offers meal service or guests can rent their own kitchen to make their own meals at some facilities. 

Visit UCCR at http://www.UCCR.org

Outdoor Education Program Reaches 100,000 K-12 Grade Students Over 30 Years

Web of Life Field (WOLF) School provides programs for children to explore and discover nature at camps in Livermore, Aptos, Yosemite and Cazadero.

APTOS, CALIF. (PRWEB) JUNE 28, 2019

For 30 straight years, the Web of Life Field (WOLF) School has been teaching youth about science and nature through outdoor education programs that empower kids to return home with tools to strengthen their communities. Serving 4,000 school aged children per year, for 30 years, means WOLF outdoor education programs have reached 100,000 children.

Outdoor education and team building programs provide vital experiences for California’s students. These programs are led by professionally-trained naturalists at stunning camps throughout California where students explore, discover, and learn through activities designed to encourage kids to develop leadership, communication skills, and cooperation. At camp, away from technological distractions, students have fun, explore the outdoors, sing songs, play active games and learn to live together in a community. This gives students the opportunity to make hands-on connections between classroom learning and the world around them in a safe and positive outdoor environment.

All WOLF School programs are in line with the California State Standards and support Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Partnering with school teachers and other organizations, WOLF School is passionate about building respect, appreciation and stewardship.

Currently WOLF School brings its outdoor education programs to Monte Toyon Camp in Aptos, Camp Cazadero in Cazadero, Camp Tuolumne Trails by Yosemite, and Camp Arroyo in Livermore. “We want to provide outdoor experiences for as many people as possible in as many locations as possible.” says Heather Butler, Director of WOLF School

WOLF School specializes in three different programs: First, the Outdoor Science School is a hands-on science education program set in the beautiful redwoods, beach, or in the Sierra pine forest. The students explore the concepts of Energy, Cycles, Change, Adaptations, Communities, Interdependence, and Diversity as they engage directly with the redwoods, tidepools, and other outdoor areas. Secondly, Personal Awareness Community Commitment (WOLF P.A.C.C.) Team Building program focuses on the students discovering the key to successful communication, responsibility, and personal growth. Students achieve this success through unique series of team building activities that summon positive choices, cooperation, and respect. Lastly, the California Living History program takes the students on a journey through California’s history. Students learn about native peoples, our environment, the Gold Rush, and our natural resources through the eyes of immigrants, pioneers, Native Americans, and prospectors.

WOLF School also offers different seasonal camps which are available for children and families to attend and register for independently: Summer Nature Day Camp, Beginner and Advanced Level Backpacking Camp and Family Camp. Each camp is geared to provide a dynamic opportunity for WOLF’s School’s community to engage in the local ecology of Santa Cruz through a relaxed setting of fun and nature.

Teachers and parents can sign up to receive our WOLF School Newsletters to stay informed of upcoming programming or visit us at wolfschool.org or call (831) 684-0148. WOLF School is program provided by United Camps, Conferences & Retreats.