In 2011, director Josh Foley went for a kind of meta-theme with "What's The Theme?" as the theme. Until I conducted the following interview, I was never really sure what this year's theme was all about. So I got my answers from Lindsay Martin, who served as Program Assistant that year. If you don't know Lindsay, I feel bad for you, but it's possible you may also know two of her sisters: Jasmine and Morgan. They, too, have served different summers at Black Rock Retreat. Want to know what "What's The Theme?" is all about? Want to hear it from a great inside source at BRR? Keep reading,… Read More

In 2010, the Summer Camp Director torch was passed from Dave Bouffard to Josh Foley. Josh, a long-time staffer who got his start in 2004 as a Junior Counselor, would now be developing the summer camp program. For his first summer, he used the theme "In Pursuit" – based on Galatians 5:25: "If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit." (ESV) Like Josh before him, a young man by the name of Jacob Ragsdale was transitioning from long-time camper to Junior Counselor. It was his second year of JC-hood in 2010, and in the following interview, Jacob joins me in… Read More

Over the span of five years, Summer Camp Director Dave Bouffard worked hard to improve an already-stellar summer camp experience at Black Rock Retreat. He didn't just tinker around the edges: he went in deep, analyzed the structure and logistical details and compared it to the philosophy we were supposed to hold as a ministry to the campers. By his final summer (2009), there had been many changes. What hadn't changed during that time was the guidance of the Holy Spirit that many, many men and women called to work at Black Rock Retreat had relied on. Every step of the way, even when… Read More

In the summer of 2007, a young, enthusiastic Wes Foley returned to Black Rock Retreat for his second summer on staff. The previous year, he was a Junior Counselor. This year, he would be Senior Counselor of Paradise. The theme of 2007, per its stylized t-shirt, was "2:20." Specifically, Galatians 2:20 ... I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (NIV) This verse, with its strong emphasis on our identity in Christ, had a special relevance… Read More