Youth and Children’s Ministries Directors Recharge

Story by Columbia Union Staff

Youth, Pathfinder and Children’s ministries directors and their spouses from all eight conferences within the Columbia Union recently gathered at Wisp Resort in McHenry, Md., for their annual fall advisory.

“Surrounded by the beautiful autumn colors of western Maryland, we had a rich time of inspiration, fellowship, skill-building and planning,” says Frank Bondurant, Columbia Union vice president for Ministries Development.

Tamyra Horst, Communication and Women’s Ministries director for the Pennsylvania Conference, spoke about the importance of self-care as ministry leaders and the challenge of balancing home and professional lives.

The leaders received training in relationship emotional intelligence and communication skills from Emergent Performance Solutions.

Tracy Wood, North American Division (NAD) Youth director, also joined the group to discuss NAD initiatives in 2025.

Bondurant and Carolina Ramos, executive assistant for Ministries Development, planned the retreat as an expression of gratitude for everything the local leaders do, especially at the International Pathfinder Camporee in Gillette, Wy., this past summer. 

“Our Youth, Pathfinder and Children ministries leaders work hard all year long planning and preparing activities for our youth, that they appreciated having something planned especially for them, their families and professional development,” says Bondurant.