Hero of Camping 
Award

This award honors exceptional individuals who have significantly contributed to the ministry and vitality of Episcopal camps and conference centers. This award recognizes those who embody ECCC’s mission with a spirit of advocacy, leadership, and dedication. Through their unwavering commitment, award recipients have significantly influenced their communities and the church, cultivating spaces for growth, reflection, and transformation in Episcopal Camping Ministry. This award was first given to the Rt. Rev. Thomas Shaw at the 2009 General Convention of the Episcopal Church.

Past Winners

  • For her tireless advocacy, Safe Church initiatives, exemplary leadership, and commitment to enriching the camp experience, leaving a lasting impact on campers and staff alike.

2022

  • In recognition of her passion for camping ministry as a visionary educator, committed researcher, innovative program designer, and a generous ECCC Visionary & Advocacy Council member, conversation starter, and friend.

2018

  • In recognition of the passion, vision and unfaltering leadership in helping create and sustain excellent camping ministries, while ardently serving camp as counselors, activities director, teachers, priest, chaplain, dean, archdeacon, bishop, retreat leaders, and ECCC visionary council members.

2015

  • As camp director, trip leader, folk dancer, card player, singalong initiator, mentor, founding ECCC member and the organization's Executive Director, and friend to many, Peter's compassion, integrit vision, and committed leadership helped create and sustain excellent camping and conferencing ministries, and a community of camping & conferencing professionals.

2015

  • In recognition of her vision and lifelong commitment as educator, priest, bishop and Presiding Bishop to the training of generations of young leaders who are transforming the world.

2012

  • In recognition of his lifelong commitment as educator, board leader and ECCC National Council member to help children and young adults discover the beauty and wonder of God's creation.

2012

2024

  • On behalf of the many he has inspired to “be a blessing,” and in recognition of Bishop Brian N. Prior’s decades of commitment to Episcopal camping, through mentorship and clear vision.

  • In recognition of his bold vision and his commitment to enriching the lives of children, adults and families by creating, promoting, and sustaining the Barbara C. Harris Camp and Conference Center.

2009

Peter Bergstrom 
Award

This award recognizes a deeply committed member of our community who has advanced the cause of Episcopal Camps and Conference Centers through mentoring, advocacy, and innovative programming. 

To be considered for this award a candidate needs to exemplify mentoring, advocacy and innovative programming. 

Past Winners

  • Eleanor is a remarkable leader who has made a significant impact on the ECCC community. Her accomplishments, including transforming Beckwith Camp and Conference Center into a premier center, revitalizing the Board of Directors and fundraising apparatus, and mentoring numerous colleagues, demonstrate her exceptional leadership skills. Her ability to inspire and guide others, not only in their professional development but also in their personal lives, is a testament to her strength as a mentor and her commitment to fostering a sense of community and belonging.

2023

  • Toni Marie is a dedicated and influential leader who has made a significant impact on the ECCC community. Her tireless efforts to secure health benefits have saved thousands of dollars, contributing to the financial stability of ECCC and its member centers. Her mentorship of Patty during a transition period was invaluable, and her guidance has been sought by many. Toni Marie's exceptional leadership skills, joy, and support have earned her the Peter Bergstrom Leadership Award, and her departure is deeply felt, but she will always be remembered as an essential and beloved leader.

2020

2018

  • On January 16, 2017, we presented the second annual Peter Bergstrom Leadership Award, which recognizes a member of our community who has been a mentor and an advocate of the camping and retreat ministry.

    Last year's recipient, Peter Bergstrom, presented this year's award, to someone who has always been actively available to support the organization and its members: "Like Google, this person has been an open source of tips, insight and resources that come with 39+ years of experience."

    Our award winner has been a mentor to many people in this organization at all job levels. This person has helped our organization develop a relationship with the American Camp Association and has personally been a sounding board to camps as they go through accreditation. Our award winner took their own camp from being in the red, with dropping attendance, to being ACA accredited, self-sustaining, and a point of pride for its diocese, along the way developing many innovative camp programs, always with same goal: help campers to build self esteem.

2017

2016

2024

  • Helen exemplifies the advocacy of camp and conference ministry through her passion for helping others. Every human being who has come in contact with Helen feels her love and knows she will always advocate for what is right. Camp and conference centers play a vital role in each individual's spiritual journey, connecting their own journey to their parishes and then completing the circle by offering a thin place for all of these components to intertwine. Allowing communities to grow and strengthen alongside each other. Even after serving as Co-EDs at Camp Mitchell for many years, Helen and Rick continue to serve as Interim Directors, helping other Episcopal camp and retreat centers stay afloat during transitions.

2022

  • Teri is a steadfast supporter and cheerleader for camping ministry, and it shows in her dedication not only to the individual program she serves but also her broader support for the entire ECCC network. She is committed to showing up, both physically and mentally/emotionally for the organization and the individuals who make it up. Teri is kind, smart and hard working. She is always willing to help one of her colleagues - either through assisting them in a job or supporting them in a time of need. She, through her very being, exemplifies the welcome/care/love that our camps try to teach.

2019

Lifetime Achievement Award

This award is given as to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding dedication, contributions, and service to the field of camps and conference ministry throughout their career.

This award will be given out for the first time at ECCC’s 2025 Annual Conference at Kanuga.

Trailblazer Award

This award recognizes a leader who, even though is relatively new to their role, has already made a significant impact, showcasing remarkable leadership that inspires those around them through their energy, initiative, and commitment.

This award will be given out for the first time at ECCC’s 2025 Annual Conference at Kanuga.

Bishops Council

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