Rest is holy. Pastors know this to be true and teach it regularly to the people they shepherd. Yet for many church leaders, the opportunity to rest, reflect, and connect with God outside the walls of the church, seldom comes. Why is this? There are many reasons – involving budget, time, and expectations – but most often, the reason a break doesn’t make the calendar, is simply because the overarching benefits aren’t known or talked about. And while it might ...

Our Retreat Staff at Black Diamond go the extra mile to see that our guests get the experience they’re looking for! From the initial planning stages until the very end of your stay, these leaders are committed to serving and serving well. Today we’re featuring… John Cargill! First off, John, where are you from? I’m from Lubbock, Texas. What’s your position on the retreat staff and what does it involve? I am a Retreat Coordinator. I assist groups in the ...

No two days at Black Diamond are the same! Come along with us and learn about the typical – but never ordinary – day in the life of a Day Camper. Before we start, let’s talk about who’s who at Black Diamond Day Camp: Campers: Local kids, ages 5-12, who love to have fun! Counselors: College-aged Christian adults, carefully screened and selected, to serve our campers all summer long. They’re stellar role models, and they love to have fun, too! Ready? ...

When you come across the bridge at the entrance of Black Diamond Camp you are greeted by the friendliest of all trees. This tall tree sits on the bank of the creek and monitors the traffic. The traffic of the kids walking in its shade, the traffic of cars crossing the bridge it stands next to, and the traffic in the bustling creek that flows beside it.   Of all the trees at Black Diamond Camp this is my favorite one. Its leaves start as the smallest buds in spring and ...