John Cargill BD Retreat Staff Spotlight

Retreat Staff Spotlight: John Cargill

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 planning and carrying out of their retreats during the non-summer months.

What’s your favorite thing about your role?

I never know what each day will bring. Some days I spend my time emailing and calling groups, while other days I get to facilitate activities, work in the kitchen, or anything else that needs to happen around camp. Each day is a new adventure.

How did God bring you to Black Diamond?

I worked at Camp Eagle as summer staff in 2013. After that summer, I kept up with the Camp Eagle Family of Camps, and after seeing a post on social media, I prayed and decided that I would apply for a position at Black Diamond. After accepting a position here at camp, I moved from Texas to Washington on April Fools’ Day in 2016.

When you’re not busy helping groups have an amazing retreat experience, what do you like to do?

Coffee, Coffee, Coffee. My wife and I love to drink good coffee. I also love to read a good book as well as build furniture for our house.

Can you tell us about one specific moment or experience that has deeply impacted your life, while working on retreat staff?

One thing that comes to mind is that we are a mission-driven organization. Our mission is to inspire Christ-like change through outdoor adventure, authentic relationships, and Biblical truth. With that in mind, over the past few years, I have had the opportunity to grow in those authentic relationships with some youth pastors that have consistently come to camp. These youth pastors have walked through the same seasons as my wife and I. We were all dating, then engaged, and finally married at the same time. My wife and I have grown really close to these youth pastors and they have become close friends of ours.

Why should groups choose Black Diamond as their retreat destination?

Retreats at Black Diamond are like Build-A-Bear Workshop. Groups are able to pick and choose what they would like at camp. I’ve honestly never heard of any other organization that does that. Another thing that sets us apart is our staff. I am fortunate to work with some of the greatest people on earth. They have such a huge heart for serving those that come to camp and they do it with a smile on their face and joy in their hearts.