In the Wilderness

The 2026 Outdoor Ministries Association (OMA) “InsideOut” camp curriculum for summer camp will be titled “In the Wilderness.” An introduction to the theme notes: “Wilderness is a time or place where we encounter what is new, strange, scary, lonely, unknown or mysterious. The wilderness is a wild and beautiful time and place where we can discover the sacred within each person and all creation. … The wilderness reveals our strengths, growing edges, and potential as God equips us for the unknown still to come. The wilderness awaits us all, and God meets us there.” Daily themes will examine the nature of wilderness and how it’s woven into our lives (Psalm 139:7-14); how we experience awe in the wilderness (Job 12:7-10); God’s presence in our wilderness times (Exodus 13:17-22); Jesus’ example of using the wilderness to recharge and renew our souls (Matt. 14:22-30); the sense of community and never being alone (Esther); and being equipped to face our wilderness moments (Jer. 29:11-14). The annual InsideOut camp curriculum is a partnership between the Church of the Brethren and other denominations.

InsideOut Curriculum for 2026

The 2025 Church of the Brethren Outdoor Ministries Association (OMA) national conference will take place Nov. 16-20 at Inspiration Hills near Burbank, Ohio, with the theme “Campfire Conversations.” The keynote speaker will be Travis Troyer of Off the Wall Discipleship. Workshop options will include a camp tour, group sharing, and more. A field trip will take participants to BibleWalk, featuring more than 325 wax figures of biblical scenes, and games, debriefing, and recreation will also be part of the week. Cost for OMA camp members is $200, non-members $225. Registration and more information can be found at https://omacob.org/camps-2/annual-retreat/. 

The 2026 OMA “InsideOut” camp curriculum will be titled “In the Wilderness.” An introduction to the theme notes: “Wilderness is a time or place where we encounter what is new, strange, scary, lonely, unknown or mysterious. The wilderness is a wild and beautiful time and place where we can discover the sacred within each person and all creation. … The wilderness reveals our strengths, growing edges, and potential as God equips us for the unknown still to come. The wilderness awaits us all, and God meets us there.” The annual InsideOut curriculum is a partnership between the Church of the Brethren and a variety of other denominations for use in outdoor ministry. Learn more at https://insideoutcurriculum.com/.