A Message from the Board

Ryan and Sam Moore are resigning from their respective roles at NaCoMe. Although we are sad to see them leave, we are excited for all the new adventures God has for them next. Ryan will be working as a full time camp consultant for Kaleidoscope, Inc. and they will be moving back to their home state of South Carolina. Bennie’s grandparents are thrilled that they are all moving closer to them. Here is a note from the President of our Board of Governors:

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It is with both sadness and gratitude that the NaCoMe Board of Governors accepts the resignation of Ryan and Sam Moore, our Executive Director and Director of Operations. They have been working at NaCoMe since 2015, and in that time they have improved the physical facilities, enhanced the quality of the staff, increased summer and year-round attendance, launched a capital campaign, and kept the camp budget in the black! There aren't enough accolades to bestow upon them for all they have done!

We will miss their leadership and enthusiasm and wish them well in their new endeavors.

There is a search committee at work to hire a new Executive Director before December 31, 2023, which is Ryan's last day.  Sam will continue to work remotely to effect a smooth transition for the incoming director.

We encourage folks to send cards and notes of appreciation to Ryan and Sam Moore, via email or regular mail.  Their email is director@nacome.org or retreats@nacome.org and their mailing address is 3232 Sulphur Creek Rd, Pleasantville, TN  37033.  The NaCoMe Board of Governors is certainly grateful to Ryan and Sam for their faithfulness and love of NaCoMe.

Sally Hughes

President, NaCoMe Board of Governors

Avoiding Nature Deficit Disorder

(Guest Post from Jenny Miller from StopNDD.org)

From the time author Richard Louv wrote about it in 2005 in his book, Last Child in the Woods, the term “nature-deficit disorder” has become a cause of concern for kids and adults alike. And as we become more enamored by technology, its threat has become more apparent. Children, in particular, are at risk, as this disconnect from nature can lead to a multitude of physical and mental health issues. On the bright side, nature-deficit disorder is entirely avoidable and even reversible, so we’ve compiled a list of resources to help parents do exactly that.

What Is Nature-Deficit Disorder

Learn about this disorder and the negative impact it can have on your children.

Defining Nature-Deficit Disorder

Are You and Your Kids Suffering from Nature-Deficit Disorder?

How Nature-Deficit Disorder Impacts Children’s Health

What Nature Can Do

Spending more time outdoors can boost our mood, inspire creativity, and get us in better physical shape.

Can the Outdoors Really Make Us Feel Better?

Kids Have Much to Gain by Going Outside

How Nature Can Make You Kinder, Happier, and More Creative

Outdoor Activities for Home

Spending more time outdoors starts with your own backyard.

10 Backyard Activities to Do with Children

11 Fun Outdoor Chores for Kids

How to Safely Observe Wildlife from Your Home

The World as a Classroom

Once you leave home, a world of adventure awaits!

Using the Nature Principle and Camps to Reduce Nature-Deficit Disorder

The Top 5 Outdoor Sports for Kids

19 Tips for Camping With Kids

Use a Target Promo Code to Save on Camping Gear

Indeed, with the obvious solution being to spend more time outdoors, why not make the most of it and also take this as an opportunity to bond as a family? Because ultimately, there’s really no better incentive for kids to go outside than the fun and lasting memories you make together, and no disorder can say otherwise.

Thank You Donors!

So much of what we do here at NaCoMe wouldn’t be possible without the support of our donors! Now more then ever, we deeply appreciate the generosity that has been shown to us during this unrepresented time. We wanted to take a moment to acknowledge all of the wonderful people that have donated to NaCoMe over the past few months. Thank you for helping make what we do here at camp possible!

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Darrell & Jodel Ailshie · William & Shelley Alexander · Clinton & Cathy Bailey · Martha Boone · Tom & Nelle Bordeaux · Robert & Lori Bradley · Mark & Patricia Bridges · Columbia First Presbyterian Church Women · Michael & Pam Davis · Evan Duncan · Billy & Eva Dye · Courtney Edington · Howard & Sandra Fields · Gallatin First Presbyterian Church · Robert & Martha Gerdeman · Germantown Presbyterian Church · Beverly Hooker · David Maddox · Anna McClure · Geeta McMillian · Emily Oldham · Clarke & Susan Oldham · Linda Rutherford · Phil & Fran Shannon · Jim Sheron · Steve Smith · Westminster Presbyterian Church

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The 1940 Club is NaCoMe's giving society. Donors that give $19.40 or more on a monthly, recurring basis or donors that give more than $250 annually are members. If you are interested in joining the 1940 Club with a contribution, please click here!

Mark & Rhonda Banasiak · Ralph & Donna Barr · Jack & Cindy Baxter · Jaclyn & Katherine Beeler · Mary Boatman · Kenneth & Sue Brinkley · Lee Brown · Columbia First Presbyterian Church · John & Mary Cotham · Aaron & Connie Crafton · Andy & Julie Crichton · Dan Crunk · Mikey Dahlke · James Dale · Mary Dale Estate · Becky DeLoach · Glynn Dowdle · Warner Durnell · Gregory & Anne Emery · Buddy & Carolyn Fisher · Charles & April Flanigan · Butch & Brenda Gisewite · Nathaniel Gisewite · Chris & Jennifer Godwin · Steve & Jennifer Griffey · Forrest & Shari Gross · Idlewild Presbyterian Church · Jackson First Presbyterian Church · David & Jennifer Johnston · Randy & Vivian Jones · Alton & Sheree Kelley · Edward & Carrie Lancaster · Fran Leahy · Robert & Faye Ligon · Hank & Cathy McCall · James McCanless · Mary McCullough · Thomas & Jane McDow · Ryan & Sam Moore · Nashville First Presbyterian Church · Alex & Laurie Nicholson · Stephen & Emily Prather · Paul Presley · Cary & Robin Pulliam · Thaddeus & Stephanie Rodda · Jeff & Brenda Russell · Eric & Jeane Salyer · Brent & Jennifer Sower · Steve & Lisa Spurlin · Dave & Elizabeth Stivers · Frank & Janice Stockdale-Carney · Don & Weeza Swain · Steve & Paula Thomas · Ray & Robin Thomas · Jeff & Nancy Thompson · Tiptonville Presbyterian Church · John & Janet Tudor · Chuck & Lauren Utterback · Steve & Tonya Young

Director's Corner - December 2020

One of my strange joys at Christmas is learning other people's weird Christmas opinions. Everyone has them. For example, I don't believe Christmas music should be played until December 1st. That's my acceptable limit, and in truth I don't play it until the week before Christmas. Your limit may be different, but if it's before December 1st, I think you're crazy. The same limit applies to putting up trees and decorations.

I also think we should be a little more prudent with who gets candles at the Christmas Eve service at church. I don't think handing out hundreds of candles to people of all ages (and unknown pyromania proclivities) is wise. When the headline is "snake handler dies from snake bite," we know how we react. When we turn off the lights so that no one can see and then start passing fire around the whole congregation, I'm surprised we don't see more injuries or insurance claims after the service. 

2020 is sure to be a different Christmas for most of us. So for this year only, I'm calling for a full pass on all Christmas tradition limitations. For some of us, we'll dive headfirst into the season. Our Christmas music kicked in as soon as the Halloween Monster Mash track finished. For others, it simply won't be the same because we're missing too much. Wherever you fall on that spectrum, I hope your season can still be one of hope, peace, love, and joy. Because all of us are celebrating Advent- the season of waiting- in a new light this year. 

Merry Christmas, whatever it looks like for you and your family, this year. 

- Ryan " Flash" Moore

PS. We can also have a pass on acceptable Christmas movies. They all count this year, even Die Hard.

Director's Corner - November 2020

Due to the pandemic, NaCoMe has been quieter than normal. While our mission of building community, connecting people with God, and renewing spirits is needed now more than ever, the need to keep people safe and distant has meant that we can't welcome as many people to camp this year.

So I'm happy to announce that Sam and I have taken it upon ourselves to get more people out to NaCoMe. It took 9 months (Sam did most of the work), and we only got 1 more person, but I'm thrilled to share that Bennie Andrew Moore is now a permanent resident at NaCoMe. Baby Ben (and parents) are doing well and are thankful to have such an amazing community here at camp as well as beyond that have been so supportive. We are already looking forward to him joining the staff in a couple of years - job title TBD.

We look forward to you all meeting Ben when it's safe to do so. And we give thanks that he will have such a great place to grow up, filled with all of you special people.

Happy Thanksgiving!

- Ryan " Flash" Moore

Director's Corner - October 2020

This wouldn't be my top submission, but if God had a suggestion box, I'd like to make a note about Autumn. Far be it from me to question the Almighty, but I think Autumn should last longer. I'm specifically thinking about the leaves on the trees. The beauty of Fall in the changing leaves is far too fleeting.

Wouldn't it be much better if we could have these bright red, yellow, and orange (proof that God is a Clemson fan) colors for more than just a few weeks? Especially since we have to live with the barren, empty, dead look of winter for months.

It's beautiful at NaCoMe right now; the trees are really showing off. And as I lamented losing these colors soon, and wishing they could stay longer, I was reminded that some things are more meaningful because they don't last. We must appreciate the colors because they arrive and depart so quickly. Like many things in life, our only choice is to appreciate it while it lasts. As we approach Autumn, and (unfortunately) winter, following a particularly challenging year, I think it would serve us well to appreciate more things. Especially those that are fleeting.

I'd still like the leaves to last longer, but I'll just work to appreciate them - and a few other things - a little harder. Hopefully you can do the same,

- Ryan " Flash" Moore

Director's Corner - August 2020

Have you ever made a telephone with two cans and some string? I remember trying one out. I distinctly remember shouting "it works!" into the can so my friend could hear me. After a few back and forth exchanges using the cans, we ended up shouting instructions, or things to say into the can, or even just repeating what we had tried to say into the can, back and forth across the yard. Pretty soon we just dropped the cans altogether because the novelty wore off. The technology was fun for a while, but had its limits. 

If that sounds like you, or your children, and Zoom, then we're all in the same boat. I think we're all wondering how to take a vacation from our stay-cation. I can hear the weariness in my own voice as well as the voices of people I speak to every day. This is hard. But we're not alone. 

NaCoMe's mission has three pillars: building community, connecting people with God, and renewing spirits. Any event at camp is doing at least one, but probably a mix of all of those things. And at certain times, certain pillars get more attention depending on the group or the program. As we start to shift toward the Fall season, I'd like to invite you to find some renewal. Many churches and businesses still can't gather people together, but NaCoMe is uniquely positioned to allow for some distancing. If you're like me, and starting to find the limits of our current situation, I'd invite you to try out some of our options below. 

By the time you leave, you'll have more energy to do some shouting of your own into whatever "can" you're working with,

- Ryan " Flash" Moore

Director's Corner - July 2020

I didn't play little league baseball long enough to see curveballs. When I hung up my cleats from America's favorite pastime, we were still just happy to get orange slices and capri suns after the game. Nonetheless, I'm familiar with the difficulty of hitting a curveball. 

And 2020 so far has been one big curveball. Or maybe a lot of curveballs one after the other, in different directions all the time. But even though I didn't stay in baseball long enough to see a curveball from the batter's box, I was there long enough to know the importance of swinging. I had coach after coach, my father included, tell me the statistical probability of hitting a pitch when you don't swing (tip: it's zero). If you want to hit the ball, you'll have to swing the bat. 

The trouble with swinging, of course, is that you can miss. It's very likely, in fact, that you'll miss quite a bit. You may even miss a majority of the time. But still, swinging matters. 

So here we find ourselves, in the summer of 2020 (which I can guarantee we'll talk about for many years to come), looking at a curveball. And we're swinging. I can see our staff, especially our amazing summer staff, swinging in the way they welcome groups to camp. Our kitchen staff are working with mixed up supply chains and infrequent food deliveries to manage meals. Our board and year round staff continue to take swings at navigating the changing world and how we can continue to stay in meaningful ministry while being good stewards of what we have. And we have swings you can take as well! See below to learn more about Stay and Plays, Fresh Air Days, or DIY NaCoMe options for you or your family. 

We know we won't hit everything. But we won't hit anything if we don't swing. That's our mentality moving forward: we know the next few weeks and probably months won't be what we expected. But we'll do the best we can, and we'll take a swing (or a lot of swings). Hopefully, you'll join us in doing the same. 

Here's to the next swing you take (and maybe some orange slices afterward),
- Ryan " Flash" Moore

Director's Corner - June 2020

At its core, NaCoMe serves the needs of people. All people need places and experiences that build community, connect them with God, and renew spirits. We know those needs are heightened today as we endure a global pandemic. The challenge, though, is that despite the pandemic heightening our need for NaCoMe, it is precisely because of the pandemic that we cannot operate NaCoMe as we have for decades. 

But where there is a need, we are called to respond. Our staff and board have worked hard to reimagine how NaCoMe can continue to be in ministry to families, churches, and communities while maintaining important safety measures. We're beyond excited to announce three new options for those that are missing NaCoMe (read below to find out more about each one). 

It won't be NaCoMe as it has always been, because it can't be. But it will be a little slice of what we need these days. For some, a vacation. For some, a sabbath. For still others, a chance to shout or a chance to be silent in creation. Regardless of what you, your family, or your group needs, we're here to help. It will look a little different, but we hope it will feed your soul in the same way. 

Here's to seeing you out at NaCoMe this summer,
 

Ryan "Flash" Moore, Director

Thank You Donors!

So much of what we do here at NaCoMe wouldn’t be possible without the support of our donors! Now more then ever, we deeply appreciate the generosity that has been shown to us during this unrepresented time. We wanted to take a moment to acknowledge all of the wonderful people that have donated to NaCoMe over the past few months. Thank you for helping make what we do here at camp possible!

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William & Jodi Alderson • Harbert & Tausha Alexander • Eugenia Antley • Lindsey Ball • Mark & Rhonda Banasiak • Martha Boone • Robert & Lori Bradley • Thaddeus Brew & Tonya Elkins • Elana Brownfield • Patricia Bridges • Elizabeth Cahill • Donald & Rita Carp • Jeffery & Jacqueline Clark • Scott & Ryan Cochran • Adam & Clarissa Crunk • Aaron & Connie Crafton • Ruth-Decker Chaney • Brad & Kristie Daugherty • Martha Davis • Charles & Michelle Denison • Joel & Aracely Diaz • Laurie Dishman • Jimmy & Holland Dobbs • Andrew & Jessica Donnell • Allison East • Jeff & Amy Farrar • Patrick & Terri Flynn • Chad & Kady Folk • Chris Godwin • Brent & Evelyn Graham • Matt Haines • Jonathan & Cathrine Hayes • David & Melody Herbst • John Hill • Steve & Leanne Hoeffler • Patrick & Christy Hunter • Bill Hutton • Charlene Jarvis • Jim & Anne Keener • Azal & Emily Khan • Thomas Klender • Brunswick & Sameera Lowe • Kevin & Diana Lowry • Matt & Sarah MacIntyre • John McCullough • Robb McDaniel • Carolyn Miller • Dave & Leah Morgan • Clarke & Susan Oldham • Amy Palmer • Dave & Kelly Parin • Kevin & Shannon Pellatiro • Matthew & Carrie Pfeiffer • Laura Piper • Bill & Amanda Price • Nancy Provost • Amanda Rippy • Nicole Rizos • Michael & Angela Robertson • Mary Rogers • Jay & Carol Root • Jeremy & Wanda Roy • Teresa Russell • Gary & June Schindler • Bryan & Carl Scott • Jim & Melissa Sheorn • Steve Smith • Steve & Lisa Spurlin • Greg & Julie Stephens • Shawn & Dawn Taylor • Danny & Brooke Travis • Ron & Debbie Tumblin • Jason & Caroline Wells • Jay & Stormi Wheeler • Brian & Stephannie Williams • Franklin & Megan Wortman

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The 1940 Club is NaCoMe's giving society. Donors that give $19.40 or more on a monthly, recurring basis or donors that give more than $250 to our Annual Fund are members. If you are interested in joining the 1940 Club with a contribution, please click here!

Jack Baxter • Jaclyn & Katherine Beeler • James Bradley • Court & Suzanne Clement • John & Mary Cotham • Andy & Julie Crichton • Becky DeLoach • Patrick & Callie Dollar • Warner Durnell • Billy & Eva Dye • Luke & Leigh Ann Emerson • Dennis & Lindsay Ferrier • Danny & Liza Gipson • Butch & Brenda Gisewite • Nathaniel Gisewite • Randy & Katie Gottlieb • Cecil & Paula Gray • Forrest & Shari Gross • David & Jennifer Johnston • Christopher & Julie Jones • Brooks & Julie Jones • Paul & Fran Leahy • Tate & Emma McDaniel • Ryan & Sam Moore • Jim & Pam Morneault • Bryan & Katharine Mosher • Alex & Laurie Nicholson • Cary & Robin Pulliam • Jamie & Marlie Richardson • Michael & Beth Roth • Jeff & Brenda Russell • Eric & Jeanne Salyer • Bart & Katherine Smith • Jeff & Karen Smith • Brent & Jennifer Sower • Dave & Elizabeth Stivers • Frank & Janice Stockdale Carney • David Strickland & Kathleen Koontz • John & Janet Tudor • Ann Waddle • Lee & Kristen Whelchel • Gilbert Wilson • Steve & Tonya Young • First Presbyterian Church Franklin • First Presbyterian Church Jackson • First Presbyterian Church Clarksville • St. Mary’s Episcopal School

Director's Corner - May 2020

I don't think I'm breaking any news to say that it's not pretty out there right now. There's a global pandemic that's brought the economy to its knees, and this serves as the backdrop for significant political and social unrest. It's not at all how I thought 2020 would look, but that doesn't change the fact that this is our reality right now. So how do we respond? How do we tell children, youth, and young adults to respond? 

The first thing I'll say is that it is completely acceptable to have negative emotions. It's normal to feel sad, anxious, frustrated, angry, or anything in between. Those emotions are justified. But when we're ready, how do we move forward in this world? How do we move and engage with such big issues in our world when our lives and voices are feeling so small? Being raised Methodist, I learned the quote usually attributed to John Wesley below.

“Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as ever you can.”

For years my perfectionism has led me to put emphasis on the "all" in each line. Do all the good you can... nothing less. By all the means you can... nothing less. In all the ways you can... you get the idea. 

But what if we read the quote again with emphasis on "you" in each line? It totally changes the meaning. Do all the good you can... right now, whatever level that is. By all the means you can... right now, in whatever ways make sense. In all the places you can... because you can't be everywhere. 

On days when the weight gets a little heavier, this is my new starting point. 

Here's to doing all the good we can,

Ryan "Flash" Moore, Director

Summer Camp and COVID-19

Greetings NaCoMe Family,

I come to you today with sad news.  Our staff and board made the decision to suspend our summer camp operations for the summer of 2020. It was a difficult decision and we grieve this with you.  While it may seem like one more thing cancelled along with so many others in this age, it’s also different. We can feel the need because of distancing of all kinds to be close, to be near each other, to be in community, and camp offers that.  We feel the deep need to be together today, but ultimately what we decided is that doing so is not safe.  Our staff and board for the past months have been evaluating the influx of information and the changing landscape we find ourselves in and ultimately, made the decision that bringing kids together just is not the best option this summer.  It pains me to say that.  But ultimately, being separate and being distant is not what our camp program is about.

We can all imagine the hugs that you get when you finally make that leap off the Leap of Faith, the high fives that you share when you finally hit a bullseye at archery, or even those huddles that your family group shares as your trying to make up your song at energizers for dinner each night.  Those things can’t happen separate, and as a result we can’t run our camp program in a way that is outcomes based and missional and accomplishes our goals. 

To our returning campers, I’m sorry we can’t have you back this summer.  To our new campers, I’m sorry you can’t start your NaCoMe adventure this summer. To our parents of campers, there should be an email waiting in your inbox with instructions on refunds, or transferring your balance, or even donating your registration fees to NaCoMe as well as more information on next steps for you. 

For those of you who come with retreat groups at NaCoMe later in the summer, in July and August, we are still hoping to host you at camp.  We’re hopeful that the time between now and then is long enough for things to calm down and us to be able to welcome you at camp this summer.  Our board is going to meet regularly to continue evaluating our summer calendar and we’ll announce next decisions early June.

To all people who love NaCoMe I want to be really clear: while this suspension does affect our in person summer camp programs, this decision does not affect our desire to be impactful and in service to our campers, guests, churches, and communities.  We’re going to work hard at other alternatives to summer camp and doing things that are going to continue to impact those that we serve.

I also want to let everyone know that for more than a year until this point our staff and board have been making plans on expanding NaCoMe’s programs and facilities so that for generations to come, NaCoMe continues to be a place to build community, connect people with God, and renew spirits.  Those plans will continue, even while things are quiet around NaCoMe, so that when we’re all ready to join together, we can do so and NaCoMe will be stronger than ever.

Grace, peace, and safety to you all and hopefully we’ll see each other soon.

Thank You Donors!

So much of what we do here at NaCoMe wouldn’t be possible without the support of our donors! All of the improvements and recent projects you’ve seen around camp were donor-funded. We wanted to take a moment to acknowledge all of the wonderful people that have donated to NaCoMe so far this year. Thank you for helping make what we do here at camp possible!

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Mary Boatman • Patrick & Callie Dollar • Robert & Martha Gerdeman • Jonathan & Catherine Hayes • Tate & Emma McDaniel • Clarke & Susan Oldham • Matt & Katie Peachey • Thad & Stephanie Rodda • Lisa Rose • Dorma Simmons • Scott Storey • David Strickland & Kathleen Koontz

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Click above to donate to NaCoMe now!

Community Foundation of Greater Memphis • Mikey Dahlke • Becky Deloach • Warner Durnell • Glenn & Brenda Gisewite • Forrest & Shari Gross • Nate Gisewite • First Presbyterian Church of Jackson • Thomas & Jane McDow • Ryan & Sam Moore • Presbytery of Middle Tennessee • Mary Rogers • Jeff & Brenda Russell • Eric & Jeanne Salyer • Jonathan & Sarah Seago • First Presbyterian Church of Smyrna • Brent & Jennifer Sower • Steve & Lisa Spurlin • Dave & Elizabeth Stivers • Frank & Janice Stockdale Carney • Logan Teichmann • Steve & Tonya Young

Director's Corner - February 2020

Recently I had a chance to lead a group of campers in 9-Square. If you haven't played, you're missing out. For the purposes of this story you really just need to know that tall people have an advantage because it uses volleyball-esque mechanics. 

In our game, played with 6th graders and their adult chaperones, one adult towered above the group. He was dominant. It was a sight to behold watching all of us (myself included) work to get him out and largely fail miserably. The main trouble is that he didn't even try very hard. We were jumping around, exerting considerable effort, while I think he could have easily had a cup of coffee in one hand or have been reading a book while playing. 

It was a fascinating look at group dynamics. Presented with a clear problem (beating this adult), the group bonded together without direction and without hesitation. It was innate and natural. In a decidedly individual activity, a team formed. 

This may seem small, but it's at the heart of social-emotional learning. Having a group bond and read each other in this way is a skill that kids are missing out on. Social-emotional learning is at the forefront of what we do in camp and retreat ministry, which is especially important because it's being edged out in schools and daily life (for a variety of reasons and to the detriment of youth, children, and even adults). 

Making those connections at camp and forging the relationships is what we're all about. I'm thankful to know that there is a whole community of people that support this mission and vision. If you haven't yet, would you tell someone about NaCoMe? Tell them about summer camp for kids, tell them about bringing a group on a retreat, or maybe tell them about the importance of donating to our ministry. And next time you're around NaCoMe, I've got a round of 9-Square ready... especially if you're tall. 

Ryan "Flash" Moore, Director

Director's Corner - January 2020

It's the end of the month. Statistically, that means most people have already dropped their New Year's Resolution. If that's you, I'm sorry for bringing it up. But I haven't quit mine... but mostly because of a technicality. I didn't make one. Here's why:

Over my time at NaCoMe, each year has shifted so much. I was reminded of that in the closing months of last year as we were wrapping up financial records and updating some pieces of marketing materials. There were so many things that I would have told you we did years ago that we had only done months ago. Time just moves differently when you're here I suppose. This is often the case when campers or guests will point out something new to them around camp and I'll remember that it hasn't even been a full year since we did it, despite it feeling like much longer to me. 

I'm humbled by this phenomenon more than you know. It's a testament to where this ministry is moving because of all the people that love it. The privilege of serving at a place where so many notice even the small things we endeavor to improve gives all of our work such purpose. You'll see below that yet again, we have good news to share: we have essentially twice as many campers registered as we had at this same time last year, and our calendar continues to fill up with retreat groups and events. 

So as a result of how the last years have gone, I wanted to relish the challenges that this year brings without the burdens of a potentially arbitrary resolution. In short- I don't know where the road is going, so I'm not going to use my turn signal yet. Of course I can be better in a lot of ways, and those that know my perfectionist streak know I can't quit that habit. But I'm excited for what 2020 brings at NaCoMe. We're off to a fast start, and there are more surprises to come. 

Here's to the ride, 

Ryan "Flash" Moore, Director

Happy Thanksgiving - November 2019 Newsletter

In the surprise of the century, I had a particularly trying experience at the DMV this week. My driver's license needs to be renewed this year, and the fact that this renewal coincides with the new federal ID requirements is icing on the cake.

Let me also say quickly that the staff at the Dickson, TN Department of Safety and Homeland Security were very nice and worked diligently with everyone there. Which brings me to the issue: everyone was there. It was standing room only when I arrived, and it was standing room only when I (finally) left. But in the wait, something interesting happened.

There wasn't anyone working the "front desk" that day, which meant we all were left to tap away at the electronic check-in system, hoping our answers were right. Sometimes it spit out a ticket, sometimes it didn't. There were stacks of all kinds of forms on the desk, but no one knew which one, if any, to fill out for what they needed. There was no direction.

But in the chaos, humanity kicked in. As a collective, we can overhear people being turned away for not having the right documents or the right application when they get to the counter. I feel for these people. Hours of waiting only to find out they'll have to come back. The importance of the front desk person was evident, so we all did it. As a group of people, we slowly learned- only through overhearing- the required forms. We became the front desk person. A new person would join our struggle and we would educate them on what they needed and which applications to fill out. If we were in doubt, we filled out some extra ones. (I think technically by the time I got to the counter I could have applied to carry a gun.) But still, people stopped being turned away. And when those that were helping the most got their ticket called, the next people stepped in and continued helping.

It's a small thing, but it was wonderful to experience. Not as much as I might have enjoyed having a front desk person, but still. There are some big things to give thanks for this year. NaCoMe has more than its fair share. But there are also the small things. And sometimes those small things are big for some people. In a situation where it would have been completely acceptable to sit idly by, these people helped strangers. For that and so much else, I’m thankful.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Ryan "Flash" Moore, Director

Director's Corner - October 2019

If I could take just a moment, I would like to brag a bit: my fantasy football teams are undefeated this year. I've been playing fantasy football for a while and this year I'm in two leagues. One of the leagues has been going since I was in college. And again, I just want to be clear, I'm undefeated. In both leagues. 14-0. This concludes the bragging.

Fantasy football is fun for a number of reasons. It's equitably competitive, meaning no one has an inherent advantage (like tall people in basketball or fast people in track). It's unpredictable; no one knows what's going to happen in a given game (this also can make it agonizing). But most recently I've appreciated its forced flexibility. Players everyone thought would be great this season turned out not to be, while other players that were only known in their hometowns are now incredibly valuable. If you're playing fantasy football using the supposed value of players even from just last week, you're way behind. Flexibility is forced upon you.

One of the things we like to say around NaCoMe is that flexibility is the best ability. To meet the needs of groups, campers, or staff, we have to remain adaptable. It's how we've been able to manage the growth NaCoMe has seen recently. I certainly didn't plan on expanding summer camp by 34% this year or serving over 2,600 more meals than we did last year. We've been incredibly fortunate to have your support in making this happen. And as the season (finally) starts to change, we're starting to plan for 2020 with our most flexible vision yet.

Here's to plans in pencil (and more W's for my fantasy teams),

-Ryan "Flash" Moore, Director

(Editor Sam's note: last season Ryan was 4-10 at this point in the season)

Director’s Corner- September 2019

The calendar might say September, but the weather doesn't care. It still feels like July out there, and that makes me crave the cooler days even more. The changing from summer to fall (if it ever happens) is a pretty sharp pivot at NaCoMe. We move from summer mode into retreat season. But this past weekend, I had one more chance to dive into a bit of summer camp. 

A group of former staff put together a reunion at camp. Most of the group were on staff before I got to NaCoMe, so it was fun to hear their stories. They spent time doing the classic camp activities, even cooking dinner over a fire on Saturday. And like any former staff, the group asked a lot about what summer camp looks like today. Of course, our programs have changed and shifted in multiple ways. But in sharing stories and perspectives, it was undeniable that we were all on the same team. 


It was great to see this group of people share a love not only for the 'was' but also for the 'is' of NaCoMe. Summer staff are key stakeholders in the mission and ministry of camp. Connecting the dots between their time at camp and today was both energizing and humbling. I'm energized because we all had the sense that we're moving forward in this ministry. I think we were all humbled because we realized that we are just small pieces in the long story of this place. 

-Ryan "Flash" Moore, Director

Director's Corner - August 2019

One of my favorite things to do after summer is read camper surveys. I read them all on Fridays after each week of camp, and then I read them again at the end of summer, and once more again in January before we begin making concrete plans for the upcoming summer. This week has been my "end of summer" run through, and there are some amazing nuggets from our campers. 

One camper loved "making a new family every time I come" and another's favorite part was "feeling welcomed and loved." Another camper "really liked the sauce we put on our hobo packs at campout" (it's Stump's BBQ sauce and Stump is my father). Many campers highlighted communion during worship on Thursday night, and others wrote personal achievements like doing the Leap of Faith or getting a bullseye at archery. One camper with particularly messy handwriting loved "how close I became with my family group and how I got out of my comfort zone." 

This summer was incredibly busy (our apologies for missing a newsletter this summer... twice). Our summer camp programs grew by nearly 34% and our summer retreat groups increased as well. There were only 6(!) calendar days between Memorial Day and today without people at NaCoMe. It's hard work that couldn't be done without so many people. But these surveys prove why it's worth it. 

-Ryan "Flash" Moore, Director