| How and why do we choose the locations for each Conference? |
The
choosing of a Conference location begins with an invitation. When a GEMS Counselor or a group of Counselors feel
the Spirit's leading to hold a conference in their
area, they contact the GEMS Conference Coordinator
and ask for a Conference Planning Guidelines Packet. The Conference Planning Guidelines packet explains
everything that needs to be done, step by step, to
guarantee a successful conference. Once the
Counselors read over the material, they find that
planning a conference isn't hard at all! Included
in the packet is an invitation, which they fill out
and send to the GEMS Service Center.
Once an invitation is received, a site visit is made
to ensure that the facility recommended by the LCC
(Local Conference Committee) will all meet the needs
of a conference. This site visit is done by the Conference Coordinator. The invitation and recommendation then goes to the GEB (GEMS Executive Board) for approval and a final decision is made at that time.
Note: GEMS Counselors' Leadership Conferences
are in the planning process for three years in advance
of the event.
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| How and why do we choose dates for Conference? |
Dates
chosen for each conference are determined by first
of all considering school schedules, holidays and
summer breaks in the US and Canada. Second,
we consider the availability of the facility that
will be used. Typically, we try to keep conference
dates around the second week of July. When these
dates are not available, we try to choose a date that
will be convenient for most GEMS Counselors to attend.
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What
is the goal of Conference?
 |
To
provide an uplifting, spiritual growth experience
for all who attend. Encouragement to deepen
one's faith walk is a message that is "threaded"
throughout the conference program.
To
provide opportunities for counselors to develop
and strengthen their skills in working with and
mentoring girls in their clubs.
To
provide personal growth opportunities for counselors.
Recognizing that a counselors' personal growth will
enhance her ability as a counselor of girls, leadership
conference sectionals include a variety of topics,
some of which will be of a personal growth nature.
To
provide cross-cultural opportunities for counselors
to develop enduring friendships with other women
of faith.
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| Why
do we try to "rotate" locations between Canada/US/East/West etc.? |
Knowing
that the cost and location of a conference may be
prohibitive to some, we try to move the location around
so that a majority of counselors may be able to take
advantage of the conference experience multiple times
in their career as a GEMS Counselor.
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| How
and when is the cost of the conference registration
fee determined? |
The
budget for a conference is set in the fall prior to
the conference and must be approved by the GEMS Executive
Board. Facility fees including lodging, meals,
snacks, set-up fees, meeting space, audio/visual equipment
rental; speaker and musician fees; equipment operators
compensation, event insurance, conference materials,
promotional materials, conference publications, and
shipping of materials as well as administrative support
salary all factor into the cost of a conference.
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| When
does the Registration Form come out? |
The
Registration Form for Conference comes with your Cable and is mailed mid-January. You
can also access registration information and a printable
form from the Conference website.
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| What
is the benefit of attending a GEMS Counselors' Leadership
Conference? |
The
Bible tells us in Ephesians 4:11-12, "It was
he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets,
some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people
for works of service, so that the body of Christ may
be built up." Knowing that we as GEMS Counselors
have a calling to teach young girls we attend GEMS
Counselors' Leadership Conferences to best prepare
for this role.
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What
do you miss if you don't attend? |
Conference
offers the chance to meet with sisters in Christ and
share a time of fellowship that can only be described
as "heavenly" . It's a time to be
encouraged and supported in your ministry.
Conference offers opportunities to grow; not only
in the GEMS ministry but personally and spiritually.
The new theme for the next GEMS season is introduced
at conference. You will see and learn first-hand
how to best present the theme to your GEMS.
New GEMS curriculum, materials, and products are introduced
at conference.
You'll learn how to relate to the girls in your club
as well as to your fellow counselors, parents, and
church.
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| Should
my church be asked to help support me attending
conference? |
A
GEMS Counselors' Leadership Conference is an outstanding
leadership training opportunity for women serving as mentors
to girls.
Bring a registration packet to your pastor or
church counsel. Show them the training that
is offered.
Point
out that it is easier to recruit volunteers to
a ministry (GEMS) when training is offered. Volunteers who are equipped to serve are happy
and effective volunteers.
The GEMS ministry becomes an evangelism and discipleship
program for any church when counselors are trained
and prepared to make the program successful.
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| Can counselors raise funds to come? Indeed!
|
Suppers: Baked potato supper, soup supper, chili cook-off, something with a theme.
Sponsorship for specific events: rock-a-thon, walk-a-thon, bowl-a-thon.
Bake sales, pizza sales, catalog sales, pig-n-a- blankets, pies, etc.
Work on a project together and auction it to the church family: quilt, meals for a month.
Use your imagination.
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| How are sectional choices handled? |
Sectionals
(workshops) are chosen on your registration form by
listing your preferences in order. Sectionals
are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Some sectionals are limited to attendance size by
the sectional leader…these naturally will fill
up faster. When a registration is received,
the sectionals are assigned as they are listed in
preferred order. If the first choice is filled,
the second choice will be assigned; if the second
choice is filled, the third choice is assigned and
so on. Please be assured that every attempt
is made to give you the sectional choices you prefer.
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| How
are room assignments determined? |
If
you wish to room with a specific friend or individual
you must send your registration forms together in
the same envelope. Room assignments are filled
on a first-come, first-served basis. Once rooms
are assigned, it is very difficult to make changes.So if a larger group wishes to be placed in close
proximity to each other, it is recommended that all
of the registration forms are sent in together.
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| What
if I'm coming to conference alone - no other counselors
from my club are able to come? |
No problem! If you are coming to conference
alone and do not have a preference as to whom you
wish to room with, we will place you with another
counselor who may be alone as well. Please
be sure to indicate on your form if you are a 1st
Time Conference Attendee (under your name and address). At the beginning of each conference there is a special
reception to welcome and enfold each counselor who
is new to the conference experience. We'll answer
your questions, give you helpful hints, and take good
care of you!
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| Did you know... |
New clubs receive one free conference registration when accompanied by one paid registration. This encourages new counselors to experience the rewards of conference.
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