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Program Connection


Overview

january 11-16, 2026

A gathering of program-minded camp and conference ministry professionals.

Questions? Contact Christian Deen: daycamp@massanettasprings.org.

What to Expect

program

Program Connection gathers program professionals from camp and conference ministries to share good ideas and learn from one another’s experience. Whether you’re new at this or have been doing it for a long time, we all have something to share! The connections built and ideas shared at this conference become part of ongoing conversation and community around the work we do.

The group gathered will crowd source topics for discussion and brainstorming at the beginning of the conference, and take turns facilitating conversations throughout the week.

Time for rest, recreation, and reflection will be part of the program, too. We’ll post specific details as they develop!

meals

Meals are served buffet style, with plenty of options. We can accommodate many food allergies and sensitivities with advance notice, such as vegetarian/vegan, gluten free, and more. Breakfast includes a breakfast bar with cereals, yogurt, fresh fruit, and more in addition to the hot meal on the buffet line. Lunch and dinner include a salad bar.

lodging

Participants have two lodging options: Hubler Lodge, a hotel-style building with two queen beds to a room and a private bathroom (Hubler has an elevator and access to refrigeration and ice); or Richardson, dorm-style suites with a shared bathroom between two rooms with two twin beds each. Pricing below.

TRAVEL

Massanetta Springs is located in Harrisonburg, VA, just a few minutes from I-81. The best airport option is Charlottesville (CHO), but we anticipate some friends traveling in from Richmond (RIC) and might be able to coordinate with Washington, D.C. arrivals (IAD).

cost

Prices below include lodging, meals, and programing.

Hubler Double Occupancy $489

Hubler Single Occupancy $690

Richardson Quad Occupancy $385 (two people per room sharing a bathroom)

Commuter Rate $215

Participants are responsible for their own travel, but Colleen, our Program Director, may be able to help coordinate carpools from Charlottesville Airport (CHO) and Richmond International Airport (RIC). Let her know you’re coming and she’ll do her best to connect you! colleen@massanettasprings.org

Leadership

Program Leadership

Rev. Dr. Teri McDowell Ott, workshop leader

The Rev. Dr. Teri McDowell Ott is Editor/Publisher of The Presbyterian Outlook, leading its mission to foster thoughtful, courageous conversations in the church and beyond. An ordained Presbyterian minister, she has served in pastoral roles and as Dean of the Chapel at Monmouth College. Her book, Necessary Risks: Challenges Privileged People Need to Face, grew out of her work with college students and volunteer teaching in a men’s prison. Teri is married to the Rev. Dr. Daniel J. Ott, Vice President of Academic Affairs at Union Presbyterian Seminary, and they have two children, Isaac and Ella.

Matthew Black, worship leader

Matthew Black is an indie-folk singer-songwriter known for incisive lyrics and singable melodies. He’s also a gifted worship leader, whom the Campfire Collective crowd might remember from our 2024 annual conference!

The literal son of a preacher man, Matthew left his job as a mild-mannered IT manager in 2022 to make music full-time. His songs are honest, earnest, questioning, and provocative. Humorous to deeply serious. Profane to sacred. Simple, melodic tunes that can transport you and make you believe there might be meaning and kindness in a chaotic world. And you’ll still be humming the chorus days later.

He’s been compared to songwriter heroes like Cat Stevens and Paul Simon, along with contemporaries Jason Isbell, Sufjan Stevens, and Joe Pug. His sophomore album, A Little Closer, was released in 2024. He lives in Louisville, Kentucky. Hear his songs and learn more at his website.


planning team

Christian Deen, Camp Manager, Massanetta Springs Camp & Conference Center, Harrisonburg, VA

Lindsay Hall, Program Director, Camp Hopewell, Oxford, MS

Crosby Fleming, Program Director, Camp Gilmont, Gilmer, TX

Registration

Registration expected to open fall 2025!

Earlier Event: December 13
Christmas with Massanetta Springs
Later Event: January 30
Confirmation Retreat