Stop Guessing at Your Finances and Start Running Your Camp with Confidence
GSB’s Cohort Program for Camp and Outdoor Ministry Leaders
Cohorts launch May 12, 2026
Program Includes
Cohort gatherings held online every three months on these topics:
» Reading Financial Statements and Financial Monitoring (April)
» Financial Management and Budgeting (September)
» Developing Office Procedures and Other Internal Controls (November)
» Camp Ambassador Program and Congregational Marketing (January)
Between each cohort gathering, participants receive two individual one-hour sessions with Dave focused on the current subject — so you can apply what you’re learning directly to your ministry before the next gathering begins.
Cohorts launch May 12, 2026
What You Will Learn
Reading Financial Statements and Financial Monitoring
Learn to read balance sheets and income statements — and know the difference. Use comparative reports to monitor your ministry, simplify financial reports for your board, and let your monthly numbers guide the decisions ahead.
Financial Management and Budgeting
Learn to read balance sheets and income statements — and know the difference. Use comparative reports to monitor your ministry, simplify financial reports for your board, and let your monthly numbers guide the decisions ahead.
Developing Office Procedures and Other Internal Controls
Gain the basics of solid cash handling procedures, develop processes for checks, deposits, and recording income, and begin building a financial operations manual your team can actually use.
Camp Ambassador Program and Congregational Marketing
Gain the basics of solid cash handling procedures, develop processes for checks, deposits, and recording income, and begin building a financial operations manual your team can actually use.
Cohorts launch May 12, 2026
What is your return on investment?
You will leave this program with the skills to understand and monitor your camp’s finances — and the confidence to make wise decisions throughout the year. You will have office policies and procedures in place that protect your people and your organization. And you will have the tools to implement a strong marketing plan within your congregations, creating a win for your camp and a win for the churches you serve.
This is a 12-month investment of $1,295.
Cohorts launch May 12, 2026
Who Should Participate?
You will leave this program with the skills to understand and monitor your camp’s finances — and the confidence to make wise decisions throughout the year. You will have office policies and procedures in place that protect your people and your organization. And you will have the tools to implement a strong marketing plan within your congregations, creating a win for your camp and a win for the churches you serve.
This is a 12-month investment of $1,295.
Cohorts launch May 12, 2026
Dave Jarvis brings more than 37 years of full-time outdoor ministry experience to this cohort. He specializes in camp operations, annual fund development, Giving Day campaigns, stewardship, and summer staff development and training. The majority of Dave’s career has been in service to outdoor ministries of the ELCA.
As Executive Director of Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp for 37 years, Dave built an annual fund from scratch and grew it to more than $600,000 annually. He developed policies and procedures across all aspects of the ministry — tightening and systematizing operations in ways that have stood the test of time.
Dave has a genuine passion for helping outdoor ministries thrive. He will be your partner every step of the way.
When he’s not consulting, Dave loves the mountains of Colorado and everything the outdoors has to offer — running, skiing, hiking, and spending time with his wife Nellie and their grandson Oliver.
Meet Dave Jarvis, GSB Consultant
Cohorts launch May 12, 2026