June 30, 2009

In February, we informed you that BJ and Caroline would be retiring from the Co-Executive Director couple positions in December after 15 years serving at the camp. We immediately formed a search team and asked for your prayers for God to bring that special couple he was preparing for Daybreak to our attention. I am pleased to report to you that we have found that special couple and they have agreed to join Daybreak this summer!

Rich and Marci Burdick had been praying that they would find a camp director position where they could work together at the same camp. They have both been involved with youth and Christian camping since 1992 and bring a lot of experience to the camp. They currently live near the Santa Rosa, CA area. Their cover letter included the following objective: “to obtain employment in the Christian Camping Industry where my wife and I can use our skills and abilities to further the work of Jesus Christ.”

Marci Burdick will be starting at the camp on July 12th so she can experience all four Programmed Camps: Faith Development Camp, Wildside, Adventure Camp, and Labor Day Youth Rally. Rich will be joining the camp on September 14th. He will try to attend a day or two of each of the Programmed Camps. They will be living in a trailer at the camp until the end of November and then moving into the Directors home at that time.

Rich and Marci have four children. Aloha is 27 and living in Sacramento with her husband. Liz is 25 and is pursuing a master’s degree in communications management at USC. Micah is 22 and is attending Santa Rose College. Devin is 18 and will be starting college in Sacramento this fall.

Rich Burdick was the Executive Director at Happy Valley Camp and Conference Center from 1992 to 2001. Currently, he is the Director of Business and Operations and Co-Executive Director at Westminster Woods Camp and Conference Center near Santa Rosa since 2001. His responsibilities include:

• Co-direct the Vision and Direction of a Christian Camp with a $2.2 million yearly budget, and a staff of up to 100 including 3 Directors and 5 Managers.

• Manage and supervise the day to day business operations of the camp including fiscal oversight, budget forecasting and implementation. Instituted proper accounting methods and procedures. Reduced debt $250,000 in 5 years while investing over $500,000 in infrastructure.

• Oversee human resource functions and governmental relations.
• Hire, train and supervise Managers in all departments including Buildings and Grounds, Housekeeping and Accommodations, Food Service, Guest Services and the Business Office.
• Develop and strengthen a base of 100 + volunteers.

Rich has also served on the board of the Christian Camping Conference Association (CCCA), Sierra Pacific Section, and has great relationships with the surrounding camps in the area. He has attended the University of California at Santa Cruz to take non-profit business managements courses.

Marci Burdick was the Operations Coordinator and Summer Camp Director at Happy Valley Camp and Conference Center from 1992 to 2001. She was in charge of Guest Services at Westminister Woods from 2001 to 2003 and then the facilities manager from 2003 to 2006. Don’t be surprised if you see her driving the tractor at Daybreak! Marci also served on the Education Committee for the CCCA Board in 2005 and 2006. Marci has a degree from Empire College with a focus in Tourism and Hospitality Sales and Marketing.

Some of Marci’s experiences and accomplishments include:

• Demonstrated the ability to troubleshoot and perform a variety of maintenance repair tasks.
• Planned, scheduled & prioritized regular maintenance & special projects to be performed, within a prescribed budget.
• Trained, scheduled & supervised maintenance, housekeeping &volunteer staff Maintained & ordered inventory & equipment.
• Arranged for contractual services & worked with local agencies.
• Insured program equipment & supplies were maintained & in proper working condition.
• Supervised & supported maintenance & housekeeping staff.
• Developed & designed complete faith based program for week long youth camps.
• Managing front office operations
• Marketing and supervision in the hospitality industry
• Developed & designed complete faith based program for week long youth camps.
• Trained & supported camp counselors & leadership staff.
• Created opportunities for growth, which generated enthusiasm & positive relationships.
• Assisted in the creative redevelopment & direction of the day to day operations, resulting in a 250% increase of income over 6 years.
• Developed & implemented maintenance & housekeeping standards & procedures.

As you can see, we have two professional Christian camping Directors joining Daybreak at this time. The Daybreak Board and everyone associated with Daybreak appreciate the prayers, participation and heart for Daybreak that each one of you have. You have made a real difference in achieving our mission to glorify God by encouraging a personal relationship with Jesus Christ through the camping ministry and our vision to provide a camping environment where children and teens will be equipped with the knowledge, values and hope needed to overcome the challenges of life. Many kids find their faith in Christ before they are 21. Christian camping is a big part of creating the environment where they wrestle with the most important questions in life. You have all been, and hopefully will continue to be, a big part of this.

Regards,

Rick Oswald

Chairman of the Board, Daybreak Camp