About Us
Annual Recreation Workshop began in 1954, through the vision of R.E. “Bob” Fakkema, then Recreation Director at Idlewild Presbyterian Church in Memphis, Tenn. Many people joined Fakkema in his effort to make this vision a reality, seeing the need for workshops focusing on recreation in the context of the Christian faith.
With the approval of the Board of Christian Education of the Presbyterian Church, U.S.A., the first assembly-wide Recreation Workshop was held in May of 1954. The synod of Tennessee’s conference grounds, Camp Na-Co-Me, near Centerville, Tenn., was the host facility for the first workshop.
The 1955 ARW was again held at Camp Na-Co-Me, at the request of The Board of Christian Education. Among the subjects taught were handcrafts, party planning, dramatics, camp crafts, cookouts, square dancing, folk dancing, and nature study. Synods and presbyteries were asked to help fund participation, which more than doubled attendanceófrom 36 in 1954 to 82 in 1955. Na-Co-Me was the host site for the first 13 years, and many called the ARW experience “Na-Co-Me.”
In an effort to reach more church leadership, the Workshop was held at the Methodist Conference Center in Leesburg, Fla., in 1967. It was also held at Camp Calvin in central Georgia. For the 19th workshop in 1972, the move was made to Montreat, N.C., where it has been held each year since as the Annual Recreation Workshop.
Beginning with a staff of only three people, the workshop has expanded to a staff of more than 24. Through the years, more than 200 individuals have shared their talents with the thousands attending the workshop.
The ARW began as a regional event, principally in Southern states, but has expanded internationally. Individuals and groups from Canada, Ireland, Brazil and Columbia have attended workshops.
Over the years, ARW has changed and the experience has been enhanced. But the desire to meet the needs and interests of each participant remains the highest priority of the Steering Committee and leaders of each workshop.
Though we strive to ensure the future of ARW, rising costs and tight church budgets make funding a challenge. Please check out the ARW Endowment Fund for information about how you can help keep the workshop going.