Each spring and fall, the SC Baptist Convention Disaster Relief office holds training conferences for volunteers to learn the basics of Disaster Relief or to take advanced classes.

On March 5-6, 2004, a Disaster Relief Training Conference “Round Up” was held at White Oak Conference Center in Winnsboro, SC, and about 480 Disaster Relief volunteers attended. 

This particular training event was different because it offered more than just lectures and training classes.  Volunteers brought their units to display and to offer ideas to other units that have improved their effectiveness while serving during a disaster.  This unique experience is offered only every five years.

Some units even had the opportunity to practice for disaster relief as they participated in labs.  For example, the feeding unit from Providence Church in Macedonia, Screven Association, prepared dinner on Friday and feeding unit trainees prepared breakfast and lunch Saturday.

The Disaster Relief units were also open for attendees to tour on Saturday afternoon.  Of the 37 South Carolina Disaster Relief units, about 21 brought their equipment.  Communication, feeding, child care, shower, mud-out and chainsaw units were set up as if they were serving during a disaster.

Registration for the event began at 3 p.m. on Friday, followed by “Early Bird Training” sessions from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m.  Disaster Relief unit leaders and three from the North American Mission Board’s Disaster Relief offices led breakout sessions on topics such as Basic Communications, CPR certification and Incident Command.  Breakout training sessions were also offered later Friday evening and on Saturday morning and early afternoon.

The next regular Disaster Relief Training Conference will be October 15-16, 2004 at East Cooper Church in Mt. Pleasant, SC.  For more information, contact the Men’s Ministries Group, SCBC, at (800) 723-7242, extension 5301, email brendalugmayer@scbaptist.org, or visit online at www.scbaptist.org.