Put this on your calendar: 3 days of great practical training!
We are offering the Advanced Academy on May 14, 15, 16 of 2025
This OCA Advanced Academy is designed for the First Responder Chaplain needing a break from the front lines and is desiring a “retreat” experience that allows them space to rest, reflect, fellowship with other Chaplains, and focus on soul care and spiritual wellness. The focus of this two and a half day retreat will be on “Enhancing Self-Awareness for First Responder Chaplains”.
This training will explore and enhance skills that allow Chaplains to see themselves and others with more clarity and understanding. Through presentation, discussion, group processing, and interactive play, participants will practice skills known to enhance connection with self and others. Chaplains will leave with a greater understanding of their impact on others and will take away new or improved skills for making better connections with those for whom they serve.
This 2025 OCA Advanced Academy is very excited to introduce our retreat Presenter and Facilitator, Dr Elsbeth Martingdale, PsyD.
Dr Martindale is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Portland, Oregon. She has over 35 years of experience helping individuals learn to examine and overcome their challenges in order to grow in wellness and live contentedly. Elsbeth is a creative designer of psychological teaching tools and has spoken to many groups about the value of making psychological wisdom accessible and practical. We want to welcome Dr Martindale to our growing list of OCA Faculty.
Kay Bruce (PSC Director of Chaplain Wellness) formerly served as the Chair and Director of the MA Counseling Programs at Western Seminary. Kay reports that “students were required to take an in-depth view of themselves so that they could effectively serve others. One of the key experiences frequently occurred under the facilitation of Dr. Elsbeth Martindale where she continues to lead. The feedback from students consistently highlights the transformative experience gained as well as the very practical tools Dr. Martindale provides.”
Elsbeth makes learning fun with her upbeat, practical approaches. You will leave with new skills to use when interacting with others. Seeing yourself as others see you, can be daunting, but you will find the exercises to be safe and very fruitful if you are a willing participant. I encourage you to come and grow in the knowledge of how God created you to serve as a chaplain. Plus, the worship time, fellowship, and relaxation are always vitamins to the soul
*An evaluation from a previous Dr. Martindale presentation said “I really enjoyed your presentation today. You are incredibly creative and I appreciated your willingness to share your ideas with all of us. Many presenters are good at identifying the problem, but few give good suggestions/skills about how to solve them…you did!”
Besides growing our Self-Awareness, and Understanding, we will have time to read, worship together, take naps or hike the trails at Camp Tilikum. We will also be blessed by rich fellowship around wonderfully prepared meals and evenings visiting around the campfire
Training will be targeted to active First Responder Chaplains who have been serving as a Chaplain for 2 years and have completed the OCA Basic Academy or introductory Chaplain training.
Location: Camp Tilikum Retreat Center – 15321 NE North Valley Road, Newberg OR 97132 [map]
Click here to register,
Online Registration Closes April 28.
Applicants receive an automated acknowledgment from “Google Forms” with a subject that includes the words “OCA Advanced Academy Registration”.
Cost: $475.00 Please click here to pay online, and enter Advanced Academy in the memo section – – or see our Payment page for info on how to pay online or by mail.
Number of Attendees: 30 Chaplains. Registration will be on a first come, first serve basis.
Chaplains serving in the State of Oregon always have priority. Applicants must submit the following:
○ Agency Endorsement Letter
○ Certification of completion from: Oregon Basics Academy, Federation of Fire Chaplains (FFC) Essentials, or International Conference of Police Chaplains (ICPC) Basic credential. Others will be considered on an individual basis
