Thursday, September 17, 2026
8:45 AM – 2:00 PM
MS Museum of Natural Science (2148 Museum Dr., Jackson, MS 39202)
- $20 per person for lunch and materials.
- All are welcome! You do NOT need to be a paid DOVIA member to attend!
- Space is limited to 20 attendees…
- Please register individually for a good head count by September 11. Thanks!
CAMP AGENDA
8:45 AM — Coffee and light snacks
9:00 – 10:30 AM — Session 1: “Culture Is Not Your Friend,” by Dr. Fran Baker
This fascinating and thought-provoking session shines a spotlight on the unspoken traditions, rules, and customs we accept without even blinking. What we wear, what we eat, how we interact, even what we think of as “rude” or “polite” — all these things were taught to us as toddlers. They are understood as being self-evident and we don’t question them! Explore and challenge how these hidden thoughts and beliefs impact your interactions with your volunteers, staff, and even your friends and family!
10:45 – 11:30 — Session 2: Scavenger Hunt
In your Scavenger Hunt, each box reflects a volunteer or nonprofit concept or idea. In teams of two, browse the main floor of the Museum to find answers to clues! For example, in the box for “something extinct or out of date” a great answer is “dinosaur bones.”
11:30 – noon — Lunch and Networking (boxed lunches from local restaurant)
+ Sweet tea, Unsweet tea, Lemonade and Water
12:15 – 1:45 PM — Session 3: “The Platinum Rule: How to Win Friends and Influence People,” by Michele Baker, CVA
Learn to use your creativity to improve your volunteer recruitment and retention strategies! In this fun and highly interactive session, you’ll learn your personal motivation style (Achievement, Affiliation and Power), interaction preference (Introvert and Extravert) and the 5 Volunteer Love Languages (Words of Affirmation, Gifts, Physical Touch, Quality Time, Acts of Service). Use this important information to nurture your relationships with your volunteers and staff (and maybe even your spouse and kids)!
2:00 PM — 5-Minute Evaluation, Clean Up & Adjourn
It’s going to be a great time at the DOVIA Retreat: Recharge & Reconnect! Register by September 11 to attend.
After receiving your green “Thanks for your RSVP” message, pay $20 below by credit card, PayPal, or Venmo!