The Annual Recreation Workshop (ARW) has been equipping church leaders in recreation, creativity, and play since 1954. Known today as re:create, ARW began as a vision of Robert E. “Bob” Fakkema, a Presbyterian recreation director who believed the Church needed well-trained leaders to help people experience joy, community, and faithful play.
Rooted in Play. Growing in Faith.
Beginnings at NaCoMe (1954–1960s)
The first Workshop took place at Camp NaCoMe in Tennessee with just 35 participants. Even in its earliest years, ARW offered an innovative hands-on model of learning. Leaders didn’t just talk about recreation—they modeled it through games, crafts, drama, storytelling, music, and community-building experiences.
ARW grew quickly, drawing leaders from across the country. By 1955, attendance had more than doubled, and new courses in nature study, dance, crafts, and family recreation expanded the curriculum.
A Steering Committee formed early on, developing a structure that has guided ARW for decades. From the beginning, ARW welcomed a diverse group of participants and was among the first conferences in the 1950s to integrate its leadership and attendees.
The first Workshop took place at Camp NaCoMe in Tennessee with just 35 participants. Even in its earliest years, ARW offered an innovative hands-on model of learning. Leaders didn’t just talk about recreation—they modeled it through games, crafts, drama, storytelling, music, and community-building experiences.
ARW grew quickly, drawing leaders from across the country. By 1955, attendance had more than doubled, and new courses in nature study, dance, crafts, and family recreation expanded the curriculum.
A Steering Committee formed early on, developing a structure that has guided ARW for decades. From the beginning, ARW welcomed a diverse group of participants and was among the first conferences in the 1950s to integrate its leadership and attendees.
Shaping an Identity
Throughout the 1960s and 70s, ARW continued to refine its purpose:
to train leaders in recreation ministry within the context of Christian faith.
The Workshop:
learning by doing and creating a full-community experience with shared meals, housing, worship, and play.
Throughout the 1960s and 70s, ARW continued to refine its purpose:
to train leaders in recreation ministry within the context of Christian faith.
The Workshop:
- Expanded its curriculum
- Created a “major/minor” structure
- Built connections with the Board of Christian Education
- Weathered financial challenges—especially in 1969–1971, when a grassroots effort kept the Workshop alive
learning by doing and creating a full-community experience with shared meals, housing, worship, and play.
Growth, Creativity, & New Traditions
ARW continued to evolve through the 80s and 90s:
ARW continued to evolve through the 80s and 90s:
- Seminaries began offering academic credit for ARW courses
- Regional “spin-off” recreation workshops emerged
- The ARW Auction became a beloved tradition and major fundraising effort
- Scholarships were established, including the Fakkema and Bannerman honor scholarships
- ARW launched its first website in 1998, expanding its reach worldwide through resource sharing
Carrying the Vision Forward
Now known as re:create, the Workshop continues to:
Now known as re:create, the Workshop continues to:
- Model high-quality recreation leadership
- Explore new curricular areas and creative arts
- Offer credit and continuing education opportunities
- Provide scholarships and maintain an endowment to ensure accessibility
- Welcome leaders from many denominations and backgrounds