Our Vision for Summer Camp Staff
Being responsible for the health, safety, physical and spiritual development of young, impressionable boys and girls is no small task. Thus every summer we hire only trustworthy high school and college-aged individuals whose focus is to point children to Christ. Campers spend nearly 24 hours a day with their counselor, and they will remember them for the rest of their lives. We seek out and hire those who have hearts for the Gospel, not those who are outwardly impressive or specially trained. In our experience, those who love Christ, are growing in their relationship with God and who love others are best suited to be trained to serve and minister to children within the community of summer camp. In addition to serving campers, we seek to help our staff continue to grow in Christ and in His Word while they are at camp – by building close relationships as we study and live God’s word, pray, fellowship and worship together. We are looking for staff who need grace desperately, love the body of Christ, live in repentance and hope in Jesus, are faithful, teachable, able to forgive, and are strong in their love for God’s word.
This summer was the best summer I have ever had. I not only grew spiritually in God’s word but I grew mentally and socially. Working at camp is a challenge, and that is why I learned so much.
Why work at summer camp?
The staff of a summer camp have the immense opportunity to be an active extension of Christ’s work in the world – sharing His story of redemption and grace in word and deed to those who desperately need it. And the truth is, we all desperately need to be shown grace. What is powerful about ministering summer camp is that it is incarnational. Camp is an opportunity to live with those you wish to serve in an intentional community.
I’ve learned how to work alongside other people and build friendships that are more centered around being like Christ. Also, I’m seeing that the more I look to Christ in every situation the easier it is to deal with them. And yes, I learned a lot of patience!
Living in Gospel community reflects the nature of the God we serve, who has always been a God who dwells with His people – The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:14) At Twin Lakes, the staff community is a powerful testimony to God’s goodness. A staff of 70 to 80 high-school and college students from many backgrounds and schools live and work together for 8 weeks – and the results are staggering.
This summer has made me come out of my shell spiritually. The kids asked questions I could not answer, so I had to keep my eyes on God by looking in the scriptures. Every day was hard but I held on to God’s promise to me – Isaiah 58:10-12
At Twin Lakes, we see campers who have never fully understood the Gospel hear the Word of God taught by staff who are actively following Jesus throughout the day. We also see campers who already have a relationship with Jesus deepen in their love for Him and grow in learning how to live out their faith in daily life. Working at Twin Lakes is an opportunity for God to use you to be a part of what God is doing in the world – I will give them a heart to know that I am the Lord, and they shall be my people and I will be their God, for they shall return to me with their whole heart. Jeremiah 24: 7
My prayer life is always impacted in such a positive way by this Christian environment. This community helps me remember that I should take everything I have – every worry, request, or question – to Him.