I got a thank-you note from one of our largest partner churches this week. This church is a little unique for us at camp, in that when they bring several hundred kids to summer camp, they also bring their own counselors. The note said what a great time their kids had, but then said this, “One of our counselors, while he was there, recognized a call to full time ministry.”
It’s not that uncommon, though. During the summer, we employ about a thousand staff across our organization, and as I’ve had the chance to get to know some, I hear many similar stories.
One has recently changed his major to special education because of his experience as a one-on-one counselor for campers with special needs.
One is now studying to become a school counselor, after her experience working with high school age Teen Service Team campers.
Others are off to seminary, the mission field, employment with churches and parachurch ministries.
And most, at the conclusion of a summer at camp, go back to their regularly schedule lives… but they go back changed.
So, what are the keys to having such a positive, long-term impact on so many college students and young adults? Here are four:
1. Great leadership with reasonable span of care.
Our summer organizational structure is a monumental document, which places our staff at all levels into teams of 7 to 12, with a person in leadership responsible for them. The limited span of care allows for leaders to be able to provide personal attention, regular oversight and input into job performance, and a sense of community with a small group that they work alongside.
In almost all cases, the leader has moved into their position of leadership recently from a position they now oversee. They understand the unique challenges of the position and environment. They know what their staff are thinking and feeling.
2. Intentional spiritual investment.
Our staff are also engaged at all levels in a plan designed to move them forward in their walk with Christ and keep them fresh as they minister week after week at camp. When they first arrive for training, one of our directors prays with and for them.
Each week they get a two hour break from their regular responsibilities to participate in Higher Ground, a time of worship and small group study and interaction just for staff.
Every day they begin with morning meetings, devotionals and prayer.
The idea is, that their spiritual lives would be fresh and filled so that they can share their lives and stories, as God is changing them, with the campers they serve.
3. High levels of responsibility.
The truth is, the day-to-day effort to make one of the largest Christian camps in the country run is coming primarily from college students. These guys do everything. They manage our infirmaries, are responsible for the care of campers, maintain and facilitate high-risk activities, plan and execute complex schedules, run sound, video and lighting in multi-million dollar auditoriums… the list never ends.
But the reality is, they are chosen for their roles because of their high degree of competency and aptitude. They are trained thoroughly on the implementation of proven processes and systems. And they execute them day after day with excellence.
For many, this may be the first time they’ve had so much responsibility, and it motivates them and empowers them every day.
4. Opportunity for advancement.
From the beginning, our staff sees not only the light at the end of the tunnel, but also new lights and more opportunities to be challenged, grow and live out God’s call on their lives. During their summer at SpringHill, they realize how important their investment in others has been, and how important the investment of others in them has been.
I have a stack of applications on my desk right now, from staff who are eager to take the next, year-round steps in ministry at SpringHill. They have tasted what God is doing in and through them this summer, and are eager to see what amazing things He will do next.
How has God worked in and through you in your work?
Also in this series: Leveraging the family context for more effective ministry, Your youth group is going nowhere, There’s no free time at summer camp.
