What To Expect When Working at a Christian Summer Camp

If you have been a Christian camp counselor before, you know what craziness can ensue during the summer. Granted, it's almost always a great time, but there are lessons to be learned and responsibilities to be had when partaking in such a role. If you've never been a camp counselor, your first experience can seem daunting. Not only are you responsible for yourself, but you are responsible for many campers younger than you. This can sometimes seem overwhelming, especially when the kids are only occasionally cooperative. However, this can be a time of great learning and maturing into a more well-rounded young adult. What should you expect when spending your first summer at a Christian camp as a counselor?

First and foremost, you should be aware that what most leaders will expect of you is that your faith is on the same page as their values. More than likely, you got hired because you already expressed that you had the same belief system. If this is not the case, let them know beforehand so you can adequately determine whether or not you would be a good fit. Unlike other summer camps, a Christian summer camp is specifically geared towards people of faith, so this aspect is of the highest importance when selecting counselors. If this all lines up, then you should be good to go in accepting the job.

Another thing that you'll want to be aware of when being a Christian camp counselor is that there are typically more rules and boundaries than at an average summer camp. Again, this is because of the belief systems set in place to adhere to biblical values. Some of these rules might be you are not allowed to date amongst other camp counselors. They will try to keep everything pure and above board so fraternization might be looked down upon. You may also have to be slightly stricter with campers. Just as they don't want fraternization amongst counselors, this will be even more so the case with young campers. You will rarely find any co-ed Christian camps.

Another difference from an average summer camp is that a Christian camp is structured slightly differently. Instead of all-day recreational activities, Chapel services and breakout sessions will be thrown into the mix. Again, this is because a Christian camp is centered around teaching kids about the Bible; therefore, they will incorporate as much of that as they can into their camp curriculum. It's a good idea to be mentally prepared to pay attention to what is being spoken in Chapel so you can better converse with your campers in the breakout sessions.

Finally, you need to be prepared to have fun. While Christian camps may seem slightly more strict or dull, this is far from the case. You will still have plenty of time to enjoy all of the outdoor activities that come with being at a summer camp. This includes horseback riding, tubing, high ropes course, arts and crafts, late-night bonfires, and more. As much responsibility as you will have, the leadership will want you to have just as much fun. After all, that is what summer camp is all about.

Creative Arts Workshops: The benefits for Summer Camps

Being creative is something that might not come naturally to the average person. But what if you work to foster that creativity? Well, that’s where various creative camps come into play. With creative arts workshops, you can work on these hidden talents.  It’s more than just making pasta shell necklaces or random bracelets, it’s deeper than that. Many camps offer art programs, and for some people, it’s changed their lives, with the impact of visual arts clear to many. Here, we’ll go over the importance of creative arts workshops, including what it does for you, and for your fellow campers. 

Let’s Campers experiment with Different Mediums 

When you use creative camps, children are pushed to work with different artistic media. 

Sure we’ve got the macaroni art and small little trinkets, but if you think about it, without these options, they wouldn’t get a chance to really explore their creativity. 

When a parent lets their kid go to art camp, they’re given a chance to really improve their own wellness, crafting the ideal type of creative spark that they can. 

It’s hands-on, and really nice, giving campers a means to really improve their own abilities, giving them a new means to accept and test the waters, and finding new ways to get creative. 

Removes Limitations 

When you give campers a chance to put their artwork together and up, it provides them with a means to push away limitations. 

Remember with creative camps, the limitations are what their imaginations tell them. 

This can be great for those who want to try new things but are worried about this. 

For instance, having a drama camp can help campers learn more about the medium, and get involved. 

This could get them interested and inspired in trying out new things, especially if you’re not sure whether or not this is right for them. 

Limits are only set on the mind and the resources, and this is a good way to do it. 

Great Alternatives for Underprivileged Kids 

Obviously art costs money for some, and there are certain campers that might not be able to tap into their true art potential because of the lack of funds. 

With a camping art program, various campers of all kinds can harness this. They can put together different unique projects. If an underprivileged kid finds an art medium that they enjoy, maybe they can get funding from others to help. 

Remember as well that some campers only get a few days per year to do art, and some don’t at all. This is a side of them that provides them with a means to get creative and inspired and fills that gap that's otherwise left open. 

They also are great because you can find some cheap programs. So if you do have a camper that wants to try new things but just doesn’t have the wherewithal to do so, this is one of the best ways to do it, and a surefire means to improve their own personal understanding and excitement as well. 

Builds Identity 

Finally, it can build identity. 

Children get to an age where they want to find themselves. Sometimes this is easy, other times that’s not the case. 

If you feel like kids could benefit from this, then put together an art camp. This as well can enhance a child’s understanding. 

It enhances their identity, building development and also promotes healthy risk taking. Creativity doesn’t need limits, but instead, you can work on this and harness that power over time, through these different means for a camper to enjoy too.