6. Staffing, Training & Succession

We give you ready-to-use tools for recruiting camp staff. Jump to what you need:

• Struggling to get responses? → Start with Best Practices and the Ask Emails

• People don't know what the role involves? → Use the Staff Role Cards (see Appendix H)

• Need to make a direct ask? → Grab the Phone/In-Person Scripts with Staff Role Cards (see Appendix F)

• Losing track of who you've contacted? → Use the Volunteer Tracking Template (see Forms & Documents)

• P.A.L. process slowing you down? → See the P.A.L. Workaround Guidance (see Appendix D)

Registered Program Activity Leader (P.A.L.)

Registered Program Activity Leader (P.A.L.), formerly RCYW. Registered Program Activity Leader (P.A.L.): age of majority and older. Registered Program Activity Leader Assistant: ages 15–18. Training can be in-person or online. Process for new applicants: training, application form, references, interview, police check (for those at age of majority — 18 or 19).

Recruiting Staff

Common Challenges

Cooks and medical staff can be most challenging to find. Male counsellors can be in short supply so invite into LIT programs. Volunteers often already carry heavy loads.

Research-Backed Recruiting

Finding volunteers is the #1 challenge camp directors report. The good news: Directors who follow tried and true practices consistently fill their teams.

Personal invitation beats everything else. Mass emails, pulpit announcements, and bulletin inserts produce some results. A personal ask—face to face or by phone—is 5x more effective.

The math: 20 personal invitations (without guilt) = approximately 10 new volunteers. 20 email blasts = maybe 1-2 responses.

The Ask Framework

Use this three-part structure:

1. Connect the person to the mission: "You have a gift for making kids feel welcome. That's exactly what we need at camp."

2. Be specific about what you're asking: "I'm looking for someone to serve as Children's Program Lead for the week of July 14-19. That's about 4 hours per day leading activities for ages 6-10."

3. Make the response easy: "Can I tell you more about what the week looks like, and you can let me know by next Sunday?"

Recruiting Timeline

What Kills Recruiting

Avoid: "We need volunteers" (vague), guilt-based appeals, asking once and giving up, waiting until April, public announcements only.

Do: "We need a cook for Tuesday-Friday" (specific), mission-based invitations, following up 2-3 times graciously, join the LIT program, shadow for a year, come for one day to experience, and personal conversations.

Staff Role Cards

Use these descriptions when recruiting. Copy and share with potential volunteers.

What you'll do:

• Meet each camper (& parent if applicable) at camp start

• Check for communicable disease (e.g. head lice)

• Manage the health station and first aid supplies

• Administer medications and document all health interactions

• Respond to injuries and illnesses; assess when outside care is needed. Document and complete illness/bodily injury report as needed.

• Coordinate with Camp Director on any health concerns

• Review/ update written crises management plan that identifies resources of camp and actions of staff to minimize impact of the situation.

Time commitment: Full camp week (Sunday afternoon through Saturday morning), on-call availability throughout

Qualifications:

• Current RN, LPN, Physician, EMT, or equivalent medical certification

• Current first aid and CPR certification

• Registered P.A.L. status or willingness to complete prior to camp

Why this matters: Parents trust us with their most precious people. You're the reason they can relax knowing their child is in safe hands.

Contact: [Director name and phone/email]

What you'll do:

• Plan and prepare meals for all campers and staff

• Lead kitchen volunteers and coordinate meal timing

• Handle food safety, storage, and dietary accommodations

• Create shopping lists and manage food inventory

Time commitment: Full camp week, arriving early for setup. Active hours: typically 6 AM - 7 PM with breaks.

Qualifications:

• Experience cooking for groups (church potlucks count!)

• Food handler's certification (can help you get this)

• Registered P.A.L. status or willingness to complete

Why this matters: Camp runs on full bellies. The meals you create become some of campers' favorite memories.

Contact: [Director name and phone/email]

What you'll do:

• Design and lead age-appropriate activities for children (ages 6-10)

• Coordinate with overall camp theme and worship schedule

• Supervise 2-4 P.A.L. Assistant, counselLors or CITs

• Adapt activities based on group energy and needs

Time commitment: Full camp week. Program hours: 4-5 hours per day. Prep time: 1-2 hours before camp.

Qualifications:

• Experience working with children (teaching, childcare, Sunday school)

• Registered P.A.L. status required

• Creative, energetic, and adaptable

Why this matters: For many children, camp is where faith becomes real. You're planting seeds that grow for years.

Contact: [Director name and phone/email]

What you'll do:

• Design and lead activities for youth (ages 11-17)

• Balance fun, faith formation, and age-appropriate challenges

• Supervise Registered P.A.L. assistants, youth counselors, cabin leaders and LITs

• Coordinate with spiritual, recreation, and evening programs

Time commitment: Full camp week. Active engagement throughout the day and evenings.

Qualifications:

• Experience with youth ministry or youth programs

• Registered P.A.L. status required

• Ability to connect with teenagers authentically

Why this matters: Teenagers are asking big questions about identity, faith, and belonging. You create the environment where real conversations happen.

Contact: [Director name and phone/email]

What you'll do:

• Plan and lead camp-wide games, sports, and outdoor activities with help of Registered P.A.L. assistants maintaining 2 deep rule

• Manage recreation equipment and supplies

• Ensure safety during all physical activities

• Adapt activities for varying ability levels

Time commitment: Full camp week. Activity hours: 3-4 hours per day across morning and afternoon sessions.

Qualifications:

• Enthusiasm for outdoor activities and games

• Registered P.A.L. status or willingness to complete

• Ability to engage all ages and energy levels

Why this matters: Some of camp's best moments happen on the field, at the lake, or during capture the flag at dusk.

Contact: [Director name and phone/email]

What you'll do:

• Supervise all waterfront activities (swimming, boating, fishing)

• Enforce safety rules and respond to emergencies

• Conduct swim tests and create ability-based groupings

• Maintain waterfront equipment

• Final authority in determining if swim time must be canceled due to weather

Time commitment: Full camp week. Waterfront hours vary (typically 1-2 hours daily). Consider a second role.

Qualifications:

• Current lifeguard certification (Red Cross or equivalent)

• Current CPR/First Aid certification

• Registered P.A.L. (or Assistant) status or willingness to complete

Why this matters: The waterfront is often campers' favorite place—and it's where vigilance matters most.

Contact: [Director name and phone/email]

What you'll do:

• Welcome all first-time campers and families

• Prepare community-building and faith formation moments

• Serve as a friendly point of contact for questions

• Engage speakers in reflection

Time commitment: Arrival day (heavy focus), departure day, 1-3 hours per day scheduled.

Qualifications:

• Warm, welcoming personality

• Ability to engage community of various faith formations

• Registered P.A.L. status or willingness to complete

Why this matters: First impressions shape the whole camp experience. You're the first voice of welcome.

Contact: [Director name and phone/email]

What you'll do:

• Sleep in cabin/near assigned dorm of campers

• Supervise campers during evening routines and overnight

• Build relationships and provide mentorship

• Lead cabin resolution to challenges

• Lead cabin devotions

Time commitment: Full camp week with overnight responsibility.

Qualifications:

• Maturity and responsibility

• Registered P.A.L. (or Assistant) status required while following Camping Staff Age Policy

• Ability to connect with youth while maintaining appropriate boundaries

Why this matters: The cabin is where camp gets real—where late-night faith conversations happen, where friendships form.

Contact: [Director name and phone/email]

What you'll do:

• Plan and lead daily music that resonates with all

• Coordinate with speakers/guest ministry on service flow

• Recruit and rehearse musicians or singers

• Select songs appropriate for camp theme and age range

Time commitment: Pre-camp: 3-5 hours planning. During camp: 1-3 hours daily.

Qualifications:

• Musical ability (guitar, piano, or strong voice)

• Experience leading group singing

• Registered P.A.L. status or willingness to complete

Why this matters: Music opens hearts in ways words alone can't. The songs you lead become the soundtrack of campers' faith journeys.

Contact: [Director name and phone/email]

What you'll do:

• Support wherever needed—setup, cleanup, activity assistance

• Fill gaps when staff need breaks

• Help with meals, crafts, games, or supervision as assigned

• Be a friendly adult presence for campers

Time commitment: Flexible: full week, partial days, or specific shifts available.

Qualifications:

• Willingness to help wherever needed

• Registered P.A.L. status or willingness to complete

• Positive attitude and flexibility

Why this matters: Camp runs on dozens of small acts of service. You're the unsung backbone of camp.

Contact: [Director name and phone/email]

What you'll do:

• Support wherever needed—setup, cleanup, activity assistance

• Fill gaps when staff need breaks

• Help with meals, crafts, games, or supervision as assigned

• Be a friendly adult presence for campers

Time commitment: Flexible: full week, partial days, or specific shifts available.

Qualifications:

• Willingness to help wherever needed

• Registered P.A.L. status or willingness to complete

• Positive attitude and flexibility

• Knowledge of procedures, materials used

Why this matters: Camp runs on dozens of small acts of service. You're the unsung backbone of camp.

Contact: [Director name and phone/email]

What you'll do:

• Support wherever needed—setup, cleanup, activity assistance

• Fill gaps when staff need breaks

• Help with meals, crafts, games, or supervision as assigned

• Be a friendly adult presence for campers

Time commitment: Flexible: full week, partial days, or specific shifts available.

Qualifications:

• Willingness to help wherever needed

• Registered P.A.L. or willingness to complete

• Positive attitude and flexibility

Why this matters: Camp runs on dozens of small acts of service. You're the unsung backbone of camp.

Contact: [Director name and phone/email]

Campfire Director

What you'll do: Plan and lead evening campfire programs including songs, skits, stories, and reflective moments. Set the tone for community building, fun and oneness. Coordinate with program leads and guest ministry for campfire closing. Ensure fire safety protocols are followed.

Time commitment: Full camp week. Active hours: typically 1-2 hours preparation plus 1-2 hours leading campfire.

Qualifications: Enthusiasm for leading group activities. Willingness to encourage participation. Comfortable performing in front of groups. Certified PAL status or willingness to complete. Knowledge of camp songs and skits (or willingness to learn).

Why this matters: Campfire is where camp magic happens. The songs sung under the stars, the laughter shared, the quiet moments of reflection—these become core memories. You create the soundtrack of camp that people hum for decades.

Leader-in-Training (LIT) Program Leader

What you'll do: Design and facilitate the LIT program. Teach leadership skills, communication, and camp operations. Mentor LITs through hands-on experiences shadowing staff roles. Evaluate LIT readiness for future staff positions. Coordinate LIT assignments with other program leads.

Time commitment: Full camp week. Program hours: 1-2 hours daily structured programming plus ongoing daily mentorship. Pre-camp: 3-5 hours planning curriculum.

Qualifications: Previous camp staff experience (3+ years preferred). Experience mentoring and coaching. Registered P.A.L. status required for youth programs or if youth under 18 in LIT. Strong communication and listening skills. Patience and ability to give constructive feedback.

Why this matters: LITs are the future of camp. The investment you make in these leaders pays dividends for years. Many of our best Directors started as LITs. You're not just running a program—you're building the next generation of camp leadership.

Business Manager

What you'll do: Manage camp budget and track all expenses. Process registration payments and subsidies. Handle financial reporting to Mission Centre. Coordinate with Director on purchasing decisions. Manage receipts and reimbursement requests.

Time commitment: Pre-camp: 5 hours setting up budget and processing registrations. During camp: 1-2 hours daily for purchasing and tracking. Post-camp: 5-10 hours finalizing financial reporting.

Qualifications: Basic bookkeeping or accounting experience. Attention to detail. Comfortable with spreadsheets. Ability to set and maintain timelines.

Why this matters: Good financial management keeps camp accessible and sustainable. When the numbers work, more families can afford to attend, and camp can invest. You're the behind-the-scenes hero who makes ministry possible.

Registrar

What you'll do: Manage camper registration, reporting and accommodations. Ensures critical paperwork to protect everyone including Registered staff, photo releases, and who is on the campgrounds every day. Communicate with families about registration status and requirements. Prepare rosters, campsite assignments, and information packets. Coordinates accurate records with Mission Centre. May be involved in accommodation assignments

Time commitment: Pre-camp: 10-20 hours total (heavier closer to registration deadlines). First day is busiest for check-in support. Post-camp: 2-3 hours finalizing records with Mission Centre.

Qualifications: Strong organizational skills. Comfortable tracking information and registration systems. Excellent communication skills. Attention to detail.

Why this matters: Registration is the first touchpoint families have with camp. A smooth, welcoming registration process sets the tone for the whole experience. Your organization and care make families feel confident their children are in good hands.

Campgrounds Care Leader

What you'll do: Coordinate with campground caretaker on site readiness. Oversee facility setup and teardown. Manage equipment inventory and supplies. Address facility issues during camp. Ensure buildings are clean and safe. Lead site orientation for staff.

Time commitment: Arrival: 3-4 hours early for setup, opening and inspection. During camp: 1-2 hours daily addressing issues. Departure: 3-4 hours for cleanup and checkout.

Qualifications: Practical problem-solving skills. Basic facility maintenance knowledge helpful. Ability to coordinate with campground staff.

Why this matters: A well-maintained site keeps everyone safe and comfortable. When the facilities work smoothly, staff and campers can focus on relationships and spiritual growth instead of broken toilets and missing supplies. You create the physical foundation for faith formation and transformational experiences.

Cook / Kitchen Lead

What you'll do: Plan and prepare meals for all campers and staff. Lead kitchen volunteers and campers helping. Handle food safety, storage, and dietary accommodations. Create shopping lists and manage food inventory. Keep the kitchen clean and organized.

Time commitment: Full camp week, arriving early for setup. Active hours: typically 6 AM - 7 PM with breaks. Volume of work impacted by who you recruit to help you.

Qualifications: Experience cooking for groups (church potlucks count!). Food handler's certification (we can help you get this). Ability to work on your feet and lead a team.

Why this matters: Camp runs on full bellies. The meals you create become some of campers' favorite memories—the smell of bacon in the morning, the late-night s'mores, the birthday cake surprise. You're not just cooking; you're providing a ministry building community around the table.

Kitchen Helper

What you'll do: Assist Cook with food preparation and serving. Help with prep, cleanup, and kitchen organization. Support meal setup and takedown. Follow food safety guidelines. Make KP fun—create team identities, play music, build community.

Time commitment: Flexible—can be full week or specific days/meals. Typical shifts: 2-3 hours per meal.

Qualifications: Willingness to help and learn. Ability to follow instructions. Positive attitude. No cooking experience necessary.

Why this matters: Many hands make light work. Your help in the kitchen frees up the Cook to focus on creating great meals. Plus, some of the best camp conversations happen while doing dishes together. KP is where community forms.

Recreation Leader

What you'll do: Plan and lead camp-wide games, sports, and outdoor activities. Manage recreation equipment and supplies. Ensure safety during all physical activities. Adapt activities for varying ability levels and group sizes. Coordinate with program leads on scheduling.

Time commitment: Full camp week. Activity hours: typically 3-4 hours per day across morning and afternoon sessions.

Qualifications: Enthusiasm for outdoor activities and games. Registered Youth Worker (PAL) status or willingness to complete. Basic first aid knowledge appreciated. Ability to engage all ages and energy levels.

Why this matters: Some of camp's best moments happen on the field, at the lake, or during capture the flag at dusk. You create the experiences campers talk about for years—the game-winning catch, the time their team finally won, the counselor who cheered them on when they didn't think they could finish.

Hospitality Ambassador

(Renamed from Guest Ministry)

What you'll do: Welcome all first-time campers and families at registration. Prepare community-building and faith formation moments throughout camp. Serve as a friendly point of contact for questions and concerns. Orient guest speakers and ministry visitors. Create a welcoming environment for visitors during open events. Check in with those separated from the community to ensure feeling welcome and find paths to inclusion. Follow up with new families after camp.

Time commitment: Arrival day (heavy focus on registration and welcome). Departure day (farewell and follow-up coordination). During camp: 1-2 hours daily for check-ins and hospitality moments.

Qualifications: Warm, welcoming personality. Ability to engage community members of various faith formations. Strong interpersonal skills. Certified PAL status or willingness to complete.

Why this matters: First impressions shape the whole camp experience. You're the first voice of welcome—the person who helps nervous parents feel confident and shy campers feel seen. Many families decide whether to return based on how they felt walking in. Then you knit the community together by connecting and including.

Contact: [Director name and phone/email]

Camp Work Crew Coordinator

What you'll do: Organize and lead work crews that keep camp running smoothly. Assign volunteers and campers to daily tasks including KP, dining hall setup, washroom checks, garbage and recycling, and grounds maintenance. Create crew schedules and rotation systems. Coordinate final-day cleanup with all teams. Oversee service electives like building bat houses or repairing picnic tables. Make work feel like community building, not punishment. You lead by example and invest in others learning how to contribute to the campgrounds and camp.

Time commitment: Pre-camp: 2-3 hours creating schedules and crew assignments. During camp: 2-3 hours daily coordinating crews and filling gaps. Final day: 3-4 hours leading comprehensive cleanup.

Qualifications: Strong organizational skills. Ability to motivate and coordinate volunteers. Positive attitude about physical work. May required registered PAL status or willingness to complete. Experience leading group tasks helpful.

Why this matters: Shared work builds shared ownership. When everyone contributes, camp becomes "ours" instead of "theirs." The camper who scrubs pots learns service. The teenager who leads a cleanup crew discovers leadership. The adults who repair become owners. You transform chores into character formation. Your willingness to explain the why, the impact and the how generously build future campgrounds champions.

Contact: [Director name and phone/email]

Communications Coordinator

What you'll do: Manage all camp communications before, during and after camp. Post announcements on easels and bulletin boards. Deliver verbal announcements at meals and gatherings. Coordinate marketing on social media including photos, updates, and stories. Make outreach calls and send emails to potential campers. Create and display theme banners. Ring the bell for schedule transitions. Ensure important information reaches everyone who needs it.

Time commitment: Pre-camp: 5-10 hours on marketing, outreach calls, and material preparation. During camp: 1-2 hours daily for announcements, social posts, and communication tasks.

Qualifications: Clear communication skills (written and verbal). Comfort with social media platforms. Attention to detail. Ability to work independently. Certified PAL status or willingness to complete.

Why this matters: Good communication prevents confusion and builds anticipation. Your social media posts inspire next year's campers. Your timely announcements keep everyone safe and informed. You're the voice of camp—the one who makes sure nobody misses what matters. You create comfort and clarity which creates community and inclusion by helping everyone feel included.

Contact: [Director name and phone/email]

Photography Coordinator

What you'll do: Capture camp memories through photos and videos. Document daily activities, special moments, and candid shots. Organize photos for end-of-camp slideshow or reunion presentation. Ensure photo releases are respected. Share highlights with Communications Coordinator for social media. Archive photos for future camp promotion. Coordinate group photos and cabin pictures.

Time commitment: During camp: 2-3 hours daily capturing moments across activities, respecting privacy releases. Final evening: 2-3 hours assembling slideshow. Post-camp: 2-3 hours organizing and archiving photos.

Qualifications: Photography skills (phone camera is fine—enthusiasm matters more than equipment). Eye for capturing authentic moments. Ability to be present without disrupting activities. Basic photo editing helpful. Certified P.A.L. status or willingness to complete.

Why this matters: Photos become proof that camp happened—and happened beautifully. Parents treasure the picture of their child laughing with new friends. The slideshow on the final night brings tears and cheers. You capture the moments that families frame and campers remember. You create the mementos and memories.

Contact: [Director name and phone/email]

Tech Support

What you'll do: Manage technology needs throughout camp. Set up and troubleshoot wifi access. Prepare and run PowerPoint presentations for worship and programs. Support audio/visual equipment for campfires, talent shows, and gatherings. Troubleshoot projectors, speakers, and microphones. Assist staff with any technology challenges. Ensure backup plans exist when technology fails.

Time commitment: Setup day: 2-3 hours testing equipment and connections. During camp: 1-2 hours daily on call for issues and running presentations. Always available during worship and programs.

Qualifications: Comfort with basic technology troubleshooting. Experience with PowerPoint and audio/visual equipment. Patience when things don't work. Problem-solving mindset. Registered PAL status or willingness to complete for some camps.

Why this matters: Not hearing some creates anxiety so you create community. When the projector works, nobody notices. When it doesn't, everyone does. You're the invisible hero who makes worship seamless and talent shows spectacular. Your music choices carry themes before and after programming. Your preparation lets facilitators focus on their message instead of fighting with cables.

Contact: [Director name and phone/email]

Campfire Lead

What you'll do: Plan and lead evening campfire programs including songs, skits, stories, and reflective moments. Coordinate campfire preparations including wood, seating, and safety perimeter. Set the tone for community building, fun, and connection. Work with program leads and guest ministry on meaningful campfire closings. Teach and lead camp songs. Ensure fire safety protocols are followed at all times.

Time commitment: Full camp week. Preparation: 1-2 hours daily gathering materials and planning program. Leading campfire: 1-2 hours each evening.

Qualifications: Enthusiasm for leading group activities. Willingness to encourage participation from hesitant campers. Comfortable performing in front of groups. Knowledge of camp songs and skits (or willingness to learn). Fire safety awareness. Certified PAL status or willingness to complete.

Why this matters: Campfire is where camp magic happens. The songs sung under the stars, the laughter shared, the quiet moments of reflection—these become core memories. The melody you teach today gets hummed at weddings decades later. You create the soundtrack of camp.

Contact: [Director name and phone/email]

Chapel Steward

What you'll do: Prepare worship and gathering spaces for spiritual practice, programs, and special events. Set up chairs, tables, altar cloths, candles, and visual elements. Create welcoming and sacred atmosphere in chapel, auditorium, or shared spaces. Supporting AV Coordinator to have music ready. Coordinate with guest ministry on setup needs. Reset spaces between different activities. Ensure supplies are stocked and accessible. Maintain reverence and beauty in worship spaces.

Time commitment: During camp: 30-60 minutes before each worship service or major gathering. Additional time for special setups (communion, closing service, etc.). Total: 2-3 hours daily.

Qualifications: Attention to detail. Appreciation for sacred space. Ability to work independently. Physical ability to move chairs and tables. Certified PAL status or willingness to complete.

Why this matters: The environment shapes the experience. A thoughtfully prepared space invites reverence. The candle you light, the chair you position, the visual you place—each element helps campers encounter the sacred. You create the container where transformation happens. You allow younger leaders to learn with patience and include some who seek ways to contribute. Your face may be the first they see as they arrive and the most tangible display of service after.

Contact: [Director name and phone/email]

Sacraments Coordinator

What you'll do: Assemble and coordinate the pastoral care team for camp. Organize sacramental services including communion, blessing of children, and other ordinances as appropriate. Ensure all administrations are properly recorded and reported to the Mission Centre. Coordinate with priesthood members attending camp. Prepare elements and materials for sacramental services. Support guest ministry in planning meaningful worship experiences.

Time commitment: Pre-camp: 2-3 hours coordinating with priesthood and planning services. During camp: 1-2 hours daily for preparation and coordination. Post-camp: 1-2 hours ensuring records are submitted.

Qualifications: Knowledge of Community of Christ sacramental practices. Organizational skills. Ability to coordinate with priesthood members. Attention to documentation requirements. Sensitivity to sacred moments. Certified P.A.L. status or willingness to complete.

Why this matters: Sacraments mark sacred transitions. The young person blessed at camp carries that memory forward. The communion shared at closing service seals the community formed. You ensure these holy moments happen with intention, dignity, and proper witness.

Contact: [Director name and phone/email]

Business Manager

What You’’ll Do

maintain accurate financial records and document on mission centre budget / finance report

manage petty cash, document all expenses and collect receipts from staff before the close of camp

document all donations with donor contact information to maintain an accurate record of camp

finances.

work closely with the camp director and mission center leadership to ensure that records and camp reports are completed in a timely manner.

Qualifications

• familiarity with Excel spreadsheets

CITs (Cabin Staff in Training) (Leaders in Training)

CITs are youth or young adults (minimum age 15 to the age of majority) who serve alongside

an experienced staff member (Registered P.A.L.) as a P.A.L. assistant / leadership apprentice. LITs who are 15 and older can be a great resource for Junior Camp, and those who are 18 or older can be a valuable addition to Junior High Camp. However, LITs should not be used for Senior High Camp due to their close age range with the campers. This role helps develop future camp leaders while providing support to current staff.

What you’ll do

• Help the cabin staff as needed.

• Help build cabin community.

• Be attentive to the needs of campers.

• Lead or help with camp activities supported by registered PAL staff.

• Participate in a dedicated LIT leadership class.

• Support the camp director.

Registrar

• May also serve as business manager

• Oversees registration and flow of essential information to camp staff

• Participates in accommodation assignments respecting needs of campers

• Ensures demographic information on campers and staff is captured in camp report ( # under age 13; # 13-18; # 19-30; # over 31),

Skills sets of Director / staff

• Emotional and spiritual maturity

• Living example of his/her/their faith (IMMB – identity, mission, message, beliefs of Community of Christ) and able to bridge that into the camp experience

• Be sensitive and committed toward the physical, social, psychological, emotional and spiritual needs of the campers

• Maintains PAL registration

• Knowledgeable about and supportive of camp policies

Developing Staff

Directors ensure that staff development covers: Safe supervision and boundaries (two-deep leadership, visibility, appropriate touch). Handling conflicts and behaviour issues (de-escalation, when to involve Director). Inclusion of neurodivergent campers and those with additional needs. Mental health awareness and basic response (recognizing signs, when to escalate). Campground-specific rules and procedures. Risk management and emergency response (lost person protocol, medical emergencies).

Development Approaches

One online development session for all staff (60-90 minutes). Short, focused on-site refreshers at the start of camp (30 minutes). Daily staff huddles during camp to address emerging issues (10-15 minutes).

Preventing Burnout

Divide responsibility. Program, admin/logistics, and spiritual leadership are best as separate roles.

Rotate Directors. Use Co-Director and Assistant Director roles to develop new leaders. Encourage leaders to shadow key roles. LIT programs keep building leader capabilities.

Schedule rest. Give staff clear off-duty times and ensure they rest.

Build in gratitude. Make appreciation part of the daily rhythm. Name specific wins.

Watch for warning signs. Irritability, withdrawal, mistakes, physical exhaustion. Intervene early.

Succession Planning

Growth requires pipeline. If you want your camp to thrive long-term, invest in developing future leaders.

Identify potential future Directors. Invite them as Assistant Directors or Co-Directors or to shadow.

Offer LIT programs and pathways. Give clear responsibilities and mentoring.

Document tips in writing. Encourage experienced Directors to update this manual after camp.

Celebrate transitions. When someone steps down, honour their service and name their successor publicly. Invite them back as Camp Pastor for their last year.