Serving as a Teen Week Counselor
The Camp Arcadia Teen Week Counselors number approximately 14 adults that are hired to manage the each of our two week-long teen weeks (8th & 9th Grade Retreat: June 13 – 19 and the 9 – 11 Grade Retreat: June 20 – 26). Counselors work for one week periods. Counselors work with groups of eight to 11 teens. Learn how to apply to be a teen week counselor here.
To assist, encourage, and challenge teens — to live and grow as God’s people — in Christian community. How do we envision living & growing this week?
Social Relationships
- Small group setting
- Interaction with a diverse group (a mix of rural, urban and suburban kids) with a common Christian background.
- Intergenerational mentoring — the counselors and staff serve as Christian role models. Teens today are starved for sincere and intense interaction with adults — you get a whole week with them.
- A welcoming and accepting environment that encourages the campers to get to know each other and accept each other as children of God.
- Participation in fun activities.
- Preparing teens to face world issues in a Christian manner.
Emotional Development
- Dealing with non-negotiable rules — healthy structure/boundaries
- Living through and beyond homesickness
- Dealing with the intense Camp community (living with 100 other teens for a week.)
- Learning how to react to unfamiliar circumstances
- Gaining self-confidence through new activity involvement; it’s OK to fail
- Preparing teens to face world issues in a Christian manner.
Physical Growth Through
- Eating!
- Encouragement to participate in all scheduled activities
- Learning to do different things: hiking, canoeing, archery, softball, crafts, tennis, volleyball
Community Commitments
During Teen Retreat Weeks, counselors, summer staff, Dean and campers form a worshiping, learning and celebrating Christian community. Through their presence and participation, counselors have an important impact on the tone and atmosphere of the Camp. The commitment of each counselor to spiritual growth, Christian worship and service to others is essential. These shared disciplines strengthen our sense of common purpose. Camp Arcadia’s Teen Retreats include daily worship, meditation and Bible study. We believe that living in community is a gift from God; we are thankful for each other. The center for our lives is the Gospel of Jesus Christ which opens us to ourselves, each other and the issues facing all humankind.
Assignments and Responsibilities
Each counselor is responsible for a group of eight to 11 teens within a spiritual, recreational and social program prepared and directed by regular summer staff. Counselors meet daily with the Dean, Camp Director and staff to evaluate activities, discuss any potential problems and receive encouragement and support from each other.
Camp Arcadia expects counselors to adhere to the following commitments regarding drugs while members of the Camp community:
- No consumption of alcohol when campers are on-site.
- No drinking of alcohol by persons under 21 years old
- No provision of alcohol to anyone under 21 years old
- No use or possession of non-prescribed or illegal drugs
In addition to our responsibility to abide by the laws of the State of Michigan, abuse of non-prescription drugs and/or abuse of alcohol have serious and damaging effects on the Camp Arcadia community. Violation of any of these commitments is reason for dismissal from Camp Arcadia.
Requirements
- Camp Arcadia counselors should appreciate the Lutheran faith and be at least 19 years old by employment date.
- Good health is a necessity in order to meet the demands of a vigorous camp schedule.
- Counselors should have a desire to serve God in the unique ministry of Christian outdoor camping for youth.
Compensation and Expenses
- $75 travel expense reimbursement
- Paid canoe trip when accompanying teen group
- Staff shirt
- Room and board
Counselors should have money for possible personal medical expenses and spending money for the camp store which offers snacks and gift items. Benefits of counseling during Teen Retreats at Camp Arcadia can include: personal and spiritual renewal, new and enriched relationships with campers and with other counselors, joy and growth through Christian service, and opportunities to experience God’s marvelous creation on the shore of Lake Michigan.
