by Emily Greene, 2025 Summer Staffer
How did you find out about Camp and decide to serve last summer?
I have learned many times in life that expectations do not always align with reality, and most of the time, this is because God has something even better planned. In the spring of 2025, I was frantically searching to secure an internship in Chicago, with no luck. There was a good number of people around me who planned to work at a summer camp and urged me to check one out. Two of my friends, who have been coming to Camp Arcadia since they were very young, strongly suggested working on staff because some of their best memories were from Camp, and they would also be working there over the summer. Things seemed to align perfectly as I was going through the interview process and was soon hired to serve on the media team with an internship and in the kitchen.
How did you feel as you prepared for and started the summer?
I was excited for a new experience, to serve others, and fulfill my need for an internship at the same time. I was both excited and nervous as I anticipated and prepared for my summer on staff at Camp Arcadia. I was hopeful for the new experiences and connections I would make. It was difficult to try and picture what life would be like with no previous knowledge of Camp life and Northern Michigan. However, I found this to be a positive thing because I entered the summer with an open mind and determination to grow as much as I could. I was hopeful that I would quickly become close friends with other staffers and that there would be an intentional, strong, Christian community, as this is part of Camp Arcadia’s mission and values.
As I drove down Oak Street and arrived at Camp, I was warmly welcomed, and appreciated the outgoing and joyful staff. As training began, it was clear that this was a tight-knit group of college-aged staff who were excited about the opportunities and connections that were to come.
I was glad to form friendships and have unique experiences with every staffer, day after day. I made a goal to live each day in the present and actively practice gratitude, as each day was similar in tasks but vastly different in experiences. A unique aspect of Camp I appreciate is the conversations I have with guests. From the time new families arrive on Sunday and are excited for the week ahead, to talking with guests in between activities, and connecting and learning more about them as they relax and unwind in the summer sun. Something else I quickly appreciated was the passion and love for the history and future of Camp Arcadia that the guests expressed. This became contagious.
What advice would you give to a new summer staffer?
Reflecting on my experiences on summer staff, I would give a few pieces of advice to those looking to serve on summer staff in the future. In training, returning staff and management seemed to repeat that the beginning of the season, opening weekend, and teen weeks are extremely different from family weeks. They explained that the first couple weeks are high energy, and people are still learning how to serve in their respective positions, compared to family weeks when there is a schedule set in stone and a routine is more easily followed. I didn’t fully understand this until I experienced both. My advice, looking back on those first few weeks as I wondered what the future weeks would entail, would be to take every opportunity to get out of your comfort zone, connect with fellow staffers, and practice gratitude daily. Practicing these habits with staff the first couple of weeks helped me to do these things regularly and to serve the guests the best I could as we moved into teen and family weeks. Despite the long hours, having the chance to serve others in an environment they love, encourage one another in Christ, and be supported by the same community, staff, and management is extremely rewarding.
What have you appreciated most about your Camp Arcadia experience?
Something I appreciated was that I always learn something new when talking with guests, from children to grandparents. I learn something new about the world, a new perspective, different opportunities, or, after self-reflection, something about myself, or God. It is abundantly clear He is present and works through every person at Camp Arcadia. Something special about the experience as a staffer is receiving a prayer partner. This was unfamiliar to me, but soon became one of my favorite things as I connected with mine throughout the summer. It shows the attention and care the management and community offer to staffers by offering their planning, time, and prayers for the spiritual growth of all of us. I was lucky enough to meet up with my prayer partner and have wonderful conversation!
As the season continued, it was important to focus on the mission of Camp, which is “to provide a Christ-filled setting for families, individuals and staff to connect with Christ and others amid the beauty of God’s creation.” This year, all the staff set a goal to go out of their ways to make moments for the guests to create this refreshing setting as mentioned, and also to create memorable experiences that will influence others and last a lifetime. A summer filled with serving others in love and faith is rewarding in itself, (Ephesians 2:10, Galatians 5:13 and 1 Peter 4:10), but there have been a couple of moments from each of my departments that have filled my cup as I was filling others’.
Some of those from moments from the kitchen are the fast-paced, high energy days, and while serving in the dining room – the connections with families and children which grow stronger as the week goes by. In both departments, when I talk with guests of any age, they offer smiles as they see me or welcome me in their conversations, which fills my cup. Some of my favorite memories last summer were capturing everyday moments in the media department. It has been a blessing to capture moments where guests are doing what brings them great joy, with those they love, so they can look back on those moments for a lifetime! This summer at Camp Arcadia has been an amazing experience, and I strongly suggest this position to anyone considering.
