We hope you enjoy the Together Series, where we are sharing stories and videos from this past summer about how Camp brings people together within generations through play, service, and faith.
Without a doubt, the Camp Arcadia Staff make the experience what it is: a place of genuine renewal and connection for guests of all ages. Rooted in the tradition of Christian hospitality, the Staff welcome, care for, and uplift the entire Camp community.
“The staff have such servant hearts. I never have to feel bad about asking for something at Camp because I can see that for them, serving comes from a place of joy,” shared Sarah Salzburg, Camp Arcadia Dean. This service-oriented motivation sets Camp apart from other resorts. The Camp Staff truly cares for the guests’ needs, both physical and spiritual.
The Staff’s personal attention is especially evident in how they connect with the younger campers. Sarah Salzburg added, “I know that whenever the Staff interacts with my kids, they are looking out for them, not just for their physical safety, but for developing them as children of God. I can’t believe that there’s an entire Camp filled with staff members like that!”
Guests view the Staff members as positive role models for their kids, embodying the Christian values of kindness, patience, and love. They take the time to learn their names and engage them in conversations that matter, making the kids feel seen, loved, and welcomed into the Camp community.
For the last 11 years, the Mull family from West Des Moines, Iowa, has experienced how the Camp staff has influenced their children. As a young Camper, Caleb Mull remembers how much he adored the Staff. He shared, “For me, what has kept me coming back over the years has been the Staff. They always make it an amazing experience. As a kid, I thought they were all so cool. From my first summer at Camp, I remember wanting to be on Staff someday.”
That dream was realized when Caleb served on Staff for two summers in 2023 and 2024, referring to them as the “greatest summers” of his life. Caleb’s dad, John David, also shared one of his favorite Camp memories about his youngest son, Jonah. One summer, Jonah was sick with a fever and couldn’t participate in the Patio Carnival. This was devastating for him because he had his heart set on winning the big prize – the chance to sit at the Program Staff table for a meal. In response, his siblings made it their mission to secure the necessary tokens and win Jonah a spot at the Staff table. They succeeded, and when Jonah found out, he was filled with joy and thankfulness for his siblings.
The Staff’s impact on campers lasts beyond the week at Camp. Family week guest, Beth Kaschube, reflected on the influence the Staff had on her children as she shared, “The Staff put a fingerprint of themselves on our children’s hearts. Our kids have deeply connected with them and don’t want to leave them at the end of the week. They have become an important part of the fiber of who our children are becoming.”
When the Kaschube family returned to Camp this summer, their children were so excited to reconnect with their favorite Staffers. They brought these Staffers some of their best-loved treats as a thank-you for their friendship.
The adult guests also look forward to connecting with the Staff and building relationships. Long-time family campers, Mark and Kathleen Ewing, shared how much they value the Staff’s friendliness and their guest-centered focus. Kathleen explained, “I’m so impressed with the extra effort that the Staff makes to get to know us. They have even taken time outside their scheduled work hours to join us in our nightly family card games.”
This time spent together has bonded them, and they have stayed connected for many years after their summers on Staff have ended. These close guest-staff relationships create a warm, welcoming environment at Camp Arcadia that is unique among vacation spots.
The Staff’s level of care and concern often exceeds guests’ expectations. Joan Jones, a long-time family camper, remarked, “We are so grateful for how the Camp Staff serve our family members who have special needs with such love and patience. I don’t think they realize the huge difference this makes for our family.”
A relative of the Jones family, Bethany Taylor, a guest with Down syndrome, was hospitalized this summer, preventing her and her parents from attending Camp Arcadia. In response, the Staff sent her a special RKD care package, letting her know that she was in their thoughts and prayers. This act of kindness brought tears to her parents’ eyes as they watched the joy on Bethany’s face as she opened the gifts.
In these big and small ways, the Staff create the “magic” that makes Camp Arcadia such a special place. They joyfully serve, allowing guests to be renewed in spirit, mind, and body.
Do you know a young adult in your life who would love to serve on Summer Staff? Encourage them to apply here.
