Summer Staffing - How Someone Makes the Cut

Each year, over 80 people come together for a summer of service at Camp Spofford.  Many teens have waited years for the opportunity to make it onto this team, and only a percentage of those who apply will get a coveted bed in either Lower Girls or Lower Boys (the names for our Youth Staff cabins). 

For many, especially those selected, the process that got them here is somewhat mysterious.  Rumors have floated that it’s a one-person job done by our Office Manager, Karen Rathbun, now that Dan Syvertsen is gone.  To be sure, Karen is learning by experience just how many hours go in before selection even begins.  We thought it might be helpful to give snapshots of the selection process… for teens and college-age adults aspiring to join us, and for parents who plan on putting their kids in the care of our staff!

Any youth hoping for a summer job at Camp Spofford must fill out an application or a re-application.  Many personal and probing questions are asked, but key to the (re)application process is a Covenant.  This states that each staff member will commit his/her life, thoughts and actions to the ultimate goal of furthering the Gospel at Camp Spofford.  This includes a confession of the need for Christ and a reliance on Him as Lord, a commitment to a Biblical response to conflict, daily times of prayer and study, humble submission to those in authority, and a commitment to fulfilling one’s job requirements, especially the protection of the children in our care. 

Once all applications are received by mid-January, they are sorted, recorded in our database, and backed up with references that must be verified, including a pastor’s reference.  Background checks are completed with the state.  Only then is a meeting scheduled in mid-February for our year-round staff to prayerfully and thoughtfully meet.  A grid is laid out, listing all of the departmental needs.  We seek to match people with their desires and gifts to the slots that must be filled.  Re-applicants have no permanent hold on previous years’ positions.  It takes a full and sometimes grueling day that often spills over as details are worked out. 

Letters and packets are then sent out: letters to those who we must decline, and packets to those who receive a position.  Packets include our staff manual and information on raising support to serve at Camp Spofford.  Contracts must be filled out and returned within a couple of weeks. 

Department Heads often take the opportunity to communicate with their staff over the spring months, sharing information on training and requirements for the job.  Staff must send out support letters to family and friends to meet 50% of their summer stipend.  We provide advice and materials and then process/record support levels for each individual staffer.  Staff stipends range from $50 to $180/week, plus room and board.

Training begins in earnest one week before Impress.  We work individually as departments, go through child protection and OSHA training, and train together as a whole as we seek to gel a team that cares for one another and our guests.

Staff learn early that a summer at Camp Spofford is no vacation, but also one of the best experiences they could ever have.   So why would teens and young adults give a summer (and some, several summers) at Camp Spofford with little pay to show for it?  In a word: discipleship.  Many teens are looking for mentorship, and this is a prime opportunity to see the love of Christ modeled to them and even through them through selfless service. 

 If you’ve applied for a Summer 2012 position, look in your mailboxes towards the end of February.  If not and the idea of hard work for the glory of God excites you, give some thought to 2013! We'd be happy to answer any questions!