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Teen Week Counselor Responsibilities

CAMP ARCADIA'S PHILOSOPHY FOR TEEN RETREATS

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?

SPIRITUAL AWARENESS THROUGH

	Bible study: “Take Bible study out of the box and integrate it into their daily lives.”
	Reflection time: “Be still and know that I am God.” Ps.46:10
	A time for meditation – time alone with God. We have a busy schedule. QT is time after lunch where the whole camp community stops to appreciate God’s beautiful creation and our place in it. The Dean will offer direction to this brief time.
	Singing & Worship

SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS THROUGH

	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 THROUGH

	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 8-11 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 can be 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