What is the training program like for summer staff at Lake Ann Camp?
Lake Ann Camp takes summer staff training very serious. The Marines train their troops for combat and at the end of their training they do an exercise called “The Crucible”. The crucible is an excruciating test of will, strength and courage. The Marines have not always used “The Crucible” in their training. Rather it was an addition to their program when they realized that so many of their recruits were perishing on the battle fields. This final dose of reality served to ensure that they were ready to persevere through even life or death decisions and struggles.
Lake Ann’s training does not fully resemble “The Crucible” but it is very intense. For fifteen days counselors begin with an 8:00 breakfast and end their day of training with a snack at 9:30 at night. On “Night Hike” day they are up much later.
Here is just a small sampling of their training:
- How to lead a camper to Christ
- Methods of inductive Bible study
- Age characteristics for six age levels and how to make camp age appropriate
- Red Cross CPR certification
- Red Cross Basic Water Rescue Training
- Camp philosophy and how to build a camp from the camper up not speaker down
- How to start a one-match fire (requirement to graduate)
- How to build trust for effective one-on-ones, cabin wrap-ups, and teaching in a non-traditional classroom
- Every activity campers do counselors learn well enough to be the instructor
- Outdoor skills and activities
- How to clean your cabin and proper hygiene for counselors and campers
- How to protect the dignity of a camper who wets their bed
- Medical and emergency training including dealing with diabetes and food allergies
- The culmination of the training includes a three-day rafting trip on the “Mighty Pine River”. The Pine River is near Cadillac where the team tests their outdoor skills and stamina
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the Word of Truth. – 2 Timothy 2:15
The training does not involve cleaning up the camp or setting up activities. Those details are done long before counselors and summer staff workers show up for training. II Timothy 2:15 says as Christians we are to: Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the Word of Truth. Lake Ann’s training is the culmination of years of preparation that have already been poured into our new recruits. The rigorous recruitment process has scrutinized the candidates to ensure that this summer is not the new recruits first opportunity to serve the Lord. Through a series of service projects, the wise counsel of references and interviews it is determined that this year’s team is ready to grow to the next level in their lives.
We covet your prayers from May 31st through June 15th when our first campers arrive. These days of training are vital to the impact of the summer and they are also grueling but oh so vital to the kind of impact you have grown to know and trust from Lake Ann.
_______________________________________________________________________
Are you ready to join us for the best summer job of your life? Then visit www.lakeanncamp.com/summerstaff today!