The goal of the camp program is not just to provide fun activities for the teens. While fun is part of the program, it is a lesser goal. It is hoped that through removing our teens from the world around them and focusing them on the Bible, our young people will embrace the true values we seek to impart and begin to apply them in their lives.

The camp program has been most successful in reaching the teens with the truth, but how has the process been accomplished? Through willing volunteers. Individuals from 19 years old through their 70s have given their time to help in the passing on our biblical legacy of God’s truth.

While volunteers have contributed to the success of the camp program, we face a challenge as we go forward. Volunteers have been faithful in coming to camp year after year, and those repeat servants have been crucial in maintaining continuity in the camp program. So we always have a need for additional qualified staff to be a part of the camp program.

The question is, do we have the men and women available to continue our camp legacy? One of the greatest concerns in the Church today is the need for current and future leaders to carry on the camp program. The greatest resource we have for replacing our aging leaders is the youth of the Church.

We pray as Moses did before Israel crossed into the Promised Land in Numbers 27:15: “Then Moses said to the Lord, ‘O Lord, you are the God who gives breath to all creatures. Please appoint a new man as leader for the community. Give them someone who will guide them wherever they go and will lead them into battle, so the community of the Lord will not be like sheep without a shepherd’” (New Living Translation).

As Moses had “groomed” Joshua for the job ahead of him, so it is our task to prepare future leaders for the Church and our camp program. All camps face the challenge of developing camp staff who can take over running the camp program.

As a camp director, I am most familiar with the situation at Camp Pinecrest. I’d like to share what we face in the future, not only at Pinecrest, but at the other UYC camps as well. Here are our needs at Camp Pinecrest:

Camp Director—As a camp director I am 66 years old. While I still enjoy camp, I am coming to the end of my camp career, and a new leader for Pinecrest will be needed to carry on the program.

Archery—Our archery department head and his wife have been doing a wonderful job since 2011. The program has been successful because the department head went to class, learned how to safely run an archery program and received certification. They would like to turn their job over to someone willing to run a safe and fun archery program.

Waterfront—Our waterfront staff has been shored up by a great couple of ladies since 2011. While they diligently oversee the teens in the water, they are desirous of turning the program over to the younger set. We would like to continue the swimming program at Pinecrest, and to do so we need lifeguards with swimming and lifeguarding certifications.

Riflery—Our shooting instructors have gone to school to learn how to instruct and safely operate a gun range. We need individuals who know guns and are willing to go through the training and step into the leadership role.

Volleyball, Softball and Speedaway—All of these activities require some knowledge of the game and enough youth and agility to teach the activity. Younger department heads are needed in these areas to keep these activities going.

Low Ropes—The low ropes program was developed through our instructor going to class in order to be certified and then work with Pinecrest camp in order to set up a ropes course. Our current department head has been doing the job for nearly 20 years. Someone is needed to literally learn the ropes to continue this program.

Rock Climbing and Rappelling—This activity requires someone with training and skill to teach an activity. Our instructor has had training and experience in how to safely run the program. Because of the danger involved, it is paramount to have a skilled instructor. Someone will be needed to take on this responsibility in the years ahead.

Counseling Coordinators—Counseling coordinators are needed who can oversee the counseling staff. We have been blessed with individuals willing to work with our camp counselors and help them in rightly working with the teens in each dorm. While we currently have people willing to help in this area, they will not be able to go on forever. They will need to be trained and willing replacements.

Counselors—Each camp needs younger people to take on this crucial camp responsibility. Truly, a successful summer camp has a dedicated group to serve in the most important job at camp. While the counselor role is one of the most challenging opportunities at camp, it is also the most rewarding job because of the impact that a counselor can have on those in his or her dorm.

The needs of Camp Pinecrest reflect the needs at our other camps. 

We invite you to check out the camps in your region to see what is needed. If you think you can fill one of the roles offered at camp, touch base with the specific camp director. Our hope is that you will be able to be a part of the UYC program.

Serving on staff at a UYC camp is one of the more rewarding experiences one can have in working with the youth in the Church. Staff members are usually exhausted when camp is over, but thankful they were able to be a part of a very special program.

What will be the outcome of your service at camp? You will grow as a leader of the Church and help in passing on the legacy of God’s truth to future generations.