Counselors
Impact the lives of children, youth and families!
The Camping and Retreat Ministries Office of the Missouri United Methodist Conference invites you to serve Christ through volunteer ministry. If you are interested in becoming a counselor, contact the Event Director or the Conference Office at mocamps@moumethodist.org. Please indicate the date(s) and ages you are available to volunteer.
Attributes of a counselor...
AN ADULT
A counselor is expected to think and act like an adult. As a counselor, you are not “one of the kids”.
A CHRISTIAN ADULT
Being, or becoming, a Christian is a life-long journey. The youth who come to camp are searching for MEANING, for IDENTITY, for ANSWERS in life. As a Christian adult you can help the youth in their search. Let them know that you too, are searching. As adults, we do not have all the answers; but we do know where some of those answers can be found. Above all, we should build on their faith and not encourage doubts. Let the time in camp be a positive experience.
A FRIEND
Youth need adult friends. Someone who will listen to them and have time for them. Let them know that even after camp is over, you will continue to be their friend.
A HELPER
The time at camp provides an opportunity to learn new ideas, new skills, and to form new friendships. This is a time to try out one’s own ideas, to test one’s skills in the circle of a Christian support group, and to learn to deal with success and failure. A Camp Counselor will encourage learning in a wide variety of experiences. This means giving as much responsibility as each can handle. This means letting each person do things for themselves. This might mean risking failure; but in risk there is the possibility for growth. There is a great experience in celebrating a victory.
A TEACHER
In all our experiences during the time at camp, we will be both teaching and learning about; a reverence for God, Respect for all of God’s creation – water, soil, creatures of the earth, and especially for people and property, Responsible use of the resources trusted in our care, and Readiness to make commitments to family and friends, people at camp, to Christ and church, to improving our world. Learning will take place both in group settings and in personal conversations. Learning will happen during quiet times, fun times, and even at chow times. We are all teachers, as camp counselors. We teach by words, deeds, even the clothes we choose to wear.
Is there an age requirement?
Yes. You must be at least 15 years of age to volunteer at one of our campsites. To be a counselor, you must be at least 4 years older than the oldest camper at the camp.
What camp can I work at?
We have four camps:
Blue Mountain UM Center
Camp Jo-Ota
Camp Galilee
Wilderness Retreat and Development Center
How do I sign up?
The first step is to get Event Director approval. Next, you must be Safe Sanctuaries certified and register online. Please have your medical health information and date of last tetanus shot available as well. Click here to sign up today!
Sign me up!
If you are interested in being a camp counselors and do not know the Event Directors, please contact Francesca Burton at the Conference office.