As director of Ridgecrest Summer Camps, it is my duty to inform you that a job here is anything but your typical summer job, as such, it is not for everyone. Listed below are some expectations of our staff. If you find that you are not capable of meeting these expectations, please do not apply.
We expect you to work long, hard hours for very little pay. No one works at our camps for the money. This is a ministry, and those who choose employment here do so for eternal rewards. You will be "on-duty" 24 hours a day in a cabin setting. During this time, it is understood that you are to provide a solid Christian example for your campers and fellow staff. You will have two full days off and one night off per two-week session. When you are not off, you are expected to be readily available and accessible to those children under your direct care, and any other duties your supervisors may ask you to do.
We expect you to have a genuine love for children, a creative spirit, the ability to be flexible when needed, and lots of patience. There will be times when you are "worn thin" from your workload. We expect you to be able to pace yourself, know when you need sleep, and work as consistently at the end of the summer as in the beginning. There is very little time for the feeding of your needs during the nine weeks that you will be working with us. You must make your own time for physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual renewal. However, your supervisors and the rest of the staff will make every effort to assist you in this matter.
We expect you to be a deeply committed Christian who has a strong relationship with Jesus Christ. Our parents and our campers are looking for role models that are believers who stand for the Truth, found in Jesus Christ. We want staff members who can show, by their example, what it means to be a Christian, and can share their faith freely and openly with their campers.
We expect your number one priority in coming to work for us to be caring for campers and their needs. If offered a position, you must share the weight of responsibility for our campers. Our staff members are responsible for the lives and growth of young people. Sometimes staff members join us at camp for the wrong reasons. Some examples include: to continue the "fun" times that they experienced as campers; to be with old friends who will also be on staff; to have a vacation away from school. If your first and main priority is not for the children, please do not apply.
In return for your hard work, you will be rewarded beyond belief by the difference that you will make in the lives of your campers this summer. Camp is the only place that will make a difference in some of these children's lives. You may be their single opportunity to experience the love of Jesus. When they leave at the end of their stay, wrap their arms around you, tell you they love you, and that because of you they now have a relationship with Jesus Christ, there is simply no greater reward. Please prayerfully consider if you can meet these expectations before applying for a position with Ridgecrest Summer Camps.
In Christ,
Ron Springs
