SALT stands for Service and Leadership Training. It is a program for campers (as well as those new to camp) who have completed the 11th grade. A transition year where campers get the opportunity to have a very different experience than the traditional camp session, SALT is meant to equip participants with the skills, knowledge, and abilities to be successful at Camp Ridgecrest and beyond. This unique position provides the perfect setting for a life-changing summer. SALT participants get the opportunity to volunteer their time to assist camp in its mission and be discipled by Camp leadership in their journey from boyhood to manhood.
How Do I Become a SALT?
There are 3 steps to becoming a SALT:
1. Apply online by October 1 of your Junior year of HS. (Log in through your parent's account.)
2. Get a letter of recommendation.
3. Have a phone interview with a Camp Director.
Anyone interested in becoming a SALT should apply in the Fall of their junior year of high school. SALTs are chosen in the Fall, so the earlier you apply, the better. If you are eligible for the SALT program, you can access the application through the normal camper registration page. Log in using your parents’ account and select the SALT option when prompted. You will also need to provide a letter of recommendation in addition to your completed application.
SALTs are then chosen based off of who the directors feel like will best serve Camp. We are not looking for perfect, experienced applicants with perfect resumes; we want guys who are willing to work hard, learn, and serve in a way that glorifies the Lord.
The cost of the program is $1200 (less than a quarter of what it would cost as a traditional camper). This money goes back into the SALT program to pay for their trips, entertainment, and basic needs to increase the quality of their time and training while at Camp.
Each SALT group is at Camp for a month - either the first or second half of the summer. Your dates will be determined after you apply, but we take what session you have come to Camp in the past as well as any other summer plans you may have into account.
SALT FAQ:
Where do I send my letter of recommendation?
It can be emailed to matt.stapp@ridgecrestcamps.com or to rscamps@ridgecrestcamps.com.
Is the SALT Program ONLY for returning campers?
No. While many of our SALT participants have been campers, the program is open to young men who have no camp experience at all.
Can I do SALT and be a camper in the same summer?
We discourage campers from doing both a camper session and SALT in the same summer, because of the demands of SALT and our limited availability. That said, if this is something you're interested in, the ONLY way we allow this to happen is for you to come as a camper during Session 1 and then be a SALT for sessions 3 and 4. There are no other exceptions to this rule.
How long does a SALT session last?
SALT serve for a little over 4 weeks, or two traditional camper sessions. These sessions are roughly the month of June (camper session 1,2) and the month of July (camper sessions 3,4). SALT participants come in 2-3 days before the session starts for training and a trip, before starting. The SALT group will stay together during the break between their 2-week sessions and will not need to be picked up.
What are the primary SALT responsibilities?
SALT have the opportunity to be trained in the service industry and practice those skills in two main areas at camp - the kitchen and cleaning the bathhouses. SALT participants work in shifts and in smaller teams and rotate their days and weeks between different responsibilities around camp. There are teams who are on "kitchen duty" and other teams are on "bathhouse duty". Additionally, SALT participants are assigned to a camper cabin, where they will learn some of the responsibilities of being a counselor, build relationships with campers, and get a chance to lead a devotion.
When will I know if I've been accepted into SALT?
The application and interview process takes place in the fall and our goal is to inform all applicants of their status by Christmas. This isn't a guarantee and every year is a little different, but that's our general timeline. SALT is not a first-come first-serve process. We take time to interview ALL applicants before deciding on and informing everyone at the same time.
