I’ve submitted my application, now what happens?
Awesome! We’re so glad you’re taking this step towards working at camp this summer. Within 2 or 3 days of receiving your application, we will contact you to set up an interview. Until the pandemic has dimished in severity, we will conduct interviews over Zoom or other preferred video platform. Be prepared to set aside 30-40 minutes for an interview. And don’t be nervous - we just want to talk with you and get to know how your gifts could be a valuable part of our summer ministry.
In the meantime, we encourage you to pray about your calling to work at camp this summer. God can do amazing things through you at Green Lake Lutheran Ministries!
In the meantime, we encourage you to pray about your calling to work at camp this summer. God can do amazing things through you at Green Lake Lutheran Ministries!
Can I get time off during the summer for family vacations, graduations, weddings, etc.?
Typically the answer to this question is yes. However, COVID-19 creates a few complictations this year. We won't have a definite answer to this question until the summer months are closer. If the pandemic is still a significant problem, family vacations may not be allowed due to the higher risk of bringing COVID back to our camp community. We know that vacations and other important family events are a joyful and important part of life, and we do expect that you communicate these dates to us as early as possible. So, regardless of if you can go or not, please let us know of any plans you are hoping for! We hope to have a clearer picture of what will be allowed in the months ahead.
How does time off work on the weekends? How much time do we get off between camp weeks?
Summer camp is a crazy fun and busy time! You WILL have time off on the weekends. Here is what you can expect:
- We work Sundays starting about 10 a.m. until Friday at about 4:00 p.m. *If you are on a Day Camp for the week, you may be asked to start earlier on Sunday, as many churches request your presence at their Sunday morning worship services.
- Campers are onsite Sunday at 2:00 p.m. until Friday at around noon. The hours on either side of those times are spent preparing for campers, spending time together as a staff in worship and reflection, and cleaning our sites.
- Your weekend, therefore, is from Friday around 4:00 until Sunday morning. This is your time to renew and rejuvenate! We invite you to stay at camp and enjoy the lake, spend time with new friends, and take time for sabbath. If you plan to leave camp on the weekends, you will need to be extremely careful as you interact with others. Masking and social distancing will be requested until the pandemic has dicipated.
- There are a few weekends during the summer that are contracted, on-site weekends. For 2021, those weekends are June 12-13 (staff training), July 23-24 (our Annual Quilt Auction), and August 7-8 (our staff banquet). We do expect you to be onsite during these weekends.
When is Staff Training? What if I can't make it to all of staff training?
2021 Staff Training runs from June 6-17. Some leadership staff will be asked to begin on May 31. Staff Training is a vital piece of preparing for summer camp. It includes learning about everything from our summer Bible Study to CPR to the rules to our wacky camp games. It’s a ton of fun and a great way to build community with your fellow staff members. That being said, we know there might be schedule conflicts that arise during these two weeks. On a case-by-case basis, we will work with you to ensure you are prepared to work as a staff member. This means there might be some training you will need to do while you are away, or training we will expect you to complete when you get back. Due to COVID-19 protocols, it will be a rare exception for anyone to be approved to miss portions of staff training -- it is our strong preference is that you are able to attend the entirety of staff training.
What is our philosophy around electronics?
We encourage all incoming staff members to begin preparing mentally for spending a summer with limited technology use. An “unplugged” summer at camp has many benefits! Being fully present with campers and immersing yourself in the experience of being in God’s creation with a wonderful community is a gift. Throughout the summer, use of electronics will be limited. You WILL be able to use your devices on the weekends, but time will be limited during the week when you are with campers. We will talk more about this during staff training, but think about it...you have your whole life to be looking at a screen. This summer could be a great time to experience life connected in new ways beyond a screen.
What does a summer look like?
A traditional summer camp counselor at GLLM gets to have a variety of experiences throughout the summer. Most counselors will spend the summer at one particular site. However, while at that site, you may be asked to counsel different age groups, and will likely spend at least two weeks on a Day Camp at congregations around Minnesota. COVID protocols will be followed as directed by MN state guidance, which may change some of our typical staff schedules. We'll communicate what this looks like to you during your interview and in subsequent communication.
Our Program Support Positions tend to stay in the same role throughout the summer, but occasionally are asked to help in various ways outside of their normal responsibilities. For example, our craft cabin lead may be asked to help out at a local Day Camp during the morning, while still completing craft cabin obligations the rest of the day. Flexibility is key, and we strive to make sure that your schedule is balanced in a way that allows you to be the most effective in your ministry to campers.
Our Program Support Positions tend to stay in the same role throughout the summer, but occasionally are asked to help in various ways outside of their normal responsibilities. For example, our craft cabin lead may be asked to help out at a local Day Camp during the morning, while still completing craft cabin obligations the rest of the day. Flexibility is key, and we strive to make sure that your schedule is balanced in a way that allows you to be the most effective in your ministry to campers.
What if I’m not an ELCA Lutheran? Can I still work at camp?
Yes! We have had many staff members in the past who have not identified as ELCA Lutherans. We enjoy diversity and the awesome conversations that come with various viewpoints. However, we are an ELCA organization, so it is important to note that the theology behind our ministry will continue to be rooted in our Lutheran identity. While you may be upfront and honest about your personal affiliation, it is expected that you will teach our Bible Study and other theology-based aspects of the camp from our Lutheran perspective.
What are the living arrangements?
Counselors live in the cabins with campers. Support and leadership staff live with roommates in a staff house. When assigned to Day Camp you will stay with congregation host families. To be honest the staff housing at our sites is not amazing, but this is camp and you are surrounded by amazing people and the outdoors, so who needs 5 star accommodations? All the living spaces have electricity and either have or are near bathrooms. Please bring your own bedding, we suggest a summer weight sleeping bag or a set of twin and full sheets. Laundry is done off site on your own.
More questions? Please contact us!
Mandy Severtson, Associate Director | msevertson@gllm.org
Tina Magner, Hospitality & Retreat Director | tmagner@gllm.org
Mandy Severtson, Associate Director | msevertson@gllm.org
Tina Magner, Hospitality & Retreat Director | tmagner@gllm.org
Green lake lutheran ministries
Inviting all to experience the life-changing love of Jesus through vibrant settings in community and creation.
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Green Lake Bible Camp
9916 Lake Ave. S. Spicer, MN 56288 Phone: 320-796-2181 Fax: 320-796-6633 camp@gllm.org |
Shores of St. Andrew Bible Camp
19080 16th St. NE New London, MN 56273 Phone: 320-354-2961 |
Camp House
1411 Camp House Road Brimson, MN 55602 Phone: 218-848-2277 |