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.  If you live close to camp, we’ll request that you come in for an in-person interview. Or, if we’re going to be out-and-about and close to where you are, we’ll find a time to interview you in person there!  However, we are also very open to interviewing using technology. A Skype or FaceTime interview can also be a great way for us to connect and get to know you.

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!

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Can I get time off during the summer for family vacations, graduations, weddings, etc.?
Yes.  Family vacations and other important family events are a joyful and important part of life.  We know that you might have to occasionally miss days during the summer. We do expect that you communicate these dates to us as early as possible.  The good thing about these big life events is that you usually have dates months ahead of time, right? So, when you apply, or in the months leading up to summer, you’ll need to let us know what dates off you are requesting.  We are almost always able to accommodate these requests, especially when we know ahead of time.
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.  You may also leave site and spend time with family and friends.
  • There are a few weekends during the summer that are contracted, on-site weekends.  For 2020, those weekends are June 5&6 (staff training), July 24th & 25th (our Annual Quilt Auction), and July 31st and August 1st (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?
2020 Staff Training runs from May 31 - June 12th.  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.  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.  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
Steven Roenfeldt, Program Director  |  sroenfeldt@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.
Home
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