SUMMER STAFF

“God used this summer at Northland to teach me things I didn’t expect to learn. I didn’t expect being part of the staff to be so much fun this summer as well as take so much effort. I also didn’t expect Him to show me just how often I do things for my own glory instead of His. But knowing what I was personally struggling with at the time, God also showed me a lot of grace in the staff He put around me as well as the girls and their struggles He put into my cabin. God worked in so many campers’ lives this summer, and it was amazing to watch and know it was all God and not me! I’m so grateful that God chooses to use imperfect people to accomplish His work!”

Looking over this last summer and the memories made, I would like to think the biggest impact on me was the all-around investment in each other. We had full-time staff investing in the summer staff through staff training, power groups, letting us know they were praying for us, and inviting us into their homes on a regular basis. We as the summer staff had the campers and each other to challenge, encourage, uplift, serve, pray for, and counsel.

“Spending the summer at camp was an experience I will never forget! Some of the biggest things to me were the friendships I made, the campers I counseled, and the focus on Christ. I definitely made some lifelong friends this summer! As a counselor, I was responsible for different cabins throughout the summer. I realized real quick that without the Lord on my side, I would’ve been completely lost when when counseling campers on various issues throughout the summer. But because I relied on God, he was able to work through me in the lives of those young people. This summer really helped me to put my focus back on Christ. As a college student, it’s easy to get sucked into college life. But, it was a great reminder that I need to rely more on Christ!”

“This was my first summer at Northland. I mostly worked with the younger campers, which really was a lot of fun. We sang silly songs, played crazy games, threw wet sponges at each other, and even slept in a tepee.

At camp, it's easy to assume that God is working during the ‘spiritual times’ of the day, such as daily chapel or devotions (which is very true). However, He isn't limited to these times only.

This summer was a good reminder of the importance of always being prepared to talk about things of the Lord, no matter where I may be, or what I may be doing. God can use His word & his people wherever we are.

It's amazing how God works! If He brings along an opportunity - we must take it. Because, either way you look at it, my life is a witness for Him. The question is: what type of witness will I be? Will I be ready and willing?”

“While staffing at Northland this summer, the Lord taught me about my role in ministry as just a normal believer. Sometimes we get hung up on sharing Jesus and the Bible with others because we are afraid of being responsible if they reject it or get angry. However, believing this puts too much responsibility on us in sharing the gospel. Our role is simply to accurately and lovingly share God's message with others as it is given to us in the Bible. We are not responsible for how others receive it. That is between them and the Spirit. We are simply the messengers who must faithfully deliver the Word. The rest must be left in the Lord's hands.”

“This is my second summer working at Northland, and I am so thankful God gave me that opportunity again this summer. I was a teen counselor for all four weeks of youth camp, and I loved it! God used every week to teach me something about himself or show me something that I needed to change in my life. One of the biggest lessons God taught me this summer was that my ministry doesn't end when I go home from camp. God has called us to ministry all the time, everywhere we go! You don't have to be working at camp to share the Gospel with someone. If you are truly watching for opportunities to share God's love, He will give you those opportunities. I am so thankful for the impact camp has had on my life and the amazing people I've been able to meet!”

“The theme of this summer to me was ‘God-appointed.’ God specifically appointed exactly who was supposed to work there, which campers were supposed to be in my cabin, and exactly which messages the speakers were supposed to preach. Seeing God work in even the smallest of situations. The full time staff was incredible encouraging and everyone just worked together to help each other out and would pray for all the counselors. Getting unplugged at camp and growing closer to God is what it’s all about and I will never forget it!”

“This summer, I had the opportunity to serve at Northland camp as a teen counselor. Through daily interactions, one-on-one conversations, God and I time devotions, and cabin devotions before bed, I had the opportunity to share truths from God‘s Word and relate them to the life of each camper.

There were plenty of other things that made the summer a blast. I got to work with an amazing staff full of different personalities but all with hearts to serve the Lord and other people. I got to participate in games and free time activities that made me feel like a camper myself. And I got to hear some amazing preaching that challenged and encouraged me in my personal walk with God. Being at camp gave me a chance to get away from my normal life for a little while, and it helped prepare me for the ministry God has me in this fall at my Christian school.”