For students, summer is known to be a time of relaxation and a break from the stresses of the school year, but for the average college student, it can be anything but that. There is a pressure to find the perfect internship or job that aligns with your future career goals and will provide you with all the experience you need to build the perfect resume. The stress of being able to successfully enter the workforce after graduation is something college students are constantly focused on.
At Lutheran Valley Retreat, we equip our staff with essential skills that are valuable in any work setting. LVR has staff going into careers based in ministry, education, business, the medical field, and trades, and in all cases their time as summer staff has helped propel them forward. Beyond just providing the basis for strong leadership skills and communication, LVR builds a community with everyone that steps foot onto camp. We strive to show God’s love to each and every individual.
When asking former staff about their experience working at camp, the community built was something that was mentioned by nearly everyone. There is a community built on support, love, and care for others that is unlike any other workplace. We want all of our staff members to be the best version of themselves not only at camp, but in life after. Adam Prince, former counselor and program member, said that the patience and people skills he learned at camp have greatly benefited him as he has built his career. We want our staff members to take what they learned at camp down the mountain and apply it to life outside of camp, just like our campers.
“Camp brings people from a variety of different faith backgrounds who are all there for one purpose- to help show campers the love of Christ. It’s a great reminder of how the body of Christ works and how we can build one another up.”
Morgan Geiss/Tsunami
Camp isn’t your typical workplace environment but that doesn’t mean it’s lacking professionalism and an opportunity to improve interpersonal skills that youw ould find in a traditional internship. One of our former staff members, Morgan, mentioned how the skills she has learned in addressing conflict and managing small and large groups of people has directly applied to her career in education. As she approaches her third year of teaching, Morgan stated that her classroom management skills and ability to build relationships with students has flourished due to her experience at camp.
Additionally, there is an emphasis on communication among our summer staff. Staff members gain essential communication skills with coworkers and supervisors – which is something that everyone needs to know. With the camp dynamic, staff members gain confidence in their communication and leadership skills. Staff members naturally learn to take up leadership positions and guide others, whether that be in the form of helping answer parent questions, leading campers in day to day activities, helping others grow in their faith, or providing support to campers and other staff members in any way that is necessary. LVR builds leaders who are filled with the love of Christ and can confidently take on any challenges that are thrown at them.
“When people came to me with questions they had or struggles, I knew more about how to help them, how to respond, and how to do so confidently.”
Whitney post/kiwi