Dear Prospective Staff Person, Thank you for considering Hope Mission s Summer Camps as a possible ministry option this summer. We hope that you will prayerfully consider what God will have you do this summer. Life at summer camp is not a picnic though. It demands that you be willing to sacrifice personal interests for the betterment of the campers and other staff. It demands that you be committed to what God will call you to this summer and to what He wants to accomplish in your life and in the lives of others through you. I would like to invite you to be part of one of the hardest summers of your life but definitely one of the most rewarding. There are great rewards though, in serving at a camp this summer. With them often though comes great heartaches: dealing with lice until 2:30 am one camp, and then all the next day crying with 4 sisters who had to go home because of a lice situation to big too deal with. dealing with 3 campers who ran away during Teens Camp (up until 2:30 am with one who had been punching, swearing, screaming, etc). the many heart breaking home lives that the campers come from boy who lives in a foster home and went to see his mom every two weekends. Well one weekend he goes to her house and finds she has moved. He hasn t seen nor heard from her in 2 years. Another boy who has not seen his mom in 11 years most of the 800 campers came from single parent family homes, from foster or group homes or guardians. Abuse, neglect, alcohol, drugs. There are many exciting times though too having 10-15 campers stay behind at a chapel to pray with a counselor because of things going on at home, (this happens twice a camp), camper runs away from camp on Monday, we bring her back, give her a second chance and on Thursday night after the campfire, she gives her heart to the Lord, one girl whose mom is a prostitute becomes a Christian seeing kids laugh and experience activities that they have not done before. For your summer experience, choose not that which will bring you the most money. Choose that will will bring you the most fulfillment and provide you with an experience that you will never forget. You can always work but you cannot always be involved in a summer of ministry that could change your life forever. God Bless you as you consider what He would have you do this summer. Ps. If you have any questions, call us Toll Free at 1-866-797-2624 (Canada) Brent Ankrom Camp Director Www.hopemission.com/summercamp
Hope Mission is an interdenominational Christian inner city rescue mission in Edmonton, Alberta. The camps exist to provide a summer camp experience for underprivileged children mostly from single parent, foster and group homes. The mission runs camps at two properties. Brightwood Ranch is owned by the mission and is located on 220 acres of rolling hills one hour west of Edmonton. We operate programs for youth ages 6-17 through 6 day resident and outtripping camps. Our camps include: main site - four junior camps, four intermediate camps, 5 and 8 day horsemanship camps, a tipi village, and five youth development programs for high school youth We have a capacity in our main site camps of 64, tipi village has 16 youth while the specialty camps range from 8-11 youth in each program. The main site facilities at present include: four cabins for the girls, four for the guys, a dining hall which seats up to 200 people, and an indoor gym. All the cabins have showers and bathroom facilities. Camp Hope is a 100 acre facility that Hope Mission just purchased 20 minutes west of Calgary near Bragg Creek. Facilities are fairly rustic at this point. It is has a chapel, dining hall, hiking trails, a formal campfire circle, archery, and a sports field. Campers and staff stay in tipis. Camps Include: three junior camps for ages 8-10 and three Intermediate camp for ages 11-13 Experience Needed We welcome applications from people with no previous camping or horse experience as well as from seasoned staff. It is your commitment to Christ, your desire to share His love and your ability (with our training) to teach various activities that are most important. Special skills such as music, drama, swimming, crafts etc. are always needed at camp. Who May Apply? Applications are accepted from those 18 and older who know and love Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord, relate well to youth, and have a desire to be involved in a ministry to underprivileged youth. Senior Counsellors must be 19 years old come camp time. Travel to the Ranch Staff are required to pay the cost to travel to the ranch and back home. Some people in the past have not been able to pay for their airfare up front. The ranch is willing to pay your airfare and then deduct the cost off your paycheques. Please ensure that this is communicated to the director at some point so we can make arrangements.
Length Of Commitment We look for a core staff to stay the whole summer, but also welcome those who can only stay for a portion of that time. Our Staff Training Camp is required for people who have not ministered with Hope Mission Summer Camps before as well as the core staff. It is also strongly recommended for those returning for only part of the summer. SUMMER SCHEDULE FOR 2018 BRIGHTWOOD RANCH Edmonton Camp Brightwood Staff Training June 20-29 MAIN SITE Junior 1 ages 8-10 July 1-6 Intermediate 1 ages 10-12 July 29- Aug 3 Junior 2 ages 8-10 July 8-13 Intermediate 2 ages 10-12 Aug 5-10 Junior 3 ages 8-10 July 15-20 Intermediate 3 ages 10-12 Aug 12-17 Squirt Camp ages 6-9 July 22-25 Fusion ages 8-12 Aug 19-23 Day Camps August 27-30 Ages 6-12 TIPI VILLAGE Junior 1 ages 8-10 July 1-6 Intermediate 1 ages 10-12 July 29- Aug 3 Junior 2 ages 8-10 July 8-13 Intermediate 2 ages 10-12 Aug 5-10 Junior 3 ages 8-10 July 15-20 Intermediate 3 ages 10-12 Aug 12-17 Junior 4 ages 8-10 July 22-25 Intermediate 4 ages 10-12 Aug 19-23 TRAINING PROGRAMS HORSE CAMPS One week Co-ed ages 13-15 July 1-6, July 8-13, July 15-20, 22-25 One week Girls ages 13-15 July 29-Aug 3, Aug 5-10, Aug 12-17, Aug 19-23 2 week Co-ed ages 14-16 July 29- Aug 10, August 12-23 Wrangler Training Program ages 15-17 July 1-25, GO Team ages 13-15 July 1-6, July 8-13, July 15-20, 22-25 July 29-Aug 3, Aug 5-10, Aug 12-17, Aug 19-23 RHYTHM ages 14-17 July 1-13, July 15-25, July 29- Aug 10, August 12-23 Leadership Development Program ages 15-17 July 1-25, July 29-Aug 23 The Crew ages 16-17 July 1-Aug 23 can come for 1 week up to 8 weeks Camp Hope Calgary Camp JUNIOR CAMPS Junior 1 ages 8-10 Junior 2 ages 8-10 All dates to be Determined INTERMEDIATE CAMPS Intermediate 1 ages 10-12 Intermediate 2 ages 10-12 SQUIRT CAMP ages 6-7 Mix JR/INT ages 9-11 Staff Training Camp We are very serious about this summer ministry. Being on camp staff is not a holiday, it is very demanding and we want you to be prepared. We expect a high level of commitment and service from our staff and you will be required to attend the Staff Training Camp prior to the summer camps starting. You will be taught the skills you need to know to carry out your ministry, such as; archery, horseback riding, simulated rock climbing and rappelling, how to teach a Bible study, discipline, Bible study preparation & leading a camper through a decision for Christ. The staff also participate in chapels by presenting dramas, chalk talks, testimonies, and other avenues to present the gospel. Time will be given during training for preparation.
Things to be aware of when applying for a summer staff position: All of these are specific to Brightwood. Info on Camp Hope will follow in January but a lot of it is similar. PURPOSE - Both Camps are owned and operated by Hope Mission - an inner city rescue mission with branches in Edmonton, Calgary, Wetaskiwin and Red Deer. Our purpose is To serve, strengthen, and uplift men, women, youth and children through the life changing gospel of Jesus Christ. LENGTH OF CAMP SESSIONS FOR CAMPERS - We offer eight 6 day camps plus specialty camps. Most camps start on Sunday at 4:00pm and end Friday afternoon at 6:00pm. PROGRAM STYLE - camper- counsellor centred. Camp is geared around the camper-counsellor relationship and therefore all of the day except at games is spent as a cabin group. Cookouts, cabin group activities, meals, Bible Studies and devotions, and special activities all help to provide opportunities to have an impact on the campers that God has given you responsibility for that week. SIZE OF CABIN GROUPS - anywhere from 7-9 campers per cabin. We strive to have two senior counsellors in each cabin. One being the head counselor and one being the program counselor who teaches an activity for the week. Counselors switch roles each week from head counselor to program counselor. We hope that for most of the time a junior counsellor will be with the cabin as well. COUNSELLOR S RESPONSIBILITIES - lead a cabin group of 7-9 young people, lead a daily cabin group Bible study (material provided), evening devotions, assist in teaching camp skills, take campers on a cookout, participate in chapels (dramas, song-leading, testimony, etc.), participate in and sometimes lead all camp games, have a great time, make lifelong friends, and grow in your faith. SUPPORT STAFF RESPONSIBILITIES - to be responsible for your area of service, participate in chapels (dramas, song-leading, testimony, etc.), participate in and sometimes lead all camp games, assist in other areas of camp when needed, serve in a cabin as a cabin buddy for one week, have a great time, make lifelong friends, and grow in your faith. TIME-OFF - Each staff member receives approx. 1 1/2 hours off per day. Between camps, the breaks are 46 hours. STAFF ROTATION - An effort is made to rotate staff between counselling, leading activity areas and service assignments to increase learning and experience and to avoid fatigue. REMUNERATION - All paid staff are employees and therefore are eligible for Workers Compensation and Unemployment Insurance Benefits. - Salary plus room and board is supplied for all staff for the duration of the time of ministry. STAFF SHIRT - Staff T-shirt to be worn on opening and closing days of camp. For more specific information re: specific job description and arrangements, please contact us at the camp office. Building Lives Worth Living
4 MONTH PAID POSITIONS May to August Dates of Service: May 1- August 24th Start Date Preferably May 1 but could be later UNIT LEADER MAIN SITE AND TIPI VILLAGE Ministry Description: to oversee the Main Site and Tipi Village programs, program directors and staff; to connect directly with the male and female unit leaders; to be a resource to them for supplies and for dealing with camper and staff issues; to support, pray for and help where needed. YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM UNIT LEADER Ministry Description: to oversee the program and staff in our 4 YDP programs; to be a resource to them for supplies and for dealing with camper and staff issues; to co-ordinate overlapping schedules and duties for all the programs; to support, pray for, and help where needed. HORSE PROGRAM UNIT LEADER (1) Dates of Service: May 1 to August 24 Ministry Description: to oversee the program and staff in our 4 Horse Programs and our main barn; to be a resource to them for supplies and for dealing with camper and staff issues; to co-ordinate overlapping schedules and duties for all the programs; to support, pray for, and help where needed. Works under the full time Head Wrangler. PROGRAM DIRECTOR (2) One to run the Main Site Camp and one to run Tipi Village. Ministry Description: To co-ordinate and supervise all areas of the resident camp program (games, skills, chapels, etc.), to mentor counsellors, help with camper and staff behavior, and to lead a staff Bible study. YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM DIRECTORS (4) See our website for a fuller description of these programs One each to run the GO Team, Rhythm, Leadership Development Program, and The Crew. Ministry Description: To help develop a training program for 13-17 year olds. To lead groups of up to 10 youth in each session. Sessions will include: bible studies, mentorship, activity development (archery, climbing wall etc.), group project, cleaning duties, junior counselor development and more. All of these programs stay in their own village which consists of: canvas wall tents, mattresses, outdoor cooking area as most of their food is cooked over the fire by the group and an outhouse. The GO Team is a one week program in which campers engage in service projects, camp activities, and enjoying the outdoors. They also have opportunities for personal growth and to learn more about God. They also go tubing down the Pembina River for a day. Rhythm A two week program that will challenge you and expand your world. Develop new skills in areas such as archery, wall climbing, horseback riding and riflery. Enjoy a 5 day canoe trip on a number of lakes in northern Alberta! An opportunity for growth and understanding; to walk more in Rhythm with God. LDP A four week program where participants receive the skills and training necessary to become a part of our CREW program. As part of the program, participants go on a 4 day canoe trip down the North Saskatchewan River, have sessions on personal growth: leadership, service, discipline, etc., camp activity skill development: archery, climbing wall, crafts, etc., and they spend a week with a cabin group learning how to interact with and impact campers. All four weeks will have times spent in Bible study, service projects, camp activities, and tons of fun! CREW LEADER Ministry Description: to lead a group of high school youth in their day to day jobs at the ranch, to lead them in a mentoring and discipleship role, to lead bible studies, go on two camping trips one to a lake and one to the mountians, to do required paper work. SECRETARY (1) Ministry Description: With training to handle to camp revenue and visa bills, to be responsible for all staff paperwork, to be responsible for the Ride-a-thon fundraiser (participant registrations and program), to do secretarial work of the camp (photocopying, phone calls, weekly bus registration), to operate the camp canteen, to assist in various other activities at camp, and to participate in chapels. See more on the next page
MAIN SITE BARN HEAD WRANGLER (1) Dates of Service: May 1 to August 24 Ministry Description: To care for and have the horses ready for the summer, to help plan and implement the programs for the summer camps, to schedule, disciple and train summer staff, to maintain the horsemanship area, to participate in chapels and other camp activities. HORSE CAMP INSRUCTOR (1) Dates of Service: May 1 to August 24 Ministry Description: to plan and implement 1 week long horse camps for youth ages 13-14, to help care for and have the horses ready for the summer, to help maintain the horsemanship area, to plan horse camp bible studies and chapel times, participate in horse program staff meetings. WRANGLER TRAINING PROGRAM INSRUCTOR (1) Dates of Service: May 1 to August 24 Ministry Description: to plan and implement a 4 week long co-ed training program for youth ages 15-17, to plan and implement a 2 week co-ed horse camp for youth ages 14-16, to help care for and have the horses ready for the summer, to help maintain the horsemanship area, to plan Bible studies and chapel times, participate in horse program staff meetings. ASSISTANT COOK (1) Dates of Service: May 1- August 24 Ministry Description: to assist the head cook in the kitchen prep when groups are here, organizing and getting the kitchen ready for the summer, cooking for spring staff, helping wherever needed at the ranch. CLIMBING WALL INSTRUCTOR (1) Ministry Description: to oversee the climbing wall, rappelling and zipline, to make sure all equipment is functional and safe, to train staff and continue supervision of staff, to do a daily and weekly check of the wall and all gear, to keep relevant records of usage of gear, to be involved in other camp activities as available. Will need to be present at the 2 day training session that is held in April or May. MAINTENANCE PERSON (1) Dates of Service: May 1- August 25 Ministry Description: - To assist the Camp Manager in all areas of maintenance - fixing, painting, removing, mowing, weed whacking, transporting food, water, and luggage to the different program sites, chainsaw work - cutting trees for firewood, taking recyclables and cardboard to town, small building projects, participating in chapels and other camp activities. RESOURCE STAFF (2) Ministry Description: to help in any area of camp where needed at an activity, in the kitchen, office, cleaning, helping program directors, or whatever else comes up in order to help us get ready for the summer. These people would them be counselors or kitchen staff in the summer. Two month positions are on the next page.
BRIGHTWOOD RANCH 2 MONTH POSITIONS (some can be for a week or more though) Dates of Service: June 20 - August 24 We do look for people to stay the whole summer but we welcome people for one week or more. SENIOR COUNSELLORS (31) Ministry Description: To lead and guide a camper in such a way that they will have an opportunity to receive Christ and/or grow in their Christian life, to be responsible for the campers' safety and hygiene, to teach or help teach assigned activities, to lead cabin Bible studies and devotions each day and participate in chapel services. Counselors will be divided up into which program they will work at during staff training and will stay in that program for at least 4 weeks and maybe up to 8 weeks. FIRST AID ATTENDANT/NURSE (2) Dates of Service: June 20 - August 24 (can start a week or two earlier if possible or even May 1) Ministry Description: To take possession of and administer all medicine for campers and staff, to keep records of all treatments and medication given, to check all hygiene aspects of camp, to keep an overall eye on the cleanliness of the campers and staff, to care for the ill or injured, to participate in chapels and other camp activities. MALE / FEMALE UNIT LEADER (2) Ministry Description: Disciple staff and hold them accountable to camp goals and policies; assist counselors in dealing with camper issues, oversee activity areas, disciple staff thru small groups and one on one meetings, help where needed. WRANGLER (3) Ministry Description: To care for the horses, to implement the program for the summer camps, to maintain the horsemanship area, to participate in camp chapels and other camp activities, to work at the Main Site Barn, Horse Camp, Wrangler Training or Horses of Hope as needed. HORSES OF HOPE INTRUCTORS (2) Ministry Description: One child, one Horse, one instructor for one hour a day; to do required paper work, to help with site clean up and maintenance and participate in other camp activities. ASSISTANT COOK (3) Two at main site and one at Tipi Village. Ministry Description: To assist in preparing meals, to be involved in the camp chapels and activities as time allows. DINING HALL HOSTESS (1) Ministry Description: to prepare the Dining Hall for each meal, to help cabin groups with dishes, to help with bathroom clean-up, to keep the café building clean including all offices, to stock the staff fridge and freezer, to clean staff lounge, and other duties as needed. RESOURCE STAFF (6) Ministry Description: to help in any area of camp where needed in a cabin with kids, at an activity, in the kitchen, office, helping the nurses with paper work, cleaning, or whatever else comes up. We will certainly look to you being involved in an area where you wish to be involved in a good part of the time. A couple of these staff can start May 1 to help us get ready for the summer. OUTCAMP FOOD CO-ORDINATOR (1) Ministry Description: to pack food for our 6 outcamps twice a week, to participate in chapels and other camp activities, to connect with kids where you can. This person can start May and help in the kitchen during May and June when not packing for outcamps. VOLUNTEER POSITIONS Dates of Service: June 204to August 25 or parts thereof ACTIVITY INSTRUCTORS WRANGLERS KITCHEN HELPERS MAINTENANCE CAMP GRAND-PARENTS COUNSELORS
SUMMER MINISTRY NEEDS CAMP HOPE NEAR CALGARY 4 MONTH PAID POSITIONS May to August May 7 - August 29 (Earlier Start Possible) PROGRAM Leader (1) Run the Camp Program. Ministry Description: To be a part of the camp planning team and to implement, co-ordinate, supervise, and evaluate all areas of the resident camp program (schedules, games, skills, chapels, etc.), to mentor counsellors and to lead a staff Bible study. Calgary Outreach Worker and Camp UNIT LEADER (Male/Female) (2) Ministry Description: to assist Outreach Work in Calgary to children and be a part of the the Camp planning team and assist programs, program leaders and staff; Disciple staff and hold them accountable to camp goals and policies; assist counsellors in dealing with camper issues, oversee activity areas, help where needed. to connect directly with counsellors; to be a resource to them for supplies and for dealing with camper and staff issues; to support, pray for and help where needed. 2 MONTH PAID POSITIONS May to August June 18 - August 28 COUNSELLORS (20): Ministry Description: To lead and guide a camper in such a way that they will have an opportunity to receive Christ and/or grow in their Christian life, to be responsible for the campers safety and hygiene, to teach or help teach assigned activities, to lead cabin Bible studies and devotions each day and participate in chapel services. FIRST AID ATTENDANT/NURSE (1): Ministry Description: To take possession of and administer all medicine for campers and staff, to keep records of all treatments and medication given, to check all hygiene aspects of camp, to keep an overall eye on the cleanliness of the campers and staff, to care for the ill or injured, to participate in chapels and other camp activities. ASSISTANT COOK (1) Ministry Description: To assist in preparing meals, to be involved in the camp chapels and activities as time allows. RESOURCE STAFF (2) Ministry Description: to help in any area of camp where needed in a cabin with kids, at an activity, in the kitchen, office, helping the nurses with paper work, cleaning, or whatever else comes up. We will certainly look to you being involved in an area where you wish to be involved in a good part of the time. VOLUNTEER POSITIONS Dates of Service: July and August or parts thereof exact dates to be determined Activity Instructors (8) Kitchen Helpers (4) Maintenance/Janitorial Camp Grand-Parents
Salary All paid positions at both camps receive $1,000 per month paid by Hope Mission, room and board and the opportunity to raise an additional $1,000 per month through friends, family and church. We provide you with a letter that you hand out and they mail the funds to the ranch. You receive what comes in for you up to the $1,000 per month minus CPP, UIC and taxes. Two month and four month salary has the same pay rate and opportunities. $1,000 per month plus room and board is guaranteed. The last number of summers, those Canadian staff who were in school the previous year and returned to full time studies in the fall received a government grant that paid $2,200 per month. The grant is not guaranteed every year. Those staff who di dnot receive the grant but will be going to school in the fall, we have been able to increase their base salary from $1,000 up to anywhere between $1,250 and $2,200 per month depending on finances available. Those who are returning staff will be higher on the list to receive the grant if we get it. Those not in school last year or will not go back in the fall, we pay $1000 per month, room & board and you are able to raise an additional $1000 per month. Foreign Applicants It is can be a very easy process depending on which country you are presently residing in. Citizens from the following countries will be allowed to apply. We have found that people from these countries do not need a visa and are able to get the paperwork real easy. - US, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Austria, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, Norway, Sweden, Hungary and Switzerland. Other non-canadian citizens residing in their home country in or in a country presently that is not Canada, the process is too long and costly and after all is done, most of the time they will not let you leave the country. Foreign students presently in Canada and who will be staying in Canada over the summer are welcome to apply to be volunteers. Once accepted, Non US citizens will need to apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). This can take only a few minutes or 3 days. It costs you $7 (Can). US citizens do not need to apply for an ETA. All foreign staff will serve as volunteers. You will receive room and board and a monthly stipend of $1000 Canadian per month. This will be given to you as a bank transfer or a cheque which you can cash here at our local bank. You do not need a work permit or a social insurance number. We simply provide you with a letter stating that you will be volunteering at our ranch. You then present this to Border Services/ Immigration when you arrive at the Edmonton International Airport or drive to the Canada/US border. All foreign volunteers flying into Canada must fly into Edmonton as their port of entry and not another Canadian city and then Edmonton. You may experience difficulty if you do so. Foreign workers are not able to raise the additional $1,000 per month. Some foreign staff have applied in their country for a one-year worker/travel visa. If you choose to do this, you will need to apply for a SIN card and a work permit which will cost you $150. All foreign staff will need to supply us with a copy of their travel and life insurance. To Apply: Send resume and cover letter stating why you want to work at a Christian Camp to: hr@hopemission.com