Director’s Portal

Important Deadlines

  • Meet with the DCM (Daniel) 2 months before camp

  • Submit or email the proposed schedule 1 month before camp

  • Send Amazon wishlist to Daniel 3 weeks before camp

  • Have all volunteers registered on Ultra Camp 2 weeks before camp

  • Submit reimbursements 2 weeks after camp

We ask that you bring no more than 3 gofers, ideally just 2.

Reimbursements

Please upload photo(s) of all receipts used for directing at camp so we can process the reimbursement and send you a check. (You may also email receipts to dcm@lakesidebiblecamp.org.)

Important Contacts

Live Camper Tally

View your camps registration status in real time

Lakeside Bible Camp Philosophy of Ministry

Primary Objective

Lakeside Bible Camp exists to help campers encounter Jesus Christ personally. Through thoughtful programming and counseling, we aim for each person to clearly hear the gospel and leave camp with a new or renewed commitment to Christ (Romans 12:1–2).

Secondary Objective

We are also committed to nurturing the whole person—spiritually, physically, socially, emotionally, and mentally (Luke 2:52). Effective ministry addresses all areas of human development.

Key Ministry Goals

Spiritual

  • Present the gospel and invite campers to know Christ as Savior.
  • Encourage growth through Bible study, prayer, scripture memory, and worship.
  • Promote life application of biblical truth and Christian responsibility.

Physical

  • Promote health through exercise, rest, and nutrition.
  • Encourage safe habits and enjoyment of God’s creation.
  • Teach practical outdoor and craft skills.

Social

  • Build self-confidence and healthy relationships.
  • Model Christian behavior and responsibility.
  • Develop leadership and cooperation in a group setting.

Mental

  • Stimulate clear thinking and personal conviction.
  • Encourage creativity and communication skills.

Emotional

  • Provide a stable, encouraging environment.
  • Help campers develop inner self-control and a sense of personal worth rooted in God’s design.

Additional Commitments

  • Support the Family: Refresh and strengthen family relationships through teaching and counselor encouragement.
  • Support the Church: Encourage campers to connect with a Bible-teaching church for lasting spiritual growth.
  • Pursue Excellence: Maintain high standards in facilities, staffing, programs, and safety to glorify God (1 Cor. 10:31; Romans 13:1–7).

Self Preparation for Directors

Spiritual Preparation

Understand that camp work is a spiritual task, requiring spiritual individuals. Be spiritually prepared for the task ahead (1 Tim. 4:16).

Physical Preparation

Arrive rested and prepared to handle the physical, emotional, and mental demands of camp. Consider how your own fitness can affect the experience of others.

Mental Preparation

Stay informed by reading relevant materials and attending conferences like the Christian Camping International Northwest Sectional Conference. This prepares you to bring fresh ideas to camp.

Training at Camp

Arrival

  • Arrive before counselors to get organized and ready for the first session.
  • Ensure counselors are clear on the start time and the importance of this preparation time.

Preparation Topics

  • Overview of the week’s schedule and camp objectives.
  • Roles and responsibilities of counselors.
  • Camp philosophy on discipline, spiritual content, and safety procedures.

Team Building

  • Include group activities like recreation and cabin decorating to foster team unity.
  • Encourage counselors to get a good night’s sleep to start the week fresh.

First Day Responsibilities

Registration

  • Counselors receive camper info, fees, and medications for collection.
  • Ensure proper collection of camper fees and medications, including proper labeling.
  • Welcome campers and parents with a warm, organized check-in process.

Camper Orientation

  • Go over camp rules and expectations clearly with the campers.
  • Ensure the rules are understood and encourage a positive and respectful environment.

Key Camp Rules

  • Be on Time: Encourage punctuality for activities.
  • Respect: Promote respectful communication and no foul language.
  • Safety: Keep campers within designated areas and follow safety rules for swimming and boating.

Responsibilities During the Week

  • Stay on Schedule: Ensure that camp activities, especially meals, run on time.
  • Support Counselors: Meet the spiritual, emotional, and physical needs of your counselors.
  • Delegate Effectively: Free up your time for ministering by delegating physical tasks.
  • Monitor Camp Activities: Ensure quality and safety for skill classes, waterfront activities, and recreation.
  • Maintain Behavior Standards: Establish clear expectations for camper behavior at meals, chapel, and activities.

Recruitment and Preparation of Counselors

Recruiting Counselors

Finding the right counselors is a Spirit-led process that starts with prayer and depends on discernment, communication, and wise preparation.

  • Pray for God’s Provision: Begin with prayer, trusting God to raise up the right workers (Luke 6:12–16).
  • Look for Godly Character: Seek those with hearts aligned with God, not just visible qualifications (1 Sam. 16:7; Ps. 127:1).
  • Use Discernment: Choose carefully and wisely. Not everyone is ready for this task (1 Tim. 5:22).
  • Encourage, Don’t Coerce: Be positive and inspiring without using pressure or guilt.
  • Build a Broad Team: A diverse counselor group supports better follow-up and impact.
  • Communicate Expectations: Be honest about the workload and purpose so counselors come prepared.
  • Ask for Help: Contact elders and leaders, especially in unfamiliar churches, to recommend strong candidates.
  • Start Early: Begin recruiting early in the year. Use prior staff lists and proven counselors as your foundation.

Preparing Counselors

Once counselors are recruited, equipping them spiritually and practically is essential. Training should address both new and experienced staff.

  • Hold Pre-Camp Meetings: Aim for 2–3 gatherings to unify and equip your team.
  • Distribute Counselor Manuals Early: Give counselors time to study material on responsibilities and philosophy.
  • Use the Manual in Training: Review sections on ministry vision, evangelism, and camper relationships together.
  • Review the Schedule Together: Go over camp plans and welcome staff feedback.
  • Delegate Responsibilities: Assign tasks to spread leadership and build ownership.
  • Assign Based on Skills: Use counselors’ strengths to assign skill classes and provide needed resources.
  • Be Creative in Training: Keep training fresh and engaging to better prepare your team.
  • Support New Counselors: Give extra guidance to new or nervous staff, and pair them with seasoned mentors.
  • Pray and Build Fellowship: Strengthen unity through shared prayer and team-building.
  • Lead with Enthusiasm: Show genuine excitement for what God will do — it’s contagious and uplifting.

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