MORE THAN JUST A SUMMER JOB.
(Leave blank)
Red Willow Bible Camp
1651 Jacob Dr
Binford, ND 58416
Phone: 701-676-2681
Fax: 701-676-2680
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.redwillowbiblecamp.org
Hello! If you are reading this then you are already considering joining the Red
Willow team on summer staff. For that, thank you! It takes a special quality to want to
give up a summer to spend your time and energy getting to know campers, cleaning
toilets, washing dishes, going out of your comfort zone, and doing whatever it takes to
serve others while sharing God’s love. The job of a summer staff at Red Willow is not
always glorious and is often tiring and difficult, but it is worth every minute. Hundreds of
lives are impacted and changed every year because people like you decided serve.
This application packet is designed to give you much of the information you need
to make an informed decision about your possible future at Red Willow. I invite you to
read through the packet thoroughly and call or email me if you have any questions. If,
after studying this packet, you find that you want to join the Red Willow team, great!
Please complete the application and return it to Red Willow. Positions are filled on an
immediate basis, so send it in as soon as possible! All positions require an interview.
Official word on positions will be made as they are filled.
I hope you seriously consider joining us this summer. It is an exciting opportunity to
share in a community of believers working toward a common goal in outdoor ministry.
We need dedicated, caring individuals who are willing to be flexible and support a
team. If you’re looking for “more than just a summer job,” join the team and see how
God works in you and through you in unexpected ways this summer!
Peace,
Jeremy Maahs
Program Director
Red Willow Ministries is....

500 acres of scenic, rolling hills and short-grass prairie with water front on Red
Willow and Trinity Lakes.

Able to accommodate up to 90 overnight guests during the summer.

A retreat center, 10 summer cabins, a water front area with canoes, kayaks,
paddle boats, a pontoon, a pool, a miniature golf course, the Memorial Chapel,
group challenge course, outdoor worship areas, arts and crafts cabin,
hiking/biking trails, and recreational fields.

A place to learn, grow, and share with others.

An outdoor ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in American (ELCA)
supported by the Eastern North Dakota Synod.

An extension of over 200 Lutheran congregational ministries in Eastern North
Dakota. Through Christ-centered programming, Red Willow Ministries seeks to
meet the needs of the people of these congregations and surrounding
communities.

A camp, conference, and retreat facility established in 1926 to serve youth and
adults in the region. Presently the facility serves approximately 2,000 individuals
each year.

A year-round program site with 4 full-time staff committed to serving our guests.

People brought together with a common goal of sharing the Gospel story with
young and old alike. This is much more than just a place.

A community of dedicated Christian young people willing to share the Gospel
message through Bible Study, worship, recreation, and small group-living during
the camping season.

God's people working, playing, and worshipping in a unique place with a unique
message and a unique purpose.

The people of God called to a special place apart knowing that they can and
do make a difference in God’s world

People committed to ministry.
So you're wondering…
"Is a summer camp job for me?"
Or…
"Why should I choose Red Willow Ministries over other
opportunities?"
Here’s what some of our former staffers have to say!
“I applied for a job as a counselor somewhat on a whim. It was a leap of
faith that I felt God calling me to take… and I’m glad I jumped!”
“My high point was having kids open up to me and talk about their life and
faith. It was fun watching them get excited about God.”
“I loved being with the campers and seeing their joy.”
“I’ve always loved this place and always will; getting to work here was
amazing!”
“I learned to put others first. I truly think I became more of a servant.”
“This summer I have grown a lot and learned many leadership skills.”
“I love this place and the experiences I’ve had here. It changes my life
every time I come.”
“Working at Red Willow Ministries has brought my relationship with God to a
new level.”
“I learned how to better share my faith with others.”
“I experienced lots of things that I never have before. I also learned a lot
about myself, things that I didn’t even know and it gave me a lot of
confidence in myself”
“Hands down, working at camp is the best thing I’ve ever been a part of!”
Summer Programs
Elementary Programs
Day Camp/Vacation Bible School (VBS):
entering grades 1-6
Day Camp is offered to churches across Eastern ND. A team of summer staff travel to a
church for 2 ½ days. Campers will come to church to enjoy a few days (no overnights)
filled with games, giggles, grub, and, most importantly, God. (Off-site multiple sessions)
Seekers:
entering grades 1-3
This camp is offered as a “day play” to our youngest campers. It is our way of
introducing them to camp so they come back when they are older. We will pack all we
can into the 6 hours they are here: Bible study, swimming, hiking, crafts, game, and
much more. (On-site multiple sessions)
Taste of Camp:
entering grades1-3
This camp is designed as an introduction to overnight camping. Campers come with an
adult (parent, aunt, uncle, grandparent, godparent, etc.) and experience 2 nights and
3 days alongside the pathfinders. (On-site 2 sessions)
Pathfinders:
entering grades 2-4
For many of these campers this is their first time away from home and their first time at
camp. The campers may be smaller, but all of the fun is still HUGE! You will pack all the
fun and activities of camp into 2 nights and 3 days. (On-site 2 sessions)
Creation Camp:
entering grades 4-6
This is the epitome of camp for many campers. Campers form a tightly knit community
through 6 days of adventure, including: cool crafts, nature discoveries, fantastic games,
Bible study, and worship. Each day includes a variety of experiential activities based on
the theme. (On-site 2 session)
Holy Hoops Juniors:
entering grades 4-7
This is a very popular program. It gives campers 2 camps in one. The beginning of the
day is spent at the Griggs Country Central School gym working on the fundamentals of
basketball and the afternoon and evening is spent doing traditional camp things. Some
staff with basketball experience may get to coach at the gym. (On-site 1 session)
Summer Programs
Continued
Middle and High School Programs
Disciples Camp:
entering grades 7-9
Most of these campers have been coming to Red Willow for years and already know
what to expect. Enjoy deeper conversation and Bible Studies with a full week of camp.
(On-site 2 sessions)
Wilderness Week:
entering grades 7-12
Adventurous middle and high school students experience tenting at a various sites
each night, hiking, canoeing, cooking over a campfire and lots more! Along with our
usual bible studies there will also be a daily focus on environmental education,
wilderness skills and team building. This camp takes place one week after our regular
camping season ends and is led by a small group of summer staff who will be
contracted for this additional week. (On-site 1 session)
Advanced Holy Hoops:
entering grades 8-12
This is similar to the Holy Hoops Juniors week, but during this week campers work on
more advanced basketball strategies. (On-site 1 session)
Amp! Camp:
entering grades 10-12
Camp gets better the older you get. This is a week of on-site camping for high school
students where we hope to help equip them with a passion to amplify God’s love in
their lives and in the lives of those around them. (On-site 1 session)
Counselor in Training:
completed grades 10-12
This program is for high school campers who one day hope to become counselors. CIT’s
are required to attend another age appropriate camp and then have the opportunity
to come and “shadow” a counselor in a cabin for one or more weeks (depending on
their age). They will also receive some additional leadership training from the program
director.
Adult Programs
Discovery Camp:
Adults with Disabilities
This is a four day camp offered to adults with both physical and mental disabilities.
Summer staff and volunteers stack the ratio to about 1:2 counselors per camper, and
staff work in teams to lead a cabin. The week is filled with swimming, Bible study, crafts,
and games. Don’t forget to bring your dress clothes and dancing shoes for the
traditional dance. Also, start practicing your hidden talents so you can enter the talent
show. (On-site 2 session)
VITAL STATS – Red Willow Bible Camp
Employment Period: May 11 (program staff) or May 18 (cabin staff) – July 31, 2015 (additional
weeks may be contracted before or after the regular season)
Camp Sessions: Sunday 4:00 p.m. through Friday 2:00 p.m. (except Discovery Weeks)
Staff on Duty: Sunday at 1:00 p.m. through Friday 6:00 p.m. You are expected to be at camp
until 6:00 for most weeks. With the exceptions of:
 May 18th – May 29th for staff training (all staff will remain at camp for the duration)
 Any VBS teams leaving on Sundays will need to be back Saturday night or early on
Sunday (decided by the Program Director) depending on when the VBS begins
and where it is located.
 Life guards may need to stay later or return early for In-services and may be asked
to help with additional user groups.
 Discover week 1: Monday June 22nd 9:00 a.m. – Thursday June 25th 6:00 p.m.
 Discover week 2: Sunday June 28th 9:00 a.m. – Wednesday July 1st 6:00 p.m.
Camp Schedule:
Campers arrive:
Campers depart:
RESIDENT CAMP (Sun-Fri)
Between 4:00 and 5:00 p.m.
Between 2:00 and 3:00 p.m.
VBS (Sun–Tue & Wed–Fri)
Varied
Varied
Cabin Size: usually 5 - 14
Max. Campers: On-site programs 90 campers per session; VBS – 20-120 campers per session
Total Summer Staff: 20
Total Year Round Staff: 4
Activities: Hikes, Swimming, Worship, Bible study, Boating, Fishing, Archery, Cook-out, Campouts, Crafts, Sports (Basketball, Volleyball, Soccer, etc.), Games, Ropes Course Challenges, Disc
Golf, Campfires, and whatever other wild (but safe!) activities staff comes up with.
Basic Monday to Friday Residential Camp Daily Schedule
8:30 Breakfast/Earlybird Devotion
9:15 Cabin Activity
10:15 Cabin Activity
11:15 Worship
12:00 Lunch
1:00 Games/Staff Meeting
1:30 Bible Study
2:30 EXTRAS (staff led sessions for campers)
3:30 Camper Free Time
5:30 Supper
6:30 Clean Cabin/Cabin Time
6:45 All Camp Game/Activity
8:15 Canteen/Hang Out
9:00 Campfire
9:45 Get ready for bed/ Devotion
10:45 Lights Out
The above schedule may change depending on the type of camp that is in session.
Red Willow Ministries Summer Staff Job Description – Summaries
A signed copy of the full job description for the position(s) you are applying for must be attached
to your application. You can find them at www. redwillowbiblecamp.org
Counselors will live with a group of 5-14 campers and maybe another Counselor. They will be the
campers guide and role model for the week on site and work off-site with children in grades 1-5
at VBS. They will lead Bible studies, worship, recreation, crafts, songs, and creative fun.
Counselors will also get the opportunity to assist with onsite worship and campfire. They will be
responsible for planning and leading a nightly devotional for their cabin. Must be 18 by May 31,
2015 with one year of college or work experience. Dates of employment: May 18 – July 31, 2015.
8 females and 5 males.
Support Staff will work together and with full time staff to keep camp operational. They are key to a
successful summer. Support staff will spend the majority of their time with other staff in a
supportive and fun environment. Specific duties will be assigned to help maintain faculties or
cook or serve meals. Support staff may also be a part of day camp (vbs) teams and will spend
some of their time interacting with campers. The main requirement is a willingness to learn and
participate. Must be graduated from high school. Dates of employment: May 18 – July 31, 2015.
Preferably at least 1 male and 1 female, 3 total.
The program staff team consists of 4 people in 3 positions: two team leaders, an Aquatics Director and
an Adventure Leader. They will work together to prepare for and lead day to day programing.
Program staff will arrive at camp one week prior to staff training for an additional week of training.
Each of the positions below are outlined with a general set of expectation and responsibilities, but this
list is neither definitive nor exclusive. Additional responsibilities will be assigned by the program director
and it is a priority that program staff have time to develop skills within their area of interest.
Program Staff: Team Leaders must have some camp experience and strong leadership skills. They
will be responsible for living in intentional community as a role model to counselors; develop
leadership skills in & bring out other gifts in staff members; and work as a servant to staff,
providing necessary organization, program materials, encouragement, & evaluation. Together,
the 2 team leaders will be in charge of making the day run smoothly by planning group
activities, worship, campfire, and leading many activities. This position involves a lot of behindthe-scenes work and may have additional responsibilities as they come up. Preferred age 21 by
May 31, 2015. Dates of employment: May 11 – July 31, 2015. Preferably one male and one
female.
Program Staff: Aquatics Director (AD) is responsible for the safe operation of the waterfront and
swimming pool program and facilities. The AD will supervise, provide in-services for and evaluate
the lifeguards. AD will train and schedule lookouts. The AD is responsible for testing and
maintaining the pool water. This position will also require the supervision of campers at some
points during the summer. Must have Red Cross Lifeguard certification or equivalent. Preferred
age of 21 by May 31, 2015. Dates of employment: May 11 – July 31, 2015. 1 male or female.
Program Staff: Adventure Leader is responsible for the environmental education programs and the
outdoor adventure activities. This would include: trails, off-site camping and hiking, mountain
bikes, archery, overnight camping, cookouts, Adventure Course activities and outdoor safety
and Godly stewardship of His creation. Some certifications in these areas are helpful but not
mandatory. Preferred age of 21 by May 31, 2014. Dates of employment: May 11 – July 31, 2015.
1 male or female.
2015 Staff positions and Salary Guidelines
Position
Salary
Dates of Employment
Program Staff
Counselor
Support Staff
$3,000
$2,500
$2,200
May 11 – July 31
May 18 – July 31
May 18 – July 31
Bonuses
Returning Staff: Returning staff members will be eligible for $100 each returning year as an RWBC
full time summer staff member. Considerations may be made for full time summer staff
experience at other camps as well. (Example; if you were on staff for the summers of 2013
and 2014 and are hired for the summer of 2015 you would receive a $200 bonus because it
is your second summer as a returning staff member)
Lifeguard: All lifeguards will receive a $100 bonus. Any staff member who wishes to guard for the
camp must attend a day of lifeguard training for certification during staff training (even if
you are already certified. This training will be paid for by the camp in addition to your
bonus.
Information
Salary and Benefits:
 Each staff person receives a weekly salary plus room and board.
 Worker's Compensation Insurance is also provided.
 The salary is paid every two weeks.
 Each staff member will be trained in 1st Aid and CPR.
 Employees are allowed up to 5 days of paid sick leave or time off for family emergencies
during the dates of employment.
 All other absences must be discussed before signing your contract. Absences may be
granted with or without pay.
 Staff may have the opportunity to be contracted for additional weeks or weekends with
pay
Employment periods may vary some as needed. If a student has been given minimum summer
earning figures to receive financial aid in the following school year, please carefully consider the
fact that you are also compensated by receiving room and board from Red Willow Ministries
during your employment period.
All staff are required to participate in criminal history and sexual abuse background checks.
References are required, and forms are provided to the applicant for distribution. Staff who may
drive camp vehicles will be required, in advance of actual employment dates, to provide Red
Willow Ministries with their Drivers License information (Must be 21 or older).
Red Willow Ministries Staff Application
Return to:
Red Willow Ministries
Staff Application
1651 Jacob Dr.
Binford, ND 58416
Contact us at: Phone: 701-676-2681
Fax: 701-676-2680
Email:
[email protected]
Name: ____________________________________ Today’s Date: ________________
[ ] Male [ ] Female
Cell Phone: ______________________ Email: ___________________________________ DOB: ______________
Date school ends in Spring: __________________________ Age you will be on May 31, 2015: __________
Driver’s License #: _____________________________________________ State: __________________________
Desired staff position: __________________________________________________________________________
Hometown / Parents’ Address
□ mail here
College Address
□mail here
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
City________________________________________
City________________________________________
ST________________ ZIP_______________________
ST________________ ZIP_______________________
Landline Phone_____________________________
Landline Phone ___________________________
Optional info:
Church Membership_____________________________________ Pastor_______________________________
Church town _____________________________________________ ST__________ Zip____________________
Have you ever been convicted of a felony? [ ] Yes [ ] No
If Yes, please explain: __________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Education: Circle current level or highest level completed
High School: 10 11 12
College: 1 2 3 4 5
Grad School: 1 2 3 4
Degrees: ___________________________________ Major: ____________________________________________
Background information-work and volunteer info
Business: ____________________________________ Position: _________________________________________
Dates employed: _____________________________ Type of work: ___________________________________
Business: _____________________________________ Position: ________________________________________
Dates employed: ______________________________ Type of work: __________________________________
Special Skills:
Place a 1 by the skills you have or are comfortable doing/ leading
Place a 2 by skills you are willing to help lead
Place a 3 by skills you are willing to learn
Place a 4 by skills you are not interested in:
[ ] Leading Games[ ] Camping Skills [ ] Sports
[ ] Planning Devotionals
[ ] Drama/ Skits
[ ] Archery
[ ] Leadership
[ ] CPR expires:______________
[ ] VBS
[ ] Nature Skills
[ ] Crafts
[ ] Lifeguard expires:_________
[ ] Swimming
[ ] Lead Bible Study [ ] Leading Worship [ ] First Aid expires:__________
[ ] Music: indicate instrument/ voice________________________
[ ]Other______________
List any other certifications you hold: ___________________________________________________________
Free Life Guard training is offered to summer staff. Are you willing to go through this training?
[ ] Yes [ ] No
Camping Information – tell us about your past experience
Experience as a camper: [ ] never [ ] 1-2 years
[ ] 3-5 years
[ ] 5 or more
Experience serving in Camping ministry: [ ] never
[ ] 1-2 years
[ ] 3-5 years
[ ] 5 or more
Previous positions held at Red Willow Bible Camp or other camp(s):
Camp _______________________________________ Position _________________________________________
Camp _______________________________________ Position _________________________________________
ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS – USE A SEPARATE SHEET OF PAPER
Please type your answers if possible.
1. Why do you want to work at Red Willow Ministries?
2. What experience(s) do you have working with kids?
3. What are your top 2 goals for the summer and how will you reach them?
4. What do you consider to be your strengths and how will they be helpful to the Red Willow
Ministries community this summer?
5. What are your weaknesses and how will you work on them during the summer?
6. How are you involved in “the Church”?
7. How is your faith expressed in your daily life?
Please complete the following with your first thoughts. Use only the space provided.
Jesus…
God is my…
A good community…
The Holy Spirit…
Camp is…
REFERENCES
Please list the names, relationship, full addresses, and phone number of three references (Do not
list relatives or close friends. Use teachers, employers, pastors, etc.)
PLEASE GIVE THE ENCLOSED FORMS TO YOUR REFERENCE CHOICES TO BE MAILED BACK TO CAMP.
(Your references should send the completed forms to Red Willow. We encourage you
to provide camp-addressed stamped envelopes to each of your references, and
make sure to print your name clearly on the top of each form)
1. _____________________________________________________________________________________________
Name
Relationship
Phone number with area code
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Address
State
Zip Code
2. _____________________________________________________________________________________________
Name
Relationship
Phone number with area code
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Address
State
Zip Code
3. _____________________________________________________________________________________________
Name
Relationship
Phone number with area code
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Address
State
Zip Code
Time Off and Time Off Requests: Staff are required to be at staff training from May 18th to May
29th unless discussed with the Program Director before they are officially hired. Some positions start
May 11th. The first day of summer camp is May 31st and the last day is July 31st for most staff. Staff
members are dismissed by 6 pm on Fridays and must return by 1:00pm on Sundays:
With the exceptions of:
 May 18th – May 29th for staff training (all staff will remain at camp for the duration)
 During weeks of Vacation Bible School teams may occasionally need to be back to
camp Saturday night in order to leave promptly on Sunday morning.
 Life guards may need to stay later or return early on occasion for In-services.
 Discover week 1: Monday June 22nd 9:00 a.m. – Thursday June 25th 6:00 p.m.
 Discover week 2: Sunday June 28th 9:00 a.m. – Wednesday July 1st 6:00 p.m.
Please list any time (and reasons) beyond weekends that you need to take off for graduations,
weddings, family trips, etc. We will do our best to accommodate your early requests. However, no
guarantee for time off is given if you do not provide these dates on this application or before you
are officially hired. Please list the first and last day of your requested time off from camp. All time
off other than the 5 days granted for sick leave or family emergencies is unpaid.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
I certify that the answers given herein are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I
authorize the investigation of all statements contained in this application for employment as may
be necessary in arriving at an employment decision, including a criminal background history
check.
I understand that neither this document nor any offer of employment for the employer constitutes
an employment contract unless a specific document to that effect is executed by the employer
and employee in writing.
In the event of employment, I understand that false or misleading information given in my
application or interview may result in termination of employment.
I also understand that I am required to abide by all rules and regulations of the employer.
_______________________________________
Signature
Date
__________________________________________
(if under 18): Parent/Guardian Signature
Date
****Along with this application, please attach a signed copy of the job description of the
position(s) you are applying for. These can be found on our website:
www.redwillowbiblecamp.org.
Reference Form – Red Willow Ministries
Applicant’s Name: _________________________________________________________
Position: __________________________________________________________________
The person above has listed you as a personal reference. As a potential staff member, the applicant
must work and live with young people daily. Please comment freely and include pertinent
information that might help us in our hiring process. Your candid appraisal of the applicant is very
helpful to us. Please return this form promptly to the address on the back of this form. Thank you.
Please read through the following categories on both pages. Check as many descriptions as you feel
apply to the applicant. If these areas do not describe the applicant, please feel free to comment.
1.
Working with Others:
2.
Work Ethic:
_____Likes to do it alone
_____Takes direction well, does what is asked.
_____Is a team player
_____Does what is asked, when convenient.
_____Likes it their way or not at all
_____Self -motivated, does more than asked.
_____Cooperative
_____Is committed to a project to the end.
_____Shares accomplishments
_____Does not finish tasks
Comments: __________________________________
Comments: ________________________________
______________________________________________
____________________________________________
3.
Enthusiasm:
4.
_____Has an even disposition
(not a lot of highs and lows)
_____Has energy that spreads to others
_____Responsible, able to think things through
for themselves
_____Reacts without thinking about actions
_____Is enthusiastic, but insincere
_____Is a positive role model for others
_____Takes on new challenges willingly
_____Would rather not have responsibility
_____Shows little outward enthusiasm
_____Able to relate well with different groups
Maturity:
Comments: __________________________________
Comments: ________________________________
______________________________________________
____________________________________________
5.
6.
Community/Conflict:
Leadership
_____Is willing to accept others, regardless
_____Has the ability to be a positive leader
of beliefs
_____Can categorize people easily; generalizes _____Considers others’ opinions important
_____Deals with conflict in a healthy way
_____Is dominant and manipulative at times
_____Lets problems build up
_____Uses their temper as leadership tool
_____Tries to change the beliefs of others
_____Likes to be in front leading
_____Is easily upset by others
_____Would rather be a follower than a leader
Comments: __________________________________
Comments: ________________________________
______________________________________________
____________________________________________
7.
Counseling Skills:
8.
Faith to share:
_____Is sensitive to others’ feelings
_____Is always talking about their faith
_____Likes to share their own story
_____Lives their faith out daily
_____Good Listener
_____Mixes easily with others
_____Believes in sharing faith in the context
of daily relationships
_____Knows what they believe
_____Would command respect among
campers
_____Doesn't have time for others
_____They have found it and want others
to find it as well
_____Struggles with faith
_____Believes trust must be earned
_____Has all the answers
Comments: ____________________________________
Comments: __________________________________
________________________________________________
______________________________________________
9.
What is the applicant's strongest asset? _______________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
10.
Any special talents? _________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
11.
What is her/his biggest weakness/challenge? ________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
12.
Is the applicant able to deal with change in a positive way? __________________________________
13.
How long have you known the applicant? ___________________________________________________
14.
In what capacity? __________________________________________________________________________
15.
Would you be willing to have your child under her/his supervision at camp? ____________________
16.
Why or why not? ____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
17.
Is there any reason why this applicant should not work with children 24 hours a day? ___________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
18.
If there are any other comments you wish to make please attach a separate sheet of paper.
Please return promptly to:
Your Name_________________________________________________
Red Willow Ministries
Jeremy Maahs
1651 Jacob Drive
Personnel
Binford,%ND
58416
Address____________________________________________________
FAX: (701)
Rt. #676-2680
1, Box 318
Phone #: (701) 676-2681
Position____________________________________________________
Email:Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526
[email protected]
Phone No._________________________________________________
City, St, Zip _________________________________________________
Email: _____________________________________________________
Signature: ____________________________________________________ Date: ______________________