VOLUNTEER WITH US!

Volunteers are a vital part of the ministry at Youthfront.

Each summer, parents, grandparents and others with a heart for youth join us in providing our Youthfront Camp experience to thousands of campers every summer. Be an active part of our mission and see God’s work in action! Play, worship, swim and enjoy all the fun of camp while also filling a much-needed and important role.

*Important note: All volunteers must be 18 years old or older.

“I looked forward to my time volunteer cabin leading for so many reasons! Watching the kids dancing to worship music, playing games and enjoying free time – their laughter and smiles are infectious. It is a special time and your relationships with campers may be lasting or momentary but will leave an impression and a hope on your heart. Walking around camp you can’t help but see God working.”

Kerrie Thomsen, Volunteer Cabin Leader

You’ll want to volunteer with Youthfront because…

It’s Rewarding

Camp is a formational and life-giving experience for our campers. But it can be as formational and fulfilling for our leaders. The message we hear over and again from our Volunteers is how rewarding their time at Camp is and how the experience changes them in wonderful, enriching ways.

It’s Impactful

As a Cabin Leader you are building relationships with our Campers that they’ll remember long past summer. Through fun, prayer and activities together you’re contributing to their spiritual development and Youthfront’s mission: bringing youth into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.

It’s Challenging

Beyond all the fun you’ll have, Cabin Leading isn’t easy. It can be tiring and demanding. You may be even be tested sometimes. And you may wonder why you willingly chose to sleep in a cabin full of noisy camp kids but…it’s an experience you’ll never forget and you’ll love every second of it!

VOLUNTEER ROLES

As a Volunteer Full-time Camp Cabin Leader…

you serve alongside a Full-Time Youthfront Summer Staffer as another caring adult in the full overnight cabin experience at Camp West. Session time for overnight camp ranges from 2-4 nights depending on the camper’s ages and session date. You’ll assist with all aspects of camp life including cabin experiences, camp activities and spiritual formation times.

As a Volunteer Part-time Camp Cabin Leader…

you serve alongside a Full-Time Youthfront Summer Staffer as another caring adult in the cabin. Part-time options are during the day or overnight, and volunteers drive in and out of Camp West:

Day Part-Time Cabin Leaders assist with aspects of camp life including cabin experiences, camp activities and spiritual formation times during program times (shift is flexible but in general anytime between 9am -10pm).
Overnight Part-Time Cabin Leaders serve as the additional adult in the cabin during the overnight hours (10pm-7am).

As a Program Volunteer…

you serve in a variety of roles assisting Full-Time and Youthfront Summer Staff with a variety of camp experiences, events and activities. Sessions range from 2-4 nights depending on the camper’s ages and session date. Program volunteers may choose to spend the full session (staying overnight at camp) or opt to drive in and out of Camp West each day.

As a Volunteer Day Camp Leader…

you serve alongside the Director of Day Camp as a caring adult for the Day Camp program, ages 1st-5th grade at Youthfront Camp LaCygne. This fun camping experience takes place M-F from approximately 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. and includes the bus ride to camp. Volunteer Day Camp Leaders are asked to commit to a full session (week) of camp, rather than just one day, if at all possible.

*All volunteers must pass a background check and will be provided any necessary training.

Here’s our 2022 Camp schedule with dates, grades and location.

FAQ’S

What are the sleeping arrangements for overnight camp?

Cabin Leaders share a Cabin Leader room with one bunk bed and private bathroom with a shower that is separate from the camper accommodations.

What are the cabins like?

We have air-conditioned cabins at both of our camp locations. There are bathrooms and showers in each cabin, and campers sleep on bunk beds. Most cabins accommodate up to 16 campers and two leaders.

What about meals?

All meals are provided, and adult leaders eat with campers in our dining halls at camp. Meals are offered buffet-style, and we have the ability to provide gluten and dairy free options for each meal. Day Camp volunteers can bring their own lunch each day, if desired.

What should I bring?

For Overnight Camp, besides your clothing and personal toiletry items, you will want to bring bedding for a single bed and towels. We have a suggested packing list we will send you ahead of your session, which will also include the theme of your session’s HYPE nights (where campers and staff dress up or bring costumes).

For Day Camp volunteers, we suggest you come with swimwear and a change of clothes as each day will start with water activities such as the pool or lake. While participating in the water activities isn’t mandatory, it is encouraged! We will also communicate ahead of time of other items that might be helpful to bring.

If my child is a camper, should I volunteer to be in his/her cabin or group during their session?

This is a personal preference, and we’re happy to discuss this with you. Middle and high school students often have deeply personal reflection times in the cabin together after worship. If you feel your student would be less likely to share or engage if you are there or facilitating, we’re happy to place you as a leader in another cabin. You will still have time with your camper during many of the free time sessions and other activities.

Do I need to have a camper enrolled to volunteer for a session?

No! We welcome anyone with a heart for this ministry to serve. You do not have to be a camp parent or grandparent. Often, our camp alumni enjoy coming back to spend a session as a volunteer leader.

What’s the camp schedule (will I get to sleep or shower?!)?

For overnight camp, our lights-out and wake-up times vary by session based on camper age. The Day Camp schedule is pretty consistent unless inclement weather occurs. We strive for overnight campers to have enough rest time, and our staff and leaders help ensure lights-out and quiet times are adhered to in the cabin.

Is there any training required?

Yes! We will provide a series of videos ahead of time that will help better prepare you for your time as a volunteer. All volunteers must also pass a background check, which will be part of your volunteer application paperwork. Youthfront’s Child Protection Policy guides all of our adult/camper protocols, and on or prior to your session, we’ll provide you with training on those important rules that protect both youth and adult staff. Other than that, all you need is a heart to serve! Our on-site staff will always ensure you have the information you need anytime you help facilitate cabin programs and activities.

Is there an age requirement to volunteer as a Cabin Leader?

Yes, all volunteers must be 18 years old or older.

“I chose to volunteer at camp because I believed that through volunteering, I would not only be doing a good service to the body of Christ, but that I would also gain more of Jesus and receive a better understanding of His will and desires for those He loves.”

Israel Asabi, Camp College Intern

Ready to jump in and apply right now? Great!

Click HERE to go to our application.