Training
Senior Staff Training
All Senior Staff are required to complete a two-week training course prior to the summer season. We understand that our staff relies on each other throughout the summer as their encouragement and support. Because of this, we find it important to pack our staff training with lots of time for fellowship and building staff relations. Staff training consists of six main components.
- Program/activity facilitation
- Camper education, including management and camper/parent relations
- Camp policies and procedures
- Worship and devotions
- Staff fellowship
- Specialized training (CPR/AED/First Aid, etc.)
Senior Staff are also given the opportunity to be certified as a Lifeguard by the American Red Cross. Lifeguard training dates are the week before Senior Staff training. Ropes Course Facilitator training dates are also the week before Senior Staff training. Adventure Resource training dates are the week before Lifeguard and Ropes Course Facilitator training. Other resource and support staff positions may require additional training. These trainings may take place over weekends prior to the official start of our Senior Staff training. Specific dates and times for these trainings are TBA and will be arranged through Camp Tekoa.
Staff Assistant Family Group Leader (SA FGL) Training
SA FGL training is a shortened version of the Senior Staff training. The SA FGL training is broad in scope, as we use our SA FGL's to fill many positions at Tekoa. SA FGL's will gain knowledge in five training component areas (these training components will focus on elementary and middle school age camp programs).
- Program/activity facilitation
- Camper education, including management and camper/parent relations
- Camp policies and procedures
- Worship and devotions
- Staff fellowship
- Specialized training (CPR/AED/First Aid, etc.)
Leader In Training (LIT)
Our LIT program is a 5-week session intended for learning and leading and is geared towards preparing our volunteers for working with children and youth in a Christian camp atmosphere. We focus on training our LITs in small and large group activities, nature programs, leading campfires, and personal growth. The first week of each session is training. Our LITs then may have experiences serving with day camp, being a 3rd in a group role, serving as support to FGLs, or float in program responsibilities for their other four weeks.
Application Process
Tekoa has a hiring process that examines a number of personal qualities that each applicant must possess and requires them to complete a thorough application process.
Senior Staff (FGLs and Support Staff) must:
- Complete an online application
- Have 3 personal references submit online reference forms
- Complete a personal interview (in-person or online)
- Pass a national history background check
Returning Senior Staff (FGLs and Support Staff) must:
- Complete an online application
- Have 1 reference submit an online reference
- Complete a personal interview (in-person or online)
- Pass a national history background check
Staff Assistant Family Group Leaders (SA FGL):
- Complete an online application
- Have 3 personal references submit online reference forms
- Complete a personal interview (in-person or online)
- Pass a national history background check
Leaders In Training (LIT):
- Complete an online application
- Have 3 personal references submit online reference forms
- Complete a personal interview (in-person or online)
All application and reference forms are on our Application Forms page.
What We Look For
The personal qualities and criteria we look for in our applicants:
- A Christian, high school or college age student excited about Tekoa's mission of "Touching hearts, changing lives, sharing the light of Christ."
- Show evidence that they enjoy interacting with children
- Show excitement for working in the outdoors
- Show signs of being a good listener
- Able to think quickly and react positively to pressure situations
- Good attitude and good character
- Show evidence of working well with others
- Ready to laugh, cry and smile along side their campers
Dates
Adventure Resource Training:
- Friday, May 13 - Friday, May 19
Lifeguard and Ropes Course Facilitator Training:
- Monday, May 22 - Friday, May 26
Senior Staff Training:
- Sunday, May 28 - Friday, June 9
Staff Assistant Family Group Leaders (SA FGL) Training:
- Sunday, June 4 - Friday, June 9
Leaders In Training (LIT):
- Session One: Sunday, June 11 - Saturday, July 15
- Session Two: Sunday, July 9 - Friday, August 11
Camp Session Weeks:
- Week One: Sunday, June 11 - Saturday, June 17
- Week Two: Sunday, June 18 - Saturday, June 24
- Week Three: Sunday, June 25 - Saturday, July 1
- Week Four: Sunday, July 2 - Saturday, July 8
- Week Five: Sunday, July 9 - Saturday, July 15
- Week Six: Sunday, July 16 - Saturday, July 22
- Week Seven: Sunday, July 23 - Saturday, July 29
- Week Eight: Sunday, July 30 - Saturday, August 5
- Week Nine: Sunday, August 6 - Friday, August 11
All application and reference forms are on our Application Forms page.
Want To Know More?
If you are interested in working at Camp Tekoa and would like to learn more, please complete this interest form: