As the Camp Board meets to redefine the future mission and vision statement for Kawkawa Camp & Retreat, we are finding ourselves looking at our long term investments to find the greatest yield. Many camp models have traditionally focused on providing excellent quality camp programs but largely ignore the significant leadership development that occurs in the lives of summer camp staff. If we invert the traditional model and focus our efforts on the moral, spiritual and leadership training / development of the staff we are not only investing in the people but our program. The theory is that out of excellent quality people will come excellent quality programs. Nothing is compromised with this focus and we have everything to gain.
In camping, if our goal is to only be “successful” as a camp, then we can fall into that same routine of aimlessly competing and comparing to other ministries to judge our effectiveness. If instead, our focus is our summer staff, therein lies a huge opportunity for spiritual impact.
Mark 3: 14-15 says, “He appointed twelve-designating them as apostles-that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach and to have authority …” In the same way, we spend time with our staff, investing in them, give them what they need and then expect great things.
In order to train up staff that they might yield huge returns, three essential components are: 1) Who you hire, 2) How you train who you hire and 3) What you expect of who you hire. Not only is it important to be selective in who you hire, it is equally important to train them well. During our pre-camp training week our goal is to set the mission, cast the vision and then give instruction.
The purpose of Christian Camping gives rise towards discipleship. Searching out those like-minded, humble, teachable people who are willing to trust in God’s faithfulness. The key is to hire for passion and train for skills. This is leadership training that is designed to go beyond the gates of Kawkawa, back into our Churches, communities, schools and homes.
Sincerely,
Wayne Stewart
Executive Director
Kawkawa Camp and Retreat