The Counselor is a central part of the campers' experience, and we take seriously our role to find solid young people who possess Christian integrity, a loving heart for young people, the ability to connect with and manage young people, and show maturity in decision-making.  We then spend more than one week in training counselors in camper nurture, tent group management, teaching and facilitation methods, health and safety, and much more.  Counselor ages typically range from 18 (one year out of high school) to 24 years of age with a few exceptions over the years.  In addition to the senior counselor, some tent units will have an assistant counselor, and all counselors are supported by a proven head counselor.  In order to be employed at Wilderness Camp, all staff must apply, submit at least three references, participate in a personal interview, and give permission for us to conduct a thorough criminal and sexual offender background check.
The tent unit is also central to campers' experience.  Each tent unit has six to nine campers and at least one counselor (Discoverer campers will always have two).  We believe that camp is a place to develop socially by creating new friendships and strengthening old ones.  Because of this, we desire to see that every camper has the opportunity to attend with a tent mate of their choice and that campers coming in groups are limited to three. This way, everyone in the tent has a better chance of forming new friendships.  Diversity can be a powerful tool in a camper’s social growth.
Tenting assignments are generally done two weeks prior to the week of camp.  We assign campers prayerfully considering age, requests, and known background.  For those coming without tent mate requests, we take special care in placing them with several others in the same position.
List your son/daughter’s tent mate requests as you register, or call to give us an update several weeks before the week of camp.  In some cases, we will work with you to select a counselor who we mutually believe will be a good fit for your son/daughter (no younger siblings please).  We may need to call you when the numbers of campers who requested each other is greater than three; please be ready to help us find a good solution.