La Vida Center for Outdoor Education & Leadership
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Staff Qualifications

staff

Staff Expectations

The life and modeling of staff members will be one of the greatest influences on youth who attend camp. We are looking for staff that take initiative, look for ways to serve, are flexible, have a positive influence on others, enjoy being around youth, have a patient spirit, appreciate creativity, are committed to living out their faith with others, have integrity, are honest with their weaknesses, make healthy lifestyle decisions, and are teachable.


Questions to ask yourself

1. Do I enjoy working with 11-15 year-olds and/or 16-18 year-olds?
This is a crucial age because many youth are trying to understand who they are and how to make friends. They are looking for guidance and positive role models who have a strong, secure sense of self. Some people get easily frustrated with this age group as they test the boundaries. Youth can tell when leaders are sincere and love them for who they are.

2. Am I interested in developing my facilitation skills, playing games, leading small groups and adventure activities?
These skills are essential for La Vida Adventure Camp. Group facilitation takes time to learn, but staff who are willing to learn new skills and invested in youth development will be more successful. Learning new skills will also give leaders the ability to relate with campers trying a skill for the first time.

3. Am I interested in living and working in an intentional community?
Living and working in community can be wonderful, rewarding and hard. It is a life-long process that La Vida is just a part of. La Vida is looking for staff who are honest about where they are at, willing to grow and seeking to live out their faith with others. In addition to living arrangements and staff training, staff will be expected to work cooperatively with co-workers. Staff are expected to use good communication, listening, patience, love and conflict resolution skills. 

4. Do I have a flexible and creative spirit?
Drawing out reflection with this age group requires a little bit of creativity and the confidence to try new things. In addition to this, working with a camp schedule, youth and other co-workers often requires flexibility as situations and people change. We believe that everyone is creative in some way, and we seek to encourage staff to use their creativity to serve others.


Staff Qualifications

  • An ability to relate to high school and middle school youth
  • A working knowledge of outdoor adventure activities or the ability to learn
  • A strong desire to serve with plenty of flexibility, patience, and love for kids and God's creation
  • An ability and willingness to live and work with others in a ministry and community setting
  • The maturity and desire to exemplify Christ-like character in one's every day, personal life
  • A working knowledge of Scripture and a desire to learn more
  • Connection and participation with a church
  • Completion of one year of college
  • Leadership experience or potential
  • Good judgment and safety consciousness

Staff Training

Staff training is an essential part of the summer ministry and an important start to a memorable summer. We want our staff to be successful in facilitating activities and relating to youth. Training introduces staff to La Vida Adventure Camp philosophies, adventure activities, how to work with this age group, camp policies and group facilitation skills. It also provides a great time to get to know co-workers and develop a strong work-ministry community. In addition to summer training, Adventure Camp staff will meet during Quad 4 of the spring semester. These Summer Leadership Training Institute (SLTI) meetings will provide a foundation for the summer and are required.