Counselor Application

Camp 2025 Dates

• July 7–9: Camp Prep
• July 9–13: Counselor Orientation
• July 13–20: Camp Week 1
• July 20–27: Camp Week 2
• July 27–29: Counselor Retreat
• July 29–31: Camp Cleanup

YD camp is an amazing experience for everyone, whether camper, counselor, or staff volunteer. We're looking for dedicated Christians who can provide leadership and assistance in a variety of areas. If you have a desire to help young people grow in their walk with the Lord, please consider applying.

Thank you for your interest in serving as a counselor at Young Disciple Youth Bible Camp! Each year the Lord blesses counselors and campers in new and exciting ways and we know that He has planned wonderful blessings for this sum­mer as well. Hundreds of young people over the years have told us they trace their decision to live for Christ to the nurture and encouragement shown by YD Camp staff.

Please take a few minutes to read the following information before filling out and returning the counselor application. We hope to see your application soon!

NOTE: There is a limited number of staffing positions available at camp each year, so please apply early if you are interested!

Important Details 

WHEN TO ARRIVE: If driving, plan to arrive at YD by 6:00 pm, Wednesday, July 9 for Counselor Orientation. If you will be flying in, please book airfare to arrive at Spokane airport by 2:30 pm on July 9, and depart after 1:00 pm on July 27, or any­time within reason on July 29 (if staying for the counsel­or retreat). Please send a copy of your flight itinerary to the YD office at least three weeks prior to camp. If you are not able to attend the entire period, please contact us and we can discuss other options if available.

CAMP PREP/CLEANUP: This is especially for counselors! Come a few days early and help get camp set up and ready for campers. The pre-camp work bee starts Monday, July 7. You can expect to have fun, eat good food, and spend quality time with friends while working hard to accomplish a variety of crucial camp projects such as setting up tents, cleaning, and cooking. After camp we’ll have a post-camp work bee to get camp packed up and put away (July 29–31) If you’re interested, please mark the appropriate selection on your application form.

BEING A COUNSELOR: While being a camp counselor is one of the most rewarding positions at camp, it is also a tremendous responsibility. You will build close relationships with the campers in your unit, see firsthand what God is doing in their lives, and develop life and leadership skills. Because you will be working so closely with the camp­ers, it is vital that you have a close connection with the Lord, a spirit submissive to God’s will, and a willingness to put self aside and minister to the needs of others. Every year, campers ask many questions. They want to know why we do what we do, how to walk the Christian walk, how to pray, and why they are not allowed to do certain things. If you are not secure in your Christian walk, please do not apply to be a counselor. All counselors must be cheerfully supportive of camp codes and the camp program. If you have any questions or concerns, please dialogue with camp administration.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Be at least 17 years of age.
• Be able to love campers, even the “unlovable.”
• Be able to discipline with love and firmness.
• Have stamina and patience.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supervise a group of campers from the time they arrive to the time they leave.
• Be responsible for the well-being of every camper assigned to you, including mental, emotional, spiri­tual, and physical aspects.
• Lead your campers to a closer walk with Jesus.
• Serve as an instructor in a class or other additional responsibility as determined.
• Cultivate opportunities to personally counsel with each camper in your unit.
• Attend counselor prayer sessions.

COUNSELOR RETREAT: All counselors are invited to attend the counselor retreat, July 27–29. During this time you will enjoy recreational activities with your fellow counselors, while participating in worships and activities that will help strengthen your own commitment to the Lord.

MEALS: You’ll enjoy YD’s famous vegetarian, low sugar, non-dairy meals while at camp! Unfortunately, we are not able to provide specialized meals for all dietary needs, however we do plan on providing gluten-free options for those who have requested them ahead of time. If you require these, please be sure to mark that option on your application.

LODGING: Counselors stay with their co-counselor and campers in a cabin tent or rustic cabin.

FINANCES: YD Camp is an outreach ministry. Since camper rev­enues do not cover the expenses of operating the camp we rely on staff and counselors who can serve on a volunteer basis. The sharing of your time is a gift that will have eternal results.

Applications

Please fill out and return a counselor application. If you are not sure you will be available to serve, you are wel­come to send in your application anyway, along with a note stating that your plans are still tentative. Those who have held a previous counselor position at camp should fill out the Returning Counselor Application.

First Time Counselors

Please take a few minutes to read the *Camp Codes and Guidelines before filling out a counselor application. After applying, please send a *Counselor Recommendation Form to each of your references to return to the YD office. Counselor recommendations may also be filled out online. 

Finally, please fill out the Counselor Application coming December 2024

Returning Counselors

Please fill out the Returning Counselor Application coming December 2024

Questions? Want us to send you an application by mail? Send us an email! You can also call the YD office at 509-722-4300.