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Camp Bethel Summer Staff Application 2008

Complete this application and give your 3 recommendation forms with stamped and addressed envelopes to those recommending you, so that they may mail the recommendations directly to the camp.

Upon completion, email numbered answers to camp_bethel@yahoo.com or post-mail application and forms to:

PROGRAM DIRECTOR, CAMP BETHEL, 328 BETHEL ROAD, FINCASTLE, VIRGINIA 24090

1.  The date you are completing this application.

2.  Your full name (first, middle, last).

3.  Position you are applying for [ex. senior counselor (18yrs+); junior counselor (16-17yrs); support staff; adventure/trip counselor].

4.  Your Social Security Number.

5.  Your e-mail where we can respond to you.

6.  Your Date of Birth (month/day/year).

7.  Your AGE on June 15, 2008.

8.  Your home/permanent mailing address (number and street or PO Box, city, state, zip).

9.  Your home/permanent phone, including area code.

10.  Your cell phone number (if applicable), including area code.

11.  Your work -or- College/School address (name of institution, number and street or PO Box, city, state, zip).

12.  Your work -or- College/School Phone (to contact YOU).

For #s 13-23, expand your responses:

13.  List your previous camping experiences (include name of camp, your position, dates there, location, highlights).  Previous camping experience is NOT required for employment.

14.  List your related work or leadership experiences (include name of institution, position, duration/dates, location and description of duties).

15.  You will live with and lead a small group of children/youth each week from Sunday to Friday.  Why do you wish to spend this summer working in a Christian resident camp with children and youth?  Please explain your interest and commitment to children and youth.

16.  Are you a member of a church?  If yes, include the church name, denomination and location of church.

17.  Briefly describe your faith journey.  Include details about your personal devotional life, your involvement in Christian community, and your vision for your work towards Christian community at Camp Bethel.

18.  Camp counseling involves a wide variety of skills, from hiking and fire building to creative play and bedtime stories to conflict resolution.  During our two-week staff training all staff are trained in the technical skills necessary to lead camper activities.  Name the top 5 skills that qualify you to work as a camp counselor at Camp Bethel.

19.  Mail copies of all CURRENT certification for the upcoming summer (through August 8), including, but not limited to: Red Cross Lifeguard Training, Red Cross WSI, Basic Canoeing, Wilderness First Aid, and Wilderness First Responder. (American Heart Association First Aid & CPR training is provided during staff training.

We strongly emphasize #s 20-21!

20.  Camp counseling involves hard, physical work, long hours, professionalism, creativity, and a high-energy, positive attitude.  Describe your work principles.

21.  Camp activities are focused in the outdoors (hiking, camp-outs, cookouts, exploration, etc.) and involve direct interaction with our 470 acre natural setting.  As a camp counselor, you will be expected to lead many hikes per week, lead overnight camp-outs, and generally spend most of each week outdoors.  Describe your comfort in the outdoors and your willingness to “get dirty” in order to give your campers an authentic outdoor Christian experience.

22.  Share any other information about yourself that might be helpful as hiring decisions are made.

23.  HEALTH: Do you have any condition (physical, psychological or emotional) which might limit your full participation in this highly demanding summer position? (If yes, please explain.)

24.  VOLUNTARY DISCLOSURE: Have you been convicted of any crime, felony, child abuse, or sexual abuse? (If yes to any, please explain.)

25.  IDENTIFICATION: Do you have a valid driver’s license? If yes, give state and license number:

26.  RECOMMENDATIONS: List names and phone numbers of the three persons to whom you have sent your forms (one Employer/Teacher reference; one character reference; one minister/character reference).

27.  Type or scan your signature and the date if you agree to the following statement: I verify the information on this application and grant the Outdoor Ministries Committee of the Virlina District of the Church of the Brethren and Camp Bethel permission to perform a routine criminal background check and driver’s license investigation.

*ATTACH or INCLUDE WITH THIS APPLICATION:

1.  A photocopy or scan showing your driver’s license, if applicable.

2.  A a photocopy or scan of any current certification cards, if applicable.

Return application, forms and photocopies to camp_bethel@yahoo.com  or

PROGRAM DIRECTOR, Camp Bethel, 328 Bethel Road, Fincastle, VA, 24090.

If you have any questions about the application process, call Susan or Barry at (540) 992-2940 or e-mail at camp_bethel@yahoo.com.

Camp Bethel programs are open to everyone regardless of race, color, national origin, sex or disability.

since 12/19/07