Summer Camp Leader
Frequently Asked Questions

What, when, where and who:

  • What is summer camp?
    Basically it’s the best week ever. It’s 5 days and 4 nights with friends and volunteer leaders on a college campus. Students get to do all the things that make camp awesome: rock-climbing, bonfires, high-energy worship, swimming and tons more. Plus, summer camp also has modern conveniences that students appreciate, like running water, air conditioned dorms, and hot meals. (That’s what they call a “win win” situation.)
  • When is summer camp?
    High School Camp is July 5-9, 2022. Middle School Camp is July 18-22, 2022.
  • Where is summer camp?
    Summer camp is at Cedarville University in Cedarville, Ohio. We’re the only people using the campus at the time. Summer camp will have security guards and police. Every adult on campus will have completed a thorough background check.
  • Who's allowed to go?
    Students who complete 8th-12th grade in the 2021-2022 school year go to High School Camp. Students who complete 5-7th grade in the 2021-2022 school year go to Middle School Camp. If you’re in that age range, you can come to camp—even if you don’t attend Crossroads!

General questions

  • Am I spiritually qualified to lead a group of students?
    You don’t have to be a theologian to lead at Camp. Knowing everything there is to know about the Bible will only get you so far with 15 year-olds. We’re looking for good listeners, strong leaders and faithful believers. Plus, you’ll be supported by your Site Director and other Crossroads staff the entire time. Get a really tough question? Bring it to us.
  • I’m not a believer, can I still come?
    We love that you’re reading this right now. That means you have a heart for students. For Camp, we need leaders who are already followers of Jesus. Looking for the right place to start your journey? Check out other Crossroads camps here.
  • What’s the food like?
    Camp Chautauqua provides a variety of food options at every meal. No matter your dietary restrictions, we’ll make sure you’re fed. Plus, corn dogs are definitely on the menu for the week. Who doesn’t want that?
  • Where will I sleep?
    If you are guiding a group of campers, you’ll bunk with campers and other guides in one of Camp Chautauqua’s sweet cabins. Be quick and you might even get dibs on a bottom bunk.
  • Are there showers?
    Yup! We can promise you’ll have access to a shower every day— although we can’t promise all the middle school boys around you will take advantage of them.
  • Do I have to be young and cool to be a good leader?
    You don’t have to be an expert on teenagers to come to Camp. Actually, we really don’t need you to be cool. We just need you to care enough about students to show up for them.
  • Is Camp physically demanding?
    In Student Ministry, we play on purpose because we believe having fun is a part of experiencing God. We encourage you to play alongside your students as often as you can—and to be their biggest cheerleaders when you can’t.
  • Can I bring my prescription medication?
    Safety is always our first priority for our students, so we’ll ask you to give your prescription to the Camp nurse for the week. You’ll be able to access it whenever you need to and you’ll get it back before you go home.
  • I volunteer at the Weekly…will I get to lead my regular small group?
    We do our best to place students in groups where they feel comfortable and where they’ll grow. If you have specific concerns or requests, feel free to talk to the Site Director of the Crossroads site that you’re serving with.
  • Can I drive myself to Camp?
    Leader guides and campers ride the bus to Camp together. Start practicing your bus songs.
  • Do I have to stay the whole time?
    If you are guiding a group of campers, then yup! We probably don’t need to explain more.

Money FAQ

  • How much does it cost?
    It’s free! We understand it’s a sacrifice for volunteers to take time away from their families and jobs. That’s why we make sure serving at Camp is 100% free for you. Think of this as a free vacation where you get to change lives. There are all kinds of awesome ways to lead at Summer Camp. From guiding a group of campers to making unblievalby fun large group games happen to making coffee and moving gear. It takes an army of volunteers to make camp happen.

Please email studentministry@crossroads.net. if you have any additional questions OR reach out to the Site Director at any of our Crossroads sites.