2025 summer camp staffing is top of mind, heart, and task list for many camp leaders right now. We're in the heart of recruiting season, pre-camp prep time is on the horizon, our staff training schedules are maybe beginning to materialize, and our plans for the summer staff experiences have their foundation laid.

The data tells us emerging adult staff are after 3 things when they are considering choosing camp for their summer. We'll unpack what these motivators are, where they come from, and how we use them right now and throughout the summer in recruiting, preparing, training, and retaining the summer staff that bring your mission to life.

Links & References:
#StatOfTheWeek Graphic - 54%
Camp & Church Leadership Project
Episcopal Church Leadership Project
Community of Common Purpose Graphic

Come help camp thrive with us on Facebook, Instagram, or at sacredplaygrounds.com.

The most impactful ministry just might happen in the under-programmed times, the times sitting by the well (or the campfire) hearing someone's story. When we give our staff members, and even campers themselves, the "how" - meaning the skills and the practice in listening, welcoming, and connecting-building - we give them a gift they can and will take into the rest of life.

On this episode, we chat with Lyle Griner, from Peer Ministry Leadership, who has been equipping people, especially youth and young adults, with vital relational skills as a key, maybe THE key, ministry practice in our world today. Lyle shares where Peer Ministry Leadership came from, and how the skills he and others have spent decades using to empower ministry in churches and communities, comes to camp through staff and camper training and programming (or sometime de-programming) opportunities.

Learn more about Peer Ministry Leadership and find your way to a staff training experience at peerministry.org. You can also read Lyle's book, Youth Are Either Leading or Leaving, to explore how we can ensure youth know they are deeply needed in the church and the world today.

Download the #StatOfTheWeek

Come help camp thrive with us on Facebook, Instagram, or at sacredplaygrounds.com.

Self-confidence. Leadership. Resilience. Faith in daily life.

These are all character traits we measure. There is real data that says camp in exceptional at building character through the highly experiential, highly relational programs you offer. And that's a good thing, because the research says parents and caregivers care as much about the character being built in their kids as anything else.

On this episode we'll break down what character is from a lens of faith and why it matters at camp. Plus , we'll talk bit about what the American Camp Association and camps like yours are doing to bring another level of intentionality and energy to building character at camp (and even how you could receive grant funding for your best character-building idea or program).

Stay connected with the Character at Camp Initiative at watch out for the opening of subgrant applications at aca.org.

Download the #StatOfTheWeek

Come help camp thrive with us on Facebook, Instagram, or at sacredplaygrounds.com.