Assistant Counselor Program

AC: ASSISTANT COUNSELOR

AC: ASSISTANT COUNSELOR

Canaan is thrilled to have an assistant counselor (AC) program during the summer! The AC program is offered for those who are ready to move on to the next step towards becoming a counselor. It is highly recommended that you complete a CIT session before doing the AC program. ACs will stay on property from Sunday afternoon until Friday evenings. Assistant Counselors are responsible for facilitating camper groups along with assigned counselor(s), maintaining the safety of others, and abiding by Canaan’s policies. ACs will stay in our cabin spaces, eat meals with campers and staff, and will be taught the gospel and how to share it with others! 

TRAIN TO BECOME A CAMP COUNSELOR

Our AC program is designed to help our potential future counselors grow in their faith, confidence, and overall leadership skills. All of this can be accomplished through assisting in the facilitation of activities, camper and staff interactions, service, and spiritual conversations (devotionals, staff Bible study, evening speakers, etc.). It is highly recommended that before deciding to pursue the AC program, that you would consider what you are ready for. The AC program is the last step before becoming a counselor, and we are looking for those who are spiritually hungry, and feel confident that they are capable of leading a group of campers. The ultimate goal of the program is to challenge and develop strong, confident spiritual leaders for the future group of counselors here at Canaan. 

AC REQUIREMENTS: 

• Must be at least 17 years old
• Must fill out an application online, and attend an interview either in person or virtually
• Must stay on property Sunday afternoon-Friday evening for assigned weeks
• Regularly check emails (parent/guardian’s or AC’s) for important information and updates
• Have an open mind and a good attitude

HOW TO APPLY

The first step towards becoming an AC is to complete and submit an application form. Please make sure that you are filling out an AC application, and not a counselor or returning staff form. Please also make sure to select all of the weeks that you are able to be at camp for the summer season- note that potentially some of the weeks that you select may not be available. You can complete the application form online by clicking the button below. Once an application is completed, you will be reached out to by a member of our office staff members to set up an interview. 

CHECK-IN & CHECK-OUT PROCESS

• ACs should arrive by 1:00pm on Sunday of each attending week
• If bringing any medication (over the counter or prescription), please stop at the Welcome Center first to check those in with the nurse before going any further
• Check-in at the blue canopy tent in front of the multipurpose building
  • A parent or legal guardian must sign for each child being dropped off
  • If AC is driving their own vehicle to camp, they must inform a staff member ahead of time to confirm parking
• Cabin assignment will be given by staff member at the canopy tent
  • Once belongings are in the cabin, parent(s) and or family member(s) are to leave the camp property until check-out on Friday
• Check-out begins on each Friday at 4:00pm and ends at 5:00pm
  • Parent(s) or legal guardian(s) must sign out each child under their care at the canopy tent located across from the multipurpose building
  • All medication must be signed out at the tent across from the multipurpose building 
• Closing ceremony begins at 5:00pm and ends at 5:30pm
• All ACs are to be off of camp property by 6:00pm every Friday

***ACs are not to stay at camp past Friday after the closing ceremony. No ACs should be on camp property on Saturday, and can arrive back at camp 2:00pm on Sunday at the earliest***

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Once an application has been completed, the prospective AC will be reached out to by a member of Canaan’s office to set up an interview. If the prospective AC seems to be a good fit and has the availability, one of Canaan’s office members will help confirm what week(s) the AC will be here for. Since the assistant counselor program is volunteer-based, there is no registration process on CampBrain. Canaan reserves the right to determine if the program is the best fit for the AC. Please note that once an application has been submitted, Canaan holds the right to deny any application. 

DATES AND RATES

To view the dates of each session for the summer season, go to our website, click on the “camps” tab, and select “summer dates & rates.” ACs will apply and are able to do as many or as few weeks as possible. The AC Position is volunteer only. ACs do not get paid, but they are provided food and housing during their time serving at camp!