The Bridge at Men-O-Lan
Camp Men-O-Lan's Youth Leadership Program
What is The Bridge?
The Bridge at Men-O-Lan is an opportunity for previous campers to stay involved in Camp after they aged out of Day Camp and are aspiring for summer staff positions in the future. Campers may still be eligible for Overnight Camp sessions and choose to participate in certain elements of the Bridge Program.
The Purpose of the Program
1. To train young people how to be servants, leaders, and disciples.
2. To help campers become from a receiver to a receiver and giver of the blessings of our ministry.
The Structure of the Program
Leader in Training - LIT (a 4-week program)
This element is for those who are 15 or older by the first day of summer camp and have not yet participated in our LIT program before. It takes the participant through the full scope of summer camp: assisting with an overnight group for a week, assisting with two different age groups in Day Camp for a total of two weeks, and assisting our Kitchen Crew for one week. This program has a fee of $100.
This program runs for four consecutive weeks. Participants will spend one week in the Kitchen, one week in Resident Camp, one week with a younger group in Day Camp, and one week with an older group in Day Camp. Participants will not stay overnight during their training, except for their week in Resident Camp.
Counselor in Training - CIT (a 6-8 week program)
This element is for those who would like to work as camp counselors in the future, but do not turn 18 by the first day of summer camp. Those who have successfully completed our LIT element are considered first for these positions. Our CIT’s may be assigned to the same group or a variety of different groups over the course of their 6-8 weeks commitment. During this time, they assist the group’s or cabin’s counselors, lead activities, help with Bible time and devotionals. While this is not a summer staff position, and we consider this a training opportunity, we also offer a $200 stipend per camp session for the participants.
The Bridge participants watch, shadow, and assist counselors and other staff members. They participate in hands-on activities and complete assignments, while they gain understanding of the behind-the-scenes of the ministry. The group regularly discusses their experiences with someone on the Leadership Team and participate in devotions with other staff members. Individuals will receive feedback and evaluation after the different phases of their program.
How can one enroll into the program?
- Complete application form online
- Submit two reference letters
- Camp Counselor reference (if the candidate was previously a camper at Men-O-Lan)
- Upon acceptance into the program, signing the parental agreement and the participant commitment
- Submit required background checks
- Participate in certain elements of staff training (June)
- Start the program!
The benefits of the program
The most important benefits are receiving mentorship, gaining experience, developing life and leadership skills, and forming relationships with other staff members. In longer terms, those who participate in and excel at our program, will have a better chance obtaining a position on our Summer Camp Team when they are eligible by age to apply.
Our expectations
What we expect from our participants is to be eager to learn, enthusiastic for the mission of Camp, and have a positive attitude at all times. To stay in the program they have to actively participate in the ongoing events, and be great role models to campers and staff members. They are expected to abide by Camp rules outlined in the Summer Staff Handbook.
| LIT | CIT | |
| Age | 15 by June 25, 2023 | 16 by June 25, 2023 |
| Commitment | 4 weeks | 6-8 weeks |
| Focus | Kitchen, Overnight and Day Camp groups | Day and Overnight Camp groups |
| Financial information | Cost: $100 | Stipend: $200 per session |
| Requirements | Application, two reference letters, state mandated background checks (volunteer), parental agreement, participant commitment | Application, two reference letters, state mandated background checks (employee), parental agreement, participant commitment |
Work at Men-O-Lan
Camp Men-O-Lan's Paid Jobs for Teens Under 18
If you are under the age of 18, looking for a paid position for the summer, and can to commit to 5-8 weeks (plus staff training), we have opportunities on our Support Team for you. You are able to work in the Camp Kitchen, in housekeeping, and as a Lifeguard. For job descriptions please check the Summer Staff Page.