Summer Staff & Leadership Training
"Helping today's students become tomorrow's leaders"
Information for Parents of TEAM & SALT Applicants Regarding WORK SCHEDULES: We are incredibly thankful for the teenagers who are willing to serve at Ponderosa each summer through our TEAM and SALT programs. These positions play a vital role in helping each week of camp run smoothly and in creating a Christ-centered environment where campers can grow spiritually, build friendships, and have a life-changing week at camp. Summer Staff applications typically open during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday season, and we strongly encourage teens to apply during their school holiday breaks. However, many applicants wait until the spring or even the last minute to submit their applications. Each week of camp requires approximately: 8 SALT members 10 TEAM members In recent years, it has become increasingly difficult to fill all of these positions due to: Summer sports practices and team commitments Jobs and work schedules Family vacations and other summer activities Increasing financial pressures requiring teens to work during the summer months Because of this, scheduling staff for the summer has become a very detailed process. We work very hard to give each applicant their first-choice week(s) whenever possible. However, when a large number of applicants request the same week, we must make difficult scheduling decisions. While we do consider the order in which applications were submitted, we also must balance each week carefully by including a healthy mix of: Experienced returning staff members First-time TEAM & SALT participants This balance is extremely important because returning staff members help mentor and train newer staffers throughout the summer. For this reason, final schedules are usually not released until after May 15, and occasionally adjustments must still be made during Staff Training Week at the end of May once everyone arrives and final staffing needs are confirmed. We understand this can make it challenging for families to plan vacations and other summer activities. Therefore, our recommendation is simple: Please go ahead and plan your family vacations and important summer events first. On the application, simply indicate the weeks your teenager is NOT available to serve. We will make every effort to assign them to at least one of the weeks they marked as available. If your teen is available to serve multiple weeks, please understand that it may be late May before we can confirm any additional assigned weeks beyond their initial placement. Thank you for your patience, flexibility, and willingness to support your teenager as they serve the Lord through summer ministry at Ponderosa. We truly could not do camp without these amazing young people and their families.
Ponderosa Bible Camp's
Servant-Leadership Training Program
Equipping the next generation of Christian leaders through service, discipleship, and hands-on ministry.
Whether you're applying as a SALT Member, TEAM Member, Lifeguard, or GUIDE (Cabin Leader) — your journey begins with Staff Training Week, an unforgettable week of spiritual growth, leadership development, and preparation for a summer of impact.
🗓️ Staff Training Week for SALT & TEAM Members
Held annually during the last week of May, this training is required for all new and returning applicants.
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Dates: Sunday check-in at 3:30 PM through Friday pick-up at 2:00 PM
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Cost: $65 total
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Includes $5 Application Fee + $60 Training Supply Fee
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Balance due by May 1st
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Suggested spending money: $40–$75 for Snack Shack and souvenirs
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Note: 🍽️ Special meal fees apply for those with food allergies (see registration form for details)
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📸🩳 Reminder: Bring KHAKI SHORTS to wear with your new (provided) staff shirt for our annual Summer Staff Photo Shoot!
🙋♂️ SALT & TEAM Service Assignments
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SALT Members (ages 14–17): Typically assigned to serve two weeks during summer
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TEAM Members (ages 13–16): Typically assigned to one week, possibly more
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Service Week Requests: You'll indicate your preferred weeks during the application process. Final schedules are released in mid-May.
📝 How to Apply (SALT & TEAM)
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Submit your SALT or TEAM Application
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Register for SALT & TEAM Staff Training Week (links below)
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Pay your $5 application fee at registration; $60 balance due by May 1
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Provide a valid email and phone number for schedule updates (we prefer to also communicate with a parent/guardian)
✅ Selection Process
Not all applicants will be selected. Selections are made based on:
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Returning Applicants: Prior performance and leadership
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New Applicants: Application responses and personal references
💡 Even if you're not selected to serve this year, you may still attend Staff Training Week to grow and prepare for future opportunities!
🛟 Lifeguard Applicants
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Staff Training Week Attendance Required
Includes lifeguard training & certification -
Cost: $5 Application Fee
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Dates: Sunday check-in at 3:30 PM through Friday pick-up at 2:00 PM
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Availability: Selected Lifeguards live and serve at camp from late May to mid-July
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Suggested spending money: $40-$60/week
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Note: Special meal fees apply for those with food allergies (see registration form for details)
🏕️ GUIDE Applicants (Cabin Leaders) & Staff Training Week
GUIDE = "God Uses Individuals to Disciple and Encourage"
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Paid Position for ages 18–25
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Live and serve at camp late May to mid-July
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Training Begins the Saturday before Memorial Day
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Register as a camper (it's free to register) for "Staff Training Week for Hired Counselors" so we can collect your contact and medical info
📚 Additional GUIDE Training Week
After Staff Training, our hired Cabin Leaders will participate in an additional training week while camp hosts a large rental group for foster kids:
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Serve as kitchen help during meals
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Attend GUIDE-specific training sessions between meals
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Temporarily housed in staff housing
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Move into your cabin and begin decorating once the rental group departs
💬 Ready to Apply?
Click the links below to begin your application and reserve your spot for Staff Training Week.
Join us at Ponderosa Bible Camp for a summer of purpose, discipleship, and unforgettable memories.
Your servant-leadership journey starts here! 🌟