T.E.A.M. Members
Information for Applicants and 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.
Welcome to the TEAM: Teens Excited About Ministry!
Join us for an unforgettable summer of service, teamwork, and growth in Christ!
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Our TEAM Members are the heartbeat of camp operations — energetic, dependable teens who love to serve behind the scenes and make each week of camp a success.
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Ages 14–19
TEAM Members assist in a variety of areas around camp such as the Dining Hall, Snack Shop, maintenance, housekeeping, and activity setup. Through their service, they gain valuable experience, learn responsibility, and discover the joy of serving others as unto the Lord.
While TEAM Members do not lead cabins, they are an essential part of camp ministry, supporting our counselors, staff, and programs in meaningful ways.
Required Staff Training Week
All TEAM Members are required to attend Staff Training Week before serving during the summer.
This important week equips you with the skills, spiritual preparation, and community connection you’ll need to serve effectively all summer long.
Staff Training Week Details:
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🗓️ Begins the Sunday before Memorial Day and runs through Friday of that same week
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💵 Fee: $65
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🕞 Check-in: Begins at 3:30 PM on Sunday
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🕐 Training concludes: 1:30 PM on Friday
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🚗 Parent pick-up: No later than 2:00 PM on Friday
👉 Please register at the link below to reserve your spot!
TEAM vs. S.A.L.T. Member Roles
Both TEAM Members and S.A.L.T. Members play vital roles at Ponderosa Bible Camp, but their responsibilities differ:
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TEAM Members (Ages 14–18) serve in behind-the-scenes roles, helping with camp operations and assisting staff in various areas.
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S.A.L.T. Members (Ages 16–19) take on more leadership responsibility and may assist in cabins or help lead campers directly.
If you’re not quite ready to lead a cabin on your own but still want to make a big impact through service, the TEAM program is the perfect place to start!
Earn Community Service Hours
TEAM Members can earn 80 community service hours for each full week they serve at camp.
These hours can often be applied toward high school graduation or scholarship requirements.
At the end of each week, TEAM Members are presented with an official certificate recognizing their service and contribution to the ministry of Ponderosa Bible Camp.
What to Expect as a TEAM Member
As a TEAM Member, you’ll experience a summer filled with friendship, growth, and service!
You’ll work hard, have fun, and learn how even small acts of service can glorify God in a big way.
Each day includes:
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Morning devotions and group encouragement
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Work assignments that help camp run smoothly
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Participation in chapel, recreation, and evening activities
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Personal “God and I Time” for spiritual growth
At Ponderosa, we’re not just a camp — we’re a Christ-centered community where you’ll be challenged to grow in faith, humility, and teamwork.
Key Responsibilities and Expectations
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Know Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior.
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Serve willingly in assigned areas such as kitchen, dining hall, housekeeping, or maintenance.
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Be on time, reliable, and ready to work with a cheerful attitude.
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Support campers and staff by maintaining a positive, Christ-like example.
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Participate in daily devotions and chapel services.
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Stay overnight all week (Sunday–Friday).
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Each week you are scheduled to serve, you will be required to arrive at camp by 2:00 PM on Sunday for the staff meeting, and you will be dismissed by 2:00 PM on Friday at the end of the week.
Join the TEAM and discover how God can use your willingness to serve to make an eternal difference — while earning valuable experience and community service credit along the way!
🍽️ Special Dietary Needs for Summer Staff
We understand that some staff members have special dietary needs, and we are glad to help accommodate them safely and carefully. To cover the additional costs and preparation time, the following fees apply and will be billed to your account for each week you work:
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$45 per week – if camp provides and prepares your special meals (gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, etc.).
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$65 per week – if you provide your own special meals from home and our staff stores, prepares, and serves them for you during camp.
All special meals are handled separately by our trained kitchen team to prevent cross-contamination and ensure your safety throughout the summer.
"I love being a TEAM member because I get to serve God and grow in my relationship with Him, while getting to share His word with young girls who come to camp. Helping them grow stronger in their relationship with Him and if they don't know who Jesus is, I can share His word and hopefully lead them to Christ."
— Samantha Fuller
"I love being a team member because I have the opportunity to serve those who serve others. I enjoy being a team member because I love to serve. I love to help our staff change the lives of kids."
— Will Westerlund
I loved being a team member because it was a great way for me to learn teamwork and how to communicate with others. I also loved it because it was a humbling experience for me; I learned that no matter what job you have or how old you are, everyone matters!
— Katelyn Akins