Why You Should Volunteer as a Camp Counselor

If you're looking for a meaningful way to make a difference, build leadership skills, and grow in your faith, look no further than volunteering as a camp counselor at Rock River Bible Camp. Whether you’re a high school student seeking community service hours or an adult passionate about mentoring kids, serving in the cabins at camp can be a life-changing experience—for both you and the campers.

Make a Real Impact

At Rock River Bible Camp, cabin counselors play a crucial role. You don’t just help supervise—you guide, listen, encourage, and model what it means to follow Jesus. As a counselor, you’re often the one campers will remember most: the person who prayed with them, cheered them on at rec time, and made them feel safe and seen.

“Seeing teen counselors lead children to Christ was one of the most impactful things I’ve witnessed,” shared longtime camp leader David Carr. "The best was when campers led campers to Christ."

Your presence matters more than you know. Every conversation, every game, every late-night talk about life and faith can plant seeds that last a lifetime.

Build Leadership and Communication Skills

Serving as a counselor, especially in a cabin setting, gives you hands-on experience in:

  • Leading small groups

  • Managing conflict

  • Encouraging teamwork

  • Practicing responsibility and decision-making

  • Modeling Christian values in everyday situations

These are the kind of soft skills colleges and future employers look for—and they’re hard to teach in a classroom.

Get Community Service Hours for College and Leadership Programs

Many high schools, church youth groups, and leadership programs require community service hours, and counseling at Rock River Bible Camp is a great way to fulfill them while having fun and doing something meaningful. It also looks great on scholarship and college applications. You’ll be able to show not only service hours, but real leadership experience and a commitment to your faith and community.

Experience Growth in Your Own Faith

Camp isn’t just a place where others grow—it’s a place where you grow. Spending a week surrounded by worship, prayer, and spiritual conversations helps you strengthen your own relationship with God. You’ll be encouraged by your fellow counselors and inspired by what God is doing in the lives of campers.

Build Lifelong Friendships

There’s something about camp that forms deep, lasting friendships. Whether you’re scrubbing dishes together, leading a skit, or praying with your campers at night, the bonds you form with fellow counselors can last a lifetime.

Serve as a Family or Church Group

Volunteering together can be a powerful shared experience. We welcome families, youth groups, and church communities to serve together. It’s a great way to model faith in action and grow closer as a team or family.

Ready to Serve?

Whether you’re a teen looking for a summer challenge or an adult eager to give back, we invite you to be part of what God is doing at Rock River Bible Camp. You’ll walk away with more than service hours—you’ll walk away changed.

Learn more and apply to volunteer today.

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What to Pack (and What to Leave at Home) for Camp