Alpine Camp for Boys

As Director of Alpine Camp for Boys, Inc., please let me share a few of my thoughts on camp counseling with you. I would ask that you read through these next few pages very carefully, and I request that you give this job application much serious thought before returning it to me.

Alpine Camp for Boys was established in 1959 for the purpose of offering to young boys a rewarding experience amidst the beauty of God's nature and under the leadership of dedicated Christian men. The site itself was chosen because of its magnificent beauty. Situated on the crest of Lookout Mountain, massive rocks, a rushing waterfall, and rustic log buildings form the rugged setting which both challenges and inspires.

There are many things that determine the success of a summer camp program, but the most important factor is the camp leadership, the men chosen to serve as counselors and instructors for the young campers. No camp is any better than its staff. For this reason, it is only after a personal interview, investigation of references, and much careful and prayerful consideration that a man is selected to serve on our camp staff.

Camp counseling is a serious task and a job for responsible people only. Camp counselors should consider their job as a chance to serve youth as well as an opportunity for personal development. Being responsible for the lives and character molding of young boys is not "kid stuff". Most parents send their son to camp because they know the strong influence a good camp can have on his life. Alpine Camp accepts this TRUST with deep concern and responsibility. As Camp Director, I cannot accept this responsibility alone. I employ the best men I can find to share this responsibility with me.

Alpine feels a very keen sense of responsibility for the spiritual growth of its campers. We endeavor to provide a strong Christian atmosphere for our boys. In selecting staff members we look for Christian men who have a firm faith in Jesus Christ and are concerned for the spiritual welfare of young boys.

The camp staff must set the best example possible. Youth is impressionable, therefore, the camp environment must be strong, clean, and wholesome. The boy in camp is under the direct influence of the camp and its staff twenty-four hours a day amidst surroundings and under conditions which make him particularly susceptible to character.

Camp counseling will be a happy experience for ambitious people, especially if you receive satisfaction from doing a job well. It is a full time job with adequate time off, but it is only fun to good clean people who love children and will place their interests ahead of self in every instance.

In camp work, job detail and devotion to duty are highly important! One must have a sincere desire to follow instructions as well as give of his talents and ingenuity - all in good spirit and harmony with the camp administration. It would be impossible to offer you a complete "job description". A camp counselor gives all of his time to the camp except during his time off. At Alpine each counselor is given two nights out of camp each week. This time off begins after his last afternoon activity. Each staff member must understand that he will be performing a responsible assignment with the welfare and care of campers his foremost interest and time off a subordinate consideration. We expect you to feel needed in our organization. We expect you to be present and useful at all times except your scheduled time off.

Every counselor at Alpine will live with and have charge of not more than seven campers in his cabin. This responsibility is regarded as second to none at Alpine. A good cabin counselor is tremendously popular and influential with his campers. He is expected to be a Father, Brother, and Friend to his boys. His influence is tremendous - prepare yourself.

As a young boy, I had the privilege of attending Alpine Camp for Boys for six summers. My counselors during those six summers played a major role in helping me become the man I am today. Since my days as a camper, I have spent eight summers serving on staff. I am convinced that a summer camp program provides young college men with a terrific opportunity to impact the lives of children and at the same time experience incredible personal growth.

As you can see, camp counseling is serious business. It is an inspirational and educational experience. If you think you might be further interested in summer employment at Alpine Camp for Boys, please complete the attached Staff Application and return it to me.

D. Glenn Breazeale, Jr.
Director
Alpine Camp for Boys, Inc.