A Word from Dick O'Ferrall

As former director of Alpine Camp for Boys, please let me share a few of my thoughts on camp with you. I encourage you to give this opportunity serious thought and prayer before submitting an application to camp.

A Letter to Prospective Staff

Alpine Camp for Boys was established in 1959 for the purpose of offering young boys a rewarding experience amidst the beauty of God's creation, under the leadership of dedicated Christian men. The location 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 young campers. It is only after a personal interview, investigation of references, and careful, prayerful consideration that a man is selected to serve on our camp staff.

Camp counseling is a serious task for responsible people. 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. The directors cannot accept this responsibility alone and we employ only the best men to share it.

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 a firm faith in Jesus Christ and a concern for the spiritual welfare of young boys. Our staff must set the best example possible. Youth is impressionable and 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 rewards ambitious people, especially those receiving satisfaction from a job well done. It is a full time job with adequate time off, but it is only fun to good, clean people who will place their campers' interests ahead of their own.

Attention to 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. Each counselor is given two nights out of camp each week, begining after his final afternoon activity. Each counselor 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.

A complete "job description" is impossible. 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 father, brother, and friend to his boys. His influence is tremendous.

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 review the rest of this section and submit an application.

Dick "Mr. O" O'Ferrall
Director Emeritus
Alpine Camp for Boys