Asbury University Hosts Unique Salvation Army Camp Hiring Fair
Asbury University recently hosted their second annual Camp Hiring Fair. Camp directors and leaders from over 25 Salvation Army camps arrived on campus, each hoping to recruit young people to work at their camp this summer. The fair received a lot of attention; perhaps it was the free shirts and stickers, maybe some were looking for a job, or maybe the biggest draw was the Chick-fil-a brought in by Southern Territorial Youth Secretary Major Matt Satterlee. Regardless of their personal motivations, many college students made their way through the camp tables, each one more engaging than the last. Camp directors pulled out all the stops to attract capable and energetic summer employees. This unique hiring fair not only showcased the diverse opportunities available across Salvation Army camps, but also emphasized the significance of faith in the camp experience.
The Southern Territory was represented well by the Florida, Georgia, Texas, and Kentucky-Tennessee (KT) Divisions. In speaking with the leaders from these camps, it is clear that they all value the same thing: changing the lives of young people. Tonya Stickney, program manager for Character Building and camp for the Florida Division, perfectly summarized their desire, stating, “camp changes lives.” For many who have worked at a Salvation Army camp previously, camp can be an almost magical place. The KT Division aptly captures this feeling in their nickname: “Paradise.”
The camp directors and leaders emphasized to the students visiting their booths that working at camp will provide opportunity for building a variety of skills in a unique environment. Learning how to problem solve, work on a team, be held accountable, and how to interact with people of different backgrounds are all valuable skills to be gained from the camp experience. Campers and staff alike will be poured into spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Alex Griswold, assistant divisional music and arts director for the Texas Division, commented that working at camp is especially valuable because “you get to impact the lives of kids where Jesus might not be present in their home.” Along with the spiritual element, camp gives what could be for many children a once in a lifetime experience, exposing them to nature, wildlife, and activities they may not encounter elsewhere.
Many young Salvationists have attended and many are currently attending Asbury University, which sits in the very heart of the Southern Territory. The camp fair not only exemplified the beautiful relationship between the school and The Salvation Army, but fully showcased the profound impact a camp experience can have on both campers and staff. The skills, relationships, and memories that come from working at a Salvation Army camp are unmatched. If you or someone you know is looking for a summer job, consider pointing them to The Salvation Army for an opportunity to change lives and perhaps have yours changed in return.