Our Mission
At Sandy Hill, our mission is to “Honor God and make a positive difference in the world through camp.”
We welcome campers, staff and retreat guests of all races, cultures and religious beliefs. We strive to put the needs of others first. This internal attitude of service and love for others radiates outward in how we treat our campers and fellow staff.
The Impact of Our Faith on Camp Life
Our program is designed for campers of all races, cultures and religions. The camp directors and many of the staff are Christians. However, there are staff and campers from many religious, racial, and cultural backgrounds every year at camp. You do not need to sign a statement of faith or believe any certain doctrine in order to be on our staff. Our program is activity based. There are no camper Bible studies, sermons, required religious services, etc. As a staff, we do pray for the kids and the camp often, and we are serious about modeling a values-centered lifestyle to each other and to our campers.
As for what the campers see directly, we say a blessing at meals in an ecumenical way. Campers staying for a two-week session can also choose to participate in a weekend worship service at camp.
For the staff, we pray during our morning staff meetings. Optional staff worship services, Bible studies, and prayer groups are offered throughout the summer and are typically led by fellow staff. Attendance at these staff gatherings is not required or tracked.
We're sharing this with you in case this affects your decision to join our staff. There will not be any religious pressure put on any campers or staff at camp, but we strive to present a Godly example to our campers and each other.
Our Behavioral Expectations - "The Staff Standards"
With this as our goal, the most important thing you can do as a counselor is be a great role model. The kids will remember you far longer than they'll remember waterskiing, the ropes course, or a great skit. We have established these minimum guidelines for how we treat and encourage our campers and each other:
Clean language, free of profanity and questionable topics
A positive attitude toward Sandy Hill, my work, co-workers, superiors, and campers
Pro-active and gossip-free problem solving - If I have a problem or if I am upset about something, I will speak directly to the person involved
Kindness, gentleness, and forgiveness to all
An alcohol-free, smoke-free, and drug-free lifestyle
An excellent work ethic: timeliness, responsibility, a positive attitude, and excellence in whatever I do
Good sportsmanship
Respect for God's creation (people of all races, ages, and abilities; the environment, plants and animals)
Cleanliness - personal hygiene, neatness, and organization
Never being alone with just one camper
We take these standards very seriously, and we believe that they create an enriching and caring environment for the staff and the campers to grow, learn, and enjoy together. If you aspire to these standards, and you want to spend your summer around great people who are trying to be their very best, then Sandy Hill is for you.