I got to look campers in the eyes and say, “Jesus loves you and He died for you.” Best job ever, in my opinion. —Mandi Ressler ('19)
This summer, Concordia University Ann Arbor students spent their break from the demands of a college semester to use what they have learned in the classroom and apply it to their role as summer camp counselors, preparing them for their future vocations.
Going away for the whole summer can be a sacrifice for college students, who will often spend that time earning as much as possible and connecting with friends and family from their hometowns. These summer camp counselors will tell you that the fulfillment of being immersed in nature, investing in their campers, sharing and growing in their faith, and learning more about themselves is well worth the sacrifice of a summer spent at home.
We’re taking a look at why these Concordia students chose to spend their summer as camp counselors and how Concordia prepared them for their summer gig.
Rebecca Johnstone (’21)
Major: Hospitality and Event Management
Camp Concordia (Gowen, MI) – 3rd year
How has CUAA prepared you to work at camp?
Concordia has helped me to strengthen my faith through all the worship opportunities and it has also helped me come out of my shell. I was really nervous to do everything before I came to CUAA and it really helped me to be more confident and try new things.
What is your favorite thing about serving at a camp?
My favorite thing about the camp is the fellowship between counselors and the opportunity to share our faith and our God with the kids that come.
Hannah Biermann (’20)
Major: Family Life Education, Children’s Ministry
Camp Concordia (Gowen, MI) – 2nd year
How has CUAA prepared you to work at camp?
My time at Concordia has prepared me for my experience as a camp counselor by giving me the tools I need to be a good leader. In my classes I have learned about child and adolescent development, children’s ministry, and strategies for working with children of any background. My experiences as a transition leader and Tool Time (Concordia Youth Ministry and Concordia Youth Gathering) group leader has given me the confidence and skills to lead devotion times and group games at camp. Most importantly, my time at CUAA, through my classes and the examples of my professors, has helped me grow deeper in my faith and given me the skills to teach others about God.
What is your favorite thing about serving at a camp?
My favorite thing is helping children grow closer in their relationship to God and to each other. I love the relationships I form with the other staff and campers while I continue growing closer in my relationship to God. I also thrive on being outside all summer.
Charity Felton (’21)
Major: Elementary Education with an ESL Endorsement
Camp Lutherhaven (Albion, IN) – 2nd year
Summer Global Engagement Institute – Concordia Wisconsin – 1st year
Michigan Lutheran High School’s English Language Camp – 1st year
How has CUAA prepared you to work at camp?
CUAA prepared me to work at camp by the classes that I have taken and the worship opportunities that are provided here. My ESL courses and fieldwork will have prepared me for this coming summer as I teach and support ELLs from various countries. I actually heard about the camp at CUW through staff here at CUAA!
What is your favorite thing about serving at a camp?
My favorite thing about serving at Lutherhaven was by far the outdoors and the people, especially the campers! Being able to experience so much with them from swimming to campfires to meals to, most importantly, faith was incredible.
Alexandria Elliott (’22)
Major: Parish Music, Secondary English Education with Lutheran Teaching Diploma
Kids Camp (Monroe Township, MI) – 2nd year
How has CUAA prepared you to work at camp?
In all of my classes, one of the main things we learn about is how to be a servant leader. This past summer I felt more prepared and confident in my abilities to teach and have fun with the kids. I also felt more prepared to be more intentional and create lasting relationships with the kids.
What is your favorite thing about serving at a camp?
Building relationships with the kids and being able to provide them with a safe and comfortable environment.
Jeremy Ziemann (’21)
Major: Family Life, Youth Ministry
Pioneer Camp and Retreat Center (Angola, NY)
How has CUAA prepared you to work at camp?
Concordia has taught me that I am always learning. No matter how much I know I will always have something to improve upon, and that God will always give us a chance to do so. Being flexible and open minded is pivotal to serving and loving those around us.
What is your favorite thing about serving at a camp?
My favorite thing is growing close to the people around me. God works first and foremost through the people around us, and he works through us to affect them back. Being able to see them grow and enjoy their time here is amazing and a blessing to be a part of.
Mandi Ressler (’19)
Major: Family Life Education Minor, Youth Ministry
Camp Lutherwood (Bellingham, WA)
How has CUAA prepared you to work at camp?
CUAA has given me a lot of opportunities to be a leader and work with kids. From working in admissions, to being a part of Tool Time, and to doing all my fieldwork for my major, I came into this job with a lot of experience already.
What is your favorite thing about serving at a camp?
My favorite part of the job was getting to share the love of Jesus with kids who have never experienced that before. A lot of the kiddos that came to camp were unchurched or had very little faith and I got to look them in the eyes and say, “Jesus loves you and He died for you.” Best job ever, in my opinion.
— Esther Schulze is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Art. She will graduate in 2020.
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