Looking for a way to assist Camp Sonshine as we help kids experience God’s love and be successful in the business of growing up? This summer you have a unique “missions” opportunity. But rather than going out of the area, over 100 camp staff will be coming to us from around the country and from many parts of the world. We are excited to be able to love and care for those whom the Lord is sending to us. Please prayerfully check the following information below and complete an interest form if you desire to help.
Our summer staff travel from all over the United States, and the world, often sacrificing modern comforts and summer freedoms, to invest into the lives of our youth. As a ministry, we have committed to providing a safe and clean place for them to stay during the summer. In order to keep Camp affordable, we are constantly seeking ways to keep our costs down. Our Host Homes program is one such way. In order for us to fulfill our commitment, we depend heavily on the generosity of our Camp families and friends.
Thank you kindly for considering serving in this capacity. Check out our frequently asked questions below. If you would like to talk to someone or have any other specific questions, please reach out to our Host Home Coordinator: Hayden, hhopper@campsonshine.org
Required
- Provide a clean and safe place for a summer camp counselor to sleep and get ready in the morning.
- Provide a space in the freezer/refrigerator and cabinet/pantry for a few food items.
NOT Required
- You are not responsible for providing meals.
- You are not responsible for transportation to and from Camp.
- You are not responsible for cleaning up after your guest counselor.
- You are not responsible for enforcing any of Camp’s rules or guidelines.
If I request someone, will I definitely be assigned a counselor?
Not necessarily, though we will try our hardest. Host Home assignments depend greatly on how many counselors bring cars with them to camp. We need to make sure that all counselors have a way to get to camp. Therefore, host families that request two counselors most likely will receive one that has a car and one that does not. Host families that can only take one counselor will need to have a counselor that has brought their own car with them or perhaps be located close to or on the way to camp so that it will be easy for them to get a ride.
How and when will I find out any information about my status?
As soon as we receive your application, we will contact you personally to let you know that we have received it and to make sure that we have all the information we need. In early June, we will let you know if you have been assigned a counselor yet or not. If at that time you have not been assigned a counselor, that doesn’t mean that you won’t be given one later. Much of the process depends on our counselors getting personal information to us regarding their arrival, if they have a car, if they have pet allergies, etc. We can say that we will do our best to get you all the information you need as soon as we can.
How and when will I find out any information about my status?
As soon as we receive your application, we will contact you personally to let you know that we have received it and to make sure that we have all the information we need. In early June, we will let you know if you have been assigned a counselor yet or not. If at that time you have not been assigned a counselor, that doesn’t mean that you won’t be given one later. Much of the process depends on our counselors getting personal information to us regarding their arrival, if they have a car, if they have pet allergies, etc. We can say that we will do our best to get you all the information you need as soon as we can.
What are my responsibilities?
We ask that our gracious hosts provide a place for a counselor to sleep and get ready in the morning. Counselors will also need a space in the freezer/refrigerator and cabinet/pantry to store their own breakfast food and weekend food.
What am I not responsible for?
You are not responsible for their meals (although I can’t imagine a counselor turning down a hot meal), transportation, cleaning up after them, or enforcing any of camp’s guidelines or rules.
Will my counselor be just like one of the family?
We believe that being a host family is a ministry, a personal ministry. As a family, you need to decide what you would like that ministry to look like. Do you want to be involved? Or do you simply want to serve by providing a home? Either way, it is a crucial ministry to these counselors and to Camp Sonshine. Counselors and their personalities come in every shape and size. Some counselors, though appreciative, might just be too wiped out to give anything back. All of the staff at Camp Sonshine manage very demanding schedules and will be away from home quite a bit! But if it is your heart to invest in these staff, to include them as part of your family, please let me know that ahead of time, so that I can match you with a counselor (s) that has the same desire.
When will the counselors arrive?
Counselors will arrive on the weekend of June 4 and 5, 2022 at various times throughout the weekend. (Our Head Counselors will arrive around May 23, 2022, so if you are willing to house someone earlier, please let me know.)
Should I wait at home for my counselor to arrive on that weekend?
No, Please feel free to go about your regular routine. When the counselor arrives, we will call you to see if it is a good time to bring him or her to your house. If we can’t get a hold of you right away, no worries, the counselor has plenty to do. (Sometimes travel plans change or are delayed. We don’t want you to change your plans and wait for someone who may have missed a plane, etc.)
When will the counselors depart?
The counselors may leave at different dates depending on when their university starts in the fall. The majority of our camp counselors will leave in mid to late August. When host placement is done you will find out exactly when your counselors will be leaving according to their summer contract with us.
Will I receive more information?
Absolutely! We want you to be as informed as possible. As we approach the summer, we will send out Host Family Handbooks. Inside, you will find information regarding your counselor’s schedule and recommendations for a successful summer. When your counselor arrives, you are encouraged to meet with him or her to set expectations and go over “house rules” that he/she should follow while living in your home. We will also include a questionnaire that will help you and your counselor talk through the practical and relational aspects of the living situation.
Is there someone I can contact with questions or concerns?
Absolutely! Communication is key to the success of any ministry. Our Host Home Liaison for Camp Sonshine is here to serve you, answer your questions, or simply pray for you. Hayden can be reached by email hhopper@campsonshine.org.
Is there someone I can contact with questions or concerns?
Absolutely! Communication is key to the success of any ministry. Our Host Home Liaison for Camp Sonshine is here to serve you, answer your questions, or simply pray for you. Hayden can be reached by email hhopper@campsonshine.org.
