Frequently Asked Questions - Student
Welcome to the Camp Good News Staff FAQ page!!! Thanks for your interest in our program. Can’t find an answer to your question? Please email Doug at office@ceffm.org or call at 701-200-4865
General Questions
What’s the difference between CEF and Camp Good News?
CEF (Child Evangelism Fellowship) is the name of the international children’s ministry. Camp Good News is a ministry of CEF.
Can I get paid? How do I get paid?
All Camp Good News staff are eligible to be paid for their summer work. To qualify, they must raise a minimum of $350 towards expenses and must be available for at least four weeks (including training). Staff may also choose to volunteer their time and not complete support raising. More information about how much you will be paid will be provided at the time of your interview.
What is a support letter?
It’s basically a nice, simple letter that explains what you do and asks for prayer and financial support. You’ll send this letter to friends and family members. It might sound tough, but during our training, we’ll teach you how to write one, give you a sample one…and then help you get it started and sent off!
Support raising sounds a bit intimidating. Have past Camp Good News staff had trouble with support raising?
Last year, most of our staff found the process a bit intimidating at first, but after sending out their letters in faith and seeing God provide, they realized that it was much easier and not as intimidating as they first thought. Always remember to trust that God will provide.
When will I find out if I have been hired?
If new, when we receive your application, we will confirm that we have received your application within two weeks. Once the application deadline has passed, we will then set-up a meeting with you and a parent (if you are a minor). The meeting allows us to get to know you and to explain some of the basic requirements of Camp Good News staff as well as addressing any questions that you or your parents may have. Returning staff will meet to sign a contract.
What should I pack for training camp?
You’ll get a packing list before you leave for camp. Basically, though, bring the necessities (clothes, toiletries, sleeping bag and pillow, Bible) and leave the rest at home (like your comic books, portable DVD players, and phones).
Can I miss part of training?
We expect everyone to attend the training camp. Training Camp is especially hard to miss in your first year. We cover a lot of material during this time, so if you miss even a day, it’s going to take a while to catch up. If you need to miss a partial day or several days (due to a family vacation, wedding, ACT test, etc.), contact Doug at 701-200-4865 immediately so we can discuss it with you.
How many weeks do I need to be committed for?
Counting training week, you need to be committed for at least four weeks for 18 and under staff. Paid 18 and over staff need to be available for much of the scheduled summer (some flexibility is possible). Sometimes special exceptions can be made. If you need a special exception, please contact Doug at 701-200-4865 or office@ceffm.org
Can I miss part of a Go Camp or day camp week?
If you are going to miss more than one day for a week, please don’t sign up to work that week. If you need to miss a day, please let us know as soon as you can. If we know in advance, it is possible to work just mornings or just afternoons as long as it for the entire week (M-F).
Camp Good News on the Go
Where do the clubs happen?
Most of our Camp Good News on the Go happen in the Fargo/West Fargo/Moorhead/Dilworth area. Sometimes one team travels for a week to places close-by such as Barnesville and Hawley.
What does a typical day look like?
Here is what a typical day looks like:
9:30 AM – Devotions, prayer, and announcements at a Metro Baptist Church
9:45 AM Leave for our first set of Go Camp
10:00-10:30 AM. Teach first club (clubs are 75 minutes in length)
12:00 PM – Eat lunch/travel to next club
1:30 PM – Go Camp
3:30 PM – Return to Metro Baptist
4:00 PM – Check-in Meeting
How does transportation work? Do I need a ride from camp to camp?
You are responsible to have a ride to the Metro Baptist at 9:30 AM. We provide all the rides to the Go camps. After the last club in the evening, you will be dropped off at Metro Baptist Church unless other arrangements have been made.
Do I need to bring a lunch?
Yes, you do need to bring a lunch with you. Sometimes teams do go out to eat if it can fit into the schedule.
Camp Good News – Day Camp
Where do the day camps happen?
The camps are at Metro Baptist Church in Fargo. Overnight Camp is at Camp Joy in Dent, MN.
What does a typical day look like?
See sample schedule below:
Sample Daily Schedule
7:30 – 9:00 – Before care (If you are scheduled)
8:30 – All staff arrive for devos and meeting
9:00 – Welcome/Opening Ceremony
9:15 – Activity Instruction
10:15 – Bible Hour/Snack
11:15 – Activity Practice
12:15 – Lunch (Campers bring a sack lunch)
12:45—Personal Devos/Bible Memory
1:15— Swimming on M, W, F; Large Group Game on Tu, Th
2:30 – Elective Skills (Campers offered an array of activities such as crafts, games, outdoor skills, etc)
3:45—Closing Ceremony
4:00 PM—Camper Pick-up
4:15 – Day end (unless on after care)
4:00 – 5:30 PM – After care (if you are scheduled)
Sample Daily Schedule
7:30 – 9:00 – Before care (If you are scheduled)
8:30 – All staff arrive for devos and meeting
9:00 – Welcome/Opening Ceremony
9:15 – Activity Instruction
10:15 – Bible Hour/Snack
11:15 – Activity Practice
12:15 – Lunch (Campers bring a sack lunch)
12:45—Personal Devos/Bible Memory
1:15— Swimming on M, W, F; Large Group Game on Tu, Th
2:30 – Elective Skills (Campers offered an array of activities such as crafts, games, outdoor skills, etc)
3:45—Closing Ceremony
4:00 PM—Camper Pick-up
4:15 – Day end (unless on after care)
4:00 – 5:30 PM – After care (if you are scheduled)
Do I need to bring a lunch?
Yes, you do need to bring a lunch with you. A microwave and fridge are available for your use.
ABOUT CAMP GOOD NEWS – OVERNIGHT CAMP
Do I have to go to training camp to be a counselor at Camp Good News?
No. You can apply to just work for overnight camp. Please see application.
Is their training for Camp Good News Overnight Camp?
We will have a two hour training for just the one week staff. More details on that day when available. A make-up training time will be provided as well in case you can not make it.
MISCELLANEOUS
How are summer interns chosen?
Our interns are college-age students who have experience as CYIAers and have shown their leadership, responsibility, and maturity during past summers. They have proven they can work well as staff members. And, they have usually been involved with CEF ministries during the school year. Why are cell phones only allowed at certain hours at camp? We move into a camp setting, away from distractions like TV, radio, and the busy world. It doesn’t mean those things are bad; we just need time to focus on God and on preparations for the summer. There is a phone at camp in case of emergency situations and will be made available for regular use during your evening free time. How do I sign up? Thanks for asking!!!! Apply at: www.campgoodnewsfargo.org/campstaff
Why are cell phones only allowed at certain hours at camp?
We move into a camp setting, away from distractions like TV, radio, and the busy world. It doesn’t mean those things are bad; we just need time to focus on God and on preparations for the summer. There is a phone at camp in case of emergency situations and will be made available for regular use during your evening free time.
How do I sign up?
Thanks for asking!!!! Apply at: www.campgoodnewsfargo.org/campstaff