Christian Youth Camps Ltd run Holiday Camps at three campsites in Victoria, Australia; CYC The Island, Phillip Island Adventure Resort and Forest Edge. They also run a series of Leadership Development Weekends throughout the year; Refocus, Refresh and Refuel. In addition to this there is the Summer LIT Program for people 14+ who are interested in Leadership.
Becoming a Holiday Camp Leader
Our Holiday Camps would not be able to operate without a team of dedicated volunteer Cabin Leaders. In addition to Cabin Leaders, there are positions on the Leadership Team for Activities Programmers, Leaders In Training (LITs), Music Leaders, Study Leaders, First Aid Officers, just to name a few.
Leadership on Holiday Camps commences as a Leader In Training on our Summer LIT Program. This is for 14+ year olds who are interested in Leadership. After attending this course, you are able to come back to one of our "during the year camps" as an in-room LIT, assisting and observing a Cabin Leader. If you show potential as a Leader In Training, you may be asked to then come back as a Leader on one of our Primary Camps.
We sometimes accept Leaders who have not completed this process (for example adult Leaders) if they have had experience on other camps, or have shown potential in a church or youth group leadership role. We are always looking for new Leaders, so if you are interested in a Leadership role on camp, please contact us.
Leader Selection
We take very seriously our duty of care to both the Campers and the Leaders themselves when we put together Leadership Teams for Camps. As such, all volunteers involved in a Holiday Camp are required to meet the following selection criteria:
- Observance of Christian values, morals and ethics in their daily lives
- Completed a Leader’s Code of Conduct and Safe Practice Form (download PDF)
- Completed a Leadership Application Form
- Completed a CYC Statutory Declaration Form (download PDF)
- Completed a Consent to Check Police Records Form (Those under 18)
- Hold a current Working With Children Check Card (Those 18 years and over)
- Have a minimum of two referees, including one written through the CYC Confidential Reference Form
Note: We're currently updating our Leadership Application Pack - Please contact us for forms without links above
Why Lead at Camp?
Camp Leadership is one of the most rewarding forms of Christian service. You get to spend an entire week investing into young people, sharing your life and faith with them. In many ways it can be a sacrifice, but it is well worthwhile. Many times we are able to witness a dramatic change in Campers between the start and end of the week. One of the greatest comments we can hear is, "Before camp I'd given up hope, but now everything has changed." Even more rewarding than this is seeing campers coming back time after time, as they grow and learn about life and God.
As well as being rewarding, camp can be challenging, as you are given a chance to extend your Leadership skills. I have heard many times from teachers, youth pastors and the like, that they started out as Camp Leaders. (In fact, that is my own story too!)
Challenging, rewarding, but also fun! It just wouldn't be camp without fun, and although Leadership is a big responsibility, that doesn't rule out a lot of fun as well.
We're not just looking for "Super" Leaders so we can run camps. We want to develop and grow people as Leaders, and strive towards putting together the best Leadership Team available for every camp. That team might include you.
Most of all, as a Leader, you can make a real difference in the life of a young person - giving them hope, friendship and a Christian role model. If this sounds like something you would like to do, we'd love to hear from you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be a Leader?
How much does it cost?
Do Leaders get paid?
Do I have to LIT first?
Do you accept Leaders from overseas?
Do I need qualifications?
How do I find out more?
Can I be a Leader?
Before we can answer that, we need to know a lot about you. Camp Leadership is a big responsibility, and we need to know (for your sake as well as the campers) that you are suitable for the role. Our Leaders need to demonstrate a Christian commitment in their everyday lives, and be prepared to share their faith. They need to have a self-sacrificing nature that puts the needs of the campers above their own, and have what it takes to cope with the challenge of a week-long camp. Leadership is a lot more than just having fun with campers (Although there's a lot of that involved too!). The best place to start if you want to become a Leader is looking through the Leadership Application Pack. (Currently being updated. Please e-mail for a copy if interested)
How much does it cost?
Although we do not require Leaders to pay for camp, Leaders are welcome to donate towards the camps, or towards sponsoring Campers to attend camp. We ask LITs to pay 50% of camp fees during the year, and the LIT Program over Summer has a set price.
Do Leaders get paid?
Leadership at CYC is on a voluntary basis, so Leaders do not get paid. We do, however, subsidise and fund training of Leaders in outside qualifications such as Bronze Medallion and First Aid courses from time to time, as well as hugely subsidising our three Leadership Weekends throughout the year to make them more affordable for Leaders to attend.
Do I have to LIT first?
The general procedure for becoming a Leader is LIT Program --> LIT --> Leader. However, this may vary from person to person. Perhaps you are already a Youth Group Leader, or have been leading at another campsite. In cases such as these we often accept people as Leaders without the LIT process. It all comes down to making sure that our Leaders are adequately trained.
Do you accept Leaders from overseas?
Yes and no. We are more than happy to accept Leaders from overseas who are involved with campsites in their home country. However, we do not provide accommodation etc. in between camps. Also, any overseas visitors need to sort out their own visas and travel arrangements. The best thing to do if you are interested in coming to Australia and being part of the Leadership Team is to contact us via e-mail, as it is something that depends on so many different factors.
Do I need qualifications?
You do not require any formal qualifications to be a Leader on Holiday Camps. However, you do need to be adequately trained for the role. We do require a certain number of Leaders each camp with Lifesaving or First Aid qualifications, therefore, having these qualifications is of great benefit.
How do I find out more?
If you've looked through the website and have other questions, please feel free to contact us!
