By Jackie Boyer, Assistant Director of Bible Adventure/CIA
As one of the newest full time employees at Joy El, a Christian camp in Pennsylvania, there are many things to learn about the ins and outs of this incredible ministry. I am so humbled and excited to be able to take part in God’s work through Joy El, specifically serving in Bible Adventure.
Serving upwards of 3,300 students each year. It’s no surprise that many volunteers are needed for Bible Adventure programs to run smoothly. I was amazed to learn that with bus drivers, listeners, teachers, coordinators, secretaries, music leaders, etc. there are an average of 1200 volunteers that serve on the Joy El Bible Adventure team each school year!
As a part of the Joy El Bible Adventure staff, I’ve been aiding with an event that we call Volunteer Leadership Training. For my part, I’ve been tasked with sharing about various retreats and camp experiences offered, and how students can be earning discounts to attend some exciting Joy El events. At the volunteer trainings, I’ve even had opportunity to share my flute playing in our worship time together!
It’s incredible to see the various ways God is using each individual’s unique gifts and talents to serve in Bible Adventure. One Bible Adventure leader shared how their program has learned to creatively adjust to maximize their volunteer mentors in order to accommodate the increase in students attending their program. Some of the ways they’re accommodating the increase include having the students meet with their listeners in shifts so they’re still able to have listening groups of 1 to 3 students and moving to a larger meeting room. They’ve had to think outside of the box and figure out how to best utilize their helpers and their space.
This reminded me of the passage of scripture in 1 Corinthians 12 which talks about how we, as the church body, serve in many different capacities, but each is vital to making the body whole. I was able to witness this passage being actively lived out as I heard stories and ideas from many leaders who are dedicated to the cause of “Igniting a generation that seeks Him.” If you are interested in serving as a volunteer in a Bible Adventure program in your community, please click here or call Jackie at 717-369-4539. We would love to have you!
There are many sessions of Summer Camp including Day Camp and Adventure Camp.
Related Articles:
The Top 4 Benefits of Volunteering
The Importance of Volunteers in the Church
Join us for a retreat! Start here!
Bible Adventure Retreat March 1-3 (2-6th Grade)
Mother-Son Retreat March 15-17, (Sons 1-12th Grade)
Father-Daughter Retreat April 12-14, (Daughters 1-12th Grade)
Joy El Camps and Retreats is a Christian Youth Camp in PA, we offer Christian camps and retreats year-round for all ages in PA and we are a youth retreat center in Pennsylvania since 1974. Our focus on making disciples is seen in the Bible Adventure program and the 4.12 Leadership Training Program.
