Join Our Crew
Please note: Our 2013 CREW is full through July. However, we still would encourage you to apply to get on our waiting list and so that we can contact you early for next summer.
What is CREW? CREW is our volunteer staff program. Young people from all over the country come together at The Camp for one common goal: to grow personally as a disciple of Jesus while serving alongside our Camp staff. We like to think of CREW as being on a mission trip. Each week of Family Camp, we have around 60 volunteers plugged in to our program, serving to support the daily operation of our events.
What does CREW do? Since CREW’s primary role is to support The Camp’s daily function, they serve in a variety of roles. Some assignments they often fill are kitchen assistant, family assistant, childcare coordinator, housekeeping, snack shop clerk, facilities engineer, activities coordinator, A/V technician, and photographer/videographer. All of these roles help support the primary goal of The Camp—to ignite movements of authentic Christianity.
When not serving in these roles, CREW members attend sessions designed to help them grow as a follower of Jesus. And as always, there is plenty of time for community—building relationships with others and participating in get-togethers and activities just for CREW.
A.J. and Sarah Newell lead our CREW. They will make you feel welcome, answer questions, and provide encouragement to you throughout your experience with us. They love helping get CREW here and challenging them to pursue God with all their heart. Lauren Allen also helps with organization and administration of CREW.
Feel free to contact them at any time.
Thoughts from former CREW:
The two summers I spent on CREW were absolutely incredible. The Lord really used that opportunity to show me the amazing power of having a servant’s heart. The simple fact that our Lord “did not come to be served, but to serve” made every moment of hard work seem like a building block of the kingdom. The opportunity to be part of a life-changing ministry like Life Action, even in a way as small as helping in the kitchen, was a blessing. The Christian fellowship and continuous laughter shared with fellow CREW and full-time staff created an experience I’ll never forget! – Amanda
Working at Family Camp was a huge blessing for me. I not only got to see God work in other people’s lives, but He did a lot of changing in mine. I learned how to really set myself aside. I never realized how selfish I was until I had to concentrate on others every day. It really is a great way to serve the Lord! – Ashley
Over the course of a year, we minister to hundreds of people, and we see God change lives in many ways. We could not do it without you, our CREW—the many young people who volunteer your time to come and serve with us. Thank you for your investment in God’s kingdom with us!
What is the application process?
- Pray and ask the Lord if He wants you to serve with us. (Go read Jonah if you question this—we make it a habit of trying not to lose any CREW to big fish in our lake.)
- New CREW:
Download and complete the 2013 Application.
Returning CREW:
Download and complete the 2013 Reapplication. - Return all the appropriate documents to the address at the top of the application, email it to us as a PDF, or fax it to 269-695-2474, Attn: CREW.
- Confirm that your references (included in the application) are sent to us.
- Wait patiently for us to get back with you. It usually takes a few weeks for us to process and confirm your application. You will be contacted by email or phone to confirm your acceptance.
- Start to build a team of ministry partners who will pray for and financially support you.
Additional Documents:
If you have any other questions, feel free to e-mail us.
NOTE: Our application process has been updated. Everyone wanting to serve CREW this summer should be sure to review the information below.
1. What does it cost?
There is a program fee of $65.00 due by May 17. This goes directly back to developing the CREW program (discipleship materials, outings, apparel) for your benefit.
We strongly encourage you to build a team of prayer and financial partners while you serve with us. Consider enlisting your church, family, and friends to provide prayer and financial support toward serving with us. Think of it this way: You are going on a short-term mission trip. Funds you raise need to be donated directly to you and do not qualify for tax deductions. If you choose to raise funds beyond the $65.00 fee mentioned above, to offset your time here, be sure to accurately evaluate what your need is.
Please contact us if you have questions or need help in this area. We love to see God provide and work through this process!
*We believe finances should never be an obstacle to serving where the Lord calls you to serve. Therefore, we warmly extend scholarships through The Camp based on demonstrated need.
2. Will I be paid?
No (not on this earth, anyway). You are responsible for all of your own expenses, including travel. We cover meals and housing while you serve with us.
However, as outlined above, we suggest you raise support to offset the cost of your time here.
3. What is the time commitment?
We ask that our CREW make a commitment for at least two weeks. However, you may volunteer for as many weeks as you would like to serve.
4. What is the minimum age requirement?
Age 14 is the minimum age, as required by Michigan state law.
5. Where will I stay?
You will stay in a bunkhouse at The Camp. Each cabin has a Cabin Captain to help ensure your safety and the quality of your experience.
6. What should I bring with me?
Here is a packing list of things we recommend.
7. How do I make travel arrangements/get to The Camp?
You are responsible to make arrangements for your travel to and from The Camp.
If you are arriving by air, make arrangements to South Bend Airport.
If you are coming by rail, make arrangements to Niles, Michigan.
We will shuttle you to The Camp if you arrive at either of these two locations. Be sure to coordinate your arrival with us.
8. What day do I arrive, and what day do I leave?
Make arrangements to arrive at The Camp on Sunday by 7:00 p.m. (Eastern Time). No exceptions!
Plan your departure from The Camp on Saturday, any time after 1:00 p.m.
If you have extenuating circumstances, please contact the CREW Manager (A.J. Newell) for assistance.
Each week begins for CREW with a meeting on Sunday evening and ends after lunch on Saturday afternoon.
9. What does a weekly Family Camp schedule look like?
There is a sample schedule here.
10. Do I need extra money for anything?
There are coin laundry facilities. Washing costs $1.25/load. Drying is $1.00/load. There is a Snack Shop which sells ice cream, soda, and other goodies. We offer a trip to Wal-Mart every Saturday so you can buy any necessities.
Some of our CREW-only activities on the weekends could include optional costs (e.g. stopping for ice cream somewhere). There is Life Action apparel available to purchase. Sometimes we offer Camp activities with additional fees to participate (trap shooting and paintball).
11. How long does the application process take?
Please allow a few weeks after submitting your application for us to process it and get back to you. Be sure your references are completed and returned to us in a timely manner so we can process your application. We cannot process your application until we have both of them back.
12. How else can I stay connected with the CREW?
We do have a Facebook profile. However, we will only send/accept friend requests to/from people who have applied to serve with us. Sorry, Mom and Dad, camp guests, and friends of a friend who served with us—you are more than welcome to “Like” and follow our Camp’s Facebook page, though.