How to Use a Christian Camp Staff Devotional During Summer Camp
A Christian camp staff devotional is more than just a book—it’s a practical tool to help summer camp counselors stay spiritually grounded while serving in a fast-paced, demanding environment. Using a daily devotional for camp counselors can make the difference between spiritual drift and intentional growth throughout the summer.
1. Start Your Day with Scripture
Even with early mornings and packed schedules, taking 5–10 minutes each morning to read some Scripture and a devotional can set a positive, Christ-centered tone for your day.
Choose a quiet spot, even if it’s just a corner of the staff lounge or outside by the lake.
Read the Scripture passage first, then the reflection and application.
Pause to pray, asking God to guide your interactions with campers and staff.
2. Use It During Breaks or Free Time
Camp life rarely allows for long periods of uninterrupted study, so the brevity of a staff devotional is its biggest advantage.
Read a short devotional between activities, during lunch, or while waiting for your next session.
Jot down quick reflections or action points in a notebook or the devotional itself.
Share insights with a fellow staff member if appropriate, fostering encouragement and accountability.
3. Apply Devotional Lessons to Your Role
A staff devotional is designed for practical application in camp life:
Reflect on how the Scripture applies to your interactions with campers.
Use lessons to encourage patience, kindness, and leadership.
Consider a small goal each day inspired by the reading, like offering encouragement to a camper or helping a teammate in need.
4. Incorporate Devotionals into Staff Meetings or Small Groups
Many camps use staff devotionals as a group resource:
Begin team meetings or evening check-ins with a short devotional reading.
Discuss key takeaways together and pray for one another.
This builds spiritual unity and strengthens the staff community.
5. End Your Day Reflectively
Evening use of a devotional can help you process the day and stay spiritually refreshed.
Review challenges and successes of the day in light of Scripture.
Journal or make mental notes of how God worked through your interactions.
Pray for strength and guidance for the next day.
Key Tips for Success
Consistency beats quantity: Even 5 minutes daily is impactful.
Be flexible: Use it when time allows—devotionals are portable and designed for camp schedules.
Encourage others: Sharing what you learn with peers multiplies the impact.
Keep it personal: While reading with a group is helpful, private reflection is equally important.
Final Thought
Using a staff devotional during summer camp is not about checking a spiritual box—it’s about staying rooted in Scripture and allowing God to guide your daily ministry. Whether alone or with your team, a devotional provides a lifeline of encouragement, wisdom, and perspective during one of the busiest summers of your life.
This article shows how a staff devotional helps Christian camp counselors stay spiritually grounded through short, practical Scripture readings they can use daily, during breaks, or with their team.
by Joel Rishel
Director of Publication, Character Building Ministries
About Joel Rishel
Joel Rishel serves with Character Building Ministries, creating devotional resources for camp staff and Christian educators. He has spent years working alongside camps to support staff spiritual formation during demanding summer seasons.