What Is a Camp Staff Devotional?
A camp staff devotional is a short, Scripture-centered daily reading designed specifically for the pace, pressures, and community life of summer camp staff. Unlike traditional devotionals, camp staff devotionals are written to be practical, portable, and usable in high-energy ministry environments, with specific application to camp ministry themes and issues.
Key Characteristics of a Camp Staff Devotional
Brief and Scripture-centered
Designed for busy camp schedules
Addresses real camp ministry challenges
Usable individually or in group settings
Who Is a Camp Staff Devotional For?
Camp staff devotionals are created for counselors, program leaders, support staff, and summer ministry interns serving at Christian camps. These individuals often work long hours, live in close community, and pour themselves out emotionally and spiritually for campers. While many staff arrive eager to grow in their faith, the realities of camp life can make consistent personal devotion time difficult without the right tools.
A camp staff devotional meets staff where they are—early mornings, short breaks, and late nights—offering Scripture and reflection that fit into real camp rhythms rather than ideal schedules.
Why Do Camp Staff Need a Different Kind of Devotional?
Camp staff face unique spiritual challenges that standard devotionals often don’t address. The constant activity of camp life leaves little quiet time, emotional fatigue can build quickly, and spiritual conversations happen all day long. Staff are both disciples and disciplers, which means they need space to be spiritually fed, not just equipped to teach.
Traditional devotionals may assume long reading times, solitary reflection, or uninterrupted quiet—conditions that rarely exist during a busy camp season. Camp staff devotionals are intentionally brief, focused, and applicable, helping staff stay rooted in Scripture without adding pressure or guilt. Camp staff need devotional thoughts rooted in Scripture that go right to the core of challenges they are facing and point them to Christ for strength and help.
How Are Character Building Ministries Devotionals Designed for Camp Life?
Character Building Ministries creates devotionals specifically shaped around the realities of camp ministry. These devotionals emphasize clear Scripture engagement, thoughtful reflection, and practical application that staff can carry into their daily interactions with campers and teammates.
Designed to be used individually or in community, Character Building Ministries devotionals work well for personal quiet time, cabin devotions, or staff gatherings. Their structure recognizes the physical, emotional, and spiritual demands of camp life, helping staff remain grounded in God’s Word throughout the summer.
A well-designed camp staff devotional doesn’t compete with camp ministry—it strengthens it by forming staff who are spiritually anchored, biblically grounded, and ready to serve with endurance and joy.
At its core, a camp staff devotional exists to spiritually sustain those who are pouring themselves out daily, helping them remain rooted in Scripture while serving in one of ministry’s most demanding environments.
This article explains what a camp staff devotional is, who it’s for, and how it supports staff spiritual growth during summer camp.
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.