We would not be able to do what we do without our amazing volunteers! During each week of LEAD, Crew members volunteer their time to help mentor and minister to our students as camp counselors. They play an important role not only in assisting the students and the SSI staff in a number of areas but also serving as role models, setting the standard for behavior at LEAD. We want every student to feel cared for and to see the love of God on display. All our volunteers are an important part of making that a reality.
If you have a heart for ministry and a desire to be God’s hands and feet, helping to equip and engage the next generation, then you could be the crew member our students need. Each summer about 40 of these incredibly generous individuals give up at least one full week of their summer for our future leaders!
Every year, we have a variety of college aged, career aged, parents, and family members who come to volunteer. Some are alumni of the program, and others are not.
General Expectations
Generally, first-time volunteers are assigned to our first-year and second-year student tracks, House and Senate. House and Senate students spend the week divided into smaller groups called “committees” (approx. 16 students). You will be working with a particular committee, typically alongside another crew member. If you are assigned to an advanced track, you will be working directly with the track instructor and other crew members assigned to the track.
During Crew Orientation on Saturday and Sunday, we take time to walk through our policies, procedures, and your role as a crew member. You are not required or expected to be an “expert” on policy or legislative procedure. There are also designated times for track volunteers to meet with the instructors to talk through the simulation and the assignments your group will be working on. We encourage any questions you may have both during orientation and throughout the week.
Policies
Crew members are expected to abide by our camp policies found under the following tabs on the LEAD webpage. This is the standard of behavior for our students, and all crew members should model that behavior.
Please be aware of our dress code and pack accordingly as all Crew follow the same dress code as the campers. Only SSI staff members will initiate disciplinary actions with campers. No other crew members should assume that responsibility. This includes asking campers to change if they are out of dress code.
SSI requires that its employees subscribe to its Statement of Faith and Lifestyle Statement, which can be found below. We ask that all LEAD crew also subscribe to them.
Statement of Faith
Volunteer Lifestyle Statement
Adapted with permission from www.acsiglobal.org/wp-content/uploads/ACSI-Lifestyle-Statement.pdf
Dates for LEAD 2025
Crew members are expected to stay on campus during camp (from 6pm on Saturday to 7pm on Friday). Any absences during the week should be pre-arranged with the Director of Programs.
First Time Applicants:
Returning Applicants:
Week 1: June 15-20
Crew Orientation – Saturday, June 14, 6:00pm
Week 2: July 13-18
Crew Orientation – Saturday, July 12, 6:00pm
Week 3: July 27- August 1
Crew Orientation – Saturday, July 26, 6:00pm
Spring Arbor University
106 E Main St, Spring Arbor, MI 49283
Thank you so much for your help!
If you need help, please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.
Grace Anne Rosbury
Director of Programs
Email:
Programs@ssionline.org
Phone:
517-321-6233