- Village Camp
- Outpost
- Sparrowwood
- Experiential Leadership Institute
- Summer Staff
- Grow Day Camps
- About Glisson
"My son had a wonderful time at his first-ever camp experience. He will be back for sure next summer! Thank you!!!"
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Staley, 2011 camper parent
Experiential Leadership Institute
The Experiential Leadership Institute: Day Camp Program is designed for rising 11th-12th graders who are cognitively ready to be self-reflective, who are ready to accept responsibility for elementary-aged children, who want to make a difference in the lives of others in Christian service and who will benefit from gaining leadership experience before leaving home for college. Just as summer camp is guided by the understanding that faith can only be grown as it is practiced, ELI believes that leadership cannot be nurtured without the opportunity to lead. So after a week of leadership theory and skills training, each participant will serve one or more weeks as a Day Camp Counselor, putting newly acquired skills to practice in a dynamic ministry setting.
Fall 2012: Applying for ELI
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| Apply For ELI To reduce paper use and mailing costs, ELI uses the same online application form as Summer Staff. |
Interviews for Experiential Leadership Institute applicants take place at our fall and winter interview events at four local churches. Each applicant will have a personal interview and will participate in team building activities. Your completed application is required to sign up for an interview location. Attendees at the interview events will receive first consideration for participation in ELI.
- Nov 17, 2012 @ Lawrenceville UMC from 8:30 to 3:30
- Dec 8, 2012 @ Cascade UMC from 9:30 to 2:00
- Jan 26, 2013 @ Madison First UMC from 8:30 to 3:30
- Feb 23, 2013 @ Glisson from 2:00 to 4:00
- More events TBA as needed
If there is not an interview date listed that you are able to attend, contact Cecilia Hyers to request an interview.
Support from Local Pastor & Church
The ELI application process includes a Pastor Reference Form that:
- serves as a reference form...
- communicates with your local pastor that you are involved in a leadership program with Glisson...
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gives your local pastor a chance to commit to support you with prayers and funds (in 2010, over 50% of participants had pastors commit funds toward their program fees)...
- helps identify a leadership role for you in the church next fall...
Summer 2013: Learn & Lead
| Training takes on various forms, including team-building... |
In the ELI Training Week, participants will undergo a strengths analysis and personality profile, learning about themselves and gaining an understanding of others as well. They will spend time learning about servant leadership and how strong leadership is not only compatible with, but integral to, the Christian life. They will also learn theory of small group dynamics, practical small group leadership skills, and training specific to serving as a Day Camp Counselor later in the summer.
Part 2 - Day Camp Ministry
| Day Camp brings the flavor of camp ministry to the local church. To learn more, visit the Day Camp page. |
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| ELI participants put to practice new leadership skills as Day Camp Counselors for at least one Day Camp... |
Fall 2013: Church Leadership Role
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| ELI spans from Fall '12 to Fall '13. Our goal is to develop leaders, then connect them with their local church. |
During Fall 2013, participants are expected to fulfill a leadership role at your church to use some of the skills learned from ELI. Potential leadership opportunities might include:
- serving as a leader within the youth group...
- working with the children's ministry...
- serving as a youth representative on church committees such as SPRC or a task force...
- creating or helping lead an outreach program through the church...
When Is ELI?
Training Week: Training week is held at Glisson. ELI participants are required to attend one of the following options:
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Option 1: May 26-31
- Option 2: June 9-14
- Day Camps 1&2 ... June 2-7
- Day Camps 3&4 ... June 9-14
- Day Camps 5&6 ... June 16-21
- Day Camps 7&8 ... June 23-28
- Day Camps 9&10 ... June 30 July-5
- Day Camps 11&12 ... July 7-12
- Day Camps 13&14 ... July 14-19
- Day Camps 15&16 ... July 21-26
How Much Is ELI?
Program Cost: $795
Cost includes Training Week and one week (min) to eight weeks (max) as a Day Camp Counselor. Each additional week as a Day Camp Counselor adds value to the overall experience without increasing the cost. For example:
- Training Week + 1 week as Day Camp Counselor = $795 (weekly value: $397.5)
- Training Week + 2 weeks as Day Camp Counselor = $795 (weekly value: $265)
- Training Week + 3 weeks as Day Camp Counselor = $795 (weekly value: $198.75)
How to Apply & Register
Step 1: Submit Online Application
Step 2: Submit Pastor Reference Form
Step 3: RSVP to an Interview Event (see above)
After completing these steps, ELI candidates will be notified of their status. Rather than registering for Village or Outpost, accepted candidates will be prompted to register for the ELI Training Week (5/26 to 5/31 or 6/9 to 6/14) and submit standard registration info such as health forms. After being accepted and registering for Training Week, participants will be sent a response form regarding which Day Camp weeks they wish to serve during Summer 2013.
Check-In & Check-Out
Training Week:
- Check-in: Sunday (5/26 or 6/9) at Glisson
- Check-out: Friday (5/31 or 6/14) at Glisson
- Check-in: Sunday at Day Camp location
- Check-out: Friday at Day Camp location
Questions?
If you have any questions about the interview process or any part of the Experiential Leadership Institute, please email Cecilia Hyers, Day Camp Director, or call the front office at (706) 864-6181.











