Courses & Topics
Although the whole is greater than the sum of the parts, the LTD year may be described in terms of the following courses, topics, and experiences:
Camp Administration
A course that presents a biblical perspective on principles of camp leadership and administration, legislative and legal matters, financial and business procedures, insurances, and personnel management are also discussed.
Camp Counseling
A practical introduction to camp counseling, including areas of counseling need, the role of the counselor, counseling skills and techniques, biblical perspectives, and camper characteristics.
Camp Maintenance
A course that provides a theoretical and practical approach to the maintenance of grounds, equipment, and facilities. Topics include standards of excellence, service and public image, the priority of program, maintenance schedules, record systems, inventory, and special projects.
Camp Management
A course that gives an overview of the managerial responsibilities of a camp administrator, contrasting God’s plan for leadership with that offered in secular society. Site selection and development, facilities, and equipment are also discussed.
Camp Organization
A course that focuses on the development of an operating philosophy and organizational system. Each LTD staff member presents a complete camp model on paper, including vision, values, mission statement, desired outcomes, ministry strategies, philosophy, program, and budget.
Camp Programming
A course that provides programming theory and experience for the year-round camp, including youth camps, family camps, retreats, trip camping, outdoor education, and special events. The student receives an in-depth exposure to the recreational leadership opportunities available at camp.
Camp Safety
A course that stresses the importance of a continual safety consciousness in all work and program areas, planning, and activities. First aid and CPR are included.
Camp Teaching
A course that presents principles for becoming an organized and effective teacher, one who teaches for life-change. The student studies methods of teaching biblical concepts through a total program perspective, making use of teachable moments as well as formal teaching settings.
Family/Ministry Relationships
A course that discusses the relationship and balance of family life and the work of the ministry. Topics include healthy communication, family relationships, consistent discipline of children, and handling the demands of being an example to others.
Food Service Management
A course that provides experiential and classroom exposure to menu planning, nutrition, food purchasing and preparation, systems of serving, sanitation, budgeting, and supervision of staff.
Promotion and Public Relations
A study of marketing methods used to develop a public image, gather a constituency, and keep it informed. Numerous aspects of media preparation and presentation are covered.
Experience
Exposure to four seasons of camping and to a diversity of responsibilities, experiences, and trips.
Paper
A 100-plus page paper designed to help LTD participants integrate classroom principles, “hands-on” experiences, and personal callings. In addition to the topics mentioned in the “Camp Organization” course description, participants frequently add chapters on site development, marketing, building plans, and construction costs.