A Typical LTD Year
Summer
LTD staff begin the program with four days of LTD orientation and summer staff training. After two weeks of intensive counselor training, they serve as youth camp counselors, program instructors, or other summer camp leaders. The summer schedule includes five weeks of six-day youth camps, three three-day family camps, four weeks of six-day family camps, and two weekend family camps.
Fall
From September through December, LTD staff focus on classroom activities: lectures, discussions, reading assignments, special projects, and a major paper. They also help host a camp for older adults, a pastor’s retreat, and a number of outdoor education and retreat groups. LTD staff lend a hand closing summer program areas and preparing for winter activities.
Winter
LTD staff are taught downhill and cross-country skiing and how to teach these skills to others. They then assume a variety of leadership roles during Wintertainment (a teen camp between Christmas and New Year’s Eve) and the heavy winter retreat season. Responsibilities include supervising sports areas, hosting retreat groups, and working in maintenance. LTD staff also spend approximately one week on college campuses talking with students about summer ministry opportunities.
Spring
In the spring months, LTD staff host retreat groups, teach outdoor education classes, and help close winter program areas. They also attend the Wisconsin Christian Camp & Conference Sectional convention, tour several Wisconsin camps, and work at another camp for a week. The year concludes with a concentration of classes, a review of the philosophy of ministry papers, and LTD graduation.
Time Off
LTD staff normally have one day off per week. Time off for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter generally correspond in length to those offered by the associated colleges.
Housing and Meals
Living on the grounds is a vital part of the LTD experience. Camp Forest Springs includes in the fee for the year housing and basic utilities for LTD staff. Furnished homes or apartments are available for couples and families. Singles are housed dormitory style.
Meals are provided for LTD staff whenever the dining hall is open, usually from June through September, and approximately two to five days per week during the rest of the year.