Refer back to an incident where you went through a team building process in a job.

All the jobs that I have had part in, have never been team building experiences. Whether it's construction, factory work, or fast food, my employers were never big on team building processes. I know that is why I enjoy working at camp so much.

Most of the time here at camp we work as a team. Everyone is different with particular roles. There are many oppotunities where I have the cahnce to build relationships with my team members or build up camp in some way. There is a purpose in every situation that arises.

Some members of the team do get frustrated at times along with myself. Camp can be stressful, but it change if the team has the goal of serving for the Lord. God is the only way that we can work in unity and with a purpose. Other jobs do not offer a purpose in serving the Lord. I want to look at every single day as an opportunity to serve the Lord. Whether I'm coming up with ideas, cleaning dishes, or creating a comforting environment, I need to remember that I am part of a team that needs to be building camp and lost souls towards God.    

My Personal assesment score: The three things I agree with and one that I do not.

     According to this assessment I am labeled as a Protector (ISFJ). One of the characteristics that I agree with is the desire to prevent problems. I can say with certainty that I do not like being around abusive conflict. Helping others and promoting harmony is a wonderful experience. It's depressing to see others argue out of hatred and difference in opinions. I remember one time as a counselor that two of the boys in my group almost started a fistfight. My reaction was grab one of them before it escalated. I wanted them to get along, but it was a difficult task.

      The second interest that I know I have and agree is that I enjoy working with photography. Taking pictures of day to day activities and capturing the outdoor life is fascinating. When I was in college I took a photography class and absolutely loved it. Just going through the process of developing the film and enlarging the photograph was enjoyable. I think being a protector involves a certain care for nature and outdoor involvement.

     The last evaluation that I agree with is that I might bite off more than I should. Seeing people around me that do not get along is a burden to me, though I need to realize that I can not solve every dispute I see. God is the ultimate Protector and has His hand in every situation. I need to allow Him to work and learn how He would handle a stressful situation. I want to involve God in every aspect of my life.

     The one assessment statement that I disagree with is that the protector is least likely to seek positions of leadership. Someone who is a protector does have a leadership position. Keeping others safe and teaching others to live in harmony is a perfect example of being a leader. God calls everyone to lead whether their own lives or being a representative of Christ. I want to lead others to Christ and to live in harmony.

Blog # 20 Knowing that I am amiable, how would I relate to guests, staff, and the development of camp?

      Knowing that I am amiable, I have a laid back approach on guests. I'm glad that they are here and I try to interact with them as much as I can. However, I need to be a little more expressive towards the guests. This would include having more interaction with the guests that come in. Showing the guests that I'm glad they are here and interacting with them more is a good way to start expressing myself.

     Working around the Hidden Acres staff gives me an opportunity to see the different characteristics that each individual holds. Being amiable with the staff is a part of my day to day life. I am slow to mention solutions or new ideas. My laid back character hinders me sometimes when expressing new ideas. I don't want my ideas to be shot down or believe that my idea is more important than it actually is. Expressing my viewpoint is difficult because I don't know if others want to hear it. I am okay with that, but I think I need to learn to take the risk of offering my opinion when asked.

     The way I relate to the development of camp is similar to the way I relate to the staff. I know that the ideas I have to improve or add to camp might be valued, but I'm afraid that these ideas will be shot down. I should probably write down some ideas and present them at the right time.


       
    
 

Questions for Story City Lutheran Bible Camp.

What is the greatest attraction you have at the camp that draws in guests? I'm curious to find out what the camp offers guests of all ages. Camp attractions are key in drawing guests to your camp. Hidden Acres have attractions like the pool, climbing tower, blob, paintball, etc.

Why did you choose to be involved in camp ministries? This questions gives me an insight of why certain people enjoy working at camps. I like to know the reason and background of people involved in camp ministry.

How have you seen the Lord bless the camp in the last year? I love hearing testimonies of how God works through His servants.

Does most of your summer staff come from the kids who have grown up with camp? I went to camp in Wisconsin once and had a rough time. It makes me wonder do others kids have a great time that they want to work a camp or just be involved with ministry.

Strengths,Weaknesses,Opportunities,Threats, An analysis on Hidden Acres

Strengths. Looking at Hidden Acres I see the results of summer camps, retreats, and weekend events. It is great to see people at camp having a great time. I believe that one of Hidden Acres strengths is service. Hidden Acres wants each guest that visits to experience a fun and exciting time while they are here. Hidden Acres does a great job at making sure group and individual needs are met.

Weaknesses. One weakness that I have noticed at camp is miscommunication. I think that all of us who work at camp get caught up in a project and forget to communicate needs, ideas, and the importance of upcoming events or retreats. Frustration is a result when miscommunication takes place. One suggestion I would make to improve communication, would be to allow more staff to be involved in the planning and explain what needs to be accomplished.

Opportunities. Every time we have a group or individual at camp, an opportunity arises. The staff at Hidden Acres can choose to serve them or ignore them. Thankfully, Hidden Acres teaches their staff to take care of their guests. These opportunities can lead people to Christ.

Threats. I'm glad that we have not had any deaths here at camp, but accidents do occur at times and this can be a threat to camp. Improving ways to keep families safe and secure is essential to camp. I think we do a good job at making activities safe.

Three measurable visions for camp Hidden Acres

I think the buildings here at camp are and were measurable visions of Hidden Acres. Each building that camp has built or plans to build can be measured through the use and feedback from the many guests. Knowing that the purpose of the building meets guests expectations is a good way to measure that building's accommodations and success.

New aactivities are another item worth measuring. The use of each activity at camp shows Hidden Acres that guests enjoy participating in fun activities. Once an activity is outdated we know it is time to replace it or improve it. This is a way to measure activities.

Food service is yet another measurable vision. Does the food appeal to everyone? What will we do to accommodate those who want to eat? Are we providing healthy choices to the guests? These are just a few ways that we need to view camp from the guest's perspective. The success of meals can be measured and should be changed if we lack in quality food.

The three actions I would take as new director of the example camp.

First, I find it important that in this new job I need to go to the Lord in prayer. His will and response is how I would want to run the camp. This would include meeting with the camp's staff. Allowing them to be a part of a prayer meeting would help them bring their requests and concerns to the Lord. So many times, I think we get caught up in the activities and responsibilities of a camp that we forget to honor the Lord and thank Him for all the opportunities He places within a camp. I would also like to involve the camp board members so they would be able to see God's plan for the camp.

Second, there seems to be issues on where the camp needs to recover in some areas and how to go about those changes. I would love to go around the camp and see what the people that come to camp enjoy the most. Is it the food, activities, lodging, the outdoors. What brings people to camp? As I walk around I would ask the staff here what changes have they tried, have these changes worked, what do they see as the biggest enjoyments of camp? Knowing how a camp operates and changes to trends is important in order to find out why the camp might be dying or improving.

The last action I would take is to create and run a camp fundraiser accordingly. Fundraisers do not have to make a huge profit I would allow people to donate as they feel, but never force them. Allowing the public to come in for a day would give them an opportunity to share their concerns and ideas for camp. These people are the ones who use the camp regularly, they know what excites them at camp. A fundraiser not only allows for the opportunity in giving, but also an opportunity for ideas. I want to hear the ideas of camps fans.