Camp. Israel. Camp.  Those three words (and two of the same) might be how the casual observer might describe the EKC Staff in Training (SIT) Leadership Program.  What the program is in reality, is an intentional designed leadership experience tailored to help our rising 11^th graders begin the transition  from camper to staff member, while providing them the chance to connect with Israel on a deeper and more spiritual level.  Today, we are proud that 48 SITs and our staff landed in Israel – kicking off a once in a lifetime opportunity where they will learn and explore Israel with their best friends over the next 3 weeks.

Before their departure for Israel, the SITs had a retreat in May and spent the first 3 days of Session 1 here at Camp.  They explored the very beginning to what it means to be a staff member at EKC. The SIT staff led workshops to facilitate deeper thinking about their roles in Camp, and the type of impact staff can have on campers.  By being observers during the first 3 days of Camp, the SITs began to understand their shifting role, allowing them time to process at Camp.  Additionally, the SITs spent time preparing for their 3-week trip to Israel.

While in Israel, they will spend time with a host family from Pittsburgh’s partner city of Karmiel/Misgav, and visit places such as the Negev desert, the Red Sea, the Dead Sea, climb Masada, and many places in Jerusalem and Tel-Aviv.  The SITs will also give back to Israel throughout their trip – one specific stop has them spending time with an organization called “Save a Child’s Heart” where they will meet children from around the world who have traveled to Israel to seek out lifesaving medical treatment.

When the SITs return from Israel, they’ll join us at Camp for Session 2.  Fresh off their time in Israel, full of new experiences, they’ll begin working side by side with the current staff in multi-day rotations, giving them a glimpse into what the roles and responsibilities of staff are like and getting a feel for what it will be like to work side by side with these same staff the following summer.

These carefully structured rotations are meant to tap into the SITs current skills and new ones they want to develop.  At EKC, we’re all in on the staff experience.  We know that staff can absolutely get the same sort of formative summer that our campers get, one full of growth, value, connections, and fun. That’s how our focus and attitude has shifted, to put as much emphasis on the staff experience as we put on the camper experience.

How will we accomplish that?  First and foremost it’s about creating the type of atmosphere and culture that our SITs can thrive in.  One where they feel like true partners in what we’re accomplishing together. Soliciting their feedback on what is needed during their training is imperative to making sure we give them the tools they need to begin their journey as staff.  At EKC, we work and play together, and we’ve carefully assembled our team with staff who genuinely want to work with children, enjoy working with others, and have naturally positive attitudes.

Aaron