BOLT Questions and Answers
More questions?
Contact Andi at bolt@camponeida.com
BOLT Home | Application Process
Why is Oneida starting BOLT?
 Oneida is a small camp with a long history. So many young people have made a commitment to Christ within the walls of those much loved buildings, or grown more solid in their faith on the shores of Lake Erie, and each of these souls has become a just the gem that the leaders and staff at the camp had been looking for.
The biggest struggle for the camp through the years has
been to continue to pull young people into leadership positions when they are old enough to do so.
As
the camp grows, the leadership team struggles more and more to find quality people who love the camp as much as they do.
The hope in developing a leadership development program would be to help draw young people into these positions by building leadership skill in them.
What is BOLT?
BOLT is a 2 week program, from June 29 to July 12, 2008.
Every day there will be:
- Daily bible study
- Projects and readings to do with leadership
- Exploration of Oneida leadership
Week 1 - students will:
- Work with perm staff learning different leadership roles.
- Study about different personality types, what makes a good leader, goal setting and team work.
- Journal about what they learn, lead a group game for a bunch of campers, conduct interviews of leaders, and talk as a team.
Week 2 - students will:
- Work along side a cabin leader in learning how to council a cabin effectively
- Study about discipline, personal devotion, and specific camp skills.
- Create cabin devotions, lead a campfire, and journal about daily happenings.
What will students get out of it?
- A certificate stating they were involved in the program.
- Volunteer hours that can be used toward graduation of high school
- Valuable references
- Skills that will be useful at camp and elsewhere.
How much does it cost?
The cost will be $235. The same as the cost of one week of camp. (So you are getting two weeks for the price of one.)
How many students will be accepted?
For the summer of 2008, 5 students will be accepted for BOLT. The applicants will be selected based on the written application and interview process.
Will I get my school's community hours for attending?
Yes, if you bring the community hour sheet from your school guidance you can get well over the 40 hours of service required, provided you complete the two weeks.
Who is teaching/directing BOLT?
The summer of 2008 will be taught and organized by Andi Holloway.
Andi is a High School Teacher in Brampton. She has served at Camp Oneida for 10 years as a leader, bible study leader and on perm staff.
If you need to know more about her qualifications or experience feel free to contact her at bolt@camponeida.com.
Where are we sleeping?
The first week the bolt group will be residing together in a location yet to be decided.
The second week, each participant will reside in a cabin with campers as a junior leader.
Is there a break between the two weeks?
During the second week, there will be a 24-hour period where you will not be with campers; however, you will not return home during this time.
This will be the time to prepare spiritually, emotionally and physically (by helping with camp maintenance) for the next week. We will also plan a “BOLT night out” for the Saturday night.
Can I do laundry while I'm there?
We will arrange for a laundry day for the BOLT group.
Can I fail the program?
It is not the intention of BOLT to be a pass/fail kind of course. Keep in mind that the people you will work with are going to be valuable references for future jobs and camps, so your attention to detail will look good to them.
What topics/skills will we be learning?
Read the earlier question “What is BOLT?”
Is it Co-ed?
Yes the program is open to both male and females.
Will we get to hang out with campers/leaders at Jr. High and Co-ed 1?
There will be ample opportunity for hanging out with the others at the camp. You will also have times when you will be too busy or need to complete projects as a group which will make socializing difficult, but both aspects are crucial to the success of the program.
When is the application deadline?
The application deadline is June 15, 2008.
Why does it cost money? Don't leaders just volunteer?
For the first week, you will be learning new things, much like you would in school, or at a specialty camp (like a sport camp). So, you are required to pay for this week.
During the second week, you are helping out as junior leaders and putting your new skills into action.
Can I get my church to sponsor me?
Yes, once accepted to the BOLT program you can request a letter to help ask your church for sponsorship.
What if I can only attend the first week?
You have to commit to be there for both weeks. There are other things that you can do at Oneida this summer if you can only give one week of your time.
What are we doing for meals?
Meals will be eaten with the rest of the camp at the regular meal times.
Can I bring my friend, who doesn't attend church?
If you friend goes through the application process and can provide an adequate spiritual reference than they will be considered.
Is there Bible Study each day?
Yes, the bolt program will require that you attend bible study every day. Some projects and readings will be required for this time.
Will I be automatically approved as a leader for camp if I attend?
BOLT doesn't automatically approve you as a leader for other Oneida camps. If the program turns out to be a positive experience for you, camp committee and directors will definately view your BOLT experience as valuable and an asset to their program.
Will we be doing any sports, canoeing or campfires during the week?
All the regular aspects of camp including sports, canoeing and campfires will be included in these two weeks.
You will likely receive extra training in activities (like canoeing and archery) so you will be able to lead those activities as a leader.
Can I attend if I'm too old, but I still want to come?
You can always apply; your application will be considered.
Any more questions?
Contact Andi at bolt@camponeida.com
BOLT Home | Application Process |
