COAL Program
Discipling Christian young adults to bridge the gap between entry and management experience in ministry and business settings.
What is COAL?
COAL stands for "Christian Operations and Leadership." The COAL Program is a ministry-centered, full-time, year-round, salaried position that includes room and board for Christian young adults. Each COAL Associate (CA) has the opportunity to progress through a 5-year training program (5 years not required; some do fewer) that covers the wide-range of responsibilities and certifications that encompass just about every area of Christian camp and retreat center operations and are valuable in all ministry and business contexts.
Why COAL?
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Why COAL was created... desire to disciple the next generation of camp leaders...
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what we hope to give ....
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life-long friendships,
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growth in your walk of faith, and plenty of fun and excitement. CAs can also
Who should join?
​A successful CA will:
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Love Jesus and be growing in their faith (Michindoh is a ministry, and CAs are trained in evangelism, discipling junior staff, leading devotions, etc.).
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Be teachable (after all, it’s a training program).
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Have a good work-ethic (we don’t micro-manage adults training to be leaders; leaders must be able to lead by example).
Training Opportunities:
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Lifeguarding
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High ropes
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Leading devotions and spiritual activities
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Using camp management software
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Audio/visual systems setup and operation
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Customer service
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Operation of tractors and machinery
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Budgeting
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Facilitation of teambuilding and a wide variety of recreation activities
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Recruiting
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Teaching school children about adventure, environmentalism, outdoor skills, and Michigan history
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Counseling
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Teaching in a nature center and handling animals
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Running business operations
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Customer account management
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Accommodations
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Food service and dining hall management
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Grounds and maintenance
Compensation
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Minimum wage
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Housing
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Meals as available
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Vacation time
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Training and certifications
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Opportunity to complete a bachelor’s or master’s degree tuition-free at Spring Arbor University.
What Our Staff Are Saying...
Jesse
COAL Associate
“I want to first say that Michindoh has been an absolute blessing for me. God has used Michindoh and me in great ways. The COAL Program has enabled me to flourish in areas I had no idea I could surpass in. With the help of amazing co-workers, leadership, and God, I have become a leader that can work through any problem that comes my way. I have also acquired skills in guest services, maintenance, accommodations, activities, lifeguarding, and much more."
Sample Training Outline
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Level 5
This is a Job Description. Briefly describe your specific position, including details about important achievements and milestones. Make sure to include relevant skills and highlights, and don't forget to adjust the timeframe in the subtitle.
This is a Job Description. Briefly describe your specific position, including details about important achievements and milestones. Make sure to include relevant skills and highlights, and don't forget to adjust the timeframe in the subtitle.
This is a Job Description. Briefly describe your specific position, including details about important achievements and milestones. Make sure to include relevant skills and highlights, and don't forget to adjust the timeframe in the subtitle.
This is a Job Description. Briefly describe your specific position, including details about important achievements and milestones. Make sure to include relevant skills and highlights, and don't forget to adjust the timeframe in the subtitle.
This is a Job Description. Briefly describe your specific position, including details about important achievements and milestones. Make sure to include relevant skills and highlights, and don't forget to adjust the timeframe in the subtitle.
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Who are SWAT and Program Staff?Michindoh summer staff are divided into two primary work forces. SWAT (Support, Waterfront, and Activities Team) staff primarily support Michindoh’s conference center and guest groups. SWAT positions include activities facilitators, the service team, lifeguards, and hourly support staff. Program staff primarily supports Michindoh’s evangelistic summer camp. Program positions include counselors, core staff, and site directors.
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When do I arrive and leave for the the summer?Arrival dates and times may vary based on position. Summer staff may move in as early as May 5th provided arrangements are made in advance. SWAT positions begin training and orientation on May 13th at 3:00 pm and most summer staff leave around September 2nd. For those who are unable to make the May 13th start date, feel free to let us know during your interview that we may need to adjust your arrival date. Opportunities are available to work as late as September 15th, pending approval from administration. Program staff training and orientation begins on June 9th at 3:00 pm and the summer camp season runs through July 28th. Program staff who wish to work longer during the summer may also apply to work with SWAT before or after the summer camp season.
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Are meals provided for staff?All meals will be provided for summer staff between May 13th and September 15th. Availability of meals before or beyond those dates are subject to the kitchen being open for guests.
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What are the housing arrangements?SWAT staff will live in a dormitory-style room with shared showers and bathrooms. Program staff housing will vary based on position. Counselors will live in one of our large teepees with 10-14 campers. Restrooms and showers are also shared.
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What amenities are available?Wifi and laundry facilities are available to staff free of cost, but staff must provide their own laundry soap. Staff are also welcome to utilize the recreational facilities and the 250 beautiful acres of grounds at Michindoh during their time off.
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What should I pack for the summer?The summer staff packing list can be accessed here. Please be sure to carefully review the dress code for your particular department.
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Will I get time off?Requests for specific days off identified at the time of hiring are guaranteed. We will make every effort to work with later requests, but those are not guaranteed. SWAT staff will have weekly days off. Typically, these days are a consecutive evening, whole day, and morning. There are usually additional nights off within the work week dependent on the guests’ schedules, and the days off will likely change week to week. Program staff will have off mid-late afternoon on Friday through Sunday at 2:00 pm every week.
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Will I only work one job this summer?All SWAT staff will interview for a primary position but may be asked to assist in other departments and jobs based on the daily needs of the camp.
