Parent Resources
Hello parents of campers planning on attending an LYC Camp in 2026! The link below contains information and videos that will familiarize you with various aspects of the LYC program this year. From packing to airport travel, find out how best to prepare your teen for camp. Check it out!
Staff Training
The information contained on this page is meant for the staff of the U.S. Teen Camp. While the principles on this page should generally apply to our other camps, please make sure to directly contact the appropriate staff for the camp you plan to serve for specific instructions regarding your responsibilities.
History of the Camp Program
LYC Phrasebook
(A glossary of LYC terms that helps define the desired culture for the program)
All things done decently, in order and without confusion.
At LYC we strive to implement a Millennial atmosphere…that all things are done “Decently, in order and without confusion” (1 Corinthians 14:40, 33).
Be on time.
Being on time means being prepared in advance for whatever activity/lesson we will be helping with in advance of the class beginning. The dining hall clock is time on which the camp runs (Ephesians 5:15-16).
Courtesy begins at the table.
We set an example of manners at the table. The men should take the ladies’ trays after each meal, saying please and thank you to the Kitchen Staff as they serve us our food are just a couple of examples of how we show courtesy at the table (1 Peter 3:8-9).
Don‘t hurt things, don’t hurt others and don’t hurt yourself.
While the world can be a destructive place, at camp we want to create a constructive atmosphere, one that protects everyone’s health and wellbeing. This also extends to the “things” with which we come into contact; strive to leave things better than you found them (Matthew 7:12).
I’ll do anything ("IDA").
“I’ll Do Anything” (or “IDA” for short) is a phrase expressing an attitude to serve wherever needed. This is especially true when one department may be in need of extra assistance; if we recognize a situation where we can help without neglecting or normal duties, then we should do so (James 4:17).
Keep the little things little.
Little things can become big things in a hurry. Deal with issues when they are still small, and they often don’t escalate (Proverbs 22:28 & Luke 16:10).
Look sharp, feel sharp, be sharp.
This means having a well kempt appearance. As staff, we should set an example of cleanliness, orderliness and decency, which, among many other ways, is reflected in the way we present ourselves (Romans 12:2).
No one gets left out.
Everyone is encouraged to mix and mingle. If we see someone standing alone or approaching the conversation, we approach them and bring them into the circle. create an environment where cliques of “popular kids” are replaced by the encouragement to meet and talk with everyone (Philippians 2:3).
Put first things first.
At LYC we want to teach keeping right priorities. One example of this is having Christian Living class at the beginning of each day (Matthew 6:33).
Recapturing true values.
This is a main goal of the LYC program, which means establishing right habits and ways of interacting with others, while also combating the wrong values found in the world today (Matthew 6:33 & James 1:27).
The "Leaning Elephant."
Not an elephant at all, but instead the place where staff (who are the proverbial leaning elephants, which consistently apply positive pressure to guide campers in the right direction) congregate before heading to bed.
Time on the ball.
This means giving every camper every possible moment in every class to learn and develop the skills that are taught at camp—whether on the basketball court, the archery range, or in the Life Roles class (we can gain understanding in what is good by doing, see Psalm 111:10).