Counselor Training

This lesson explores the heart of Northern Frontier—our mission, vision, and historical roots. You’ll learn how Christ-centered wilderness experiences shape boys and men into godly leaders and how NF’s legacy continues to impact generations. Understanding our foundation equips staff to lead with purpose, courage, and conviction in every camp moment.

At Northern Frontier, leadership isn’t just a role—it’s a calling. This lesson explores what it means to lead like Christ: with integrity, conviction, and humility. You’ll discover twelve essential traits of a godly leader and be challenged to reflect on how your life sets an example for others.

This lesson outlines the essential goals for both staff and campers at Northern Frontier. As a staff member, you’re more than just a counselor—you’re a missionary in disguise, called to model Christ and lead with purpose. These objectives help align our hearts and actions with the mission of developing godly leaders in the wilderness.

This lesson highlights the core elements that make Northern Frontier’s program unique. From wilderness adventures to intentional Christian community, each aspect is designed to shape boys and young men into confident, competent disciple-makers. These distinctions define our ministry and fuel the growth of godly leaders.

This lesson covers the foundational rhythms and systems that keep Northern Frontier safe, organized, and focused on our mission. From welcoming campers with cabin tours to conducting lineups, inspections, and store visits, every moment is designed with purpose—to create a Christ-centered environment where boys grow in character, confidence, and community.

This lesson outlines the expectations, privileges, and responsibilities of being a staff member at Northern Frontier. From your personal appearance to how you handle time off, you are always modeling maturity, service, and integrity. Every part of staff life—seen and unseen—reflects Christ and shapes the camper experience.

This lesson walks through how we eat together at Northern Frontier—before, during, and after every meal. Mealtime isn’t just about food; it’s a chance to build community, teach respect, and reflect Christ through order, gratitude, and service. Staff play a crucial role in setting the tone and modeling excellence for campers.

This lesson introduces the chain of command that keeps Northern Frontier running smoothly. Understanding who to report to and how authority flows ensures that communication is clear, responsibilities are respected, and our mission stays on track. As staff, we lead under authority—ultimately under God’s.

This lesson reinforces the counselor’s most important responsibility: keeping campers safe through constant, intentional supervision. Whether it’s walking to activities, navigating emergencies, or accounting for each boy at lineup, vigilance is key. Campers thrive when they know they are seen, known, and protected by godly men who take their role seriously.

This lesson unpacks the heart of discipline—not as punishment, but as a form of discipleship that shapes boys into young men of character. As a Counselor, you are both a coach and a shepherd. Your presence, tone, and leadership will guide campers toward maturity through correction that is firm, fair, and Christ-like.

This lesson outlines the behavioral expectations that guard the physical, emotional, and spiritual safety of every camper and staff member. At Northern Frontier, we pursue a culture of respect, holiness, and transparency—where campers experience the love of Christ through our integrity. Staff must model godly character in both public and private behavior.

Bullying isn’t just rough play or teasing—it’s any action or word that intentionally harms, humiliates, or controls someone else. At Northern Frontier, we are committed to building a culture of brotherhood, respect, and Christlike care. That means every staff member must actively protect campers from bullying and be ready to step in when it happens.

This lesson provides an overview of what child abuse is, how to recognize its warning signs, and how to respond biblically, responsibly, and legally. At Northern Frontier, we have a sacred duty to protect the boys entrusted to us. Knowing the signs—and acting swiftly—can make a life-changing difference.

These job descriptions provide clear expectations for your primary role at Northern Frontier. But camp ministry is all-hands-on-deck—every staff member contributes to the larger mission. That means sometimes you’ll be asked to serve outside your usual role to support the team and advance the goals of Northern Frontier. This is part of what it means to grow as a Christ-centered leader and servant-hearted man of courage, character, and conviction.

At Northern Frontier, the Gospel is central to everything we do. As a staff member, you are part of a ministry committed to clearly and joyfully proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ. This lesson equips you to share the Gospel simply, biblically, and personally—so you can lead young men toward the greatest decision of their lives.

At Northern Frontier, crafts aren’t just about archery, sailing, or fishing—they’re a platform for ministry. Your real goal isn’t to teach skills; it’s to build relationships that open doors to share Christ. This lesson helps you lead activities with excellence, energy, and eternal purpose, equipping you to create safe, engaging, and spiritually meaningful experiences.

Games at Northern Frontier aren’t just for fun—they are powerful tools for shaping character, building brotherhood, and opening doors for ministry. This lesson will help you understand how to choose, lead, and adapt games that not only engage boys physically, but also foster growth in teamwork, integrity, and leadership.

At Northern Frontier, strong teams create strong ministry. Whether it’s in a cabin, craft area, or game field, teamwork helps build trust, problem-solving skills, and brotherhood. This lesson explores how to use Initiatives—intentional group challenges—as a tool to develop healthy, Christ-centered teams that serve with unity and purpose.

Campfire is one of the most memorable and spiritually powerful parts of Northern Frontier. Through fun, music, laughter, and testimony, God works to soften hearts and open ears. This lesson equips staff to lead and support campfires with purpose—using songs, skits, and stories to point boys to Christ and deepen cabin unity.

Singing is more than just noise at Northern Frontier—it’s a joyful expression of truth, brotherhood, and worship. From silly songs that energize campers to choruses that point to Christ, each song serves a purpose. This lesson equips you to lead with confidence, clarity, and charisma so that campers are engaged and ready to receive the gospel message.

Skits are a highlight of the campfire experience—whether they’re sparking belly laughs or stirring hearts. As a Skit Leader, you’re not just entertaining; you’re shaping memory, culture, and sometimes even opening the door to the Gospel. This lesson equips you to plan, lead, and perform Skits and Dramas with clarity, creativity, and impact.

Telling stories is one of the most powerful ways to reach the hearts of campers. Whether it’s a creative tale, a testimony, or a biblical narrative, the final story at campfire carries deep weight. This lesson teaches you how to prepare, practice, and deliver stories that captivate attention and communicate eternal truth.

Overnights offer one of the richest opportunities at camp for building trust, sharing stories, and deepening relationships. Away from the distractions of the main camp, boys often open up in new ways. This lesson walks you through how to prepare, lead, and make the most of your overnight—from logistical details to spiritual conversations around the fire.

Father & Son programming is a treasured part of Northern Frontier’s ministry. These weekends provide a unique opportunity to support dads as they invest in their sons. This lesson will help you shift your mindset from camper counselor to host—serving fathers with humility, speaking to children with respect, and making every interaction count toward building trust and modeling Christlike manhood.

“You only get one chance to make a first impression”—and on Saturdays, you are the face of Northern Frontier. This lesson helps you welcome campers and their parents with confidence, warmth, and professionalism, ensuring every family feels safe, seen, and excited about the week ahead.

In an emergency, your role as a counselor is simple but critical: stay calm, follow instructions, and communicate clearly. This lesson equips you to recognize emergencies, respond wisely, and trust the chain of command—because your preparedness could save a life.

When emergencies happen at camp, clear signals and swift action save lives. The Emergency Air Horn System is designed to alert all staff and campers instantly and direct them to safety. This lesson will help you recognize how the system works, what to do when it sounds, and why your role in responding matters.

At Northern Frontier, fire safety starts with prevention and depends on clear, practiced responses. This lesson prepares you to act quickly and wisely in the event of a fire—protecting campers, caring for injuries, and supporting the leadership team in minimizing danger.

Every second counts when a camper is missing. This lesson outlines the steps to take—from gathering key facts to participating in organized search efforts—so that every staff member knows how to respond calmly, clearly, and effectively to help bring a camper back to safety.

Being off-site means fewer resources and more responsibility. This lesson equips you to handle the critical steps if a camper goes missing during a hike or wilderness trip—starting with prevention and ending with a clear plan for alerting help and protecting those still in your care.

In the event of a natural disaster, forest fire, or other emergency requiring evacuation, every staff member must know their role. This lesson walks through the full evacuation plan—from initial alert to relocation—so you can act quickly, communicate clearly, and help campers stay calm and safe through the process.

In the rare but serious event of an intruder who poses a threat to camp, your job is to act swiftly to protect campers, follow instructions, and maintain clear communication. This lesson prepares you to respond decisively, stay composed under pressure, and lead your campers safely to designated secure locations.

Thunderstorms may seem harmless, but they can turn dangerous quickly—especially in the wilderness. This lesson equips you to recognize storm risks, seek proper shelter, and lead with calm and confidence when lightning is nearby. Your awareness can protect campers and prevent serious injury.

Crossing a stream on a hike or trip may seem simple—but it requires serious judgment and care. This lesson helps you evaluate depth, measure flow rate, and make wise decisions so that everyone in your group, especially the smallest, stays safe.

Rabies is a serious but preventable disease, most often transmitted by wild animals—especially bats in our region. This lesson prepares you to recognize when a bat poses a threat, respond wisely, and protect campers from exposure while following proper safety protocols.

Swimming is a highlight of every camp day—but only when done safely. This lesson walks through the rules, systems, and responsibilities that make the waterfront a place of fun and protection. From buddy tags to Buddy Checks, you’ll learn how to help keep campers safe, accounted for, and respectful of lifeguards and procedures.

Boating and fishing offer unforgettable memories at Northern Frontier—especially for campers trying them for the first time. This lesson prepares you to lead these activities safely by understanding boat use rules, proper buddy tag procedures, and how to support the Waterfront Director in keeping the experience fun and secure for everyone.

While rare, a missing swimmer is a critical emergency that demands immediate, coordinated action. This lesson outlines the response plan led by the Waterfront Director and supported by the entire camp staff—from clearing the water to conducting an organized underwater search. Every staff member plays a role in ensuring a swift and safe resolution.