Cabin Leaders Are the Unsung Heroes of Camp

Behind all the fun activities and experiences from Salvation Army summer camps, there are dedicated cabin leaders, who work hard to ensure campers are safe and enjoying their time.

Cabin leaders provide day-to-day care for campers. They sleep in the same cabins as the campers, help them in their daily care, and lead them through camp activities, Bible programs, meals and games. Most cabin leaders tend to be former campers themselves.

Rebecca De Beer, 19, is about to begin her second year as a cabin leader at The Salvation Army’s Camp Sunrise in Gibsons, B.C.

As someone who had been going to camp since she was six years old, Rebecca felt that becoming a cabin leader would be a great way to give back for the great experiences she had during her time as a camper.

“The cabin leaders I had when I was a child had a good impact on my life. So, I just wanted to show that love back to other children.”

“The cabin leaders I had when I was a child had a good impact on my life. So, I just wanted to show that love back to other children as well, kind of like giving back in a space that I had always loved,” Rebecca said.

Spending every summer at Camp Sunrise, allowed Rebecca to feel a connection. She spent most of her birthdays at camp and met most of her close friends there. She has great memories as a camper.

“I remember it being a lot of fun. It just felt like a safe space and  a place where I could go and just meet with God,” she added.

Her position as a cabin leader has also taught her a sense of community.

“I think that being able to work in a team environment has helped me learn the ins and outs of a community. It is helpful for other situations in life. I think it has helped me with character building.”

A day at camp starts at 7 a.m. Every day cabin leaders lead the campers through different fun and educational activities. The day concludes with a campfire.

While the responsibilities of cabin leaders are to keep campers physically safe, it sometimes goes beyond that.

“A big part of that responsibility is to also take care of their emotional needs, and to make sure that emotionally and spiritually, they feel like they are in a safe space,” Rebecca said.

After taking a gap year since finishing high school, Rebecca plans to attend the University of North Vancouver in the fall. She is taking an Outdoor Recreation Management program. This career path aligns well with her experience as a cabin leader.

“I like outdoor activities. They are one of my big passions,” Rebecca shared.

By Juan Romero