Frequently Asked Questions
What is the process for recruiting?
Once we have reviewed your application, we will contact you to let you know whether or not we will move forward with a phone interview. After the interview, we will spend time praying for you, for us, for Camp des Cimes, and to see if we are a good fit for summer ministry together.
We expect during this time of waiting and discernment that you will also be praying about joining the English Speaking Team.
Those filling out an application for the December 1st, 2024 deadline will be given a final decision from leadership in the new year. Applications sent in after December 1st will be treated on an as-needed basis until team roles have been filled. This applies to new applicants and veterans alike.
Where is Camp des Cimes?
Camp des Cimes is located in the southeastern part of France in a region known as the Rhone-Alpes, near the Swiss and Italian borders. It is about 15 minutes away from le Bourg-d’Oisans, a small and touristy mountain town. Situated firmly in the French Alps, Camp des Cimes is appropriately translated to mean “Camp of the Peaks.”
For reference, Camp des Cimes is about 400 miles south of Paris. The nearest major cities are Grenoble and Lyon.
What do we do during the camps?
No day at Camp des Cimes is ever the same! “Expect the unexpected” is our motto!
Generally speaking, the program team leads day-to-day activities, to build relationships with campers, and to support the French counselors – as they focus primarily on the spiritual components of camp, including the faith-based theme – in any way we can. Each program team member is expected to participate fully in all camper activities, help lead artistic workshops (as needed), be available to lead or plan programming activities (ie. morning activities, recreational activities, theme nights), participate in the overnight hikes, and jump in with service help where needed.
The number one goal of service team is to show the campers the character of Jesus through smiles, caring interactions, and selfless and necessary behind the scenes work. Service team members are expected to complete daily cleaning tasks in addition to preparing the dining room for each meal, serving meals, and cleaning up afterwards. In the afternoons and after dinner (free time), service team members can be found participating in group devotionals or Bible studies, going on day hikes, or relaxing with a book.
What does a typical day for program team look like?
Without elaborating on each activity, here’s a typical “order of events” – with breakfast starting at 8:30am and our team responsibilities ending around 11pm:
Breakfast, team meeting and prayer time, morning activity, worship, message or discussion groups, lunch, art workshops, recreational activities (like soccer or volleyball), dinner, worship, evening activity, camper room time
Between many of these daily activities, the campers are given free time – which allows us space to intentionally build relationships.
What does a typical day for service team look like?
Without elaborating on each activity, here’s a typical “order of events”:
Breakfast preparation and service; breakfast cleanup; camp cleaning tasks; lunch dining room setup, service, + cleanup; team devotional and prayer time; free time; snack prep and service; free time; dinner setup, service; + cleanup; dessert on the terrace with team members
When campers’ free time overlaps with service team’s free time, there is space for interaction + relationship building.
How many people serve at camp?
The number varies from year to year, but the program team can be anywhere from 6-10 people. Service team ends up being between 8-12 people. Because our teams are so small, we take great care in bringing individuals that complement each other well.
Additionally, we serve alongside full-time missionaries who live at Camp des Cimes, French counselors (BAFA)– just at Youth and Kids camps–, the Kitchen Crew, and any other individuals or families – – totaling upwards of 20 additional people.
How much does it cost to come?
In recent years, we have found the total cost to be in the ballpark of $1,500-$2,500. This includes airline tickets, room/board as well as food while at camp, travel insurance, additional travel expenses (ie. hotels and trains), and incidentals. If you’d like to estimate your potential cost, look up flights prices, add 12 euros per night you’ll stay at camp, $15 per week for insurance, and $25 for a required background check.
Individuals have the freedom to pay for the trip outright, though most of our team members choose to raise support. If you are curious about what it looks like to raise support, our team leaders will help guide you through that process. We never want money to be the reason that someone does not join the team.
Is Camp des Cimes similar to American camps?
No. While Camp des Cimes is run by American missionaries, it is designed with the French culture at the forefront. In contrast to the fast pace of American camps, the format of Camp des Cimes is quite laid back and go-with-the-flow. For example, mealtimes usually last about an hour, there is a considerable amount of free time for campers, and the camp is planned flexibly due to perceived camper needs. No camp session is the same as the previous one– there is no “rinse and repeat” all summer long.
Who are the campers that come to Camp des Cimes?
A majority of our campers come from France, though sometimes we have a few from other countries. This past summer we had campers join us from Colombia, Germany, Poland, Chile, and Scotland.
The Youth English Camp is for 14 to 17 year olds, and the Young Adult English Camp is for those 18 years old and older – though it is predominately attended by university students on holiday. The Kids English Camp is for 7 to 13 year olds.
How long is each camp?
Adult camp is 10 days, youth camp is 15 days, and kids camp is 7 days. Check out this year’s camp dates! Keep in mind that you’ll need to attend a required orientation the day or two before the camp session begins. Additionally, it takes one extra night to get to camp and one extra night to get back home.
Do I need to speak French to be able to come?
No, it is not at all a requirement for serving. The first three camps are actually “English Camps” where campers are encouraged to practice and learn English in an informal setting. Some campers will be fluent in English and others will be timid, perhaps not knowing much English at all. As such, patience is a trait that is highly valued at camp.
With that said, it is exciting for campers to hear North Americans trying to learn and speak French. It can be a great ice-breaker for building relationships.
Will you train me?
Yes! We do our best to prepare the English Speaking Team before going abroad, so each team member feels at ease and knows what to expect. This includes cultural training, program planning, and prayer.
What kind of art workshops are led at camp?
Each year is different based on the leaders who come to serve at camp. We love hearing new ideas for workshops, so if you think of something you would like to lead – let us know!
In the past, art workshops have included:
Acting, baking, creative writing, embroidery, cooking, dance, knitting, lithography, mixed media, photography, poetry, pottery, videography, watercolor, weaving, wood-working, worship/music.
What do you believe/where do you stand theologically?
Camp des Cimes is a non-denominational ministry that seeks to proclaim the Truths of the Gospel and Good News of Jesus Christ according to the Bible. Through relationship-building, its missionaries and volunteers share with campers the Word of God and the convictions that help them live out their relationship with Jesus Christ. If you have additional questions, please contact us!
Can I serve at Camp des Cimes other times during the year?
Yes! English Speakers can serve at our winter family camps, new camp for families with kids with special needs, and construction work teams throughout the year. Head over to the volunteer page on Camp des Cimes’s site and fill out an interest form.
What are the differences between the summer sessions?
| Young Adult Camp | Youth Camp | Kids Camp | Family Camps | |
| What is the primary language spoken? | English | English | French | French |
| Is there an overnight hike? | Yes, for prog and service teams | Yes, for program team | No | No |
| What ages are served? | 18-30 | 14-17 | 7-13 | all |
| How long is the session? (includes orientation) | 11 days | 17 days | 8 days | 11 days |
| Does the service team integrate into the rest of camp? | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Is there a BAFA team? | No | Yes | Yes | No |