If you ask any camper what made their week at Northern Frontier unforgettable, they’ll probably start with a name. A counselor who took the time to listen. Who turned an ordinary moment into an adventure. Who made faith feel real. Those are our cabin counselors—the heartbeat of camp.
From Campers to Counselors
Most of our staff didn’t just find Northern Frontier, they grew up here. They were once the boys paddling canoes across OK Slip, racing frogs at the waterfront, and hearing the gospel by a campfire. Now they’re back, stepping into the same cabins they once called home, ready to lead the next generation with the same joy and purpose that shaped them.
The Heart of Their Work
Each counselor leads a cabin of about eight boys. They eat together, play together, open Scripture together, and grow together. They guide campers through activities like archery, paddling, and low ropes. But, they also lead nightly devotions, morning bible exploration, and fireside talks that spark lasting faith. They aren’t here just to supervise. They’re here to shepherd, to listen, and to model what it means to follow Jesus with strength and humility.
Our Hiring & Training Process
We seek to hire competent young men committed to serving Jesus Christ at Northern Frontier. Every applicant goes through a thorough and intentional process to ensure that every cabin is led by someone trustworthy, mature, and spiritually grounded.
College staff applicants must:
- Complete a full staff application.
- Submit three references (adult acquaintance, pastor, and supervisor).
- Undergo a comprehensive background check, including both the National and New York State Sex Offender Registries.
- Participate in a personal phone interview with the Assistant Camp Director or Camp Director.
- Sign and agree to our Statement of Faith and Standard of Christian Living.
- Attend our mandatory 2.5 week long staff training, which covers safety, child protection, faith leadership, emergency procedures, and team building.
Once camp begins, every counselor continues to receive oversight and mentorship from senior leadership throughout the summer.
Why It Matters
When your son steps into his cabin, he’s not just meeting his counselor, but a man who’s walked this path before, who knows how to build confidence, courage, and faith through challenge and adventure. These young men aren’t here for a paycheck. They’re here because they believe in what God does through this place… and they can’t wait to pass it on.