Camp Roger ED Opportunity Profile

OPPORTUNITY PROFILE

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

ROCKFORD, MICHIGAN

www.jobfitmatters.com

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GREETINGS

Dear Prospective Candidate,

Thank you for your interest in the Executive Director position at Camp Roger.

Camp Roger has been a beacon of Christian faith, adventure, and community for over a century. Early on,

Camp Roger established itself as a traditional overnight camp, and over the years expanded into a year-round

ministry, including outdoor education field trips, retreats/rentals, wilderness trips, day camp, and community

outreach. Today, more than 14,000 participants each year experience these adventures at Camp Roger and

Camp Scottie, living out our mission of helping children encounter and celebrate God’s love through

relationships and experiences in His Creation.

At Camp, we strive for children and families who visit our campuses to know, without a shadow of doubt, that

they belong here. It is our aim that participants both enjoy God’s creation and engage meaningfully in its

faithful stewardship. We hunger for kids to encounter God, who loves them deeply, and to leave changed

forever. We want to intentionally live out the Gospel message so that people feel welcomed and loved, that the

beautiful ethnic and cultural diversity of God’s kingdom is present, that accessibility for those with disabilities

is increased, and that financial and transportation barriers are minimized.

The enclosed materials will help you understand, in more depth, Camp Roger’s vision, mission, and values.

They also include the essential qualities we believe God is directing us to look for, as we seek a new executive

director. In addition to this profile, please visit CampRoger.org, familiarize yourself with the mission, and enjoy

some of the summer session videos on our Camp Roger YouTube channel.

If you sense God leading you to consider this position, please review the Process of Candidacy section and

follow the instructions. Your questions can be directed to Laura Coverstone or Ed Poff at JobfitMatters. Thank

you for considering Camp Roger and the role of Executive Director.

Sincerely,

Luke Brandsen, Chair, Search Committee

Paul Lanning, Chair, Camp Roger Board of Directors

OUR MISSION:

Encountering

and celebrating

God's love for His

children through

relationships and

experiences in

Creation

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OVERVIEW

Located in Rockford, Michigan, with a second campus in Howard City, Camp Roger has served children and

families for more than a century. What began as a traditional summer camp has developed into a year-round

ministry serving more than 14,000 participants annually through overnight and day camps, outdoor education,

wilderness trips, and community partnerships.

Faith is central to Camp Roger’s identity. Its mission, “to encounter and celebrate God’s love for His children

through relationships and experiences in Creation”, guides all aspects of its programs and operations. Staff

and volunteers work intentionally to provide opportunities where faith formation, personal growth, and

community take place through shared experiences outdoors.

In recent years, Camp Roger has expanded its ministry in several significant ways. The addition of Camp Scottie

has broadened the camp’s reach across West Michigan. A flexible pricing model has increased access for

families from a wide range of economic backgrounds, and partnerships with organizations such as The Potter’s

House, Baxter Community Center, Sibley Elementary School, and Angel Tree Camping have strengthened

Camp Roger’s commitment to belonging and inclusion. These initiatives reflect the camp’s ongoing effort to

remove barriers - financial, linguistic, cultural, and physical - so that all children can participate fully in camp

life.

Pursuing new relationships outside of camp’s traditional constituency also prompted the staff and Board of

Directors to reaffirm that camp is not a denominational ministry it is a Christian ministry. After several years

spent prayerfully discerning how to articulate this, the Faith and Life Covenant was finalized in 2020. Camp

Roger is striving to build relationships not only across economic or racial differences, but from different

churches and - increasingly - kids from families without church membership.

Following decades of faithful leadership from Executive Director Doug Vanderwell, the Board of Directors is

seeking the next Executive Director to guide Camp Roger into its next season of ministry. The new leader will

build upon a solid foundation of spiritual vitality, operational health, and financial stability while advancing the

vision for growth and accessibility outlined in the $8.3 million capital campaign, the Welcome Campaign. This

campaign will improve facilities, enhance hospitality, and expand the camp’s capacity to serve families and

schools effectively.

With a $2.4 million annual budget, two established campuses, a thriving resale shop, and a dedicated team of

staff and volunteers, Camp Roger is well-positioned for continued strength and impact. The next Executive

Director will provide spiritual, strategic, and organizational leadership to ensure that Camp Roger remains a

place where the Gospel is lived out in community and where all who attend experience genuine belonging.

Voted #1 overnight

camp 2 years in

a row!

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MISSION & VISION

Camp Roger’s mission is to encounter and celebrate God’s love for His children through relationships and

experiences in creation.

Camp Roger’s vision is a world that loves God and appreciates His Creation.

In a world full of conflicting messages, Camp Roger and Camp Scottie want to change the narrative.

By focusing our conversations and educational efforts on belonging, we are learning how to grow beyond

inclusion and capture the voices of beautiful racial diversity present in God’s kingdom.

By working with partners across West Michigan (Potter’s House, Baxter Community Center, Sibley

Elementary School, Angel Tree Camping, and many others), we build trust that develops and

deepens relationships.

By providing extra on-site summer staff members, behavioral specialists and educational

professionals, we are meeting the mental health needs of our summer campers in more effective

ways.

By providing flexible pricing for our programs, we are allowing households and schools to have

ownership over their camp fees and school field trip fees.

Camp Roger’s Statement of Belonging is an expanded mission through increased belonging, diversity and

accessibility where:

People feel welcomed, loved, and that they belong.

The beautiful cultural diversity of God’s kingdom is present.

Accessibility for those with disabilities or language barriers is increased.

Financial and transportation barriers are minimized.

”

Our heart is to

continue to break

down barriers

that divide and to

pursue a world that

loves God and

appreciates His

Creation.

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VALUES

CHRIST-CENTERED

CREATION

BELONGING

YOUTH

QUALITY

RELATIONSHIPS

PLAY

Camp Roger is a para-church, nondenominational organization that uses our mission and core beliefs to

anchor us. We seek unity, despite our differences, for the sake of the Kingdom.

Camp Roger’s mission, vision, and faith and life covenant inspire us every day to know better so that we can

do better. Our heart is to continue to break down barriers that divide and to pursue a world that loves God and

appreciates His Creation.

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FAITH & LIFE COVENANT

Camp Roger is a ministry that seeks to encounter and celebrate God’s love for his children through experiences

and relationships in Creation. All community life at Camp is meant to find its center in Christ since we know

that “in [Christ] all things hold together” (Col. 1:17).

In this covenant you will find a number of ways that we, as a diverse group of Christians, seek to live in order to

find our center in Christ for the purpose of serving God together at Camp Roger. We won’t get it perfect.

Sometimes we won’t even get it right; we’re all on the journey. But we commit to working in the same direction

together, orienting ourselves toward Christ in all things. Christ is the one redeeming the world, and he invites

us to be his fellow workers through his Spirit.

We believe that Christians share some core beliefs and convictions.

1 ST The Bible is the true

and inspired Word of

God, revealing God’s

character and

redemptive story to

his creation.

There is one true God who

is made known to his

creation through the

persons of the Trinity: The

Father who created us,

Jesus Christ the Son who

died for us, and the Holy

Spirit who guides us.

3 RD

God’s worldwide

church, which includes

2 ND all Christians, has been

called and equipped to

co-labor with Christ in

building the kingdom

on earth.

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FAITH & LIFE COVENANT

Camp Roger seeks to be a community where all individuals feel they are welcomed, affirmed, loved, and

belong. We recognize that while holding to our core beliefs, Christians differ in their biblical interpretations

and practice around a variety of topics. So, when difficult discussions arise, Camp seeks unity despite our

differences rather than imposing a uniformity that forces people to choose sides, creating further division. This

means we carefully hold the tension of such tender conversations, entering with love into challenging dialogues

with one another, and working alongside Christians with different opinions and scriptural interpretations. We

know at times living like Christ is hard, and we want to be able to have hard conversations about how to do it

together. As we do, we trust that “in Christ, all things hold together.”

Ultimately, as a Christian community at Camp, we desire to pursue a way of life together that’s unique to

Christ’s way. We want to grow together, both spiritually and personally. We also seek to practice humility when

we intentionally or inadvertently work against Christ’s way at Camp. And in it all, we hope to encourage each

other in the Spirit’s guidance and in the Word of God, engaging with each other in our questions and even our

doubts so that we can all grow closer to God.

Our core beliefs, paired with the Spirit’s work in each of us as His beloved people, shape our day-to-day actions

and character to make us more and more like Christ. Again, we know that we are imperfect in this goal, and so

part of the purpose of this Christian community is to keep each of us accountable in our actions and to remind

us of our true identity in our God. This covenant is a commitment in faith and trust to a posture turned toward

Christ and one another.

It’s a declaration of desire to live out our

faith and life with integrity in community.

”

In Christ, all things

hold together.

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PROGRAMS

Camp Roger provides a broad range of programs designed to help children encounter God through community,

learning, and time spent in creation. Across its two campuses, the camp offers summer experiences, outdoor

education programs for schools, and year-round opportunities for families and groups to gather, learn, and

grow together.

Summer Camp

Summer programs at Camp Roger and Camp Scottie invite children into an environment where faith and fun

are fully integrated. More than 2,200 campers each summer participate in activities such as swimming, archery,

canoeing, climbing, crafts, and campfire worship. Through daily devotions, small-group conversations,

counselor role-modeling, and shared experiences, campers grow in their understanding of God’s love and

their identity as His children.

At Camp Roger’s Rockford campus, campers in grades 1–9 attend four- or six-day overnight sessions. Four-day

sessions are often first-time experiences for younger campers. Six-day sessions include a camp-out night in

tents with a variety of programming options. All campers participate in chapel, cabin activities, campfires, and

more, leaving phones and screens behind at home. Flexible pricing is available for all. Overnight camp is Camp

Roger’s longest-running program and a key staple of its mission.

For older campers, Camp Roger offers Wilderness Trips, backcountry experiences on Michigan’s rivers and

trails. These programs challenge participants to grow in confidence, community, and faith as they navigate

outdoor adventures, camp under the stars, and reflect on God’s Word together.

Camp Scottie, located in Howard City, serves children K - 5 with weekly summer day camp programs that offer

adventure, discovery, and faith formation in a close-knit community setting. Day camp, launched in 2017,

provides free busing for campers around the greater Grand Rapids area and discounted fees, which have been

essential steps to growing this camper base. Camp Scottie is an approachable entry point into the world of

summer camp. Daily schedules and coed camper group models are similar to familiar school structures,

helping younger campers adapt to this new experience.

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PROGRAMS

Outdoor Education

Camp Roger partners with schools throughout West Michigan to provide outdoor education for more than

11,000 students each year. These programs use the outdoors as a classroom for hands-on learning, helping

students explore topics in science, ecology, and stewardship while also cultivating teamwork, curiosity, and

gratitude. Teachers frequently comment on the way time at Camp Roger deepens community among students

and helps them see God’s presence in Creation.

Retreats and Rentals

Camp Roger hosts retreats and gatherings for churches, nonprofits, and community groups at both campuses.

These events provide opportunities for rest, renewal, and connection in a peaceful setting. Facilities are

available year-round and include lodges, meeting spaces, trails, and outdoor recreation areas.

The Acorn Resale Shop

The Acorn Resale Shop in Rockford is a vital ministry partner, providing financial support that helps make

camp experiences accessible for all families. Proceeds from the sale of donated goods fund Camp Roger’s

Acorn Fund. This fund supports a flexible pricing model, ensuring that no child is turned away due to financial

limitations, and eliminates barriers that prevent access to our campuses, including transportation, mobility

access, and mental health support.

Leadership and Staff Development

Camp Roger invests deeply in the spiritual and professional growth of its summer and year-round staff.

Through intentional mentoring, training, and a community covenant rooted in Christ, staff members learn to

integrate faith, humility, and service into every aspect of their work. Many former campers return to serve as

counselors, continuing the legacy of leadership and discipleship that has long characterized Camp Roger’s

ministry.

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CAMP DISTINCTIVES

The following principles define how Camp Roger approaches its work with campers, families, and staff:

Christ-Centered

Camp Roger exists to glorify God and share the good news of His love through every program and relationship.

A relationship with Jesus Christ provides the foundation for how the camp leads, serves, and grows.

Belonging and Inclusion

Each person is created in the image of God and has a place at Camp. The ministry is committed to removing

barriers—financial, physical, and cultural—so that all children can be included and experience the same sense

of deep belonging. A belonging which points to our own belonging in God’s family.

Life Outside

Camp Roger affirms that God reveals Himself through His creation. Time outdoors helps campers and staff see

God’s beauty, learn stewardship, and develop a sense of wonder and gratitude.

Growth and Humility

Camp Roger encourages a culture of learning and reflection. Staff are expected to model humility, curiosity,

and a growth mindset that allows them to listen well, learn continually, and serve faithfully.

Grace-filled Relationships

Camp Roger seeks to be a community of grace where differences are approached with compassion, curiosity,

and understanding. The camp’s covenant life emphasizes working together in ways that build trust, pursue

reconciliation, and reflect Christ’s love.

Joyful Service

Camp life is marked by joy, gratitude, and service. Whether teaching a camper to paddle a canoe, leading

worship, or cleaning a dining hall, staff are reminded that every act of service contributes to God’s work in the

lives of others.

”

Know Better.

Do Better.

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CAMP ROGER AT-A-GLANCE

2025

Annual Budget

Assets

Debt (Resale Shop)

$2.4M

$9.8M

$560K

EMPLOYEES

Year Round

Full time

Part time

8

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BREAKDOWN OF ANNUAL INCOME

Donor support

Program Service Fees

Government funding

Interest/dividend revenue

Camper Store Sales

Acorn Resale Shop

$571,000

$1,781,000

$0

$40,000

$40,000

$435,000

Seasonal

Day Camp

Overnight Camp

Outdoor Education

25

50

25

Total Support/Revenue

$2,867,000

MINISTRY IMPACT DATA

112

600+ 1,600+

11,000+

Years of ministry

Day campers

each summer

Overnight campers

each summer

Outdoor education

students per year

50% of summer campers choose financial assistance.

Pioneered a flexible pricing model for summer camp and outdoor education.

Cultivated partnerships with the Baxter Community Center, The Potters House,

Urban Family Ministries, Angel Tree Camping, Westwood Elementary, Sibley

Elementary, Godwin Elementary and other organizations.

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THE POSITION

The Executive Director serves as the chief executive and spiritual leader of Camp Roger, providing overall

direction and leadership to advance the mission of helping children encounter and celebrate God’s love

through relationships and experiences in Creation. The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors

and oversees all aspects of ministry, strategy, operations, and staff development across Camp Roger, Camp

Scottie, and The Acorn Resale Shop.

This leader is expected to model a Christ-centered life, cultivate a healthy organizational culture, and ensure

that all programs reflect the theological and spiritual commitments of Camp Roger. The Executive Director

will steward the organization’s resources, guide its long-term vision, and strengthen its relationships with

campers, families, donors, and community partners.

CAMP ROGER ORGANIZATIONAL CHART

EXECUTIVE

DIRECTOR

PAYROLL & ACCOUNTING

COORDINATOR

MAINTENANCE

DAY CAMP

DIRECTOR

OVERNIGHT

CAMP

DIRECTOR

ASSOCIATE

DIRECTOR

OUTDOOR

PROGRAM

DIRECTOR

ACORN

RESALE

SHOP

ADVANCEMENT

TEAM

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PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

SPIRITUAL AND MISSIONAL LEADERSHIP

• Ensure that every aspect of Camp Roger’s ministry is rooted in a biblically faithful understanding of God’s

Word and reflects the Faith & Life Covenant.

• Foster a spiritually healthy environment where staff and volunteers live out their faith and serve with

humility, integrity, and compassion.

• Model Christ-like leadership that builds unity and strengthens the camp’s witness to the broader

community.

STRATEGIC AND VISIONARY LEADERSHIP

• Lead the continued implementation of Camp Roger’s strategic plan, including its 2025 vision of expanding

belonging, diversity, and accessibility.

• Work closely with the Board of Directors to discern long-term priorities, evaluate opportunities for growth,

and ensure alignment with mission and values.

• Guide the successful execution of the $8.3 million Welcome Campaign, positioning the organization for

future sustainability and expanded impact.

• Encourage innovation in programming, partnerships, and operations that extend the reach of the ministry.

ORGANIZATIONAL AND STAFF LEADERSHIP

• Provide direction, supervision, and mentorship to a team of dedicated year-round and seasonal staff.

• Build a culture characterized by trust, collaboration, accountability, and care.

• Ensure that the organizational structure, policies, and processes support effective ministry and responsible

stewardship.

• Encourage professional growth, leadership development, and the spiritual formation of staff members.

DEVELOPMENT AND EXTERNAL RELATIONS

• Serve as the primary public representative of Camp Roger, fostering relationships with churches, schools,

community organizations, and donors.

• Partner with the Associate Director to cultivate a culture of generosity and oversee all aspects of donor

engagement and fundraising.

• Strengthen partnerships with organizations that share Camp Roger’s commitment to belonging and

accessibility, including key community and ministry collaborators.

• Communicate effectively with all stakeholders to promote transparency, build trust, and inspire continued

participation in the camp’s mission.

”

Work at the

greatest place on

earth... camp!

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PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

OPERATIONAL AND FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP

• Oversee the financial health of the organization, ensuring responsible management of its $2.4 million

annual budget and $9.8 million in assets.

• Partner with the Business Manager and Board Finance Committee in preparing and monitoring budgets,

reviewing financial reports, and planning for sustainability.

• Ensure compliance with all safety, accreditation, and operational standards, including facilities, risk

management, and personnel practices.

• Provide leadership for ongoing improvements to facilities and operations that support accessibility, safety,

and hospitality.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A personal and growing relationship with Jesus Christ, with a desire to model faith and integrity in all

aspects of leadership.

• Demonstrated experience in organizational leadership, preferably within a Christian camp, school, or

nonprofit setting.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to relate effectively to staff, families, donors,

and the broader community.

• Proven ability to lead strategic initiatives, manage budgets, and oversee complex operations.

• Experience in staff development, spiritual formation, and the cultivation of healthy organizational culture.

• Demonstrated significant learning and leading in the areas of belonging and inclusion.

• Bachelor’s degree required; graduate-level education in leadership, ministry, or nonprofit management

preferred.

“CHANGE A

KID’S LIFE!”

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EXPECTATIONS

WHAT SUCCESS WILL LOOK LIKE IN FIVE YEARS

The following priorities outline the outcomes the Board envisions five years into the next Executive Director’s

leadership. They reflect Camp Roger’s mission, its current strategic plan, and the hopes of the community for

a strong, faith-filled, and sustainable future:

Within five years, Camp Roger will have built upon its strong foundation to expand its reach, deepen its

culture of belonging, and strengthen its long-term sustainability. The next Executive Director will have led

with spiritual integrity, organizational wisdom, and a clear vision for ministry growth and impact.

MISSION AND PROGRAM IMPACT

• Participation across select programs is expected to grow while maintaining the same high standards

of faith formation and program quality.

• Camp Roger and Camp Scottie are recognized for safe, joyful, and Christ-centered programs that

integrate learning, adventure, and spiritual growth.

• Strategic partnerships with churches, schools, and community organizations will broaden the camp’s

reach, particularly among families and children who might not otherwise experience Christian

camping.

BELONGING, DIVERSITY, AND ACCESSIBILITY

• Camp Roger will reflect the diversity of the broader Grand Rapids community, with 20% of campers

and staff representing varied racial and cultural backgrounds.

• Accessibility - physical, financial, and linguistic - will be significantly improved through facility upgrades,

translation of key materials, transportation support, and the continued success of the flexible pricing

model.

• Belonging will be evident across the community: families, campers, staff, and partners all experience

the camp as a place of genuine welcome and love.

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EXPECTATIONS

FINANCIAL HEALTH AND STEWARDSHIP

• The $8.3 million the Welcome Campaign will have been completed, resulting in an improved entrance,

expanded housing, and enhanced hospitality and program spaces.

• Camp Roger will operate with a balanced budget, sustained growth in program and donor revenue,

and a financial aid endowment of at least $1.5 million supporting flexible pricing.

• The Acorn Resale Shop will continue to thrive as a mission partner, providing significant ongoing

support for camp accessibility.

LEADERSHIP AND CULTURE

• Camp Roger’s culture continues to be marked by unity, humility, and joy, with staff and volunteers

modeling a Christ-centered life and deep care for one another.

• Strong systems for communication, leadership development, and evaluation support a healthy,

collaborative team-centric culture.

• The Board and Executive Director work in close partnership, ensuring strategic clarity, accountability,

and mission alignment.

By 2030...

Camp Roger will remain a place where children

encounter God’s love, where diversity and

belonging are part of daily life, and where the

ministry’s financial and operational health

position it for generations of continued impact.

”

You belong here.

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WEST MICHIGAN

Camp Roger is based in Rockford, Michigan, just a short drive north of Grand Rapids and for this reason, it is

feasible for the Executive Director to reside in Grand Rapids, Michigan. West Michigan offers a high quality of

life, natural beauty, and a strong sense of community. Historically, the Executive Director has resided onsite

during the summer months, so it is a strong preference that the next director is available in this way. Five

reasons to love West Michigan:

1. Breathtaking natural beauty – West Michigan has some of the most picturesque landscapes in the United

States. From the majestic sand dunes and pristine beaches along Lake Michigan to the serene forests and

inland lakes, the region offers a wealth of outdoor recreational opportunities. Whether you enjoy hiking,

boating, fishing, skiing, or simply immersing yourself in nature, West Michigan’s natural beauty will leave

you in awe all year round.

2. Thriving Arts and Culture Scene – West Michigan delights residents with its vibrant arts scene. The region

is home to numerous art galleries, theaters, and music venues that host a wide range of performances and

events. A few favorites are Grand Rapids Civic Theater, DeVos Performance Hall, and Van Andel Arena.

Grand Rapids, the largest city in West Michigan, is renowned for its world-class Art Prize, Frederik Meijer

Gardens and Sculpture Park, which showcases breathtaking art installations amidst stunning botanical

gardens.

3. Strong Economy - West Michigan is a hub for manufacturing, healthcare, information technology, and

engineering sectors. Many Fortune 500 companies, including Amway, Steelcase, and Meijer, have

headquarters in West Michigan, providing residents with a strong economy. West Michigan has also seen

a growing entrepreneurial ecosystem, making it an excellent place for startups.

4. Affordable Living - Compared to other major metropolitan areas in the United States, West Michigan offers

a remarkably affordable cost of living. Whether you decide to live in a city or a suburban community, home

prices are generally more reasonable, allowing residents to enjoy a higher standard of living without

breaking the bank. According to GRAR, the average home sale price in 2023 was $358,000. In addition,

everyday expenses such as groceries, transportation, and entertainment are more affordable, making West

Michigan an ideal place for families and individuals looking to save money.

5. Welcoming Communities and Hospitable People - One of the most significant benefits of living in West

Michigan lies in its tight-knit and welcoming communities. The people of West Michigan are known for

their friendliness, warmth, and willingness to lend a helping hand. There are numerous local events,

festivals, and volunteer opportunities that foster a strong sense of belonging.

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PROCESS OF CANDIDACY

If you discern that the gifts and experiences God has given you are aligned with the role of Executive Director

at Camp Roger as outlined in this Opportunity Profile, we invite you to begin the process of candidacy. All

candidate information and conversations are treated confidentially. You may contact Laura Coverstone of

JobfitMatters at any stage of the process to receive more information and ask questions.

Please provide the following for review:

1. Current resume

2. Responses to the following essay prompts:

• Describe your testimony of faith in Jesus Christ. How is God using you in your work, in your church,

and in your community? How has your relationship with Jesus shaped your career and influenced

your decision to apply for this position?

• What about this position and Camp Roger attracts you? How has your previous experience prepared

you for this role?

3. Provide the name and contact information (phone number and email address) for four references who

know you and your career well enough to comment on your suitability for this position. (References will

only be contacted after we have received your permission to do so later in the candidacy process.)

Note: Please do not be overly concerned with brevity in this package of materials. While we are not seeking

large volumes of content, we request that you provide sufficient relevant information that best reflects your

fit for this role and the strengths you bring to the candidacy.

Submit this information in one document or PDF to:

LAURA COVERSTONE

Managing Partner

JobfitMatters Executive Search

resumes@jobfitmatters.com

Phone: 615.261.4623

Please include “CAMP ROGER” in the subject line of your email.

SEARCH TIMELINE

All candidate information will be reviewed upon arrival. The candidate review process will continue until the

Executive Director has been selected.

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