Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I have to work for the entire summer?
A: Yes, special permission must be granted by the STC Coordinator and Camp Director. Special permission is based upon special circumstances and must be approved before acceptance into the program.
Q: How old do you have to be to work in the STC Program?
A: You need to be at least 14 years old and must have a valid work permit. Many job assignments have age restrictions. Word of Life will work with you to assign you accordingly.
Q: May I take part in the activities at camp?
A: Activity involvement is arranged by the STC Coordinators. The STC program has a very exciting and fun-filled program designed just for you!
Q: How will I be challenged throughout the summer in my walk with the Lord?
A: Every staff member will be expected to do a daily quiet time, attend weekly chapels, Bible Club meetings, and interact in one-on-one discipleship. Word of Life is committed to the spiritual growth of each staff member and is very intent and direct in the discipleship process.
Q: May I leave Word of Life property?
A: Yes, but please refer to the Summer Staff Manual for guidelines.
Q; Do I get a day off during the week?
A: Yes, every staff member is entitled to one day off a week.
Q: What ministry opportunities are available during the summer?
A: Every staff member will have opportunities to participate in open air evangelism, discipleship and serving others. Each camp creates a program for you to use your gifts and abilities to minister to others.
Q: If I am taking part in a Missions Trip, may I still work at Word of Life for the summer?
A: Yes, if your position allows and you have prior approval from the STC Coordinator and Camp Director you will be allowed to take a Word of Life sponsored missions trip.
Q: Am I allowed to take time off during the summer?
A:  Special Permission / Leave of Absence – Only Camp Directors or Staff Coordinators may grant special permission for a leave of absence for special circumstances (i.e. wedding, graduation, etc.) when the ministry role of the staff member permits.  The normal length of time granted for the absence should not exceed three (3) days.  Planned special permissions must be requested through the appropriate Staff Coordinators or Camp Directors prior to the summer camping season.  Unplanned circumstances are addressed on a case by case basis.

Q: If I am involved with Teens Involved, may I attend camp with my church group?
A: You will be able to attend Teens Involved events. All arrangements must be made in advance with the STC Coordinator for your facility.
Q: Does Word of Life provide transportation assistance to your property if I must fly or ride a bus/train to your area?
A: Yes, after acceptance you will need to log back into the system to complete the contract and other appropriate forms. One of the forms is an STC Transportation Assistance Form. Please complete the form and our Transportation Coordinator will arrange details.
Q: If I am missing some of my paperwork items before I arrive, may I still come to work?
A: If you can provide proper paperwork and identification at time of registration and have prior approval to present at that time, you may arrive. If you are unable to provide proper paperwork before or at the time of registration you must make arrangements before you arrive.
Q: May I still work if I don’t have medical insurance?
A: Yes, but you must sign a waiver stating you will be responsible for all non-work medical claims. For those in the Summer Missionary Program, employment coverage (Workmen’s Comp) is provided. Those volunteering must supply their own insurance. Word of Life only provides secondary coverage.
Q: I am unable to view the Staff Life Manual and can’t submit my application without agreeing to it.  What should I do?
A: Please contact the STC Coordinator and ask for the Manual to be sent via U.S. Mail or another media type.
Q: I can’t remember my username and/or password.  What should I do?
A: Please email, stc@wol.org. Please give your full name, email address and home phone number for confirmation. The Summer Staff office personnel will email you your missing information.
Q: What kind of housing is available for the summer?
A: All staff stays in housing provided at each camp location. Each cabin has bunk beds. You are responsible for providing your own bedding. All guys and girls cabins are separated.
Q:  With the new program, do I still receive the Word of Life Bible Institute Scholarship?
A: Yes, with the new program nothing has changed with the scholarship. Here are some details:

  • How much is the scholarship?
    Students get $1000.00 for the summer following their junior year and $2000.00 for the summer following their senior year.
  • Do I receive the scholarship for working at any Word of Life Camp?
    You may qualify for the scholarship if you work at any of the six camps in the continental United States.
  • How long do I have to work each summer?
    The scholarship is awarded based on completion of eight weeks of STC for the junior and senior summers.
  • What do I have to do to get the scholarship when I come to the Bible Institute?
    Collect the certificates that are sent to you for each summer. Turn these certificates in along with your Scholarship Application for the year you plan to attend the Bible Institute, and complete the STC section of the Scholarship Application.
  • I have other scholarships for the Bible Institute. May I still use my STC scholarship?
    STC Scholarships cannot be combined in the same school year with Reachout scholarships, but if you want to use your STC scholarship for your first year, you may reserve your Reachout scholarship for the second year program. STC is compatible with all other scholarships.

Q: If I decide to raise support, how will I do this and how do I know how much I have?
A: Word of Life has a program designed to help you raise support, understand giving policies and even track your support. You will receive a username and password to our Summer Missions Program. There you will be able to see how much has been given, how much more you need and even real time giving history. You will be able to see who gave to your missions adventure, how much and their contact information so you may send them your newsletters and a thank-you note.

Q: How much may I raise this summer for my stipend?
A:Our Short Term Missions Department will work with you to determine the total amounts, but you can raise amounts that will give you a weekly stipend of $25.00, $50.00 or $100.00.

Q: If I am an STC staff member, how much total support do I need to raise for my weekly stipend.
A: Depending on what level of support you choose to raise the amount will be different. Listed below is the weekly stipend amount with the total amount needed. The total amount includes, stipend, taxes, workmen’s compensation and administration fees.

  • Level 1 - $290 - $25 a week
  • Level 2 - $580 - $50 a week
  • Level 3 - $1160 - $100 a week