Working at Greystone as a New Staffer
All year long, we work hard to recruit and hire the very best staff in the world to be a part of our community. While many of our staff attended Greystone as campers, alost a third of our counselor team steps through the gates for the first time for Orientation. No matter if they found us on Google, through a friend, or from RUF Fall Conference, once they’ve signed their contract, they are an essential part of our community.
It takes courage to spend your summer in a new place, and we asked three of our 2025 new staffers to share about their first Greystone experience. Check out how they grew, what surprised them the most, and how they would describe the camp community after experiencing it for the first time.
Know someone who would be a perfect fit for our team? Share this post to them, or We love meeting new friends, and we would love to share more about why working at Greystone is the best choice a college student could make for their summer.
Alice Ann Jones
How did you find out about Greystone? What made you want to work?
I knew I wanted to work at an all-girls camp that was Christ-centered, and I had heard about Greystone through my former pastor who had worked at camp. After looking at the Greystone website and learning more about camp through my interview, I knew I wanted to work at Greystone. I loved that Greystone’s sessions were longer and that deeper relationships could be built. From the very beginning, it was so evident that Greystone truly cared for their counselors and wanted to support them. Even though I was never a camper, I knew Greystone was where the Lord was calling me to work, and I couldn’t be more thankful that I applied.
How would you describe the camp community?
The camp community is truly the best. Everyone is so kind and supportive and represents the body of Christ so well. It can seem intimidating at first that most people already know each other but everyone is so welcoming. Before the summer even started, someone on Head Staff had texted me asking how they could pray for me and how I was feeling about the summer ahead. As soon as I arrived at camp, I was immediately greeted by name and warmly welcomed. This community made me feel so seen and loved, and I quickly felt right at home.
What surprised you the most about camp?
I was surprised by how intentional everything was planned at camp, from the day-to-day schedule, to sleeping late on Fridays to ensure extra rest, to apple cart for a mid-morning snack. Everything had a purpose, and it took the pressure off of having to figure things out on your own. I loved how intentional the Head Staff and Group Leaders were with counselors, and how they would check up on you and ask how you were really doing. It was also so fun that there were surprises for both counselors and campers, and it helped make the whole experience even more special. Being a counselor was one of the most challenging and also rewarding and fun jobs.
What did you take away from the summer?
My biggest takeaway from the summer was learning how to fully and selflessly serve others. As a counselor, there are times when you feel really tired, but those were the moments when I felt I grew the most and could truly feel the Lord working and giving me strength. I grew in so many areas but especially in my faith and learned a lot of patience and the gift of being adaptable. Being at Greystone taught me so many life skills, and I left a better person because of it.
Anything you’d tell a new-to-camp staffer?
Go into camp with an open mind and willingness to step out of your comfort zone. Being new-to-camp at first can seem very overwhelming, as camp has a lot of traditions, Dining Hall songs, and camp lingo that’s all so new, but give yourself grace and know that you’ll quickly catch on. And, don’t be afraid to ask someone what something means or ask for help when you need it as everyone is so kind and happy to help. Greystone is so much fun when you’re willing to let go of expectations and fully embrace the camp experience
The best part about working at Greystone was…
Having fun all summer long right alongside my campers. Being part of the bubble was so special, and it was amazing to be unplugged for the summer from “normal” life and responsibilities. The campers brought so much joy, and getting to pour into them was so rewarding. I loved how camp gives you the freedom to be completely yourself, created space for intentional conversations, encouraged creativity and simply playing and having fun. Working at Greystone was the best decision.
Lily Tillman
How did you find out about Greystone? What made you want to work?
I heard about Greystone from my aunt and cousin, who went here, and my friends who went or worked at camp. They all told me about their great experiences, and I was looking for a new way to spend a summer, so I ended up at camp! How would you describe the camp community? I think the best way to describe the camp community is like a family– fun, energetic, close, supportive, and funny!
What surprised you the most about camp?
I had heard that camp people were kind and fun, but the Greystone community truly exceeded every expectation I had with how welcoming and genuine everyone is. Something that surprised me about the job itself is how detailed and traditional everything is. There are a lot of niche parts of camp, and I really enjoyed learning all of the intentional details that make up everything. Definitely don’t be afraid to ask for help in this area! Anyone I turned to was excited to help me learn and I could see just how special each part of camp was to them.
How did you grow during the summer?
Camp helped me grow by teaching me to be truly present with the people around me. I think I grew in my abilities to adapt to different situations and focus on the campers over anything else. I could see God’s hand in every single thing this summer - through the laughter, the challenges, and the fast-forming friendships.
Anything else you’d tell another new-to-camp staffer?
The first week of camp can be crazy! There is so much going on with a bunch of new people and information. Lean into it and have fun. You will get the hang of everything soon enough!
The best part about working at Greystone was….
The friendships. I absolutely loved getting to know everyone and I talk to my camp friends all the time.
Ella Hall
How did you find out about Greystone? What made you want to work?
One of my friends from home, Betsy Habig, had worked at Greystone the summer before and told me all about her experience as a counselor, which made me consider it for myself. When I began thinking about my summer plans last year, I realized I would love to be a camp counselor, so I applied to Greystone. After completing my interview and learning more about the camp, I knew it was exactly where I wanted to work and spend my time for the summer.
What did you take away from the summer? How did you grow?
Last summer grew me in so many ways. I arrived knowing hardly anyone and knowing very little about the camp, feeling intimidated by what lay ahead. But I quickly learned the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone and getting to know new people, whether that was a camper or a fellow counselor. Most importantly, I learned what it really means to take up my cross daily and surrender to Jesus. There were days when I felt tired and overwhelmed by everything I had to do, but remembering the privilege of serving the girls at camp always kept me going. Being a counselor requires selflessness and showing up for your campers, which felt especially meaningful coming from college, where life can often feel centered on yourself instead.
Anything else you’d tell a new-to-camp staffer?
It can be intimidating coming in as a new-to-camp staffer, but you become immersed in the Greystone life so quickly. Before you know it, you’re confidently dancing on stage with campers, singing every Greystone song, and realizing just how special the camp truly is. So don’t let yourself feel defeated when you first get to camp and feel like everyone grew up knowing each other because before you know it, you feel like you are fully a part of the Greystone family.
The best part about working at Greystone was….
The intentional time I got to spend with campers, staff, and the Lord. Even in the midst of the busy camp lifestyle there are so many pockets of joy from meaningful conversations to the fun activities and random memories you get to make throughout your summer. I also loved getting to work in a department and seeing the daily joy it brought the campers, as well as the fun you have developing a new skill and growing close to the staff you work with.