Leading Through the "What-Ifs": Why Serving at Camp is the Ultimate Mental Reset for Young Leaders

By Adam Todd, Executive Director, Mt. Gilead Camp & Retreat

We often talk about the skyrocketing rates of anxiety among children, but as an Executive Director, my heart is often focused on another group: the young women in their late teens and early twenties who lead them. Today’s college students are the most information-saturated generation in history. They are constantly overwhelmed by a digital loop of "what-ifs"—about their careers, their social standing, and a world that feels increasingly unpredictable.

At Mt. Gilead, I tell our staff that while they come here to impact the lives of girls, the summer will likely do a deeper work in them. If you are a young woman feeling controlled by the "imagined concerns" of a theoretical future, the woods of the Poconos offer a way back to the person God designed you to be.

Campfire gathering at Mt. Gilead Camp

The Burden of the "Digital Mirror"

For a camp counselor, the decision to put the cell phone down during the day can be a radical act of self-care. Anxiety thrives when we are constantly looking in a "digital mirror," worrying about how our lives are being perceived. When our staff steps away from the screen, they stop performing and start living.

The Antidote: Responsibility in the Real World

Anxiety often stems from a feeling of powerlessness—the fear of a "whats to come" down a trail we haven't even stepped on yet. At camp, we replace those theoretical fears with real-world responsibility.

• From "What-If" to "Right Now": You can’t be paralyzed by anxiety about next semester when you are laughing with a group of eight girls on a hiking trail or helping a camper overcome her fear of the high ropes course.

• The Prudence of Action: If there’s a dangerous animal on the trail, the prudent thing is to turn around. At camp, you learn the difference between prudence (handling a real situation) and anxiety (worrying about a beast that isn't there). You learn that you are capable, that you are resilient, and that you can handle challenges as they actually arise.

Camp counselor setting up activities at Mt. Gilead Camp

A Sisterhood of Security

Perhaps the greatest remedy for staff anxiety is our community. Our counselors live and work in an environment "undistracted by the presence of boys" and the pressures of social media. This creates a unique "sisterhood of security."

In our staff devotions and late-night porch talks, our counselors realize they aren't alone in their struggles. They learn to lead by faith, not by fear. They discover that while they cannot control the "what-ifs" of the world, they can trust the One who promises to walk the trail with them—and who can handle everything.

Investment in Your Soul

To the young woman considering a summer at Mt. Gilead: This isn't just a line on your resume. It is a season to reclaim your peace. It is a chance to prove to yourself that you are not designed to function in fear.

When you spend your summer investing in the lives of others in the heart of God's creation, the "what-ifs" begin to lose their power. You return to the "real world" not just with more experience, but with a grounded, quiet confidence that God is with you, wherever the trail leads.

Your Next Step Toward a Faith-Filled Summer

If you feel called to serve, grow, and inspire, a faith-based camp career at Mt. Gilead is waiting for you. It’s a chance to combine your love for Christ with meaningful work that shapes young lives. Whether you’re new to camp work or have experience, this summer could be your most rewarding yet.

Take the leap. Embrace the adventure. Join a community where faith and fun come together in perfect harmony. Your journey at Mt. Gilead Camp is just beginning, and I can’t wait to see the amazing impact you’ll make.

Ready to explore more? Visit www.girlschristiancamp.com and discover how you can become part of this incredible mission. Your summer of faith, friendship, and growth awaits!