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Registration is now open for adults interested in serving as counselors during the Youth Program at the 19th All-American Council [AAC] in Saint Louis, MO, July 23-27, 2018.
Ideal candidates for counselor positions are active members (ages 18+) of any canonical Orthodox Christian parish in North America; those with past AAC experience as youth participants, counselors or educators; those with experience as camp counselors or directors and/or Church school teachers or directors; members of Orthodox Christian Fellowship chapters; and seminarians from any Orthodox theological seminary in North America. Preferred skillsets for counselors include, but are not limited to, teaching experience (elementary through high school levels); junior or senior camp counselor roles; working with youth ages 5-17; familiarity with Church music (singing, directing, chanting, or reading); experience as a server, subdeacon or sacristan; experience with the liturgical arts (iconography and music); video and photography and related computer experience; certification as a lifeguard; CRP training; experience as a nurse or nurse practitioner; and proficiency in languages other than English.
“Applicants selected to serve as counselors will be expected to participate in all aspects of the Youth Program during the 19th AAC, including educational, worship, fellowship and service components,” said Priest Benjamin Tucci, who will be overseeing the program. “The majority of the program activities will take place at the Saint Louis Union Station Hotel, independently of the main AAC working sessions, while some youth-related activities will take place off-site.”
Applicants may apply on-line. Early application is encouraged due to a limited number of counselor positions. Registration deadline is January 1, 2018.
“Organizers for the 19th AAC Youth Program, in cooperation with members of the OCA Department of Youth, Young Adult and Campus Ministries, will review all applications to ensure the necessary references and background checks are valid,” said David Lucs, who chairs the Department. “All volunteers will complete a three-stage review process before their final selection is confirmed, ensuring the safest and best Church-related experience for youth participants.
“The final phase of the application process will include an interview with organizers of the AAC Youth Program,” Mr. Lucs added. “Applicants who successfully pass these three stages will be notified in early 2018 of their selection as youth counselors.”
Youth Program counselors will have their meals, entrance and activity fees and registration covered by the OCA’s Department of Youth, Young Adult and Campus Ministries. Youth Program counselors will be expected to pay for their own travel and hotel expenses. Hotel reservations can be made after the first week of January 2018 on the hotel web site.
Additional information may be accessed on-line while questions and enquiries may be directed to Father Benjamin Tucci at aacyouth@oca.org.
