Board of Directors
Elected by the supporters of Van Buren Youth Camp. Their role is to serve as the decision making body of the Camp. They hire the Camp Directors and actively supervise the general operation of the Camp. They also generate funds for the Camp by sponsoring projects and fundraiser's which generate money.

The Operational Fund is supported by camper fees. This fund is used to pay employees, buy food and supplies and support general program needs. The Board Fund is a combination of funds from fund-raising events and funds donated by supporters. This fund is used to make physical improvements to the facility and to help with major undertakings, such as land acquisition. The Board of Directors oversees the use of funds from both accounts.

Current Board of Directors

Executive Director
Hired by the Board of Directors, this person oversees the year round running of camp, including our rental facilities, directs marketing, finance and camper enrollment. They must meet all American Camping Association Director requirements.

The Current Executive Director is Becky Pasman.

Program Director
Hired by the Board of Directors, this person oversees the daily operation of the summer program including the Summer Staff and Counselors. Often this person is a former Staff member, Counselor and Camper themselves. They are experts with children, in safety, fun and at developing a program and Staff that embodies all of the previous. He or she meets all American Camping Association Director requirements.

Summer Staff
Hired by the Executive and Program Director, these persons run the daily program. They are usually selected from our group of cabin counselors and receive a week of training as a Staff In Training (SIT) where they work alongside the current Staff. Once hired, they receive 2-3 weekend training session then a full week of training prior to the summer. Staff members with specialized classes receive training in their prospective area (i.e. Water Safety Instructor, Lifeguard Certification, Low Ropes, Archery and Riflery.) Other than kitchen staff, they are at least 18 years of age and are generally college students. Each Staff member teaches a class three times a day. They are present for and oversee all camper activities. These people who love being around kids, are loaded with enthusiasm, compassion, endurance and are recreation specialists!

Meet the 2004 Summer Staff.

Head Counselor
This is a staff member who recruits, trains and provides support to our cabin counselors. They are experienced staff members and are an expert counselor them self. They are also an expert problem solver and trouble shooter. They meet with the counselors daily. They also provide a half day training and orientation on the counselor's first day.

Cabin Counselors
These persons sole responsibility is to their kids safety and fun. They are selected from our Leadership Workshop which is the first week of every summer. Or they have equivalent experience. They are screened through personal interviews, performance at the Leadership Workshop, previous counseling experience, personal references and their application.

Each counselor is in charge of a cabin of eight campers of their gender. They are with their campers at classes, meals, sleeping in the cabin, planning sessions. They foster unity, trust and friendship and responsibility in their cabin. They are ages 15 on up.

Persons with potential but not proven ability may be a Counselor In Training (CIT) for a week along side an experienced counselor.