At Christikon, adults who help make the camper experience happen are often referred to as “Advisors.” We hope and expect you’ll be just that: wise adults who contribute to the success of the Christikon program through participation, reflection and advice. This role can vary widely between sessions and churches: some folks are church volunteers who drive campers to Christikon—and then participate in the on-site program. Others are church leaders who fully engage with joining a backpack trip or volunteer at camp on a specific project. We also routinely host adult-specific retreats, sabbatical residencies and other unique experiences. All are worked out through discussion with—and at the discretion of—the director. We expect all advisors to register for programs—even if your week might look different than the campers with whom you arrive—so we can adequately prepare to welcome you, provide housing and prepare for your meals.

Many of the resource pages on this site are intended for adults and advisors who are planning and carrying out a trip for their campers. Please browse those and reach out with questions! A few key resources are also shared below, and we’ll try to add more as we work to clarify your role—and what you can expect!

Some wisdom from an Advisor, Les Olive of Brookings, who has done this many times:

Housing advisors is complex! We want you to be comfortable and feel part of the program while you are with us. We appreciate your flexibility and grace as some sessions can be very full, intense communities of people! Many advisors are housed in our Living Center—and that space serves ALL adults while on site as a meeting space, retreat for personal or small-group time, and occasionally other meals, coffee or hospitality. We also house advisors with their groups, especially backpacking groups who may stay in tents, our new canvas tents, or even cabins when space allows. One idea we hope to try this season is housing those who bring backpack groups out but do not plan to hike in the canvas tents while their groups are away.