Two camp leaders share how they build trust
Robin
Trust is a relationship glue that joins people together in communities — deep human connec- tion. Unfortunately, trust isn’t for sale in the camp store or even on Amazon. Here are the four strategies I use to grow trust in my teams.
Shoulder to shoulder 1 Peter 5:5b says, “Clothe yourselves with humil- ity.” A posture of humility shows my team that I will do any job I ask them to do. Tis willingness to put my shoulder to the plow alongside my teammates demonstrates a work ethic that refuses to elevate the office of overseer. Further, working side by side on things perceived as “menial” tasks expresses empathy and understanding, displaying genuine care for my team. Taking out the trash, washing dishes and helping clean up a game are real-life ways to reiterate the value I see in others and my appreciation for them.
Heart to heart “Confess your sins to one another,” James 5:16 says. Te spiritual disease of pride erodes any attempt at building trust. Rather than projecting a false perfection or inflated holiness, my appropri- ate admission to personal struggles and mistakes allows my team to witness my own honest process of striving to follow Jesus more faithfully. Tis vulnerability sets a tone of safety, grace, accountability and acceptance, creating a space where the team can feel freedom to live confi- dently in who God made them to be.
Voice to ear In Proverbs 25:11, it says, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.” If the power of life and death are both in the tongue, then clear, consistent communication that is kind and respectful is vital. Outlining expectations, offering both positive and corrective feedback and slowing down for coaching opportunities can bring life and blessing to my team. Active listening without interruption or judgment plays a crucial role in building trust by conveying interest in and care for my team members.
Laugh to laugh Te Psalmist says in verse 30:11a, “You turned my mourning into dancing.” Camp work presents countless stress wedges that Satan wants to use as divisive weapons. Taking breaks to laugh together or participate in an enjoyable activity with my team counters tension and disunity and instead builds community. Shared fun and laughter foster connections and positive emotional attachment that act as relationship capital. Eat the ice cream, play the game, perform in the skit and watch how the Giver of laughter bonds your team!
“Active listening … plays a crucial role in building trust by conveying interest in and care for my team members.” —Robin Ross
Robin Ross is the director of programming at Camp Elim (Woodland Park, Colorado). She is passionate about Jesus, the power of camp and helping people apply biblical truth to daily living. Ross writes, speaks, sings, smiles a lot and has cute handwriting but cannot cut in a straight line. Don’t ask.
November/December 2025
www.ccca.org
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Photo courtesy of Robin Ross
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