Noncom Development


2024 Theme Verse:

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2.3-4 (ESV)

Once you are accepted to serve as a Camp Nathanael noncom, you step onto a path of continual learning and growth. More than 500 high school guys have served as noncoms at Nathanael since the camp was founded in 1962. You’ll be part of an elite group. Your growth as a Christ-following leader will be the result of training, coaching, mentoring, weekly evaluation, increasing levels of responsibility, and your own dedicated effort.

Additional required forms

Once you are accepted, please check this page and your online account (where you applied) for some additional forms that need to be completed (including Training Card Info Form and Camp Service Details form).

Pre-Camp Preparations

Pay careful attention to the information below so you can properly prepare for camp. Also, watch this spreadsheet to be sure you are completing the necessary steps.

Raising Support: Your support raising goal is $400. These funds help with the cost of the training weeks, lifeguard and first aid training, team building trips, etc. If possible, these funds should be received by camp by the start of training, but if your support continues to come in through the summer, that’s fine. If you should happen to raise more than the goal, you may choose to have the excess go toward another noncom who hasn’t been able to raise the full amount, or to the noncom support fund in general. Some tips for raising your support:

  • Make a list of several people who might be interested in supporting your ministry at camp. This may include extended family members (grandparents, for example), close friends of your family who are interested in your growth, people at church who have taught or mentored you, your church’s Missions Committee, etc.

  • Write down three or four reasons you are interested in serving as a noncom. These are the things you want to communicate to the people you will invite to support you.

  • Write a letter that you can send to the people you want to invite to support you. If you’d like some ideas for writing a support letter take a look at this sample.

  • You may print copies of this information sheet to send along with your support letters.

People who wish to donate toward your support may give online through the Nathanael website, or they may mail checks to: Camp Nathanael, PO Box 3987, Minneapolis, MN 55403.

MinstrySafe Training: Safety is among our top priorities at camp. We are committed to providing a safe experience for campers, noncoms, staff, and volunteers. One very important aspect of safety is in the area of preventing abuse of any kind. For that reason, we make use of the training and programs provided by MinistrySafe. After you have been accepted as a noncom, you will receive a notice by email to complete an online program consisting of several videos and a quiz. This will take about one and a half hours and must be completed before you come to camp. You do not have to watch all the videos at once but be sure to give them your full attention and perhaps take a few notes. After watching the videos you will take the quiz and the results will be reported to camp. Watch your email for the invitation to begin this training.

Pre-Camp Devos: Please use this guide (coming later) for some daily time with the Lord between now and camp.

What to Pack: Use this as a guide when packing for camp What to Bring to Camp

Training Requirements

These requirements need to be completed by the conclusion of the training weeks. We strongly recommend you get a head start by working on some of them during the weeks leading up to training. Here is a list of training week requirements, subject to minor changes.

Rank Requirements

As you move through the summer, you’ll pursue your Gold, Silver or Double Silver Bar (during your first, second and third summers as a noncom). If you’ve been a camper at Nathanael, perhaps you’ve watched us award these to noncoms during evening campfires. Check out the rank requirements.

Staff and Noncom Policies

Review and understand these important policies relating to your service at camp. If you have questions or concerns please discuss them with the director. Serving at camp means you agree to and will abide by these policies.

Legacy Noncom Program

Guys who have completed their second year and earned their Silver Bar, and who intend to return for a third summer, may elect to pursue the rank of Legacy Noncom. This leadership growth program takes place during the school year between your second and third summers. Learn what is required to become a Legacy Noncom.