Recruiting Counselors – Stand Firm

Stand Firm and Lead Boys to Christ: Finding the Right Men

When it comes to Cadeting, the most important trait in a counselor isn’t outdoor skills, teaching experience, or even a well-organized schedule – it’s a heart that stands firm in the faith and is ready to help boys grow into Christlike men.

Yes, woodworking, camping, and leadership experience are helpful. But above all, we need men who are alert to the Spirit’s leading, courageous in their faith, and committed to loving boys as Christ loved us. The most effective counselors are those whose hearts the Lord has prepared for this ministry – men who are ready to stand firm in the battle for the hearts and minds of the next generation.

How to Recognize Prepared Men

It’s not always easy to tell who’s ready, especially when the man himself isn’t sure. But God gives us tools and discernment. Here are a few ways you can begin:

• Pray intentionally and regularly for God to reveal the right men.
• Stay engaged in your church community to maintain awareness of potential counselors.
• Watch for the Spirit’s work – men stepping up in service, mentoring others, or showing faith in action.

Ask God for wisdom, then take the next courageous step and approach the men you sense are being called.

Start with a Conversation

One of the best ways to begin is with a simple invitation to coffee. Sit down with the potential counselor – perhaps with another current counselor – and share openly about the Cadet ministry. Make it clear that this isn’t a recruitment trap. Instead, encourage him to listen, take time to pray, and seek God’s direction.

Be honest about the challenges and the joys. Stand firm in sharing both the reality of the work and the reward of seeing boys grow in Christ.

Your Influence Is Stronger Than You Think

There was a Cadet I never thought I connected with… Fifteen years later, I ran into him – he was a pastor. He thanked me for my influence. I was dumbfounded.
— Counselor Bob DeJonge

Sometimes we don’t see the fruit right away. But standing firm means being faithful even when the results aren’t immediate. Your example – your faith, your presence, your perseverance – can leave a lasting impression long after a Cadet has left your club.

Equipping Those Who Answer the Call

The Calvinist Cadet Corps provides valuable tools to support you in recruiting and equipping counselors:

• Personal stories – Share your experience and what God has taught you through Cadeting.
• Program materials – Have Cadet guidebooks or counselor manuals on hand to show the scope of the ministry.
• Website resources – Direct potential counselors to our website to learn more.
• Assistant roles – If possible, offer a new counselor the chance to serve alongside a veteran for a season.
• Be real – You don’t need to know everything. Our Corps staff is here to support you and answer questions.

Commitment Builds Strength

We recommend asking counselors to commit to at least three years. Here’s why:

• It takes time to learn the program and build trust with the boys.
• Consistency in leadership benefits both the head counselor and the club as a whole.
• A clear understanding of time expectations (for meetings, events, training, etc.) helps new counselors count the cost and commit with confidence.

Standing firm means committing with purpose – not half-heartedly. Boys can tell when someone’s just going through the motions. And that kind of leadership does more harm than good. Better to wait for the right man than fill a spot out of desperation.

Another Great Resource

Be sure to share the What It Means to Be a Counselor booklet – a practical tool for helping potential counselors understand their role and the support they’ll receive.

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Standing Firm for the Next Generation

Recruiting counselors can feel like an uphill battle. But you’re not alone – and you don’t need to rush. When we commit to stand firm in the faith, to lead courageously, and to love well, God will provide the people we need.

Cadet counselors stand firm as role models and mentors. They are a living example of what it means to be a Christlike man. It’s not always easy – but it’s always worth it.