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Become a Missionary

Live a life that changes lives.

“People tell you that your religious practices are hopelessly out of date. He alone is the measure, the scale, that you must use to evaluate your life.”

– St John Paul the Great

Live a life that changes lives.

Welcome to Damascus. A place unlike any other. 
This summer, over 2000 young people will come to Damascus to be awakened, empowered, and equipped to Live the Adventure of their Catholic faith.  We are a world-class program and an environment of authentic encounter.  

What makes the difference?
A counter-cultural community of missionary disciples are standing against the decline and bringing revival to young people’s lives. We invite you to consider joining us in being a part of the people that makes the difference.

Read below for descriptions of our three missionary summer staff options or head to damascuscampus.com/mission for information on our year-round missionary program.

One Mission.  Three amazing ways to serve.

  • Overview
  • Details
  • Daily Schedule

1. Service Staff.

(Senior in High School – Young Adult)

A CYSC Service Staff member gives up a summer to create a truly irresistible environment of encounter. They serve behind the scenes, building and maintaining a place for Jesus to change hearts.  This is a great opportunity for service and mission, especially for incoming seniors.

9 weeks on mission. 1 in training.
Servant Missionary Training
Daily Prayer and Intercession
Missionary Support Raising
Missionary Stipend
Weekly Mission Staff Formation
Personal Formation: Servant Leadership Skills, Hospitality Skills, and Prayer Ministry Skills

1. Service Staff.

Deadlines for application, dates of interview/audition and actual camp service, as well as details surrounding compensation and missionary sponsorship are outlined for all mission staff members in the “Frequently Asked Questions.”

1. Service Staff.

Pope Francis tells us that “Christians must get their hands dirty in order to do good.”  CYSC could not create an effective environment of encounter without the dirty work behind the scenes. Typical commitments and projects you might expect to encounter during service with the CYSC Service Staff are as follows:

  • Two Hours of Daily Prayer, Adoration, and Intercession
  • Works of Affirmation for Campers          
  • Works of Service for Counselors and Staff
  • Lawn Care and Trail Cleaning         
  • Equipment and Activity Maintenance          
  • Facility Maintenance     
  • Activity Construction and Repair                  
  • Judging the “Cleanest Cabin Contest”

Where else would we find the Lord, Jesus, than by doing His Father’s work?  This will not be a mission for all, but for those called, it will be an incredible time of personal formation, service, and growth.

  • Overview
  • Details
  • Daily Schedule

2. Counseling Staff.

(High School Graduate – Young Adult)

A CYSC Counselor Staff member deeply invests in a small group of campers, facilitating daily encounters with Jesus as a model, mentor, and guide.

9 weeks on mission. 1 in training.
Small Group Facilitation
Missionary Support Raising
Missionary Stipend
Weekly Mission Staff Formation
Personal Formation: Pastoral Skills, Counseling Skills, Discipleship Skills, and Prayer Ministry Skills

2. Counseling Staff.

Deadlines for application, dates of interview/audition and actual camp service, as well as details surrounding compensation and missionary sponsorship are outlined for all mission staff members in the “Frequently Asked Questions.”

2. Counseling Staff.

While each day for a CYSC counselor is different, a typical day in the life could be summarized as follows:

7:00 – Wake Up the Sleepy Campers
7:30 – Breakfast: Sparking Conversation within Small Group
8:15 – Men’s and Women’s Programming
9:00 –  Personal Prayer: Refreshment for the Soul
9:30 – Lead Small Group to Activity Round #1
9:45 – Provide Encouragement during Activity Round #1
10:45 – Transition to Activity Round #2
11:00 – Provide Encouragement during Activity Round #2
12:15 – Transition to Lunch
12:30 – Lunch: Sparking Conversation within Small Group
1:15 – Counselor Meeting for Deeper Training, Feedback, and Formation / Break from Campers
2:00 – Mass with Small Group
3:00 – Lead Small Group to Lake Time
3:15 – Get Wet and Wild at LAKE TIME
5:30 – Lead Campers to Cabins to Get Cleaned Up
6:00 – Dinner: Sparking Conversation within Small Groups
6:45 – CLUB with Campers
10:00 – Small Group Facilitation
10:30 – Pray with Campers / Get Them to Bed
11:00 – BEDTIME: to Live the Adventure Another Day

* Counseling Staff members will serve for the entire summer, but typically, each counselor will serve on a four-week rotation. Three weeks will be spent as a counselor,  and one week will be spent in the kitchen, which will provide an opportunity to serve, reflect, and decompress with some less relationally-based labor.

  • Overview
  • Details
  • Daily Schedule

3. Program Staff.

(High School Graduate – Young Adult)

A CYSC Program Staff member creates an environment of encounter every day, utilizing high adventure activities, skits and programs, technology, and music to invite campers into an encounter with Jesus.

9 weeks on mission. 2 in training.
Daily Activity Leadership
Powerful Drama/Music Ministry
Missionary Support Raising
Missionary Stipend
Weekly Mission Staff Formation
Personal Formation: Up-Front Leadership Skills, Discipleship Skills, and Prayer Ministry Skills

3. Program Staff.

Deadlines for application, dates of interview/audition and actual camp service, as well as details surrounding compensation and missionary sponsorship are outlined for all mission staff members in the “Frequently Asked Questions.”

3. Program Staff.

While every day for a member of the CYSC program mission staff is unique, and dependent on the program and camper group for a given session, a typical day in the life could be summarized as follows:

7:00 – Wake Up/Personal Prayer
7:30 – Breakfast: Outreaching to a Small Group
8:15 – Men’s and Women’s Programming
9:00 – Prayer Lab: Lectio Divina with Small Group
9:30 – Safety Check for Opening Activity
9:45 – ACTIVITY ROUND #1 Facilitation / Reset for ROUND #2
11:00 – ACTIVITY ROUND #2 Facilitation / Clean Up for the Day
12:30 – Lunch: Outreaching to a Small Group
1:15 – Mandatory Fun Time: Random Fun with Campers
2:00 – Mass
3:00 – Lakeside Set Up and Beach Safety Check
3:15 – LAKE ACTIVITIES
5:30 – Transition after Lake Time
6:00 – Dinner: Outreaching to a Small Group
6:30 – Program Staff Meeting for Night Programming
6:45 – CLUB Begins: Upbeat Praise and Worship and Exciting Atmosphere
7:00 – Funny Skit Performance
8:00 – SNACK with the Campers / Get Set for Second Half of CLUB
8:45 – Powerful Preaching from Senior Staff
9:15 – Perform a Drama to Bring the Preaching to Life
9:30 – Praise and Worship
10:00 – Send Campers to Small Group
10:15 – Program Staff Meeting: Intercession and Sharing Glory
11:00 – BEDTIME: to Live the Adventure Another Day

Frequently Asked Questions

What age must I be to apply?

Program and Counseling Staff applicants must have completed their senior year of high school by June 2018. Service Staff applicants must have completed their junior year of high school by June 2018.

What dates should I put in my calendar?

January 15 – Deadline for Mission Staff Application
January 28 or February 4 – Interviews/Auditions (Scheduled during Application)
March 1 – Final Mission Staff Selections Announced
March 4 – Mission Support Raising: Boot Camp (7:00-9:00)
May 29 – June 1 – Program Staff: Evening Rehearsals
June 2- June 9 – Mandatory Staff Retreat and Training for Mission Staff
June 10 – August 10 – MISSION

What does missionary support raising entail?

Your missionary work begins before campers arrive.  Every member of CYSC’s mission staff is required to raise $1,500 of missionary support and is afforded the opportunity to raise up to $2,500. This is an opportunity to evangelize others by allowing them to assist you in the mission to which the Lord has called you. Specific, hands-on training will be provided in order to help you attain your goal.

How much can I expect to be paid?

A payment, plus room and board, of either $1,000 or $2,000 is provided to all non-volunteer Mission Staff.

Are there any additional requirements?

A payment, plus room and board, of either $1,000 or $2,000 is provided to all non-volunteer Mission Staff.

If you are, or will be, 18 before your first day of service with CYSC, you must 1) obtain an Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Identification (BCI) background check and 2) participate in a Protecting God’s Children training session prior to beginning your service with CYSC (per CYSC, Inc. Policies and Guidelines). To obtain/schedule a BCI: Contact “Fast Fingerprints” by calling 614-457-8900. You must inform them that you are with the “Columbus Catholic Diocese/CYSC.” All details at www.fastfingerprints.com. Download and complete “General Registration Form” and take with you to your appointment. Three convenient locations, open Monday-Saturday. Cost is $37.

TO FIND SCHEDULED PGC TRAINING DATES AND LOCATIONS AND TO REGISTER ONLINE:http://www.cdeducation.org/oym/safe/index.html

Other questions?

A payment, plus room and board, of either $1,000 or $2,000 is provided to all non-volunteer Mission Staff.

Email mission@cysc.com.

I’m in. What’s next?

Application is now open!

Important dates to note
Deadline for application is January 15
Interviews are scheduled for February 19 and February 26 from 1-6pm.
Final Staffing decisions announced March 1.
Support Raising Boot Camp March 4 from 7-9pm.

  • Step 1
  • Step 2
  • Step 3
  • Step 4

Step 1: Create an account

Register on our CYSC application website utilizing the Document Center.

Document Center

If you have an account from a previous year, please feel free to use your previous account information.  If you can’t remember your login info, click the link on the account login page and it will be emailed to you.

Account Login

Step 2: Complete the “2018 Staff Application”

Both the “2018 Staff Application” and 2 sections of the medical form are available in the CYSC Document Center linked above, or available in the “Additional Options” of your online account.  Once begun, they are available for review and editing under your personal account (click on your name) in your account page.

Step 3: Short Answer Questions (first time applicants only)

First time applicants, complete the Short Answer Questions form in the CYSC Document Center linked above, or available in the “Additional Options” of your online account.

Step 4: References (first time applicants only)

First time applicants must also request and secure three (3) personal references. The following are suggested:

1) Parish Priest or Parish Youth Minister
2) School Teacher, Coach, Employer or other School Activity/Club Advisor/Leader (Not applicable to adults age 21 or over who are not college students.)
3) Adult (age 21+) who is not a relative (Adults age 21 or over who are not college students are requested to obtain 2 references in this category.)

Please direct your potential references to our online reference form.

Reference Form

Being a missionary at CYSC this summer created a strong community, giving me tools to create a community at home and encouragement to live boldly and passionately in a way that reflects Christ to others.

Anna Schweers

Being part of a community of missionary disciples has pushed me to give up a life of conformity and mediocrity and pushed me to live in the fullness of joy that was won for us on the cross

Anthony Schmelzer

Serving as a missionary at CYSC did not end at the conclusion of my summer; rather, it launched me into abundant life, preparing me to preach the gospel boldly, follow the Spirit fearlessly, and commit to live a life that changes lives.

Brooke Pierron

Growing up, CYSC missionaries changed my life in countless ways by their relentless abandon to the Lord’s will, and it was through them that God planted the desire on my heart to serve this last summer, where I experienced the joy, fruits, and privilege of serving as a CYSC missionary.

Cameron Clutter

Being a CYSC missionary allowed me the opportunity to continue being formed in the summer which has led to greater human and pastoral growth as I continue to study for the priesthood.

Ian Kelly

Serving as a summer missionary at CYSC has allowed me to claim my identity as a child of God and has equipped me to spread His message of truth and life to wherever He calls me to be.

Jake Asunción

I didn’t give up a summer to be a CYSC missionary, I gained one; the opportunity to build the Kingdom and see Heaven invade earth was truly life-changing and I am still being transformed from what God began there.

Joseph Schlueter

Serving as a missionary at CYSC has left me with a greater understanding of the simple yet profound truth that I am a child of God.

Maggie Simon

Being a CYSC missionary has allowed me to claim my identity as a child of God, boldly proclaim the name of Jesus, and recognize the necessity of walking with the Holy Spirit at camp and beyond

Megan Moran

As a missionary at CYSC I have come to realize the Power of the Spirit, the Authority in Jesus’ name, the Love that the Father has for each and every one of his children, and that the Kingdom of God is truly at hand.

Sam Hadjis

Being a summer missionary at CYSC allowed me to recognize and grow in my identity through Christ, and take a leap of faith outside of my comfort zones.

Sarah Moraine

Serving with CYSC helped show me what it meant to live a life led by the Spirit and completely, 100%, sold out for Jesus.

Sydney Lorentz

Serving at CYSC has taught me how to live in surrender, serving others with the intensity of Jesus, and how to live in total reliance on the Lord in all things.

Theresa Medved