Get ready to have the best weeks of your life!
Our LEAD (Leadership Evangelism and Discipleship) programs are designed to challenge and guide youth in knowing God while gaining a practical understanding of what life looks like following Jesus. It also includes learning to serve in community, having fun in community living, as well as countless opportunities for growing in each participant’s leadership skills.
Deckhand
The Deckhand program is a 2 week program and is for youth aged 15 & 16. This program is structured around 3 pillars: getting to know Jesus, servant leadership and a life of adventure. In Deckhanding you’ll meet together for sessions, serve in the dish pit, and go on adventures as a group.
Crew
We are excited to introduce our new two-week Crew sessions, the second level of our LEAD Program for those aged 16 &17. This flexible option makes it easier for young people with busy summer schedules to continue their Keats journey while growing in leadership. The shorter session length allows us to be even more intentional with training and mentorship, while giving Crew participants hands-on experience in several key areas of camp—such as cabin leading, program support, maintenance, and more.
Those wanting a longer, deeper experience can extended time at camp by registering for multiple sessions.
Important Info
Deckhands
Deckhands are housed in our Pilot House cabins, each of which has their own bathroom facilities (toilet, sink, shower). Deckhands are required to provide their own bedding.
Crew
Crew are housed in our Pilot House cabins, each of which has their own bathroom facilities (toilet, sink, shower). Crew are required to provide their own bedding.
Over the 2 weeks that Deckhands and Crew are at Keats, they will have sessions that are designed for them. These sessions, will cover such topics as: learning about and growing in faith, understanding who Jesus is and learning more about Him, and what it means to serve others. Deckhands and Crew are encouraged to ask questions and actively participate.
Deckhands
Deckhands are a part of the Kitchen crew; they set up for meals, serve meals to camper, staff & guests, clean up the dining hall after meals, and work in the dishpit, as well as cleaning bathrooms around the camp.
Crew
Crew learn to be camper leaders. They spend time with Skippers, First Mates, and campers learning to be cabin leaders, as well as cleaning around the camp.
Deckhands
Registration for the Deckhand program is the same as for campers, but with a much smaller capacity. Each Deckhand session has space for 6 male and 6 female Deckhands.
Crew
Each Crew session has space for 12 male and 12 female Crew members.
Deckhand
Registration for the Deckhand program is a bit different than for the campers. Applicants to the Deckhand program will be placed on a waitlist (via our registration system), and interviews will begin in March. Those accepted into the Deckhand program will be notified and registered and remaining applicants will remain on the waitlist.
Crew
Registration for the Crew program is a bit different than for the campers. Applicants to the Crew program will be placed on a waitlist (via our registration system), and interviews will begin in March. Those accepted into the Crew program will be notified and registered and remaining applicants will remain on the waitlist.
Dates and Rates
Applications will open on Saturday 17 January 2026 at 10 am. Please note that this is not a first come, first served system (like campers). After you fill out your application, you will be emailed a link to set up an interview time.
Summer Schedule| CAMP | DATE | AVAILABILITY | RATES |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deckhand #1 | 29 June – 13 July 2026 | Applications open 17 January 2026 at 10 am | released in late 2025 |
| Deckhand #2 | 13 July – 1 August 2026 | released in late 2025 | |
| Deckhand #3 | 3 – 17 August 2026 | released in late 2025 | |
| Deckhand #4 | 17 – 31 August 2026 | released in late 2025 | |
| Crew #1 | 29 June – 13 July 2026 | Applications open 17 January 2026 at 10 am | released in late 2025 |
| Crew #2 | 13 July – 1 August 2026 | released in late 2025 | |
| Crew #3 | 3 – 17 August 2026 | ||
| Crew #4 | 17 – 31 August 2026 |
A Typical Day at Keats
Being a Deckhand or Crew means:
Learning to Serve. Each day will have opportunities to serve around the camp, whether that be doing dishes, cleaning bathrooms and cabins, or serving meals.
Learning about God. Along with attending Watch with campers, LEAD participants will have session times of their own with their leaders to dig deeper into their faith. One-to-ones, small groups, and Deckhand / Crew only sessions give everyone a chance to explore, to ask questions, and to understand more about God.
Having fun. Each day will have free time, where you can join any activity, head to Mariners Inn for a treat, or just hang out with your friends.
Camps fill up fast!
Looking for more information?
Know which camp you want?
Parent looking for more details?
Have questions about Keats?