Get ready to have the best time 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 volunteer staff experience and is for young people going into grade 10 & 11. Deckhanding 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
The Crew program will not be available in 2021. However, if you are going into grade 12 in September 2021, we would love to have you join our Volunteer Summer Staff (VSS) team. You can find more information about VSS (including how to apply) on our Staff page.
Important Info
Accommodation
Deckhands
Deckhands are housed in our atco cabins. Bathroom facilities are located within the atco cabins.. Deckhands are required to provide their own bedding.

Teaching / Sessions
Deckhand
Over the 2 weeks that Deckhands are at Keats, they will have staff meetings that are designed for them. These meetings, designed for those in grades 10 & 11, 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 are encouraged to ask questions and actively participate.

Duties
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, helping with food runs, and work in the dishpit, as well as cleaning bathrooms around the camp.

Capacity
Deckhands
Each Deckhand session has space for 6 male and 6 female Deckhands.

Registration
Deckhand
Applicants to the Deckhand program will be placed on a waitlist (via our registration system), and interviews will take place in late March / early April. Those accepted into the Deckhand program will be notified and registered and remaining applicants will remain on the waitlist.

Dates and Rates
Registration for the Deckhand volunteer program will open March 1, 2021 at 9:00am.
Applications for Volunteer Summer Staff (VSS) will open February 15, 2021 at 9:00 am.
Summer ScheduleCAMP | DATE | AVAILABILITY | RATES |
---|---|---|---|
Deckhand #1 | July 5 – 17 | Registration opens March 1, 2021 | $60.00 |
Deckhand #2 | Jul 19-31 | Registration opens March 1, 2021 | $60.00 |
Deckhand #3 | August 2-14 | Registration opens March 1, 2021 | $60.00 |
Deckhand #4 | August 16-28 | Registration opens March 1, 2021 | $60.00 |




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. Deckhands participants will have staff meetings with their leaders to dig deeper into their faith. One-to-ones, small groups, and Deckhand only meetings 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.
FAQ
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Expand 01Do I have to have done the Deckhand program to join VSS instead of Crew this year?No. Although the Deckhand program is a valuable one, we don’t require it for any of our staff.
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Expand 02I registered for Deckhand but it says I am waitlisted. What happens next?All Deckhands are automatically waitlisted. In March, you will receive an email to sign up for an interview with one of our staff. After the interviews are completed, we will notify all those chosen to participate and register them for you.
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Expand 03Why is there a $60 fee?This fee will cover return transport from Horseshoe Bay to Keats Camps. Keats Camps will arrange the transport. This fee will be charged after you have been selected for the program, not at the time of application.
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Expand 04Can I apply for more than 1 session?Yes, however you will only be placed in one session.