NEW TO MOUNT HERMON OR CABIN LEADING? 

Here is important information you need to know as you consider serving at Mount Hermon this Summer! 

What it is Mount Hermon?

JEMS Mount Hermon is a weeklong Christian camp held every summer in the Santa Cruz area organized by the Japanese Evangelical Missionary Society (JEMS).

JEMS MOUNT HERMON PURPOSE AND CONTEXT

The Mount Hermon Summer Conference is a summer opportunity for Christians to serve the Lord and help others, young and old.  The opportunities are many and varied but the focus is the same.

That focus is to bring people to Christ, to understand and know Him as Savior and Lord, and to make Him known to others in the context or atmosphere of mutual support, love, and understanding.

In order to accomplish the above, we must rely on the Word of God, the enabling power of the Holy Spirit and the gentle and compassionate heart of Christian workers who are dedicated to the task with a servant heart.

Since JEMS is made up of and associated with many different churches and denominations, all workers must be sensitive to the differences but never compromising to the evangelical tenets and Biblical principles.  Therefore, we will always uplift Jesus Christ, seek people to make commitments to Him as Savior and Lord, and encourage people to serve Him with their unique gift and talents in their own effective ways.

JEMS General Policies, 5/1/1992

What are the ages of the youth who participate in our camps?

There are multiple sites/camps. These camps all take place June 29- July 5, 2025. 

• Junior high  – incoming 6th/7th graders

• Inter high – incoming 8th/9th 

• High school – incoming 10th/11th/12th

• College - incoming college freshmen through 5th year college students

Where do these students come from?

Anyone from anywhere can come! Historically, most are from California, Seattle, and even Texas and Hawaii.

What do cabin leaders do? Is this something I can put on my résumé?

At camp, conferees stay in cabins of about 6-8 students. Each cabin has a leader – an older person who is assigned to that cabin for the week. They live with the conferees, lead their discussions about the sermons, take care of them, get to know them & minister to them. 

What else happens at Mount Hermon?

The preaching of God’s word, the proclamation of the Gospel, worship, small group discussions, good meals, group games, free time, seminars, crafts. 

Who else is part of the Mount Hermon staff? 

Cabin leaders are on the front lines of connecting and working with the campers. Core staff is responsible for overseeing the program and logistics of camp.  Most camps have the following core staff positions:

• Director

• Dean of Women

• Dean of Men

• Registrar

• Worship Leader

• Nurse

• Organized Rec (O-Rec)

• Prayer

• Resource

•  A/V

Who gives the sermons?

Guest speakers are invited each year by the Camp Directors.  They have experience speaking to youth & will make the messages appropriate in time and content for the age group of that camp.

Do you pay your cabin leaders? 

We do not pay any of our staff.  Students pay around $700 for their registration.  Staff cost is half the price - $350 and covers your housing & meals during our training weekend, the week of camp & staff overnight before leaving camp (10 days/9 nights).  Scholarships are available for those that need financial assistance.

How do you select who can cabin lead?

Our criteria are as follows:

• First year in college or above

• Of sound character and above reproach

• Fruitful and growing relationship with the Lord, as demonstrated by robust spiritual disciplines, increasing personal holiness, high value of scripture, and repentance from sin

• Regular attendance at and demonstrated investment in the local church

• Bonus: prior experience leading a small group

• Bonus: demonstrated love for youth ministry

• Available for all trainings:

  1. Monthly training meeting (in-person attendance if local, zoom for those not local)

  2. All Camp training on Saturday 5/17/25 from 9am-4pm

  3. Team Building weekend Friday 6/27/25 to Sunday 6/29/25. 

     1. College Camp Staff arrives Saturday 6/28/25.

• Available for the full week of camp, Sunday 6/29/25 to Saturday 7/5/25

• Available for R&R, Saturday 7/5/25 to Sunday 7/6/25

• Some camps have additional servant requirements. Contact deans for more information. 

  1. Senior High Camp

  2. College Camp

What do I need to do next if I'm interested in cabin leading?

If you would like to apply, check out the tab [titled "Application"] to find out more about the application process & to access the 2025 Cabin Leader Application.  Applications are open from January 19, 2025 - February 15, 2025.  Any applications submitted after the due date, will only be considered on a rolling basis.  

If you have additional questions, please let us know at the emails below! You can contact the specific Deans for the camp you are interested in serving at (they recruit & train our cabin leaders), or reach out to the JEMS Youth Camp Coordinator.

[JEMS Youth Camp Coordiantor]  Cynthia Tsushima  - CynthiaT@jems.org

Junior High

[Dean of Men] Scott Fong - scottfong@berkeley.edu   

[Dean of Women] Erika Maggard - mmetm.22@gmail.com

Inter High

[Dean of Men] Kelly Tang - kelbritang@gmail.com  

[Dean of Women] Brianne Tang  - kelbritang@gmail.com

Senior High:

[Dean of Men] Carlo Farrales - mhseniorhighdeans@gmail.com   

[Dean of Women] Hailey Wada - mhseniorhighdeans@gmail.com

College: 

[Dean of Men] Brett Nakashima - brettnak97@gmail.com

[Dean of Women] Nicole Fukuyama- nicolefukuyama18@gmail.com