Awakening to a majestic sunrise over the Tetons, making new friends, trying new things and building a stronger testimony. These are just a few things experienced by camp counselors at Badger Creek Summer Camp for youth.

Some BYU-Idaho students are choosing Badger Creek for their summer employment for various reasons.

Janessa Higginbotham, a senior from Alpharetta, Ga., went to Badger Creek as a youth and later returned as a counselor.

“My friends and I looked up to our counselors. They were our role models and it became my dream to be a Badger Creek counselor,” Higgenbotham said.

Future Badger Creek counselors are also anxious for the upcoming opportunities.

“I will get to meet new friends and spend time with the old ones,” said Billie Jo Meyers, a freshman from Huntsville, Ark., and a future counselor. “I like spending time with kids my own age. I also like trying new things and I get to do that up there.”

The Badger Creek center covers 200 acres with a creek in the lower section of the property. Facilities include a lodge, campground, horse corrals, canoe pond, 10 small sleeping cabins, logistic center, and log cabin, according to the BYU-I Recreation Leadership Web site. Badger

Creek is located 45 miles away from Rexburg.

The camp lasts for 11-12 weeks from the end of May to the middle of August. Youth from various locations come for youth conferences, girls’ camps and other events. Youth ages range from 12-18.

“It’s not about you. You get to be with youth and make a difference. The Spirit is so strong and it strengthened my testimony and those of the younger kids who come to camp. You get to be outdoors and to teach in that setting,” Higginbotham said.

Training to be a counselor takes place the winter semester before attending Badger Creek.

“You have to be a BYU-I student, trained in first aid and have a school driving permit. It is recommended that you have taken an experiential education class and a basic horseback riding class,” Higginbotham said.

Depending on experience at Badger Creek, counselors get paid different amounts. Free food and board are supplied for counselors.

“You live 11-12 weeks with staffers. You find out [who] the people really are. For me it was almost like a mini –mission. The other counselors are like family. You look up to them as examples, whether they are older or younger; you admire their courage. They are not there for the pay,” Higginbotham said.

“I am really excited for the new experience and the versatility,” Meyers said.