Good news: United Church of God has had more than enough volunteers to work on our summer and winter camp staffs! Sad news: Our camp directors have to disappoint many fine, enthusiastic applicants when they have to be turned down.

Why are their applications turned down? Because there are enough other applicants who have more experience, better qualifications and more certifications. The solution if you want to work for a camp: get more experience and specialized training.

Likewise, you may be wondering how you can serve more in your local congregation. There are some things that every member can and should do, such as being friendly and encouraging to everyone and praying for people. But you may wish there were more you could do besides offering people transportation and helping to set up the chairs.

The answer to all of these desires is to make yourself more valuable. "Talents" should not be thought of only as inherited artistic talents or supernatural gifts. Think of a talent as any acquired ability that gives you a specific way to serve. So increase your credentials. Add to your abilities. Reinforce your résumé.

God called us to serve and to serve to the greatest extent we are able. Please be aware that the Church has a very serious need for all kinds of capable leaders and servants. And there is great satisfaction in serving. Jesus Christ said, "There is more happiness in giving than in receiving" (Acts 20:35, TEV).

In God's Church, the most important quality for anyone is having good character and being close to God. We need people "of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom" (Acts 6:3). But on top of that foundation, there is much we can do to increase our skills.

The purpose of this article is to give you ideas. For further ideas concerning the many needs at UCG camps, please see the United Youth Camps 2006 Magazine. If you are interested in any of these areas, it is easy to learn how and where to obtain the training.

Song leading, sermonettes, sermons, teaching Sabbath School: Learn and practice. Increase your public speaking ability through participation in congregational or community speaking clubs. Take advantage of opportunities to speak before groups. Learn your language well. For song-leading and choir-directing, learn to read music and practice.

Musical accompaniment for hymn singing: Learn to play a musical instrument to be an accompanist or to play in a church ensemble. Since most assembly halls have a piano and since most of us are accustomed to singing with a piano accompaniment, the most valuable and versatile musical ability in our churches is piano playing. A pianist is a wonderful asset to a congregation, and pianists can be male or female, young or old. Encourage children to learn piano. Also many people learn to play after becoming an adult. One doesn't need to be able to play all the hymns before starting to accompany hymns.

Audio and video needs: Sometimes I think the most important person in a congregation is the one who knows how to run the sound system. If you can't hear, what good is a church service!

Computer needs: Every congregation desperately needs at least one computer guru. He or she is like the savior of the day when you need help. And if you want to have a congregational Web site, you certainly need a webmaster. If you have the aptitude for computer stuff and are willing to help Church members, please learn relevant computer skills and share what you learn.

Refereeing and coaching sports: The quality of our local and regional sports programs depends greatly on our having qualified referees and coaches. Obtaining training and experience in these areas gives one the opportunity to be a much appreciated leader in youth and adult sports.

Hospitality: It may be advantageous to move closer to town or buy a larger house. But the main thing that is needed are people who love people and whose hearts are "given to hospitality" (Romans 12:13).

Certification in first aid and/or emergency preparedness: A person trained in first aid who has some basic first aid supplies can be needed at any time and any place. First aid certification is required for many leadership positions in camp sporting activities. First aid usually includes knowledge of CPR and even defibrillation. Red Cross courses are available in most areas.

Lifeguard certification: It often is necessary to have a certified lifeguard if a congregation plans to have a swimming or boating activity. A person needs this certification not just when he plans to serve as a lifeguard at a pool or waterfront. He also usually needs it to be a teacher or supervisor in any aquatic sport.

Boating safety: To teach or supervise boating sports (canoeing, kayaking, water-skiing, etc.) usually requires training in boating safety as well as lifeguarding.

Teaching any sport or activity: A teacher must first be well taught. The more training and experience you have had in a skill, the more likely you will be chosen to teach that activity at a camp. And official certifications can be earned in many sports.

"Sports" at our camps include a wide variety of experiences: dancing, ropes courses, rock climbing, rappelling, softball, basketball, flag football, speedaway, golf, archery, riflery, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, water-skiing, fishing, hiking, camping, outdoor cooking, survival skills, orienteering, biking, horseback riding, ice skating, crafts and journalism.

So, you want to teach a sport? Learn the sport. Get training and experience. In some cases, it's advantageous to obtain certification. Some ideas about available courses and certifications can be obtained from the American Camp Association Web site, www.acacamps.org.

One way to gain valuable experience for working at youth camps is to first work at preteen camps.

Looking for still other ways to serve? Be Mr. or Ms. Fix-it. Everyone needs repairs at times. Another way? Buy a pickup truck and be willing to haul stuff. Everyone will love you. These are just some of the hundreds of ways you can serve and help the Church in the mission God has given us to do. UN