MORE THAN A SUMMER JOB
a new town each week
Each week, our staff team travels to a different community, partners with a local church, and creates a full summer camp experience for children who may not otherwise have access to one.
As a member of our summer staff, you will spend your days leading activities, building relationships, helping campers grow in confidence and faith, and creating the kind of week kids remember for years.
You will also spend your summer living, traveling, worshiping, laughing, learning, and serving alongside an incredible community of young adults.
This is more than a summer job. It is an opportunity to grow as a leader, deepen your faith, gain meaningful experience, and make a real difference in the lives of children.
a typical week
Our staff travel together throughout the summer and serve at a new host site each week. Local churches provide spaces for camp, meals, housing, volunteers, and connections to the community. Our summer staff bring the programming, energy, leadership, and relationships that make camp happen.
During a typical week, you will:
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Lead a small group of campers
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Facilitate games, activities, Bible studies, and conversations
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Help campers feel safe, welcomed, and included
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Encourage children as they try new things
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Work closely with Junior Counselors and local volunteers
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Participate in worship and staff Bible study
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Help set up, clean up, pack, and move camp equipment
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Build relationships with churches and communities
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Live and work closely with the rest of the summer staff team
Expect long, active days, lots of time outside, plenty of laughter, some tired feet, and a summer full of stories.
SUMMER 2027 AT A GLANCE
pay & perks
$400+ per week to start
Pay for U.S. summer staff begins at $400 per week, with rates varying based on position and experience.
Housing and meals included
Meals are provided while serving at camp. Host churches and community partners provide housing each week, and weekend housing is available for staff who need it.
the dates
May 23 to July 31, 2027
Most summer staff arrive for training on Sunday, May 23. Leadership Team members arrive Sunday, May 16. The final work day is Saturday, July 31.
Ages 18 and up
Younger leaders ages 15 to 17 can join us through the Junior Counselor Program.
WHAT YOU’LL TAKE WITH YOU
for your résumé
A summer at Camp in the Community gives you experience that reaches far beyond camp.
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Develop strong leadership skills
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Grow in communication and teamwork
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Gain hands-on experience working with children
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Learn to lead people with different personalities, needs, and backgrounds
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Strengthen problem-solving and decision-making skills
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Practice flexibility and adaptability
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Learn how to lead groups and activities
for your life
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Grow in your Christian faith
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Discover more about your own gifts and calling
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Build meaningful friendships with other young adults
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Make a tangible difference in the lives of children and communities
Many staff members leave the summer with more confidence, stronger leadership skills, deeper friendships, and a clearer sense of who they are becoming.
Counselors spend the majority of their day with campers.
You will lead a small group through activities, meals, Bible study, games, and the daily camp schedule. Counselors are responsible for building community within their group, supporting camper behavior and needs, and helping each child feel known and valued.
The primary summer staff position and a great fit for people who enjoy working directly with children.
Leadership Team members help oversee the daily operation of camp.
Depending on the role, responsibilities may include supervising staff, coordinating programming, communicating with churches, managing schedules, troubleshooting, supporting counselors, and helping ensure that each site has a safe and high-quality camp experience.
Requires additional responsibility. Leadership training begins May 16, 2027.
find your place:
OPEN POSITIONS
IS THIS YOU?
who we’re looking for
You do not have to arrive knowing everything about camp. We will train you.
We are looking for people who are willing to learn, work hard, serve others, and become part of a team.
Strong candidates demonstrate:
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A genuine love for children and young people
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A desire to grow in and share their Christian faith
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Respect for people of different races, cultures, backgrounds, abilities, and life experiences
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A willingness to serve before being served
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Energy and enthusiasm
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Patience and flexibility
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A willingness to receive feedback and grow
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Responsibility and good judgment
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A desire to help others feel valued and included
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A commitment to supporting teammates
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The ability to stay positive when plans change
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A willingness to work hard, even when the work is not glamorous
You do not have to be the loudest person in the room to be a great camp counselor. Some of our strongest leaders are great listeners, encouragers, problem-solvers, organizers, and steady presences for campers.
faith at camp
Camp in the Community is a Christian ministry.
Faith is woven throughout the camp day through worship, Bible study, relationships, prayer, and the way we care for one another.
Summer staff are expected to participate fully in the spiritual life of camp and to model a Christian community rooted in grace, love, hospitality, and service.
You do not have to have every part of your faith figured out.
We want staff who are willing to grow, ask questions, learn alongside others, and help campers experience the love of God in meaningful and age-appropriate ways.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
the details
When does staff training begin?
For the 2027 summer season, most summer staff arrive on Sunday, May 23, 2027 for training. Leadership Team members arrive on Sunday, May 16, 2027.
When does the summer end?
The final day for summer staff is Saturday, July 31, 2027. Because staff training and community building are essential parts of the experience, staff are expected to commit to the full summer whenever possible.
What about weekends?
Staff are generally off after the camp session ends on Friday until the team gathers again on Sunday afternoon. Weekends are an opportunity to rest, spend time with friends, explore, attend church, or simply recover from a busy week. Some staff choose to travel home on weekends, while others stay in provided weekend housing.
Can I take time off during the summer?
Because our teams depend heavily on one another, time away during the summer is discouraged. Any known scheduling conflicts or requests for time off should be discussed and approved before the summer begins. If you already know you have a wedding, family event, school requirement, or other commitment during the summer, please tell us during the application process.
Is this a paid position?
Yes. Summer staff are paid for their work and also receive housing and meals during the summer.
How much does it pay?
Pay for U.S. summer staff begins at $400 per week, with rates varying based on position and experience. Compensation for international staff varies based on placement agency requirements and fees.
Are meals included?
Yes. Meals are provided while staff are serving at camp.
Is housing provided?
Yes. During each camp week, housing is provided by our host churches and community partners. Weekend housing is also available for staff who need it. Because Camp in the Community travels, housing may look different from week to week. Staff may stay in church facilities, retreat spaces, host homes, or other approved accommodations.
getting started
Do I need camp experience?
No. Previous camp, youth ministry, teaching, coaching, or childcare experience can be helpful, but it is not required. We provide training before the summer begins and ongoing coaching throughout the season. We are much more interested in your willingness to learn, your ability to work with others, and your commitment to caring well for campers.
How old do I have to be?
Summer staff positions are available to applicants 18 and older. Younger leaders ages 15+ can participate through our Junior Counselor Program.
What should I expect from staff training?
Staff training is designed to prepare you for the practical, relational, and spiritual parts of camp. Training includes areas such as:
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Camper care and supervision
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Child development
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Group leadership
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Behavior management
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Youth protection and safety
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Trauma-informed care
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Leading Bible studies
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Games and activities
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Team communication
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Conflict resolution
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Emergency procedures
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Camp policies and expectations
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Spiritual formation
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Building healthy relationships with campers
Training is also where the summer staff team begins building the community that will carry us through the summer.
WHAT MAKES THIS JOB DIFFERENT?
the honest part
You will travel.
You will live with people you may not know yet.
You will work with children whose lives and experiences may be very different from your own.
the best part
You will have days when everything goes exactly as planned and days when absolutely nothing does.
You will be asked to lead, serve, adapt, listen, clean, encourage, problem-solve, laugh, pray, and try again.
And somewhere in the middle of all of that, you may discover that you are capable of far more than you realized.
JOIN US THIS SUMMER
READY TO APPLY?
Camp in the Community recognizes that our greatest strength is our staff. We take each application seriously and seek young adults who will be positive role models, compassionate leaders, and committed members of our summer community.
If you are 18 or older and interested in joining us for the summer, we would love to hear from you.
Open positions: Camp Counselor and Leadership Team Member
Have questions? We are happy to talk through whether Camp in the Community might be a good fit for you. Call us at (865) 518-2482 or email whitney@campinthecommunity.org.