Why Work at Camp?
Working at camp is a real job!
And so much more than a job! We hope you will consider applying to spend your summer working with Pathways – at Camp Emmaus and on traveling day camps. Below you will find links that help give a glimpse into the many personal and professional benefits of working at camp over the summer, as well as quotes from summer staff alumni and frequently asked questions. We hope that this gives you a better picture of what it is like to work at camp – and maybe it even encourages you to take that leap of faith and apply to be a part of our team this summer!
Check out our current summer job openings!
American Camp Association has put out a campaign called “Project Real Job”. Click on the following links to learn more about the many benefits of working at summer camp, how to translate your camp employment experience to future employers and a list of skills the camp environment cultivates!
“Camp was the best job I’ve ever had.
– Pathways Staff Alum
Ten years later, I still talk about it at job interviews
and am still close with my camp coworkers.
What’s better than getting paid to play Capture the Flag?”
Sacred Playgrounds is an organization connected to Lutheran Outdoor Ministries that has recently presented research findings about how camp employment builds social skills, vocational clarity, resilient humans and faithful leaders. Click on the link below to read more about this project and their findings.
“Working at camp has lasting career and personal impact. Camp staff outcomes align remarkably well with the top skills employers identify as most important for the 21st century workforce, including teamwork, communication skills, leadership, and problem solving.” – Sacred Playgrounds
“You’ll never experience something like this anywhere else in your life. The memories you make and the crazy, weird, incredible bonds you create are literally like no other.
– Pathways Staff Alum
You won’t regret it.”
“Camp has always been a place that feels like “home” and it has helped me to grow in immeasurable ways. I have grown in my faith, met friends who have become family and have become more confident in who I am as a person. When I drive down the road to Camp Emmaus, I immediately feel a sense of peace and calm. I wouldn’t be who I am today without camp and all of the people who make it feel like home.”
– Pathways Staff Alum
What is the hiring process like?
Thank you for your interest in working at camp! The first step is to fill out our online application. Our team will then reach out for an interview. Interviews may be held in-person or via online platforms. Following the interview, we will send out a reference form for you to give to three non-related individuals for reference. Once we get those references back, we will let you know our decision. If we offer you a position, we will then send a letter of call/contract – as well as background check forms, a staff information form and other employment forms.
What is staff training like?
Staff training is a required two-week long intensive designed to prepare you for a summer of leading youth and families at camp. This training is held at Camp Emmaus from May 26th-Jun 7th. During these two weeks, we spend time building leadership skills, creating community, rooting ourselves in foundations and practices of faith, learning songs and games – and so much more!
What does a typical week of camp look like?
Each week you will be assigned to an on-site program, off-site traveling day camp or on-site support staff. Our program weeks typically begin on Sundays at 12pm and end by 5pm on Fridays. For more information about our programs and typical daily schedules, please visit our Programs page.
When do I get time off?
With the exception of at least 2 work weekends, your weekend time off is from Friday after our staff meeting (or sending worship) until our staff meeting on Sunday. However, if you are on a day camp that leaves before our staff meeting on Sunday, you will need to be at camp and ready to leave at the designated time. Any schedule conflicts will be discussed during your interview.
Besides weekend time off, each staff member will have at least one hour off per day. In addition to this time, there will be additional time given for check-ins and preparing for program activities. We will also work with you to give you appropriate breaks when needed, knowing that unexpected life events and stressors can impact our mental health.
All staff enjoy the week of July 4th off, without pay.
As a counselor, how many campers are in my cabin?
Depending on the age group and campers registered each week, you will have an average of 6-10 campers in each cabin.
Can I take a week off for a family vacation or for personal reasons?
While it is best for our camp community to have each staff member available to work every week of the summer, we understand that their are other commitments that are important. We ask that you do your best to schedule trips and appointments during your time off or after the summer season ends. All schedule conflicts should be included in your application and will be discussed at your interview.
I am interested but still have questions…
We invite you to reach out to our program director, Kale Johnson, via email – programs@pathwaysbiblecamps.org – or by calling our office at 218-227-5107. You may also reach out to us by filling out our Summer Staff Inquiry Form.
“It’s the best job you’ll ever have – hands down. The skills you learn will help you in all areas of your life and you will meet amazing people who become family over the summer. It’s life changing!”
– Pathways Staff Alum