Are you looking for meaningful employment that combines your passion for ministry with your love of the outdoors? Camp Tekoa offers extraordinary summer ministry opportunities in the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina.
As a Christ-centered camp with over 75 years of ministry experience, we're seeking enthusiastic, faith-driven individuals to join our summer team and help us fulfill our mission of "Touching Hearts, Changing Lives, and Sharing the Light of Christ."
At Camp Tekoa, your summer job becomes a ministry opportunity. Every activity, conversation, and moment is designed to help campers grow in their faith and discover who God is calling them to be. Staff members don't just supervise activities—they facilitate transformational experiences that connect campers with Christ.
Working at Camp Tekoa builds valuable skills that enhance any career path:
Many of our staff members report that their summer at Camp Tekoa prepared them for future careers in ministry, education, counseling, business leadership, and more.
Join a team of approximately 100 college-age staff members who share your values and commitment to Christian ministry. Our intentional community provides:
Our location in Hendersonville, NC, places you in one of America's most beautiful regions with:
Western North Carolina offers unparalleled outdoor experiences during your time off:
The Hendersonville/Asheville area is known for its unique blend of mountain traditions and contemporary culture:
Enjoy summers that are more comfortable than most Southern locations:
Work directly with campers in our overnight camps, leading daily activities, facilitating devotions, and creating memorable camp experiences.
Requirements: Must be at least 18 years old, completed one year of college, and demonstrate Christian faith and strong leadership abilities.
Lead specialized off-site adventure trips including rock climbing, whitewater activities, hiking, and more. Additional training provided for these positions.
Requirements: Must be at least 19 years old, with previous camp or outdoor leadership experience. Wilderness First Aid or WFR certification preferred.
Direct specific program areas such as:
Requirements: Must be at least 18 years old with relevant experience in the specialty area. Certifications may be required for specific positions.
Essential roles that keep camp running smoothly:
Requirements: Vary by position. Some roles available for those who have completed high school.
For returning staff with proven experience:
Requirements: Previous camp leadership experience required.
All staff participate in a comprehensive two-week training program covering:
Staff training begins in mid-May, with camp sessions running beginning of June - beginning of August. Most positions require a commitment to the entire summer season.
No! While Camp Tekoa is affiliated with the United Methodist Church, we welcome staff members from all Christian denominations who share our core values and can support our mission.
While helpful, previous camp experience is not required for most positions. We're looking for candidates with a heart for ministry, willingness to learn, and enthusiasm for working with youth.
We understand that some staff may have important commitments during the summer. Limited time off can be arranged if requested during the application process, though availability for the full summer is strongly preferred.
While schedules vary by position, most staff members work 6 days per week with one day off. Daily schedules typically include leading morning devotions, facilitating activities, participating in meals and all-camp events, and evening programming with campers.
Yes, most staff members live on-site during the summer in shared cabins or staff housing, although some support staff are local and commute daily. Accommodations are simple but comfortable, with access to all camp facilities.
Many colleges and universities offer credit for camp employment through internship programs. We're happy to work with your academic institution to meet requirements for practicum or internship experiences.
Staff members participate in daily devotions, weekly worship, and are expected to demonstrate Christian values in their work and interactions. Staff should be comfortable leading age-appropriate devotions and discussing faith with campers.
Summer ministry positions at Camp Tekoa offer more than just a job—they provide an opportunity to impact young lives while growing in your own faith journey.
Applications for Summer Camp are now open. Early application is encouraged as positions fill quickly.
Apply Now or contact our staff recruitment team at (828) 692-6516 for more information.
"Working at Camp Tekoa was the most challenging and rewarding experience of my life. I came to serve others and left having grown more than I could have imagined in my leadership abilities and faith." - Former Summer Staff Member
Join us in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina for a summer of purpose, growth, and impact at Camp Tekoa!
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Camp Tekoa | 211 Thomas Road, Hendersonville, NC 28739 | (828) 692-6516 | CampTekoa.org
Experience adventure, faith, and friendship in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains
At Camp Tekoa, we provide middle school students with a transformative outdoor summer camp experience rooted in Christian values and principles. Located in the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains near Hendersonville, North Carolina, our camp combines exciting adventures, spiritual growth, and meaningful community.
Middle school is a pivotal time of growth, exploration, and identity formation. Our specialized Middle School TKO (Tekoa Overnight) programs are thoughtfully designed to meet the unique needs of campers ages 11-14, providing adventures that challenge them appropriately while nurturing their spiritual journey.
Everything we do at Camp Tekoa is built around our mission of "Touching Hearts, Changing Lives, Sharing the Light of Christ." Our campers don't just hear about faith—they live it daily through:
Each summer, we choose a Scripture theme that guides our programming and helps campers understand how their faith relates to daily life.
Middle School TKO offers the perfect blend of on-site and off-site adventures. Campers may:
These experiences aren't just fun—they're growth opportunities that build resilience, problem-solving skills, and self-confidence that extends far beyond their week at camp.
Camp Tekoa organizes middle schoolers into "Family Groups" of approximately 12-16 campers with dedicated male and female counselors. This intentional structure creates a supportive community where campers:
Our Family Group Leaders are carefully selected college students who receive extensive training in youth development, spiritual guidance, safety protocols, and activity facilitation.
Camp Tekoa's location in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina provides an exceptional backdrop for summer camp adventures.
Western North Carolina is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, providing the perfect setting for experiencing God's creation:
These natural features become our classroom, playground, and sanctuary throughout the camp experience.
Our Middle School TKO program includes exciting off-site adventures throughout Western North Carolina:
These excursions help campers connect with the region's unique natural heritage while building confidence through adventure.
Western North Carolina's distinctive culture enhances the camp experience:
Campers experience elements of this cultural heritage through camp traditions, activities, and learning opportunities throughout their stay.
Western North Carolina's climate is perfect for summer camp:
This comfortable climate allows for active outdoor programming throughout the day and restful sleep at night.
Ages 11-14 | Sunday-Saturday
Our classic overnight camp experience especially designed for middle schoolers. Campers enjoy the perfect balance of on-site activities and off-site adventures, including waterfall hopping and an overnight campout.
For those seeking specialized outdoor experiences:
Each adventure camp offers specialized activities like whitewater rafting, horseback riding, paddle boarding, rock climbing, and caving—all within the context of our supportive Christian community.
Adventure camp schedules vary by program. Check out our schedule and rates on our website for complete details.
We believe every child should have the opportunity to experience Camp Tekoa, regardless of financial circumstances.
"Thank you so much for the opportunity my son experienced and the scholarship award. I am so pleased he was surrounded by faith and Christianity." - Parent of Scholarship Recipient
Camp Tekoa offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure, Christian spiritual formation, and supportive community. Our "Family Group" structure, focus on spiritual growth, beautiful mountain setting, and 75+ year history of youth ministry create a distinctive experience that impacts campers long after summer ends.
Safety is our top priority. Our staff undergoes extensive training in activity facilitation, emergency response, CPR/First Aid, and child development. We maintain appropriate camper-to-staff ratios, perform regular equipment checks, and follow industry best practices for all activities. Our waterfront is always supervised by certified lifeguards, and adventure activities are led by specially trained staff.
Camp Tekoa is owned and operated by the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church. We welcome campers from all denominations and backgrounds while maintaining our Christian identity and values. Our programming includes non-denominational worship experiences and devotions that focus on core Christian teachings.
Homesickness is a normal part of the growth process for many campers. Our staff is trained to help campers work through these feelings through engaging activities, supportive conversations, and proven coping strategies. Research shows that most homesickness resolves within the first 1-2 days, and overcoming these feelings is often one of the most valuable growth experiences camp provides.
Yes! Campers may request one cabin mate, and we'll honor mutual requests whenever possible. Many middle schoolers attend with a friend, while others come independently and make new connections. Our Family Group structure helps all campers—whether they come alone or with friends—form meaningful relationships.
We provide a comprehensive packing list on our website, but essentials include clothing for 6 days, closed-toe shoes, swimwear (one-piece for girls), rain gear, toiletries, a sleeping bag, pillow, and a water bottle. Please leave electronics, food, and valuables at home. A complete packing list is available here.
Middle School campers stay in cabin-style lodging with bunk beds, separated by gender. All cabins have attached bathrooms with running water and electricity. Cabins are supervised by trained counselors who stay with their camper group.
Give your middle schooler the gift of a life-changing summer experience in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina. Camp Tekoa's combination of outdoor adventure, spiritual growth, and supportive community creates memories and lessons that last a lifetime.
Registration for Summer Camp is open now. Secure your spot with a deposit, with the balance due by May 1st.
Register Now or call (828) 692-6516 for more information.
Camp Tekoa is accredited by the American Camp Association, meeting the highest standards for safety, programming, and staff training.
It is natural for most campers to experience a degree of homesickness, mainly if it is their first time away from home. It is not uncommon for parents to receive a homesick letter, only to call the camp and learn that homesick feelings have passed and the camper is now having fun.
Tekoa's Family Group Leaders (FGL) plan the first few hours in great detail to help campers feel more comfortable at camp. Campers arriving at camp will quickly engage in games and ice breakers to help them meet new friends and feel more connected with their cabin.
Even with the efforts and support of your camper’s FGL and other Tekoa staff, there are things you can do at home to start the process of preventing or minimizing homesickness.
We will partner with you to help your camper adjust quickly and thrive during their time at Camp Tekoa!
(All Tekoa team members are required to complete two weeks of staff training before camp opening. Homesickness is one of the many topics covered in depth during the two weeks of training.)
We, as the Camp Tekoa Staff, do our best to include everyone in our camp community. We want campers to feel as comfortable as possible especially when it may be the first time away from their family. For some campers, it's still not easy to be away from home. We feel it is best for the parents to decide whether it's appropriate for the camper to be encouraged to stay at camp or go home and try another year.
At the same time, when a camper is extremely homesick, it's not only difficult for the camper, but also the camper's counselor and the community of the cabin. We hope that together we can find the best solution for everyone involved.
If you know in advance that your camper will be arriving later than the normal check-in time please email Melisa Coates to let her know your camper's name and planned arrival time.
If you are stuck in traffic on the day of check in and or something comes up and you need to check-in later, please call Melisa Coates at (828) 692 6516 x 10 and leave a message with an estimated time of arrival and your camper’s name.
Due to limited space and the amount of time involved in handling hundreds of lost and found items:
