Looking for a summer job that offers more than just a paycheck? Camp Tekoa, located in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, provides college students from the Atlanta area an opportunity to develop professional leadership skills while making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and youth. Just a 3-hour drive from Atlanta, Camp Tekoa offers a summer experience that transforms not only the lives of campers but also the staff who serve them.
More Than a Summer Job: A Leadership Development Experience
A summer at Camp Tekoa isn't just employment—it's an immersive leadership development opportunity where you'll gain practical skills that employers across all industries value. As a Christian camp counselor or support staff member, you'll develop capabilities that give you a competitive edge in your future career:
Professional Leadership Skills
- Group facilitation and management
- Conflict resolution
- Public speaking and presentation
- Program planning and implementation
- Risk assessment and management
- Adaptability and problem-solving
- Team collaboration
Personal Growth
- Emotional intelligence
- Resilience under pressure
- Self-awareness and reflection
- Work-life balance
- Spiritual development
- Community living
- Interpersonal communication
College students from Emory, Georgia Tech, Georgia State, Spelman, Morehouse, and other Atlanta-area schools consistently report that their summer at Camp Tekoa provided more practical leadership experience than multiple semesters of classroom education.
Available Positions for Atlanta-Area Students
Camp Tekoa hires approximately 100 college-age staff members each summer, with positions tailored to different interests, skills, and career goals:
Family Group Leaders (Counselors)
As a Family Group Leader, you'll guide a group of campers through their week at camp, facilitating activities, leading devotions, and creating a supportive community within your cabin group. This role is ideal for students interested in:
- Education
- Psychology
- Social Work
- Ministry
- Recreation Management
Adventure Resources
Adventure Resources staff lead specialized activity areas requiring technical skills and additional certifications. These positions are perfect for students studying:
- Outdoor Education
- Recreation Management
- Environmental Science
- Physical Education
- Adventure Tourism
Program Specialists
Program Specialists focus on specific program areas such as arts and crafts, environmental education, or challenge course facilitation. These roles align well with majors in:
- Fine Arts
- Education
- Environmental Studies
- Recreation
- Psychology
Support Staff
Support roles in food service, maintenance, administrative assistance, and health care provide valuable experience for students in:
- Hospitality Management
- Business Administration
- Health Sciences
- Nutrition
- Facilities Management
All positions include intensive training, regular professional development, and ongoing mentorship from experienced leadership staff. This structured approach ensures you'll gain transferable skills regardless of your specific role.
The Tekoa Experience: What Sets Us Apart
Christian Foundation with Practical Application
Our camp is affiliated with the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church, providing a foundation of faith that informs all aspects of our program. Staff members experience:
- Integration of faith and work
- Opportunity to explore vocational calling
- Community built on shared values
- Mentorship from Christian leaders
- Regular worship and devotional practices
Professional Development Structure
Unlike many summer jobs, Camp Tekoa intentionally develops your professional capabilities through:
- Two to three weeks of comprehensive pre-camp training
- Weekly staff development sessions
- Regular performance feedback
- Leadership opportunities within your role
- End-of-summer evaluations and references
Community Living
Staff live on-site in shared accommodations, creating a unique community experience that builds:
- Cross-cultural understanding
- Conflict resolution skills
- Community responsibility
- Lifelong friendships
- Work-life integration strategies
Beautiful Setting
Located near Hendersonville, NC in the Blue Ridge Mountains, our 160-acre facility features:
- Spring-fed lake
- Miles of hiking trails
- Mountain views
- Adventure elements (ziplines, climbing tower)
- Modern facilities within a natural setting
Practical Information for Atlanta Students
Compensation and Benefits
Camp Tekoa offers competitive compensation for summer camp positions, with salaries based on role, experience, and certifications. Beyond your salary, benefits include:
- Room and board for the entire summer
- Professional certifications (varies by position)
- Structured time off each week
- End-of-summer bonus for completed contracts
- Professional references and performance evaluations
- Potential academic internship credit (check with your school)
Transportation
For Atlanta-area students, several transportation options make Camp Tekoa accessible:
- Direct drive: approximately 3 hours from downtown Atlanta
- Carpool networks with other Atlanta-area staff
- Bus service to Asheville with camp pickup available
- Atlanta airport connections to Asheville Regional Airport (25 minutes from camp)
Training and Summer Schedule
Staff training typically begins in mid-May, with the summer camp season running through early August. The general timeline includes:
- Staff Training: Two to three weeks of intensive preparation
- Summer Season: Nine weeks of camp sessions
- Closing: Several days of wrap-up and evaluation
Most positions require a commitment to the entire summer season, though some flexibility may be available for academic requirements.
From Campus to Camp: How Your Studies Connect
Camp Tekoa intentionally connects your summer experience to your academic pursuits. Here's how students from various majors find their camp experience enhances their education:
Education Majors
- Practical classroom management experience
- Curriculum development and implementation
- Working with diverse learning styles
- Behavior management techniques
- Assessment of learning outcomes
Business Students
- Project management in real-world settings
- Customer service excellence
- Budget and resource management
- Team leadership and motivation
- Professional communication skills
Psychology/Sociology Majors
- Child development application
- Group dynamics observation
- Behavior management strategies
- Conflict resolution practice
- Community building techniques
Ministry/Religious Studies
- Faith formation leadership
- Biblical teaching in practical contexts
- Pastoral care experience
- Worship planning and leadership
- Community spiritual practices
Recreation/Outdoor Education
- Activity facilitation and instruction
- Risk management implementation
- Environmental education techniques
- Outdoor living skills teaching
- Challenge course facilitation
Whatever your field of study, Camp Tekoa provides a laboratory for applying classroom knowledge in a dynamic, real-world environment.
Application Process for Atlanta-Area Students
The application process for Camp Tekoa summer positions is thorough, reflecting our commitment to high-quality staffing:
- Online Application: Complete the online application
- References: Submit contact information for three professional references
- Interview: Participate in a personal interview (in-person or online)
- Background Check: Complete a national background check
- Position Offer: Receive and respond to contract offer
- Pre-Summer Preparation: Complete any required certifications or paperwork
We recommend applying early, as positions begin filling months before summer begins. Priority consideration is given to applications received before January 31.
Frequently Asked Questions from Atlanta-Area Students
Can I receive academic credit for working at Camp Tekoa?
Many colleges and universities offer internship credit for camp employment. We're happy to work with your academic department to complete necessary documentation and evaluations. Students from Emory, Georgia State, and Georgia Tech have successfully received credit for their Tekoa experience.
What is the time commitment for summer staff?
Most positions require a commitment from mid-May through early August. Limited shorter-term positions may be available. Staff receive one day off per week during the camp season, with additional time off between training and summer.
Is previous camp experience required?
While helpful, prior camp experience is not required. We look for candidates who demonstrate leadership potential, love working with children, show enthusiasm for outdoor activities, and desire to grow in their faith.
How diverse is the staff community?
Camp Tekoa actively recruits staff from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. We believe a diverse community enriches the experience for both staff and campers. In recent summers, our staff has included students from over 20 different colleges and universities, including international staff.
What kind of spiritual expectations are there for staff?
Staff members should be comfortable working in a Christian environment and supporting the camp's mission. While staff come from various denominational backgrounds, all share a commitment to modeling Christian values and participating in the spiritual life of the community.
Join Our Team: Make Your Summer Count
A summer at Camp Tekoa offers Atlanta-area college students more than just employment—it provides professional development, community connection, and meaningful ministry within a supportive Christian environment. The skills you'll gain and relationships you'll build will serve you long after the summer ends.
Don't settle for an ordinary summer job. Join the Camp Tekoa team and discover how a summer of service can transform your career trajectory while making a lasting impact in the lives of children and youth.
Ready to apply? Check out our employment page or contact our office at (828) 692-6516 for more information on summer staff opportunities.