Are you searching for a summer job that offers more than just a paycheck? Maybe you're studying outdoor education, youth ministry, or a related field and want practical experience that complements your classroom learning. Perhaps you're simply looking for a meaningful way to spend your summer while making a difference in young lives.
Camp Tekoa offers exactly this kind of transformative summer employment. Located in the mountains of Western North Carolina within easy reach of the Boone area, this Christian overnight camp provides college students and young adults with opportunities to develop professional skills, deepen their faith, and create lasting memories while working in one of the most beautiful settings in the region.
Why Choose Camp Employment
Working at summer camp differs dramatically from typical college jobs. Instead of serving tables, stocking shelves, or sitting behind a desk, you'll spend your days leading outdoor adventures, mentoring children and teenagers, and building community in a faith-centered environment. This work challenges you physically, emotionally, and spiritually in ways that foster remarkable personal and professional growth.
According to the American Camp Association, 96% of camp staff report that their experience improved their leadership skills, while 92% say it enhanced their communication abilities (American Camp Association, 2023). These transferable skills make camp employment an investment in your future rather than simply a summer job.
Available Staff Positions
Camp Tekoa employs staff members in various roles, each contributing uniquely to the camp community and offering distinct opportunities for growth and learning. Understanding these different positions helps you identify where your interests, skills, and career goals align best with camp needs.
Family Group Leaders/Cabin Counselors
FGLs/cabin counselors serve as the primary mentors and supervisors for campers throughout their stay. Living in cabins with small groups of children or teenagers, counselors create safe, supportive environments where campers can try new activities, build friendships, and grow in their faith.
Responsibilities include:
- Direct camper supervision: Maintaining awareness of camper whereabouts, safety, and wellbeing throughout the day and night
- Activity facilitation: Leading cabin groups through scheduled camp programs, from outdoor adventures to creative arts
- Spiritual mentorship: Guiding devotions, answering faith questions, and modeling Christian living in everyday interactions
- Community building: Fostering positive cabin dynamics, resolving conflicts, and helping campers connect with peers
- Communication: Partnering with parents, camp leadership, and fellow staff to ensure excellent camper care
This position provides invaluable experience for those pursuing careers in education, ministry, counseling, or any field involving direct work with young people. The intensive nature of cabin counseling develops skills in crisis management, relationship building, and maintaining composure under pressure. FGLs may also work in Day Camp, utilizing the same skills with elementary campers during the day.
Program Specialists/Resources
Program specialists focus on specific activity areas, bringing expertise and enthusiasm to particular aspects of camp programming. These positions allow staff members to combine their passions and skills with camp ministry.
Specialist areas may include:
- Outdoor adventure: Leading hiking trips, managing challenge courses, teaching wilderness skills
- Waterfront activities: Supervising swimming, managing watercraft, ensuring aquatic safety
- Creative arts: Teaching crafts, drama, music, or visual arts in ways that engage diverse learners
- Recreation: Organizing sports, games, and recreational activities that build teamwork and confidence
- Nature education: Teaching environmental stewardship, conducting nature hikes, leading outdoor exploration
Program specialists typically receive additional training in their focus areas and may need specific certifications depending on their roles. These positions suit college students with particular interests or skills who want to develop expertise while serving in a camp setting.
Support Staff
While counselors and program specialists work directly with campers, support staff ensure that camp operations run smoothly behind the scenes. These essential roles keep the camp functioning and allow program staff to focus on camper care and activities.
Support positions include:
- Kitchen staff: Preparing nutritious meals, maintaining food safety standards, accommodating dietary needs
- Maintenance crew: Caring for facilities, grounds, and equipment to ensure safe, functional camp infrastructure
- Office assistants: Managing administrative tasks, supporting communications, handling registrations and logistics
These roles provide valuable experience in hospitality management, facilities operations, and nonprofit administration. For students studying business, recreation management, or related fields, support staff positions offer insight into the operational side of residential programs.
What Makes Camp Tekoa Unique
Not all camp jobs offer the same experience, and Camp Tekoa's distinctive character creates particular advantages for staff members. Understanding what sets this camp apart helps you evaluate whether it's the right fit for your summer employment.
Faith-Based Community
Camp Tekoa operates from a Christian foundation, integrating faith into every aspect of camp life. This spiritual dimension adds depth and purpose to staff work that secular camps cannot provide. Daily worship, Bible study, and theological reflection become regular parts of your summer rhythm.
For students studying ministry or considering vocational Christian service, this environment provides practical ministry experience in a supportive setting. You'll practice spiritual leadership, explore questions of faith and theology, and discover how to create spaces where young people encounter God authentically.
Mountain Setting
The camp's location in the North Carolina mountains offers more than scenic beauty—it provides an outdoor classroom where nature itself becomes part of the educational and spiritual experience. The surrounding wilderness offers endless opportunities for hiking, exploration, and environmental education.
This setting particularly appeals to outdoor education students who want to apply their coursework in real-world contexts. You'll lead groups through mountain terrain, teach outdoor skills, and help campers develop appreciation for creation and environmental stewardship.
Professional Development Opportunities
Camp Tekoa invests in staff development, recognizing that quality programming requires well-trained, growing staff members. Pre-camp training equips you with necessary skills, while ongoing development throughout the summer continues building your competencies.
Training topics typically include child and adolescent development, behavior management techniques, safety protocols and emergency procedures, activity-specific skill training, faith formation and spiritual mentorship, and team building and conflict resolution. Many staff members also earn certifications during their camp employment, such as lifeguard certification, wilderness first aid, or other credentials valuable for future career pursuits.
Application Process and Timeline
Securing a camp staff position requires planning ahead, as most hiring occurs during the late fall and winter months. Understanding the application timeline helps you navigate the process successfully and increases your chances of finding the right position.
When to Apply
Camp Tekoa typically begins accepting staff applications in the fall for the following summer. Early application provides advantages, as many positions fill quickly and early applicants receive priority consideration. Students should plan to apply by late fall or early winter for the best selection of available positions.
Even if you miss early application deadlines, positions sometimes become available later in the spring. Contact Camp Tekoa to inquire about current openings even if you're applying later in the hiring cycle.
Application Requirements
The staff application process typically includes several components designed to help the camp understand your qualifications, interests, and fit for the camp community. Requirements may include a completed application form, resume or background information, references, background check authorization, and health information.
Some positions may require additional materials, such as certifications for waterfront staff or specialized training documentation for program specialists. The camp will communicate specific requirements when you express interest in particular positions.
Interview and Selection
After reviewing applications, camp leadership conducts interviews with promising candidates. These conversations explore your interests, qualifications, and fit for specific positions while allowing you to ask questions about camp culture, expectations, and opportunities.
Interviews may occur in person, by phone, or via video conference depending on your location. Approach the interview professionally, prepare thoughtful questions, and be honest about your interests, strengths, and areas where you're still developing.
Preparing for Your Camp Summer
Once hired, preparation helps ensure you arrive at camp ready to succeed. Taking specific steps before pre-camp training begins sets you up for a positive, productive summer experience.
Physical Preparation
Camp work demands significant physical stamina. Days are long, often beginning early and ending late. Activities range from hiking and swimming to running around playing games with energetic children. Arriving in reasonable physical condition helps you engage fully without being limited by exhaustion.
Simple preparation makes a difference: regular exercise, adequate sleep, and healthy eating in the weeks before camp. You don't need to be an elite athlete, but basic fitness and stamina help you thrive in the active camp environment.
Mental and Spiritual Preparation
Consider the challenges you'll face living in community, managing responsibility for others, and serving in demanding circumstances. Mental preparation involves acknowledging these realities while cultivating resilience and positive perspective.
Spiritual preparation matters equally. Regular prayer, Scripture reading, and reflection on God's call to service help you arrive spiritually grounded and ready to lead others in faith formation.
Practical Logistics
Handle practical matters before arriving at camp: arrange transportation, gather necessary documents and certifications, purchase any required items, and communicate with family and friends about your limited availability during the summer.
Making the Most of Your Experience
Approach your camp summer with intentionality, viewing it as more than just a job but as an opportunity for learning, growth, and service. Staff members who engage fully—embracing both joys and challenges—gain the most from their experience.
Seek feedback from supervisors and fellow staff members. Ask questions when uncertain. Volunteer for additional responsibilities when possible. Build genuine relationships with campers and colleagues. Reflect regularly on what you're learning and how you're growing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical pay for camp staff positions?
Compensation varies by position and experience level. Contact Camp Tekoa directly for current pay rates. Remember that compensation includes room and board throughout the summer, as well as relevant trainings, which provides significant value beyond base pay.
Do I need previous camp experience to apply?
Previous camp experience helps but isn't required, especially for cabin counselor positions. The camp values enthusiasm, character, and willingness to learn alongside any previous experience. Some specialized positions may require specific certifications or demonstrated skills.
Can I work at camp if I'm not studying outdoor education or ministry?
Absolutely. While the camp particularly welcomes students in these fields, staff members come from diverse academic backgrounds. Any student interested in working with children, serving in a Christian community, and spending summer in the mountains should consider applying.
What does the work schedule look like?
Camp staff typically work intensive schedules during active camp sessions, with limited time off during the week. Most positions include one full day off per week plus occasional shorter breaks. The schedule demands energy and commitment but creates close bonds with fellow staff and deep impact with campers.
How do I apply for a staff position?
Visit Camp Tekoa or contact the camp office directly to request staff application materials. Early application provides the best selection of available positions, so reach out during the fall for the following summer's employment.
