Every summer, my job is to convince young adults to trade traditional internships or seasonal jobs for something more meaningful: working at a Christian summer camp. While camps are known for offering children and teens a place to grow in faith, friendships, and fun, the staff behind the scenes often experience just as much—if not more—personal and spiritual transformation. Whether you're considering it for the first time or returning for another summer, there are many reasons why working at a Christian camp might be one of the best decisions you ever make.
1. Spiritual Growth
At a Christian camp, faith is woven into the daily routine—through morning devotionals, chapels, small group discussions, and prayer. As a staff member, you’re not just facilitating these activities for campers; you're also participating and growing spiritually alongside them. This experience deepens your relationship with God and strengthens your ability to lead others in faith.
Being responsible for the spiritual guidance of young campers is a humbling and formative role. You'll learn how to lead Bible studies, pray publicly, and share your testimony. These are valuable skills that will serve you in church, school, and future leadership positions.
2. Building Lifelong Friendships
The bonds formed at camp are often among the strongest you'll ever make. Living and working in close quarters with like-minded peers—often through late nights, challenging days, and incredible highs—creates a unique environment for authentic connection. Many staff members leave camp with friends who feel like family and a support system that lasts long after the summer ends. This is the most common reason why staff come back to work at Camp. They love the community. Even after moving states and into my young adult years, I am still friends with people I worked at camp with eight summers ago. From different states, weddings, kids and jobs, the bonds formed at camp are strong.
3. Making an Eternal Impact
Few jobs give you the opportunity to make such a direct and lasting impact on someone’s life. As a counselor or staff member, you’re a role model, mentor, and spiritual guide to the campers in your care. Whether it’s through a late-night conversation by the campfire, a moment of prayer, or simply being a consistent source of kindness and encouragement, your influence could help shape a young person’s faith for life. This is the reason many campers return to camp to work on staff, their life was impacted by a summer staff member and they want to give that experience to campers too.
4. Developing Real-World Skills
Christian camps provide hands-on training in areas like communication, conflict resolution, teamwork, time management, and adaptability—the top 5 most sought-after skills in the workplace. From organizing events and leading activities to handling unexpected situations, the job pushes you to grow in confidence and competence. A camp alumni and area school principal says this of camp staff: “When you see camp experience on an applicant’s resume you pay attention. Camp staff are energetic problem-solvers, and the ultimate team players. They have an attitude of joy that comes from serving a higher purpose. That skill set raises their application to the top of the list.”
Plus, many camps offer certifications in areas like first aid, lifeguarding, or ropes course instruction, which can be valuable resume additions for jobs beyond the summer.
5. A Break from the Digital World
Unlike many jobs that revolve around screens and office spaces, working at a camp immerses you in nature and face-to-face interaction. The simplicity of camp life—free from technology and distractions—gives you space to reflect, connect with others, and be fully present.
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Final Thoughts
Working at a Christian summer camp is more than just a job—it’s a calling and a journey of transformation. It challenges you, grows you, and blesses you in ways few other experiences can. Whether you're drawn by the opportunity to lead, grow in your faith, or serve others, one summer at camp could leave an eternal mark on your life—and the lives of others.
