Now hiring: Camps looking for summer staff

Imagine working next to pristine lakes, waking up to the sound of waves crashing on the shore, horses neighing in the field nearby and being surrounded by mountain trails and pine trees for a whole summer.

It’s possible to experience all that, and more, working for Oregon-Idaho Camping and Retreat Ministries at one of the six camp and retreat centers in Oregon and Idaho this summer.

With camping season a little over a month away, camp directors across the Oregon-Idaho Conference are still looking to fill positions – everything from kitchen helpers to program staff – to make sure they are ready to serve the multi-generational groups that call their sites home away from home for a week or two at a time each summer.

“There’s great experience to be gained. There’s huge opportunities to learn problem-solving skills in a beautiful setting,” said Todd Bartlett, director of Oregon-Idaho Camping and Retreat Ministries.

Bartlett said a strong economy means there are a lot of summer job opportunities available but working for Camping and Retreat Ministries is a unique and special opportunity. In addition to being paid for your work, room and board is typically covered, and staffers get the opportunity to know multiple generations of individuals who come to these spaces for some sort of spiritual renewal and refreshment.

“Each of our sites practice Christian formation,” Bartlett said. “People experience a positive environment to learn and grow.”

Jason Cook had spent time in years prior as a volunteer at Suttle Lake Camp and decided last summer to join the staff. He worked in the kitchen and spent time as a lifeguard.

“It was a good summer job; particularly coming out of school,” said Cook, 25. “It’s just a great retreat from city life.”
He said he learned a lot about cooking, especially for large groups. He also got to know a number of people who helped him land his next job at the end of the summer.

“It’s a great community of people and a great way to connect with people,” Cook said.

Find application guidelines and information on the Collins Retreat Center, Latgawa, Wallowa Lake, Suttle Lake, Sawtooth and Magruder Camps at www.gocamping.org.