Summer Staff
A summer that matters
Serving on summer staff at The Wilds of New England is life-changing in every way—for the campers you influence and for you personally. You will be stretched spiritually, build lifelong friendships, and be used by God in ways you never expected. For many people, this becomes one of the most formative summers of their lives.
Make an eternal impact
We wouldn’t dream of running camp without our summer staff. A thriving camp ministry requires hard work, joyful service, and many gifted people working together! Each summer, The Wilds of New England recruits college-age young adults to serve hundreds of campers from dozens of churches over ten dynamic weeks.
Our counselors enjoy crazy fun with campers all week long, but they also make a deep spiritual impact by sharing the Truth of God’s Word in a loving, intentional way. Our operational staff keep camp running smoothly—cooking meals, serving food, cleaning facilities, cutting grass, running activities, answering phones, and so much more.
A summer at The Wilds gives you the opportunity to impact lives while growing in leadership, discipline, and Christlikeness.
1 week of training
10 weeks of camp
Summer commitment
Last week of May through first week of August
Summer staff arrive one week before campers for intensive training. This week prepares you for camp life and equips you to give biblical hope and help to campers for the remaining ten weeks of summer.
How to join our summer team
1
Apply
Our application is a simple online process. To be considered, applicants must meet at least one of the following:
- Completed one year of college
- Worked one year after high school
- Completed our CIT (Camper-In-Training) Leadership Program
2
Prepare
Before arrival, summer staff complete assignments designed to prepare their hearts and equip them to counsel campers using God’s Word. These projects include Scripture memory, selected reading, and MinistrySafe training.
3
Train
Before campers arrive, we dive into one week of intensive staff training covering every aspect of camp ministry—from operations and programming to counseling and spiritual leadership. Many former staff members say this week alone deeply shaped their understanding of ministry.
4
Serve
Equipped and prayerful, we launch into 10 dynamic weeks of summer camp! God is on a mission to redeem and restore people, and each staff member has the privilege of sharing the hope of Jesus Christ with every camper they encounter. Ready to pour your heart and energy into a mission bigger than yourself?
States represented
Spots to fill
Weeks of camp
1
Awesome summer
Where could you serve?
Each role plays a vital part in making camp happen. Whether you are leading campers, preparing meals, maintaining the property, or serving behind the scenes, every position contributes to the spiritual impact of the summer.
Audio/Visual
Some experience with A/V equipment required
Set up, operate, and tear down audio, video, and lighting for services and events throughout the week. Serves the needs of the speakers, musicians, and program staff.
Cook
Prepare three meals daily, unload food trucks, maintain kitchen cleanliness, and support overall food service operations.
Counselor
Live with, enjoy, and invest in teens and juniors by giving them gospel hope, biblical help, and handing them off to their local church with the humility of Christ.
Dishwasher
Support the kitchen team by scraping, rinsing, sanitizing, and organizing dishes after each meal. This role is vital to keeping camp running efficiently.
Innkeeper
Care for and maintain our adult sponsor housing by cleaning rooms, washing and folding linens, remaking beds, and preparing rooms for incoming guests. The Innkeeper also serves as a sponsor liaison—communicating, meeting needs, and making their stay comfortable.
Nurse
Nursing degree required
Provide basic medical care for campers and staff. Our nurses administer prescribed medications at scheduled times, provide first aid, maintain medical records, and promote a safe camp environment.
Operations
Support the daily functions that keep camp running smoothly by cleaning public spaces, setting up chairs, assisting with activities, working in shops, stocking vending machines, and completing various support tasks for other departments.
Landscape
Maintain the beauty and safety of the camp property through mowing, trimming, watering, and other groundskeeping tasks. The Landscape crew helps ensure the campsite is clean, well-kept, and ready to serve campers and staff throughout the summer.
Photographer/Videographer
Experience with photography or videography required.
Capture photos and video throughout the week and produce a weekly highlight video. Help families and campers remember what God did during their time at camp.
Waitress
Set, serve, and clear meals promptly and cheerfully three times a day. Waitresses also assist in the Sweet Shoppe, Coffee Shop, and General Store.
You have questions?
We have answers.
Do you offer internships?
Our busy camp schedule does not allow for much flexibility, but we are happy to consider internships that can be fulfilled within the bounds of our camp responsibilities.
Is this a paid position?
Yes. All summer staff receive a salary to help cover expenses through the summer. We are not able to accept short-term volunteers for our summer staff.
What is the length of the summer staff commitment?
Summer staff commit to an 11-week contract: Staff Training Week through Week 10 Family Camp. In some cases, exceptions may be considered if a staff member is unable to stay for Family Camp.
What is the Summer Partner Program?
The Summer Partner Program (SPP for short) helps offset the costs of hiring Summer Staff which will then help keep camper costs low. Each staff member recruits prayer partners and financial supporters to help with this fundraiser.
How long does the application process take?
We begin recruiting early in the fall. Once references are received and your application is complete, you will typically hear from us within two weeks. Contract offers are often sent starting in November.
What do weekends look like for summer staff?
After campers leave, the entire staff has a cleaning party! (Okay, we blitz the camp cleanup together and reset for the next week of camp.) The remainder of the weekend allows time for rest, laundry, and personal refreshment (including trips with friends to local coffee or ice cream shops). Staff are encouraged to attend and serve in local churches on Sunday.
What is Staff Training Week?
This life-changing week begins nine days before the first week of camp. During this intensive week, staff receive over 20 hours of biblical counseling preparation, participate in times of worship and prayer, and learn the practical aspects of their summer role. The week also includes campsite preparation and music training for the summer ahead.
