Ever thought about joining us here for the summer? Each year we hire summer positions to work at Camp Briarwood. Come help us provide a life-changing experience for our campers and make some great memories for yourself along the way.
New Staff Applications
2012 Summer Staff Application (Word format)
2012 Summer Staff Application (PDF format)
Returning Staff Applications
2012 Summer Staff Application (Word format)
2012 Summer Staff Application (PDF format)
Available Positions:
Cabin Counselor
Counselors will have the most individual contact with the campers, living in cabins with up to 7 campers to help them with all camp activities. Counselors will work closely with other staff to help each camper grow, mature, and fully participate in the camp experience. Counselors would preferably be at least 18 years old and have graduated from High School or equivalent. If you play guitar or would like to learn, that is a definite plus!
Counselors may also be assigned to participate on a travel team for a day camp, as a counselor for the LYLE program, to work on support staff, or to fill another program role as necessary.
Travel Team Counselor
A Travel Team member will serve as a staff member for day camps. The day camp team will prepare the necessary supplies and program materials for the upcoming week, travel to the host site in a Briarwood vehicle, and participate as a counselor for the Day Camp. The host congregation provides room and board for the travel team during their stay.
Day Camp Coordinator
The Day Camp Coordinator is responsible for the care and well being of Briarwood counselors while on the road, for carrying out the Day camp programming, and properly handling the assets of Briarwood. The coordinator will be working closely with the host congregation and with the Program Director at Briarwood. Preference will be given to applicants over 21 years old with a valid driver’s license.
Lutheran Youth Leadership Experience Coordinator (LYLE)
This staff person works with older high school students in our Lutheran Youth Leadership Experience (LYLE) programs. This is a young adult leadership development program which helps prepare campers to take leadership roles in life and at camp. This person oversees other LYLE Counselors and helps to create and run the LYLE program. Camping leadership experience with Briarwood or a Lutheran Outdoor Ministry site is required, as are strong leadership skills.
Aquatics Supervisor
The Aquatics supervisor must hold or be willing to obtain appropriate certifications including Lifeguard. The aquatics supervisor will supervise and train aquatics personnel as well as work with counselors and support staff. This position will also supervise the aquatics facilities and equipment.
Lifeguard (2-3 positions)
Lifeguards will be responsible for the safety of participants in aquatic programs and assist with maintenance of aquatic facilities and equipment. Aquatics personnel must hold or be willing to obtain appropriate certifications including American Red Cross Life Guard and CPR certification or equivalents. This position can be full or part time and may be combined with a program specialist position.
Program Specialist
Program specialists will be responsible for running specialized program activities such as Archery, Ropes, Canoeing, and Adventure programs. This position may require the candidate to hold or obtain certifications in order to lead these specialized activities. This position may combine with lifeguard. Program Specialists will be responsible for the safety of participants in their programs and assist with maintenance of program facilities and equipment. Applicants must be mature, responsible people who can work with counselors and support staff to provide a positive experience for our campers. This position can be full or part time.
Junior Counselor
This is an entry level position that does not require the applicant to spend the entire summer season here at Briarwood. JC’s will need to attend the staff training period from June 12th thru 15th. Applicants must then be willing to commit to at least two additional weeks of camp. Applicants should be at least 17. LYLE participation is strongly encouraged. These team members will work as the right hands of the counseling and support staff to ensure smooth operation of camp programs. JC’s will lend an extra set of hands and eyes, provide an energetic presence for our campers, and serve as a positive role model for everyone. JC’s will only participate in site camps and will be paid a weekly stipend.
Acceptance and participation in our programs are the same for everyone without regard to
race, color, age, sex, physical or mental limitations, or national origin.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What staff positions are available?
The positions that are available this summer include: Lead Counselor, Day Camp Coordinator, LYLE Coordinator, Cabin Counselor, Travel Team Counselor, Aquatics Supervisor, Life Guard, Program Specialist, and Junior Counselors. Additional information on each of these positions is available in the application form. Some positions require membership with an ELCA congregation, a minimum age, or current certifications. All positions require the desire to serve youth and the ability to work as a team.
When can I work at camp?
The summer camping season for 2012 begins with Mandatory Staff training on Monday, June 4, 2012 through June 15th and summer camps begin on June 17th and ends on August 4, 2012. Significant time off during the training period or summer camp sessions may disqualify candidates from employment; however exceptions can be made for important events such as Graduations, college visits, family events or other approved time off. Staff will be given free time during each day to cover personal needs and will have a day off each week during the summer. Additionally the time period between June 30th and July 7th will be off time for most staff and will not be paid.
What type of camp does Briarwood offer?
Briarwood offers two types of camp, Site and Day Camp. Site Camp is where kids come to Briarwood to stay for a week and participate in all of the activities that we offer. Traveling Day Camps are partnerships between Briarwood and congregations held at various places all around the synod. Briarwood provides the staff and program while the congregation provides the location and the kids.
What is Site Camp life like?
Camp life begins each Sunday afternoon with a new group of campers arriving at Briarwood. Campers are broken up into villages of 14 campers and are supervised by a team of two counselors. These counselors help lead their village through activities all week long and watch over their cabin every night. As a counselor you act as a parent, teacher, and friend as you guide your campers towards a fun, safe, and spiritually uplifting week. You and your campers will take part in many activities that Briarwood has to offer including worships, archery, biking, arts and crafts, team building exercises, devotions, swimming, canoeing, games, bible study, campfires, and chores. Each week finishes on Friday night with a family dinner and closing worship service. After the campers depart staff clean up from the week, participate in a staff meeting, and then have time off until Sunday.
What is traveling Day Camp all about?
Traveling Day Camp is a unique blend of outdoor ministry and congregational ministry. Young people, ages 4-10, may experience a Christian summer program at their church and in their community without being away from home at night. Briarwood’s trained summer staff will provide a complete program with Bible study, games, and activities. Briarwood provides the supplies and curriculum. The congregation will bring the resources of their community, volunteer helpers, public relations, and provide the location. Day Camp is an evangelical ministry designed to serve church and community youth.
A team of staff travels together to the host congregation and provide program to their youth. A member of the congregation hosts staff in their home and provides meals. There is free time in the evening during which preparations for the following day and recreational opportunities exist.
Why should I work at camp this summer?
Our counselors tell us that they grow in their own faith journey as they have a direct and dramatic affect on the lives of young Christians. If you seek the experience of a lifetime, apply here. Our staff is challenged all summer to grow physically, emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually in ways they never thought possible. It will be a summer you will never forget. You’ll make life-long friends. You will be rewarded with the thanks and the love of others, and the flow of God’s grace.
How much will I be paid?
Staff will earn weekly stipends based on camping leadership experience, special skills, certifications, and job responsibility. Please remember that all stipends are in addition to housing, meals, and the experience of a lifetime!
What qualifications must I have?
- You must be 18 to serve in most of the positions we offer.
- You must be willing to serve for the entire summer season in most positions.
- You must be willing to serve as an example of Christian belief and life for all positions.
What dress code and grooming standards are expected of summer staff?
The staff is expected to keep their hearts, minds, and bodies in good condition while at Briarwood so that they can serve as a positive role model for the younger campers and one another. Dress and appearance that would be found offensive to parents of campers, campers, or the management staff of Briarwood will not be permitted while on duty.
Why do I have to have a background check?
This is a requirement both of the State of Texas and the American Camping Association. We use this as a tool to offer the safest of environments for the children and adults who come to Briarwood.
Questions or comments?
If you have any questions about our available positions, compensation, schedules, or anything else feel free to contact Jon Thompson, Program Director of Briarwood Retreat Center at 940-241-2099 or by email at jon@briarwoodretreat.org.
