Summer Staff

Beacon is so thankful every year to host a team of seasonal staff who generously give their summer to take care of the nitty-gritty details that keep everything running smoothly. Not only does their work support the front-line work of session staff, but it also allows the full-time staff to focus on their big picture tasks.

Summer sessions at camp are a whirlwind. Everywhere you look, there are people on the go as they participate in a variety of activities. With the number of people and programs at Beacon, camp needs a well-trained support system of staff to meet all the core needs of campers and to keep the facility looking great!

Together, the seasonal staff, session staff, and full-time staff create a formidable team.

What’s so awesome about being SUMMER Staff?

The tasks and responsibilities of the summer staff team are wide-ranging and challenging. We believe the benefits far outweigh the challenges! Here are a few reasons why we think you should consider applying:

Skill Development: Learning to use power tools, getting waterfront lifeguarding experience or managing the inventory of the tuck shop are just a few of the new skills you’ll be able to put on your resume. (Honestly: a summer internship has nothing on one summer working at a summer camp - just ask the New York Times)
Spiritual Growth: Beacon is committed to investing in the spiritual walk of its summer staff team. Priority is placed on making time in the busy schedule to spend time individually and as a group in the study and discussion of God’s Word. You will be encouraged to see even the simplest daily tasks in light of your relationship with God.
Incredible Friendships: Serving as a summer staff team member is an intense community experience! Being with your team day in and day out gives you the opportunity to develop deep friendships and godly character traits like kindness and patience.

To understand each of the positions, click below to see a short position description for each Seasonal Staff role.

Head Lifeguard

Beacon's Head Guard is responsible for all aspects of supervision and maintenance of the Beacon waterfront.

Job Description

The Head Guard is responsible for the training, scheduling and supervision of lifeguards at the Beacon waterfront. They coordinate with the Program Director to ensure that lifeguards are present whenever campers are using the waterfront. They handle the lifeguards' schedule, both for swim times and training. During the rest of the day, the Head Guard works with the summer staff team as an equal member of the team. They will be responsible for cleaning and maintenance work while ensuring that the waterfront is not left unsupported when required. Other duties may be assigned as required.

Challenges

Unlike the other summer staff positions, the Head Guard is required to take direct supervision of other summer staff members during parts of the day. This can be a difficult transition for some, and so anyone interested in serving in this position must determine whether they possess the humility to exhibit servant leadership at all times for their fellow summer staff team members. The Head Guard must ensure that all programs at the waterfront are properly supervised. As most water events cannot begin without lifeguard supervision, the Head Guard must always be aware of the time and support the lifeguards in being punctual for waterfront events. The position requires foresight and planning. The Program Director will expect that the Head Guard is pro-active in requesting materials and support from the year-round staff.

Accommodations

All summer staff will share sleeping accommodations with at least one other staff person of the same gender. Typically, these accommodations are not in cabins which have washroom facilities, but are instead located a short walk away.

Lifeguard/Maintenance

Lifeguards at Beacon act as the primary summer staff members at camp, cleaning in the mornings and providing lifeguarding for campers in the afternoon.

Job Description

Lifeguard/Maintenance staff at Beacon perform two primary duties. In the morning, they work with the rest of the summer staff team to ensure that the critical facilities at camp (bathrooms, kitchen, etc.), and act as lifeguards whenever there is a program happening at the waterfront. They report to the Program Director during most parts of the day, but are supervised by the Waterfront Director for matters relating to lifeguarding duties. LIfeguard/Maintenance staff also assist with a short period of cleaning duties in the kitchen in the evening. Other duties may be assigned to them as required by the year-round staff.

Challenges

Any applicant to a summer staff position should realize that the summer is a long and difficult one. Every member of the summer staff team works in close quarters with each other, and is required to demonstrate radical hospitality for each other and for all the campers and staff who join us at Beacon. Lifeguards in particular should make sure that they are in excellent physical condition, and are prepared to serve in a variety of ways.

Accommodations

Office/Media Staff

The Office/Media Staff has a unique role to fill in supporting the Office Coordinator and Executive Director with administrative and media tasks.

Job Description

The Office/Media position is for an organized and creative person. In the office, this person will help monitor email, phones, printing and inventory. Outside of the office, they will learn to run the Tuck Shop and maintain inventory. Depending on ability, they will manage various photography and social media marketing tasks. Duties include: • managing the camper experience and overall organization of the Tuck Shop • covering the phones and helping with mailing and session printing tasks • visiting camp activities to take photographs for social media and marketing purposes • depending on ability, taking responsibility for some of Beacon’s social media posting

Challenges

Office/Media Staff must be prepared to interact with a wide range of people in person or on the phone with excellent customer service skills. This role is more isolated than some of the other Summer Staff roles during work hours.

Accommodations

Maintenance Staff

Maintenance staff at Beacon support the Facilities Manager in keeping the grounds and buildings at camp in excellent condition.

Job Description

The Maintenance Only position on the summer staff team is designed for those who want to serve in positions that are truly "behind-the-scenes". A typical day for this staff person involves cleaning with the other summer staff in the morning, and then performing some of the following duties once that is completed: - landscaping and lawn maintenance - light construction and repairs (in support of the Facilities Manager) - preparing areas of camp for program activities - preparing for upcoming sessions and seasons through maintenance activities (trail-clearing, wood-chopping, etc.)

Challenges

The Maintenance staff position is not for everyone. The varied nature of the work means that no two days will look the same, which may be a struggle for those looking for consistency. The work required for the position can at times require heavy lifting and extensive manual labour. Be aware that this work can be tedious and tiring At times, the Maintenance staff will be working in an isolated capacity, away from the other summer staff. While they are not working "with the team" at times, it must be understood that their work is of equal value to everything else being done by other summer staff.

Accommodations

PROGRAM STAFF

Program Staff at Beacon support the Program Coordinator in providing adventurous Christian camping experiences.

Job Description

The Program role is a good fit for those who love interacting with campers of all ages and providing instructions and guidance for meaningful experiences. Program Staff should be ready to be an engaging presence in front of a group. They may specialize in certain program areas depending on their strengths and training. Duties may include: • preparing program areas for use, including organizing and sanitizing • planning and leading indoor and outdoor activities for individuals or groups • facilitating or leading music sessions, skits, and announcements • guiding campers in following all necessary health and safety protocols

Challenges

The Program position requires a lot of mental and emotional energy as these staff are constantly working with or leading others. Program elements are often physically active. Program Staff need to be flexible and patient as they meet logistical or people-related challenges.

Accommodations

Kitchen Support Staff

The Kitchen Support staff person at Beacon will help the Food Services Manager in the kitchen duties over the busy summer months.

Job Description

The Kitchen Support position on the summer staff team is designed for a person who likes to work "behind-the-scenes." A typical day for this staff person involves helping the Food Services Manager with meal preparation and keeping the kitchen clean and in workable conditions. They may also assist in helping to coordinate alternate meals for campers and staff who have special dietary needs due to food allergies. They may also help the kitchen volunteers who only come for a week session with kitchen routines, how to wash up dishes, etc. The Kitchen Support staff member would work under the direction and be accountable to the Food Services Manager, and the Facilities Manager.

Challenges

The Kitchen Support position involves food preparation and cleanup, and as such requires a person who likes rolling up their sleeves and enjoys kitchen work. The varied nature of this work means that no two days will look the same, which may be a struggle for those looking for consistency. This position will also involve working together with others, so flexibility and adaptability are important character traits. Be aware that this work can be hot and tiring. This person will be working in a separate capacity away from the other summer staff. While they are not working "with the rest of team," it must be understood that their work is of equal value to everything else being done by other summer staff.

Accommodations

Excited to apply? We're glad! Please make sure that you read through the following FAQ’s before you apply, or contact our office at contact@beaconbiblecamp.com if you have any questions.

How old do I have to be to apply?

A person is eligible for summer staff in the year that they turn 18 years old. Anyone who is not 18 by the start of the camp season will need to sign an extra release form before starting their role as summer staff.

What time commitment is required?

When you serve as summer staff, we need you for the whole summer. Next year, the commitment is from late June to the end of August. This starts at Skills Camp and concludes after Day Camp where summer staff can participate in the programming while keeping up the basic camp clean-up tasks and waterfront responsibilities.

Prior to the summer, there will be a summer staff training weekend, which takes place at camp the first weekend in June.

Aside from these at-camp dates, summer staff will need to set aside some time in completing online training and any other paperwork requirements.

What will my schedule look like?

No week is ever the same! Take a look at the sample schedule of a recent summer staff member whose role involved maintenance, waterfront and tuck shop to get a flavour of what a Beacon summer would look like in this role.

Can I participate in individual camp sessions?

Ultimately, summer staff is a “behind the scenes” role. This team takes care of the routine details of cleanliness, orderliness, repair and upgrading so that session staff can focus on their campers. Summer staff are encouraged to be mindful of this background role as they do their work.

However, there are many ways that you can connect with campers and staff. Here are a few examples: summer staff who are interested in cabin leading may select one session to participate in, provided that the scheduling lines up with all schedules. Staff with NLS qualifications usually go on the Wilderness canoe trips as lifeguards. Summer staff who run Tuck get to meet literally every kid who comes through camp and help facilitate the campers’ much-anticipated trip to get candy, souvenirs and more.

Is this a paid position?

Summer staff positions are volunteer-based. However, financial support is possible through Friends of Beacon Ministries, who help fundraise on behalf of the summer staff team. All summer staff are also encouraged to raise their own funds through their church or through individual support. Beacon and Friends of Beacon will provide assistance in the preparation of fundraising materials. Details of this support will be provided to the volunteers who are selected to join the summer staff team.

When can I apply?

Applications for summer staff open September 1st - Click below to apply!

Apply here

contact us

Summer Staff

Summer Staff

What’s so awesome about being SUMMER Staff?

How old do I have to be to apply?

What time commitment is required?

What will my schedule look like?

Can I participate in individual camp sessions?

Is this a paid position?

When can I apply?

Get in touch!

contact us

Beacon Bible Camp

Summer Staff

Summer Staff

What’s so awesome about being SUMMER Staff?

How old do I have to be to apply?

What time commitment is required?

What will my schedule look like?

Can I participate in individual camp sessions?

Is this a paid position?

When can I apply?