Each year we hire dynamic, talented, flexible, compassionate young adults to serve on our intern team during our summer camping season. Our intern program is designed to give young adults the opportunity to lead and learn in a variety of ways: Interns practice program planning, design and execution. They learn about working effectively with children, teens and adults. Our interns support the various aspects of our ministry of hospitality. They are mentored by other leaders who help them to identify & nurture their gifts. All of our staff, interns and volunteers learn to live and practice genuine Christian community.
Our intern program is a great way to gain practical experience in various forms of Christian ministry, especially camping/outdoor ministry or children & youth ministry; this is also a great internship for those interested in outdoor education or teaching. Many of our interns are pursuing degrees in unrelated fields but enjoy the unique experience & skills that come from serving at camp. We are intentional about developing the leadership skills & gifts of our interns, nurturing their faith walk, and creating a unique and supportive staff community at camp. To top it off, interns get to spend the summer in Alaska, surrounded by God’s beautiful creation.
We hope you’ll join us; working at camp is the BEST way to spend your summer! Check out the American Camp Association’s Why Work at Camp!!
Intern Program Details:
Time Frame: All interns serve a minimum 4 week term during our summer camping programs, late May – all of June; training week is usually the last week of May. Some interns will be offered positions through the end of July and others into August depending on their skills, availability and camp scheduling needs. Positions up to 18 weeks are possible.
Compensation: Starting at $300-500/week, plus room & board and meals while camps are in session. Stipend is greater for certified lifeguards and returning summer staff. We are happy to work with your educational institution to help you get school credit for your internship; if you are interested, please talk to us about this.
Leadership Development: In order to provide meaningful opportunities for leadership development, each intern will be asked to choose at least one “specialization” for the summer. Options for leadership roles include: Senior Counselor, Lifeguard, Trip Leader, Worship Leader, Rec Director, Photographer/Videographer, Craft Specialist, Maintenance, Healthcare or Administrative Assistant. You’ll have an opportunity to select your preferred leadership roles on the application.
Desired Traits & Abilities:
A love of camping, people and the outdoors
Previous leadership experiences
Desire & ability to be in ministry with children, youth and adults in a camp setting
Enthusiasm, flexibility, Christ-like attitude, and responsible decision-making abilities
Ability to creatively and prayerfully plan, organize, and carry out programs
Ability to supervise campers and other staff
Ability to travel to and from Anchorage, Alaska if not already living in the state; your transportation to Alaska is not provided by the camp. We are happy to pick you up from the airport, etc, when you arrive. If travel costs are an issue, don’t let it keep you from applying; airline miles or travel scholarships may be available.
Must be at least 18 years old; 21 and older preferred
We encourage those with current applicable certifications to apply, such as lifeguard or challenge course certifications. However, certifications are not required in order to be selected for the position.
Interns are Supervised by:
Birchwood’s Camp Director. The interns will also work closely with the volunteer Dean of each camp (Deans are different for each camp session).
How to Apply:
Sound like it might be the job for you? Check out the full Camp Intern Job Description. Please read the job description before applying.
Application Instructions: On the online application, you must select “Camp Intern” as the position you are applying for on the application. You can start an application and click “save for later” if you need to complete it at a later date. Be sure to read the job description above before applying. Deadline for application is March 15.
Interns are Supervised by: