Join us Summer 2024

We’re seeking enthusiastic, creative young leaders who are looking for the experience of a lifetime!

Summer Staff 2024 Applications are now LIVE!

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to learn more about the variety of positions available!
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where you could get educational credit for your summer job.

BEST. SUMMER. JOB. EVER!

Have you ever wanted to work on staff at summer camp?  Are you ready to make a POSITIVE difference in people’s lives, with God’s help?  Now’s your chance!

Imagine a summer where…

  • you meet people who will become your life-long friends
  • you get to make a faith-filled impact on people’s lives
  • you work hard, play, pray, and build lifelong memories
  • you get to be OUTSIDE almost all day
  • you will be a positive role model to youth & adults
  • your unique God-given gifts will be discovered and put to use
  • the days are glorious, long, challenging, and filled with joy and laughter (so much laughter)

We aren’t exaggerating when we tell you it just might be the best job you will ever have! If you can imagine your summer looking like this, then we invite you to apply to be a part of the Fortune Lake Staff this summer!

Positions Available

General Staff (Cabin Leader)

Must be at least 18 years of age and a high school graduate. Cabin Leaders are the essential role for all campers in the summer camp experience! They are responsible for the care, supervision, and teaching of the campers assigned to their group. They build relationships, help campers to feel comfortable, and model Christian faith in community. Cabin Leaders will move throughout different programs all summer including off-site Day Camp. Depending on the week, General Staff may also serve for a week on kitchen or maintenance crews. General Staff work in a team with other Cabin Leaders and the program leader in their assigned area. They report to the Camp Director.

Youth Camp Coordinator

Responsible for managing on-site youth programs: Minis, Mighty Ones, and Villagers (gr. 1-4), Venturers (gr. 6-8), and High School Week (gr. 9-12). Co-lead Victory Camp (disabled adults). Assist in the coordination of summer staff in regards to program activities, schedules, and events for all campers. Closely involved with the Leaders in Training (LIT) Program and plans activities for all youth programs. Responsible for creating weekly task lists and schedules, providing support and guidance to cabin leaders, and assisting in leading staff meetings. Works in combined effort with the Intergenerational Camp and Vagland Coodinators and is responsible to the Camp Director.

Intergenerational Camp Coordinator

Responsible for planning and coordinating the Intergenerational Camp weeds. Co-leads Victory Camp for disabled adults. Responsibilities of the Intergenerational Camp Coordinator include leading morning devotions, planning chapel services and games, developing program staff schedules, coordinating faith formative family activities, and ensuring our intergenerational groups are comfortable. Works in combined effort with the Program and Vagland Coordinators and is responsible to the Camp Director.

Vagland Coordinator

Responsible for planning and coordinating all programs in Vagland (our tree house village) including our Vagabond Program (gr. 5-6), Night Owls (gr. 6-8 or 9-12), Treehouse Adventures (gr. 7-12) and Intergenerational and/or Rental groups (all ages) who lodge in tree houses. Responsibilities of the Vagland Coordinator include: supervising tree house leaders, organizing daily schedule for weekly Vagland staff, coordinating morning devotions, planning Vagland Chapel services and games, communicating about Vagland food and cooking supplies with the kitchen, overseeing campfire cooking, and working in combined effort with the Youth and Intergenerational Camp Coordinators and Health Officer; responsible to the Camp Director. Must possess or be willing to acquire health certification with minimum level being equal to the American Red Cross “Responding to Emergencies.”

Waterfront Coordinator

Must meet current American Red Cross Lifeguard standards. The Waterfront Coordinator is responsible for setup of procedure and facility at the waterfront, supervision of all staff assigned to waterfront, monitoring and enforcing health and safety policy and procedures, overseeing waterfront drills and emergencies, providing support and/or guidance to all on-site and off-site aquatic activities, and being ready to assist in other areas. The Waterfront Coordinator is responsible to the Camp Director.

Arts-n-Crafts Coordinator

Responsible for developing a fun activity program utilizing supplies on hand and purchased materials within the camp’s modest budget. The craft program must provide varying levels of challenge to work with campers from 1st-12th grade, families, and adults, while reinforcing Bible study themes. The Arts-n-Crafts (ANC) Coordinator oversees program staff assigned to their area and leads efforts to produce costumes and props for all camp activities and events.

Health Officer

Must possess or be willing to acquire health certification with minimum level being equal to American Red Cross “Responding to Emergencies.” If qualifications are less than a licensed physician or registered nurse, the Health Officer will consult with the camp’s duly licensed Medical Consultant. The Health Officer is responsible for the general health and welfare of the campers and staff. The Health Officer will screen all participants, maintain records, communicate vital health information with the staff on a need to know basis, communicate about dietray needs and allergies, distribute prescribed medications, provide appropriate first aid, and assist in emergency situations. They work as a team with the Vagland Coordinator. The Health Officer is directly responsible to the Camp Director.

Maintenance Staff

Duties and daily tasks are assigned by the Facility Manager such as: housekeeping, grounds keeping, simple repairs, and general upkeep. Maintenance staff are directly responsible to and accountable to the Facility Manager. May be local staff who live at home or residential staff who live onsite (if 18 years or older and a high school graduate). May crosstrain as a Lifeguard.

Kitchen Staff

Help prepare safe, nutritious meals, keep work areas tidy, clean the Dining Hall and related facilities. Kitchen Staff is directly responsible to and follows the direction of the Food Service Manager/Shift Cook. May be local staff who live at home or residential staff who live onsite (if 18 years or older and a high school graduate). May crosstrain as a Lifeguard.

Media Coordinator

Duties will include the organization, development, input, and end product coordination of various media and electronics. Responsibilities include: taking group photos, daily photos and video, website and social media input, and special video compilations. Media Coordinator works independently to organize and archive all photos during the summer and to capture images and clips that can be used in marketing and communication materials. The Media Coordinator is responsible to the Camp Director.

Day Camp Coordinator

Must be at least 19 years of age. Responsible for planning and implementing Day Camp programs in partnership with hosting congregations including communication and program oversight. Oversees General Staff assigned to Day Camp and works with congregational volunteers to deliver quality experiences for kids completed grades K-6. When onsite, may serve as Cabin Leader or additional roles as needed. Works in partnership with other leadership staff, especially other Day Camp Coordinator(s) and is directly responsible to the Camp Director.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are you looking for in Summer Staff candidates?

Summer staff positions carry a great deal of responsibility and require a great deal of stamina. We seek people who are mature, healthy, creative, diverse, cooperative, energetic, and willing to put the good of our camper and staff community ahead of their own personal interests. We will provide training for specific roles and responsibilities; candidates must come with an open mind, prepared to love others.

Do I have to be Lutheran?

No. Program staff must be Christian and willing to serve in an intentional Christian community, as a living example of the Christian faith, both on and off duty. Our Bible Studies and worship life is shaped by our Lutheran doctrine and history, but people of all Christian expressions are welcome to serve at Fortune Lake. We devote time during staff training to help you learn the Bible Study materials and help you to be comfortable with basic Lutheran doctrine.

Do I stay in one program for the summer?

Leadership & Support positions remain the same except for special circumstances. All other staff can expect to serve in a variety of areas/programs and support positions throughout the summer.

Can I have guests?

Staff training and program weeks are closed to guests because of our 100% commitment to campers. You may have guests during weekend time off. It is expected that you will check with the Camp Director to make sure there is room for your guest and secure appropriate overnight lodging. There is no charge for either lodging or food for your guest. We encourage you to invite your family to visit.

What about time off?

We allow a personal break each day for the summer staff. There is a staff lounge that is off limits to campers and is equipped with mailboxes, internet access, refrigerator, microwave, couches, tables & benches. We also maintain a supply of food and drinks.

There is no regular time off during the staff training period. For all program weeks, we end closing meeting by approximately 5 pm on Fridays. All staff are expected back on site and present for the 12 pm staff meeting on Sunday. Time off, without pay, for important family/personal matters and emergencies may be granted at the discretion of the Camp Director.

Do I have to have experience?

No. It is not necessary for you to have worked at or attended a church camp. Our staff training will equip you with a variety of skills for a summer of ministry. In fact, if you’ve never worked at a camp before, your unbiased and fresh ideas will likely spice up the summer and be a catalyst for new traditions. We value both new and returning staff.

What about the pay?

The truth is that monetary compensation is only part of what you receive as a member of the Summer Staff team. Actual money saved by the end of the summer will be very comparable to what you would have left in most jobs worked away from home. All work-related travel and costs are covered by camp. Room and board are provided; laundry facilities are on site.

A Summer Staff position can be a priceless addition to your resume. It provides skills and experience that can often make the difference in landing a job after college graduation. When you consider the personal joy, satisfaction, friendships and growth that are typical for summer staff, you will want to take advantage of this unique opportunity!

On top of all this, we provide weekly compensation for all staff. First-year General Staff will start at least at $350/week, with modest increases for years of experience and leadership roles.

What if I need to complete an internship for my program at school?

We would love to work with you to see if your job at camp can meet the requirements for your program. Please contact the Camp Director (campdirector@fortunelake.org) to discuss how you might be able to complete your internship at camp! We are happy to work with your educational department to see if we can make it work.