Summer Staff
JOIN OUR TEAM THIS SUMMER!
Every year we hire incredible program staff and volunteers that serve and invest in the lives of the hundreds of children and youth who come to Circle Square Ranch each year.
Summer Volunteer Opportunities
Staff and volunteers must be at least 16 years of age. Staff and volunteers are selected through a thorough hiring process including an online application, interview and police check. Once accepted, all staff are required to participate in a comprehensive training program. Ongoing evaluation continues throughout the course of their commitment.
Opportunities to Serve
Cabin leaders are fruitful frontline missionaries! Cabin leader pairs are responsible for a group of 8 – 10 campers over the course of each week. They sleep in cabins with their campers and lead them throughout the day, keeping them safe and healthy, creating memorable experiences for them and walking with them as they explore their faith. Campers often remember their cabin leaders even decades later as people who encouraged and inspired them. Cabin leaders also lead activities throughout the day and help with a variety of camp programs.
Cabin leading can be both challenging and incredibly rewarding. Cabin leaders should have some experience working with kids and demonstrated ability to take leadership and initiative.
Barn staff assist the Horsemanship Director and Wrangler with care for our herd of horses and other animals. They have the privilege of helping campers’ dreams come true as they teach riding lessons and farm management. Barn staff often work in the hot sun, in a physically demanding environment. Prior experience with horses at the Ranch (3rd star or higher) or the equivalent elsewhere is required, however, you do not need experience teaching lessons. All staff interested in becoming barn staff will be invited to barn staff training and those who meet the requirements will be invited to work at the barn in the summer as positions are available. It is an incredible opportunity to further develop your knowledge and experience with horses while serving Jesus.
Barn staff are also Western Town cabin leaders.
Lifeguards supervise swimmers, lead boating classes, organize swimming activities and help keep the waterfront running smoothly. The minimum requirement for lifeguarding at camp is successful completion of Bronze Cross. Staff with NLS and other aquatic leadership awards will be given additional responsibility. Lifeguards must prove themselves to be alert and competent during training times. ORCA certifications or general experience canoeing and kayaking is an asset but not required (there will be opportunities to train in leading boating classes).
Lifeguards are also Western Town cabin leaders.
For applicants who do not have horse or lifeguarding experience, there are a number of activity leading positions. Most staff will be trained in at least two areas. Activity offerings vary each year but typically include:
- Archery and other target sports (experience an asset)
- Wilderness skills
- X combo (mix of extreme sports)
- Crafts
- Climbing (must pass a weekend training course in spring)
Discovery camp leaders sleep in a cabin with, care for and lead a variety of activities for the youngest ranchers (age 6-9). Discovery camp leaders should have experience with kids in that age range and be ready to be very silly! Discovery campers often forge strong bonds with their leaders who have an incredible opportunity to influence and encourage them.
A small but mighty team of kitchen staff cook simple, healthy, tasty meals. Camp couldn’t function without their hard work. Kitchen experience is required for leadership positions in the kitchen but kitchen assistants only need to be eager to learn.
Maintenance staff keep the facilities clean and in working order, under the direction of Operations Manager. They are essential to the safe functioning of camp They may also sleep in cabins with campers and should be ready to help wherever needed.
Various leadership positions are available for summer staff applicants who demonstrate exceptional leadership ability, competence in their area of leadership, excellent teamwork, initiative and devotion to Jesus. The hard work and initiative of leaders at camp make summers possible. Everyone in leadership positions should be eager to use their gifts and talents, as well as to serve humbly wherever needed. Typically leadership positions are filled by people at least 19 years of age, with some camp experience. These positions are unparalleled opportunities to grow as a leader and make a difference for the kingdom of God.
Media staff film/photograph all aspects of summer camp. They also creatively put together week-end videos, marketing, social media and other content, opening the doors for the outside world to see the incredible things that God is doing at camp and preserving memories for campers for years to come. Previous experience filming and editing videos is required (informal experience is fine with demonstrated ability). Applicants should email samples of their work to [email protected] at the time of their application and may be asked to create a test piece. Media staff must be self-motivated, organized and have good time managements skills, as they are required to work independently and meet deadlines each week.
Does this sound like you?
At least completed grade 11 OR 17 years old OR completed the “Staff-in-Training” program (formerly the “Leaders in Training” program). Interested applicants finished grade 9 or 10 should apply to Staff-in-Training first (3-week program).
Believes in and follows Jesus in their daily life including reading scripture, involvement in Christian community, prayer, intentionally caring for people and sharing the gospel.
Desires to grow in their faith, to tell others about Jesus and to help youth grow in their faith.
A servant leader who is willing to be flexible and help out wherever needed.
Enjoys working with children – able to care for and engage them.
Willingness to live in the camp environment – rustic conditions, bunk beds, shared accommodations, outdoor activities, long hours.
Willing to give up use of phones and electronics during the camp week (except during daily break), in order to help foster a unique, relational camp environment.
Able to cooperate with others, admit mistakes, take responsibility and put others first.
Eagerness to participate in camp activities, including teaching outdoor skills, games, skits, etc.
Able to obtain a criminal record check (18+) and references.
Able to attend a week of Pre-Camp Training (usually the last week of June).