It might be a little daunting, but if you’re ready to take the chance, working at summer camp will be an unforgettable experience. I’ve spent many summers at camp, and it’s made me who I am today. Here are five reasons you should work at camp this summer from a former camp counselor. 

JOB EXPERIENCE. Camp jobs can fill out the resume, especially for someone new to the workforce. There are different camp staff jobs that teach different skillsets: management, lifeguarding, kitchens, housekeeping, multimedia engineering and more. You’ll find out what you like and what you’re good at—not to mention, you’ll get paid. Some camps start hiring staffers young as 14 years old. 

STAY ACTIVE. It’s rare to find a job where you’re outside every day and having fun the whole time. You’ll lead activities like swimming, archery, ziplines and ropes courses. Camp staffers not only ensure campers have a great time, but they jump in on the action too. 

NO PLACE LIKE CAMP. It’s one thing to be a camper, but being on staff is a whole different ball game. Sing songs, make s’mores, fall asleep under the stars, and go to the secret staff pool parties after the campers go to bed (Shh!). It’s also nice to enjoy some independence for a few weeks.  

MAKE FRIENDS AND MEMORIES. There’s something special about the friends you make on camp staff. They’re the kind of friends you keep for life. You’ll laugh harder than ever, you might shed a few (happy) tears, and you’ll never forget those wonderful moments. A summer at camp will always be more memorable than a summer spent at home! (Side note: While it’s not the BEST reason to work at camp, I know more than a few married couples who met while working on staff.) 

MEET GOD IN A NEW WAY. Camp doesn’t have to be an enriching spiritual experience for only campers. When you spend time in nature, reciting Bible verses with campers and hearing new devotional thoughts every day, you can focus on your relationship with God in a way that isn’t always possible with the distractions of regular life. 

Working at camp is a great way to have a fun, productive, uplifting summer. When the season is over, you’ll still have plenty of time to relax before going back to school. Reach out to The Salvation Army near you and ask about applying today—they’ll be happy to have you. Seriously. One good summer at camp can change your life.

By David Reardon

Did You Know?

Did you know that Carole Dawn Reinhart, a musician famous for her trumpet solos, was the first woman honored as a bandleader for The Salvation Army? At age 16, nonetheless!  

She earned a scholarship to the prestigious Juilliard School of Music in New York at age 10 and gave her first concert at age 16. She went on to play the trumpet throughout Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Canada, Australia, and the United States. However, her first international appearance was as a guest soloist and conductor at a youth congress in Toronto, Canada.

How Leading Worship Helped Nikki Lopez’s Faith

Nikki enjoys singing, writing music, painting, and reading. Having attended The Salvation Army her entire life, Nikki has participated in musicals, served as a Sunday school teacher, and been a leader in a singing company. She loves being involved at her corps (church) and connecting with people.  

We asked Nikki what the most impactful Salvation Army program to her has been. “The most impactful Army program is the one I’m currently in, TWC. Territorial Worship Collective has given me the space to worship and to lead worship,” Nikki said. 

“When I was growing up and going to events, one of the things that I wanted was to lead worship. This year, I joined TWC and have been blessed to lead and participate in worship for events. It was a great experience for me. Every time we are about to start a set, we have our TWC ‘guidelines’ read to us, just to get us in the correct mindset—that we aren’t here to manipulate spiritually, and that what we are doing is not a show. TWC has given me the opportunity to lead and be led in worship by my campers! It is such an honor to stand with others who love the Lord. TWC has changed how I worship. It has helped me grow into an authentic worshiper, and I am so grateful!” 

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Food Lion Provides $100,000 to The Salvation Army Hurricane Helene Efforts

The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services has received a grant of $100,000 from the Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation. This donation, given specifically for Hurricane Helene relief efforts, will help to provide recovery resources in affected communities.

When disaster strikes, The Salvation Army quickly mobilizes to provide food and drinks to survivors and rescue workers. After Hurricane Helene made landfall, The Salvation Army served over 452,000 hot meals and 207,000 drinks in their immediate response efforts. However, recovery can take years, and rebuilding communities and homes after such massive devastation will be a long process. As The Salvation Army works with government, charitable, and private-sector partners to assess the needs for long-term recovery, they will continue to provide critical support and essential resources to help those affected regain stability.

Women Preach Sunday

For National Women’s History Month, The Salvation Army is celebrating “Women Preach Sunday,” having as many female Salvation Army officers (pastors) as possible preaching on March 2, 2025. 

“We are equal in Christ, and God can and will use both males and females to build His kingdom,” said Major Beth Desplancke, Territorial Women’s Ministries Program Secretary in the Western Territory. 

Women Preach Sunday is a reminder that women are just as equipped to share the gospel as anyone else, and this belief is ingrained in the Army’s heritage.