work at Camp
Get paid to adventure.
Are you a recent graduate or college student looking for something fun and fulfilling that will actually benefit you in the future?
work @ camp
Summer Staff
Come spend a summer at Bethel Horizons! This is an opportunity for you to positively impact a child’s life, while developing skills to build an incredible resume. You will grow in leadership, communications, critical thinking and creativity. Make this summer meaningful, memorable and full of adventure.
Don’t settle. Your future depends on it! Apply today. We are hiring artists, naturalists, life guards, Jr. and senior counselors and more.
getting started
4 Easy Steps to Working at Camp
Check out Opportunities
Use the button below to see what positions and opportunities are available for the summer ahead.
Submit an Application
Use the button below to submit your application and resume. Be sure to fill out your application form completely!
Schedule an Interview
After you have successfully submited your application, we’ll reach out soon to schedule your interview.
Sign your Agreement & Start Packing
If you’re selected for a role, we’ll send your staff agreement and more info. We can’t wait to work with you!
Work @ Camp
2025 Summer Jobs
PROGRAM COORDINATOR
CAMP LEADERSHIP
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POSITION SUMMARY:
Working with children between the ages of 7 and 17. Supervising staff ages 16+. The population that we serve comes from a diverse set of socio-economic backgrounds. Bethel Horizons strives to create a positive atmosphere for all people. You will be responsible for coordinating one of the two camps that take place weekly. This includes supervising staff, coordinating meals, and working with staff and campers on behavioral needs, schedules, and various other needs. Room and board are provided for the entire
summer.
AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITY
A Program Coordinator is accountable to the Program Director for the quality and delivery of work produced.
HOURS:PART-TIME/FULL-TIME: Seasonal Full-Time
COMPENSATION: Starting at $500/week
QUALIFICATIONS:
● Minimum 21 years of age
● Suggested one year of college education or the equivalent in working life experience.
● The ability to meet each camper where that camper is at with the four harmonies of Bethel Horizons: God, Self, Others and Nature.
● Emotional maturity
● Interest working with children, ability to understand the needs of the campers, and the good judgment to place the needs of the campers and the camp ahead of personal desires.
● Interest in contributing to the achievement of the objectives of the camp. Ability to work as a member of a group or team.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
● Direct supervision of summer staff
● Ensuring staff are compliant with Bethel Horizons policies and procedures, and the overall goals of each weekly program.
● General planning and coordinating of camp programs.
● Assigning daily camp tasks and ensuring the completion of those tasks
● Interpret safety and health regulations.
● Guide the individual camper in participation in individual, total program unit and all-camp activities.
● Assist with program activities and other activities in the program unit, working closely with the Senior Counselors.
● Assist with all camp program activities and other camp wide activities as assigned.
● Other duties as assigned by the Program Director.
OUTDOOR EDUCATION SPECIALIST
SUPPORT STAFF
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POSITION SUMMARY:
Provide direct program delivery for Bethel Horizons Adventure and Environmental Education Programs that serve youth and adults engaged in educational and recreational programs. Provide maintenance of ropes course and upkeep of nature center as needed. Other duties as assigned.
AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITY
Outdoor Education Specialists are accountable to the Environmental Education Director for quality and delivery of work produced.
HOURS: PART-TIME/FULL-TIME: Seasonal Full-Time LOCATION: Bethel Horizons Camp and Retreat Center COMPENSATION: Commensurate with education and experience.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
● Facilitate Low & High Ropes challenge course programs
● Facilitate Environmental Education programs
● Lifeguard for swimming & canoeing
● Assist with Nature Center upkeep and Live Animal care-taking
● Assist with Mountain Bike Instruction and related Adventure programming
● Assist with the maintenance and cleaning of equipment and programming areas
QUALIFICATIONS:
● Lifeguard certification (or ability to get)
● High school graduate or equivalent
● Previous work experience leading youth or adult groups in educational or recreational programs.
● Select, facilitate and evaluate activities for people of different ages, backgrounds and interests.
● Lead, without support: group games, problem solving initiatives, trust sequences, low & high ropes challenge course elements and environmental education lessons.
● Demonstrate safe spotting techniques, the ability to provide spotting for participants and the ability to teach spotting techniques to participants.
● Effectively lead program participants through meaningful processing sessions.
● Climb and move safely at heights using appropriate self-belay techniques
● Ability to fully participate in Horizons staff training and to demonstrate (by the end of the training period) the required competencies for leading activities used within the Bethel Horizons programs.
● Proven organizational and communication skills (oral and written).
● Ability to work weekdays and weekends
● Ability to walk over uneven terrain.
● Ability to work in a variety of weather conditions.
● Ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 40 lbs.
● Ability to read, write and speak at a college level.
● Detail oriented, service oriented, safety-minded
● Strives for the highest quality job performance with available resources
● Acts in a professional manner, values diversity
● Tolerance for stressful situations
● Desire to work with people of different age groups and backgrounds.
DATES & SCHEDULE:
The busy season is April through October, with minimal work available November through March. Staff training late March/early April
40 hours per week and get two days off in a row when possible. Some weekend
work is required.
SENIOR COUNSELOR
COUNSELOR
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POSITION SUMMARY:
As a Senior Counselor, this person will work in tandem with another Senior Counselor and other staff members in leadership and guidance of six to eight campers from various economic backgrounds. The population that we serve comes from a diverse set of socio-economic backgrounds. Food and lodging provided through the time of employment.
AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITY
A Senior Counselor is accountable to the summer Program Coordinator and Program Director for the quality and delivery of work produced.
HOURS:PART-TIME/FULL-TIME: Seasonal Full-Time
COMPENSATION: Starting at $375/week
QUALIFICATIONS:
● Minimum 18 years of age
● Suggested one year of college education or the equivalent in working life experience
● The ability to meet each camper where that camper is at with the four harmonies of Bethel Horizons: God, Self, Others and Nature.
● Emotional maturity
● Interest in working with children, ability to understand the needs of the campers and the good judgment to place the needs of the campers and the camp ahead of personal desires.
● Interest in contributing to the achievement of the objectives of the camp.
● Ability to work as a member of a group or team.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
● Live with a group of 6-8 campers and help each camper adjust and grow with other campers and camp life.
● Participation in the general planning of the camp program
● Interpret safety and health regulations.
● Guide the individual camper in participation in individual, total program unit, and all-camp activities.
● Assist with program activities and other activities in the program unit, working closely with the Program Director and Program Coordinator.
● Assist with all camp program activities and other camp-wide activities as assigned. Other duties as assigned by the summer Program Director.
JUNIOR COUNSELOR
COUNSELOR
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POSITION SUMMARY:
The Junior Staff Support position is an opportunity for 16-17-year-olds to support the work of camp by assisting in the kitchen, housekeeping, general grounds support, and providing support for camper-related programming. The population that we serve comes from a diverse set of socio-economic backgrounds. Room and board will be provided during your employment with us.
AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITY
The Junior Support is accountable to the Program Director and Program Coordinators for the quality and delivery of work produced.
HOURS:PART-TIME/FULL-TIME: Seasonal Full-Time
COMPENSATION: Starting at $300/week
QUALIFICATIONS:
● Minimum 16 years of age
● The ability to meet each camper where that camper is at with the four harmonies of Bethel
Horizons: God, Self, Others and Nature.
● Emotional maturity
● Interest in contributing to the achievement of the objectives of the camp. Ability to work as a
member of a group or team.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
● Assist with daily job assignments assigned at the beginning of the week.
● Assist with children as necessary – behavior management and counselor relief.
● Assist with programs and campfires.
● Assist with kitchen duties as needed
● Assist with housekeeping duties as needed
● Assist with property assignments as needed
● Other duties as assigned by the summer Program Director and Program Coordinator.
ADVENTURE SPECIALIST
SUPPORT STAFF
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POSITION SUMMARY:
As the Adventure Specialist, this person will provide the Adventure Director with a consistent facilitator and belayer for Bethel Horizons Adventure and Environmental Education Programs that serve youth and adults engaged in educational and recreational programs. The Adventure Specialist will also provide leadership for summer Adventure activities like Mountain Biking and Canoeing. The population that we serve comes from a diverse set of socio-economic backgrounds.
Food and lodging are provided throughout the time of employment.
AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITY
The Program Staff is accountable to the Adventure Director for the quality and delivery of work produced.
HOURS: PART-TIME/FULL-TIME: Seasonal Full-Time: On-Site from 2pm Sunday – 12pm
Friday for each week hired. 48 Hours time-off every weekend. On-Site hours fluctuate with
demands of the program.
LOCATION: Bethel Horizons Camp and Retreat Center
COMPENSATION: Starting at $400/week
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
● Facilitate environmental education programs
● Lifeguard for swimming & canoeing
● Assist with Mountain Bike Instruction and related Adventure programming
● Assist with the maintenance and cleaning of equipment and programming areas
● Work closely with the Adventure Director in implementing the Adventure Program
● Assist in projects as assigned by the Adventure Director.
● Assist with in-camp programs, including campfires, when available.
● Other duties as assigned by the summer Program Coordinator and Program Director.
QUALIFICATIONS:
● Minimum 18 years of age
● Suggested one year of college education or the equivalent in working life experience
● The ability to meet each camper where that camper is at with the four harmonies of
BethelHorizons: God, Self, Others and Nature
● Interest in working with children, ability to understand the needs of the campers, and the
good judgment to place the needs of the campers and the camp ahead of personal
desires
● Experience facilitating groups in challenge course education models
● Documented skills on high ropes course, rock climbing and rappelling
● Experience in mountain biking
● Interest in contributing to the achievement of the objectives of the camp
● Ability to work as a member of a group or team
DATES & SCHEDULE:
The busy season is April through October, with minimal work available November through March. Staff training late March/early April
40 hours per week and get two days off in a row when possible. Some weekend
work is required.
LIFEGUARD
SUPPORT STAFF
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POSITION SUMMARY:
As the Lifeguard, this person will be responsible for the safety and supervision of campers and staff while swimming, canoeing or lazy-river tubing. Depending on the number of campers participating in each event, the lifeguard will work with one or more trained and certified staff to fulfill appropriate ratios as determined by the State of Wisconsin and the American Camping Association standards. The population
that we serve comes from a diverse set of socio-economic backgrounds. Food and lodging are provided through the time of employment.
AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITY
The Lifeguard is accountable to the Program Director for the quality and delivery of work produced.
HOURS:PART-TIME/FULL-TIME: Seasonal Full-Time
COMPENSATION: Starting at $400/week
QUALIFICATIONS:
● Preferred candidates that are 21 years of age or older
● Valid Red Cross Lifeguard certification or equivalent Lifeguard Certification.
● Suggested one year of college education or the equivalent in working life experience.
● The ability to meet each camper where that camper is at with the four harmonies of Bethel Horizons: God, Self, Others and Nature.
● Emotional maturity
● Interest in contributing to the achievement of the objectives of the camp.
● Ability to work as a member of a group or team.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
● Lifeguard at Governor Dodge State Park 2-4 times a week.
● Lifeguard at other times as assigned by the summer Program Director or Program Coordinator.
● Assist with daily job assignments assigned at the beginning of the week.
● Participation in the general planning of the camp program.
● Interpret safety and health regulations and explain them to campers and staff.
● Assist with program activities and other activities in the program unit, working closely with the Program Coordinators.
● Assist with all camp program activities and other camp wide activities as assigned. Other duties as assigned by the summer Program Director or Program Coordinator.
PROPERTY ASSISTANT
SUPPORT STAFF
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POSITION SUMMARY:
The Maintenance Assistant will assist the Property Manager in the day-to-day operations of the camp, including but not limited to garbage and recycling retrieval, cleaning, and general maintenance of the grounds. Food and lodging are provided throughout the time of employment. Must have a valid driver's license and clean driving record. Preferred age of 21+. The population that we serve comes from a diverse set of socio-economic backgrounds.
AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITY
The Maintenance Assistant is accountable to the Property Manager for the quality and delivery of work
produced.
HOURS:PART-TIME/FULL-TIME: Seasonal Full-Time
COMPENSATION: Starting at $375/week
QUALIFICATIONS:
● Minimum 18 years of age
● Suggested one year of college education or the equivalent in working life experience.
● The ability to meet each camper where that camper is at with the four harmonies of Bethel Horizons: God, Self, Others and Nature.
● Emotional maturity
● Interest in working with children, ability to understand the needs of the campers, and the good judgment to place the needs of the campers and the camp ahead of personal desires.
● Interest in contributing to the achievement of the objectives of the camp.
● Ability to work as a member of a group or team.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
● Garbage and recycling retrieval
● Assist with clean up from general meals
● Assist with daily job assignments assigned at the beginning of the week.
● Mowing and maintaining outdoor spaces.
● Assist with children as necessary – behavior management and counselor relief. Assist with
programs and campfires.
● Assist the Property Manager as needed.
● Other duties as assigned by the Property Manager and Program Director.
ARTIST
SUPPORT STAFF
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POSITION SUMMARY:
As the Summer Artist, this person is the artistic resource person for all summer groups. This position includes leading and creating art activities, providing counselors with resources they can use with their groups, and being a part of the Bethel Horizons community. The population that we serve comes from a
diverse set of socio-economic backgrounds. The Artist will also be responsible for documenting campers’ experiences though photography. Food and Lodging provided throughout the time of employment.
AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITY
The Summer Artist is accountable to the Program Director for the quality and delivery of work produced.
HOURS:PART-TIME/FULL-TIME: Seasonal Full-Time
COMPENSATION: Starting at $375/week
QUALIFICATIONS:
● Minimum 18 years of age
● Suggested one year of college education or the equivalent in working life experience.
● The ability to meet each camper where that camper is at with the four harmonies of Bethel
Horizons: God, Self, Others and Nature.
● Emotional maturity
● Interest in working with children, ability to understand the needs of the campers, and the good judgment to place the needs of the campers and the camp ahead of personal desires.
● Interest in contributing to the achievement of the objectives of the camp.
● Ability to work as a member of a group or team.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
● Lead groups of campers with art activities.
● Maintain, clean, and organize the Art Shack.
● Provide resources to counselors so that they will be able to use and facilitate during their down time with campers.
● Create and explore new art activities for campers.
● Document the experiences of campers through photography.
● Assist with daily job assignments assigned at the beginning of the week.
● Assist with children as necessary – behavior management and counselor relief. Assist with
programs and campfires.
● Other duties as assigned by the summer Program Director and Program Coordinator.
SUMMER COOK
KITCHEN STAFF
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$POSITION SUMMARY:
You will be responsible for making menus and cooking for adult or youth campers. The population that we serve comes from a diverse set of socio-economic backgrounds. The ideal candidate has knowledge of cooking for special diets (ex. vegetarian, gluten free, dairy free, nut free, etc.) or is willing to learn. The cook is also responsible for keeping the kitchen clean and following state food safety codes. Creativity is
encouraged in this position. Preferred age of 21+.
AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITY
The Summer Cook is accountable to the Food Services Director for the quality and delivery of work produced.
HOURS:PART-TIME/FULL-TIME: Seasonal Full-Time
COMPENSATION: Starting at $480/week
QUALIFICATIONS:
● Valid ServSafe and/or Learn2Serve Food Safety Management Principles Certification.
● Suggested one year of college education or the equivalent in working life experience.
● The ability to meet each camper where that camper is at with the four harmonies of Bethel
Horizons: God, Self, Others and Nature.
● Emotional maturity
● Interest in contributing to the achievement of the objectives of the camp.
● Ability to work as a member of a group or team.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
● Responsible for providing meals for campers and staff during summer camp programs.
● Preparing meals for special diets.
● Preparing daily grocery lists and ordering food in conjunction with the Executive Chef.
● Cleaning/ organizing kitchen and appliances
● Ensure compliance with local and state standards for licensing.
● Order and maintain inventory of food and supplies.
● Regularly check the freshness of food and ingredients
● Assist with daily job assignments assigned at the beginning of the week.
● Interpret safety and health regulations
KITCHEN ASSISTANT
KITCHEN STAFF
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POSITION SUMMARY:
The Kitchen Assistant is responsible for assisting with meal prep and clean up including washing dishes. This position will also help with keeping the dining clean. The population that we serve comes from a diverse set of socio-economic backgrounds. Room and board will be provided during your employment
with us.
AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITY
The Kitchen Assistant is accountable to the Executive Chef for the quality and delivery of work produced
HOURS:PART-TIME/FULL-TIME: Seasonal Full-Time
COMPENSATION: Starting at $375/week
QUALIFICATIONS:
● Minimum 18 years of age
● Suggested one year of college education or the equivalent in working life experience.
● The ability to meet each camper where that camper is at with the four harmonies of Bethel Horizons: God, Self, Others and Nature.
● Emotional maturity
● Interest in contributing to the achievement of the objectives of the camp. Ability to work as a member of a group or team.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
● After each meal assigned, run the commercial dishwasher
● Assist with meal preparation including cutting and slicing food
● Assist with clean up from general meals
● Assist with daily job assignments assigned at the beginning of the week.
● Assist with children as necessary – behavior management and counselor relief.
● Assist with programs and campfires when available.
● Other duties as assigned by the summer Program Director and Program Coordinator.
work @ camp
Year Round
Bethel Horizons offers diverse positions to suit various skill sets and interests. As an organization committed to fostering personal and community connection and growth through outdoor experiences, working at Bethel Horizons provides a unique chance to contribute to a positive and impactful society.
read on
Stories from Camp Staff
Lawyers In My Head
Pam Shellberg remembers struggling with her spirituality when she first came to work at Horizons. “I felt like an imposter,” she said. “I was deeply troubled about what I believed and didn’t believe. I grew up in the church, but had just graduated college and was a...
Jordan Blake’s Story
Jordan Blake had suffered the loss of his best friend, Chas Bertun, during his senior year of high school and was dealing with a lot of grief. That summer, he followed in his late friend's footsteps and took a position as a senior counselor at Bethel Horizons. He was...
The Stars
Anthoney Crawford-Ferrell first came to Horizons on a field trip as a fourth grader with his school. He had never spent much time in the outdoors and fell instantly in love with Horizons. Thankfully, his mother was with him and learned about scholarships for kids who...
Space in the Universe
“I was a loud, weird, curly-haired girl who did not have many friends in my small town.” Cena shared about her 13-year-old self. “My mom was a cook at Bethel Horizons, and I was able to tag along with her to work. I loved hanging out at camp because I learned I...
Unique Bonds
Nico Garmendia had never been to a camp before. Born in Venezuela, Nico grew up in India and now attends art school in Vermont. “Camp isn’t a thing in India. I have many friends in Vermont who've talked about their experiences attending or working at camp in the...
Welcome and Safe
Lindsey Scheid recalls the difficult transition she experienced as a 7th grader when her family left their church in McFarland to join Bethel Lutheran Church in Madison. She was distraught with their decision as she enjoyed her friends and their time in her hometown...
Guiding Light
It had been years since Kim Jensen, one of Horizons first campers and former staff, had visited Horizons. I got to sit down with her on her recent visit to Wisconsin after she enjoyed a hike and tour of the property with fellow alumni. “I love seeing the changes and...
Culture Shock
Alondra Quiñones recalls feeling “culture shock” when she first came to Horizons with her group from Puerto Rico at age 11. “Not culture shock in a bad way, but camp culture shock. We do a lot of things outdoors back home, but we had all of these new activities and...
Being Open
Cate Cassata considers herself an outgoing person but did not have any camp experience prior to attending the first Mountain Bike Camp at Horizons in 2022. “My brother had been here before, but it was scary at first,” Cate said. “For me, it was a weird environment...
Horizons Hero
“I was never an outdoorsy person.” shared Kayla Schween. “My aunt had tried to get my sister and me to attend camp at Horizons when we were young, but we just weren’t interested.” After graduating seminary from Drake University, Kayla found herself in a transitional...
Contact Us + Get Started
Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or comments. We’re excited to work with you in sharing Good News with campers. If you have any questions about how awesome employment at Bethel Horizons is, please feel free to email Program Director James Marlow.
