Working at Camp Wapo offers limitless life experience and opportunities for growth within a strong community centered around the outdoors, faith, and youth. We are part of the ELCA Lutheran church and our program and theology is based in this tradition. We are looking for people of all backgrounds who want to make a difference in kids’ lives, grow in their faith, develop leadership and personal skills, and engage in this intentional Christian camp community.
The weeklong summer staff work schedule is twelve weeks which includes two weeks of staff training, ten weeks of camp including a week off.
Campers – Grades 4-12
Staff Training – June 4th-June 16th (Leadership training begins May 28th)
Summer Program – June 11th – August 18th
Staff Size – About 60 (18 years and older)
Summer Wage – Pay scale starts at $350 a week, $375 for First Aid staff (in 2023)
Weekly Schedule – 1pm on Sundays to 5 pm on Fridays
Time Off – Friday at 5pm – Sunday at 12pm & an hour off daily Monday-Thursday
Additional benefits and compensation – Staff will be receive 3 days PTO, and an additional 2 days PTO for anyone who applies and signs contract by February 25. Furthermore, all certifications are provided at no cost, housing and meals are provided throughout summer, and there are plenty of opportunities to create an internship to receive credit from colleges and universities.
Staff Training begins June 4th and continues for a period of two weeks. During that time you will be given opportunities to complete certain certifications such as; CPR/AED, Lifeguard Training, Boater Safety & license.
The weekend seeds staff work schedule is five days of staff training, with five camp sessions (4 weekends and 1 Sunday-Tuesday) throughout the summer.
Campers – Grades 1-3
Staff Training – June 11 – 16
*Seeds staff are required to participate in all of staff training.
Summer Program – June 16-18, June 23-25, July 14-16, July 16-18, July 21-23
Staff Size – About 40 (16 years and older)
Summer Wage – $130 a weekend, $150 for First Aid staff
Weekend Schedule – 1pm on Fridays to 4 pm on Sundays
All LWLBC employees are subject to a background check. LWLBC is an equal-opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, creed, gender, sexual orientation, disability, national origin, age, or ancestry. Read our full non-discrimination policy here.
General Summer Staff Job Description:
All summer staff jobs include the following:
Essential Job Functions:
Physical elements include frequent walking or standing for long periods of time, lifting 20-30 pounds, receiving a minimum of 6 hours of sleep a night, and be willing to be in front of large audiences. Mental elements include organizing and coordinating schedules, problem solving, managing a financial budget communicating with peers, creating written communication, having knowledge of scripture and Christian faith, and be able to help with difficult situation such as discipline problems and homesickness. Equipment elements include being able to use a computer, copier, and telephone. Working conditions include being in the outdoors a majority of the time.
Supervisors:
Wapo/Ox Program Director
Benefits:
Covered in seasonal employee manual, which can be seen when offered a position.
Health Insurance:
Is not provided by LWLBC and is expected to be covered by the employee.
Workman’s Compensation Insurance:
Provided by LWLBC at no cost to the employee.
Housing:
Provided on-site
Counselor Weeklong
Program: Camp Wapo Weeklong Youth Camp
Minimum Age: 18 years old (by June 1st of year applying)
Position Requirements:
High School Diploma. First Aid, CPR certification, and Lifeguard Certification may be required (training provided prior to or during staff training).
Job Description:
Camp counselors have the opportunity to spend exclusive and intentional time with upper elementary and junior high youth. Their primary role will be leading and connecting with campers. They will also be asked to serve different roles or tasks throughout the summer (such as participating on Servant Staff). Activities that counselors will lead or participate in include worship, bible studies, camp games, cabin activities, free-time activities, skits, and in many other ways according to interest and skills. The ratio of counselors to campers in 1:7 and an average cabin has two counselors. Counselors should feel comfortable with one-on-one, small group, and large group interactions with staff and children.
First Aid Staff Weeklong
Program: Camp Wapo Weeklong Youth Camp
Minimum Age: 18 years old (by June 1st of year applying)
Position Requirements:
Registered Nurse, Physician, EMT, or First Responder. First responder training course is provided before/during training for those who are not currently certified.
Job Description:
First Aid staff responsibilities include: attending all training sessions, assisting in camp registrations, keeping accurate records of every incident and care that is given to campers and staff, handling emergency situation and distributing medication of proper times. The First Aid staff will have many of the same responsibilities as the First Aid Supervisor without the supervisory duties.
First Aid Supervisor Weeklong
Program: Camp Wapo Weeklong Youth Camp
Minimum Age: 21 years old (by June 1st of year applying)
Position Requirements:
Registered Nurse, Physician, EMT, or First Responder. First responder training course is provided before/during training for those who are not currently certified. Applicant is preferred to have worked previous summer(s) at camp.
Job Description:
This position is responsible for providing health care to campers and staff within the limits of their certification using the established Health Care manual as guide and reference. The position also is responsible for supervision of other Health Care staff regarding schedules, and promoting strict conduct of staff. The supervisor will guide all actions of the Health Care staff in carrying out the patient care, medication management and associated paperwork. First Aid staff will also serve in part as the health eyes of the camp.
The following are twelve leadership positions at Camp Wapo. The four program coordinators and program administrator (along with full-time program staff) function as the primary leadership and decision makers. The other seven coordinators are there to run their program areas, while supporting the summer program team schedule. All leadership positions also function as “other duties as assigned”, and you may be asked to lead or do something that is not in your specific job description.
Art Shop Coordinator
Program: Camp Wapo Weeklong Youth Camp
Minimum Age: 19 years old (by June 1st of year applying)
Position Requirements:
Applicant is preferred to have worked previous summer(s) at camp. All training supplied during Staff Training.
Job Description:
This creative individual should be ready to get their hands dirty and to have loads of fun! Many campers are enthusiastic about craft time so we are looking for a patient, supportive, and organized person to create a positive environment at our art shop. The art shop is open during free-time every day and offers traditional camp crafts, assistance, and a place to gather for campers. The art shop coordinator is provided with a budget to run the shop for the summer, responsible for keeping supplies stocked, and their individual creativity is encouraged. The coordinator will also have general servant staff duties and may also serve as a team leader.
Canteen/Store Coordinator
Program: Camp Wapo Weeklong Youth Camp
Minimum Age: 19 years old (by June 1st of year applying)
Position Requirements:
Must have an eye for retail display. Must be able to work at a fast pace with retail sales. Must be computer savvy and able to work with financial records. Applicant is preferred to have worked previous summer(s) at camp. All training supplied during Staff Training.
Job Description:
This individual will coordinate the Wapo store and canteen. This person will be responsible for organizing the store, keeping track of inventory, and creating a work schedule each week. This person should have strong computer, relational and motivational skills and will work directly with the Wapo Program Director, Retreat Director, and camp Financial Staff. This position has to be a self-starter that is willing to work on their own for large amounts of time. This person should also be organized & detail-oriented.
Media (Photo/Video/Blog) Specialist
Program: Camp Wapo Weeklong Youth Camp
Minimum Age: 18 years old (by June 1st of year applying)
Position Requirements:
Duties/focus may be shared between two people according to qualifications and interest. Must be able to write blog entries and post social media updates. Must have experience and skill using a digital camera, video camera, and computer. Must be able to edit photos and/or video. Equipment is provided by LWLBC, however, you may use your own equipment at your own risk. Previous Camp Wapo experience may be helpful.
Job Description:
The media specialist(s) are responsible for taking pictures, filming, posting to social media, and updating the Camp Wapo blog. The blog is utilized to share the children’s experience with their parents through pictures and messages. All the photos taken of camp activities and campers will become available online to families at the end of the week. The video specialist is responsible for producing at least a Camp Wapo youth camp promotional video but they may additionally be involved in the creation of several other projects. Secondarily, the media specialist(s) will also capture fun moments and memories of the staff throughout the summer. The specialist(s) will also have general servant staff duties and may also serve as a Team Leader.
Program Coordinators
Program: Camp Wapo Weeklong Youth Camp
Minimum Age: 21 years old (by June 1st of year applying)
Position Requirements:
Driver’s License. Good record. First Aid, CPR certification, and Lifeguard Certification may be required (training provided prior to or during staff training). Applicant is preferred to have worked multiple previous summers and positions at a bible camp.
Job Description:
The program coordinators are a part of the summer program team, alongside the program administrator. They are an important leader within the staff who are responsible for facilitating daily programming, delegating daily responsibilities, leading staff meetings, supporting staff members (mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually), and promoting staff community. This individual possesses strong motivational, organizational, and relational skills. The program coordinators work most closely with the program admin and wellness coordinator, and closest with the counselors in their program area each given week. The specific program coordinators are listed below:
Sprouts Coordinator is the lead for the 4-5th grade program. They act as the team lead for these counselors each week, actively supporting their and their camper’s needs. This role is in charge all of the special sprouts programming, while working in partnership with other coordinators. The sprouts coordinator is excited about elementary school aged campers and has a passion for working with this age group.
Vines Coordinator is the lead for the 6-7th grade program. They act as the team lead for these counselors each week, actively supporting their and their camper’s needs. This role is in charge all of the special vines programming, while working in partnership with other coordinators. The Vines Coordinator enjoys working with middle schoolers and is passionate about the different ways they can engage in the camp experience.
Branches Coordinator is the lead for the 8-9th grade program. They act as the team lead for these counselors each week, actively supporting their and their camper’s needs. This role is in charge all of the special branches programming, while working in partnership with other coordinators. They will spend time at Ox Lake, and should be exciting and willing to lead programming out there.
Roots Coordinator is the lead for the 10-12th grade program. They act as the team lead for these counselors each week, actively supporting their and their camper’s needs. This role is in charge all of the special Roots programming, while working in partnership with other coordinators. They will spend more time offsite, going out to Ox Lake and out-trips, and should be exciting and willing to lead programming off the Wapo site.
Waterfront Coordinator
Program: Camp Wapo Weeklong Youth Camp
Minimum Age: 19 years old (by June 1st of year applying)
Position Requirements:
Must have lifeguard experience. Wisconsin state boating license required (payed for/reimbursed by LWLBC). Driver’s License. Good record. First Aid, CPR certification, and Lifeguard Certification may be required (training provided prior to or during staff training). Applicant is preferred to have worked previous summer(s) at camp.
Job Description:
The waterfront coordinator(s) are responsible for all the waterfront activities, staff, and patrons and are dedicated to creating a fun and safe environment. Responsibilities include: leading the lifeguard staff, managing and training miscellaneous waterfront staff, presenting waterfront orientation to campers weekly, organizing and supervising swim tests, supervising beach times and conducting buddy checks, scheduling lifeguards for free-time shifts, and maintaining the lifeguard, beach, and watercraft equipment. These individuals are also responsible for initiating and facilitating beach emergencies if necessary. The waterfront coordinator(s) may also serve as a Team Leader.
Worship Coordinator
Program: Camp Wapo Weeklong Youth Camp
Minimum Age: 19 years old (by June 1st of year applying)
Position Requirements:
Must have worship experience. Must be able to lead worship team. Driver’s License. Good record. First Aid, CPR certification, and Lifeguard Certification may be required (training provided prior to or during staff training). Applicant is preferred to have worked previous summer(s) at camp.
Job Description:
The worship coordinator(s) are responsible for planning and leading chapel worship, campfire worship, and special music activities throughout the week. They will be the leader(s) of the worship specialty team and they must be able to delegate responsibilities and lead when necessary. The worship coordinator(s) will have general staff duties and may also serve as a team leader or program coordinator.
Wellness Coordinator
Program: Camp Wapo Weeklong Youth Camp
Minimum Age: 21 years old (by June 1st of year applying)
Position Requirements:
Driver’s License. Good record. First Aid, CPR certification, and Mental Health First Aid training may be required. Applicant is preferred to have worked multiple previous summers at a bible camp. Knowledge & experience in working with homesick campers.
Job Description:
The Wellness Camper is responsible for working with campers that are having a hard week. We know that mental wellbeing is not always great for our campers, and the Wellness coordinator is the response to this. This role is expected to be there for all campers at Wapo. They are the go-to person staff have when in need to camper support. The WC will support homesick campers, be the emotional support for campers in first aid, and help support counselors when they need to “take a second”. This position works closely with the program coordinators/administrator team as the advocate for camper wellbeing and counselor mental health. Learn how incident reports work and when they are needed.
Program Administrator
Program: Camp Wapo Weeklong Youth Camp
Minimum Age: 20 year old (by June 1st of year applying)
Position Requirements:
Driver’s License. Good record. First Aid and CPR certification may be required. Applicant is preferred to have worked multiple previous summers and positions at a bible camp. Organized and a self-started. Good communicator.
Job Description:
The Program Administrator works as a member of the summer program team, serving with the four program area coordinators. They are an office-type job, functioning as the organizational mind of the summer program team, in charge of making sure the schedule is working, communicating schedule changes, and paying attention to weather and other such issues that may impact the schedule changing each day. They will be communicating consistently with the summer program team so that these coordinators can communicate with their program areas timely and effectively. This role is also the primary communicator with the office staff. The PA is also in charge of free-time scheduling with the staff, as well as what activities will be offered each day, as well as assisting the worship coordinator, recreation coordinator, and waterfront coordinator in their scheduling needs. They will directly support the media/blog coordinator in any ways that is needed.
Chaplain
Program: Camp Wapo Weeklong Youth Camp
Minimum Age: 23 years old (by June 1st of year applying)
Position Requirements:
Post-graduate education, preferably seminary student or human services field. Driver’s License. Good record. Dedicated Christian with knowledge on prayer, worship, and spiritual practices.
Job Description:
The Chaplain is our spiritual director for the summer. A person who will pray with and for our summer staff, walk alongside them with the wear & tear of the summer, and be there for the staff when they need someone to talk to. The Chaplain will assist in worships, bible study coaching, and other areas needed. They are also expected to have good relationships with church staff that are on site any given week, and work closely with them. This is a position that is not required to live at camp during the summer, but is flexible to be at camp 3-7 days a week. This position will be required to be at the two weeks of staff training, and will always have a place to stay onsite any week if needed. The Chaplain will also work closely with the Wellness Coordinator.
Seeds Counselor
Minimum age: 16 years old (by June 1st of year applying)
Program: Camp Wapo Weekend Seeds Camp
Position Requirements:
All training received during staff training
Job Description:
These individuals have the opportunity to spend exclusive time with 1st – 3rd Grade campers. Counselors will lead or facilitate Bible studies, worships, chapels, cabin activities, all camp games, and assists according to interest and skill within all aspects of the summer program. The ratio of counselors to campers is 1:5. Most importantly a counselor serves as a friend and mentor to Wapo Seed’s campers. Counselors should feel comfortable with one on one, small group, and large group communication with staff and children.
Seeds First Aid
Minimum age: 19 years old (by June 1st of year applying)
Program: Camp Wapo Weekend Seeds Camp
Position Requirements:
Registered Nurse, Physician, EMT, or First Responder. Applicant may have one of these certifications prior to staff training OR there will be a First Responder training course held during staff training for those currently not certified.
Job Description:
Their responsibilities include, attending all training sessions, keeping accurate records of every incident and care that is given to campers and staff, conducting registration responsibilities, handling emergency situation and distributing medication of proper times. The Seeds First Aid staff may have many of the same responsibilities as the weeklong First Aid Supervisor without the supervisory duties.
Seeds Photo / Blog Coordinator
Minimum age: 16 years old (by June 1st of year applying)
Program: Camp Wapo Weekend Seeds Camp
Position Requirements:
Must be able to operate Digital Camera, computer as related to processing of photos and writing blog entries for families to see how their child is doing at camp.
Job Description:
This individual will be responsible for taking pictures and managing the Wapo youth blog for parents to see their children’s experience at camp. This person should have strong computer skills and enjoy taking pictures. This person may share this role as to hold a counseling role as well.
Seeds Program Assistant
Minimum age: 19 years old (by June 1st of year applying)
Program: Camp Wapo Weekend Seeds Camp
Position Requirements:
Must have driver’s license with good record, will receive First Aid & CPR training during staff training.
Job Description:
This individual will be responsible for helping manage the weekend seeds program in direct relationship with the Seeds Coordinator. You will help lead staff meetings and devotions, and coordinating schedules. Motivational and relational skills are important for this individual.
Seeds Coordinator
Minimum Age: 21 years old (by June 1st of year applying)
Program: Camp Wapo Weekend Seeds Camp
Position Requirements:
Must have driver’s license with good record, will receive First Aid & CPR training during staff training.
Job Description:
This individual will be responsible for delegating daily responsibilities, leading staff meetings and devotions, conducting spiritual checkups with the entire weekend counseling staff, and coordinating schedules. Motivational and relational skills are important for this individual.
Program Coordinator
Program: Camp Wapo Weeklong Youth Camp
Minimum Age: 21 years old (by June 1st of year applying)
Position Requirements:
Driver’s License. Good record. First Aid, CPR certification, and Lifeguard Certification may be required (training provided prior to or during staff training). Applicant is preferred to have worked multiple previous summers and positions.
Job Description:
The program coordinator is an important leader within the staff who is responsible for facilitating daily programming, delegating daily responsibilities, leading staff meetings, supporting staff members (mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually), and promoting staff community. This individual possesses strong motivational, organizational, and relational skills. The program coordinator works most closely with the program director and team leaders, however, they are expected to interact with all members of the camp community (campers, church staff, and camp staff). This individual may also serve in additional roles within the staff.
Weekend / Family Camp Host
Minimum Age: 19 years old (by June 1st of year applying)
Program: Wapo Weekend Family Camp
Position Requirements:
Must have driver’s license with good record. Will receive First Aid & CPR training during staff training.
Job Description:
Several weekends throughout the summer, Wapo hosts congregational family camping. Families stay in assigned housing, personal tents, or trailers. The host’s job entails organizing each group’s stay, delivering announcements and graces at mealtimes, helping clean after meal times, and being on call at all times for any needs groups have. This person may serve in a different role during the summer as well (example: Seeds counselor, weeklong staff etc.)
Join our team in the kitchen or on maintenance. These positions are paid hourly and housing is not provided.
Assistant Cook
Minimum Age: 17 years old
Position Requirements:
Training will be given at camp, however, a general knowledge of food preparation and service is important. Serve Safe training will be provided at camp.
Job Description:
These individuals love serving people through food service. Must be willing to prepare, cook, and serve food in a joyful way!
Typical shifts are 7am – 2pm and 4 pm – 8 pm
Essential Job Functions:
Physical elements include lifting and carrying 20 to 30 pounds, frequent bending, standing for long periods of time, and handling a large variety of foods. Working conditions include being indoors.
Dish Room Staff
Minimum Age: 14 years old
Position Requirements:
All training provided at camp.
Job Description:
People who are responsible for cleaning all dishes and the dining hall after each meal. They will also work with cabin groups who are assigned kitchen patrol duties.
Typical shifts are 7am – 2pm and 4 pm – 8 pm
Essential Job Functions:
Physical elements include lifting and carrying 20 to 30 pounds, frequent bending, standing for long periods of time, and handling a large variety of foods. Working conditions include being indoors.
Maintenance Staff
Minimum Age: 16 years old
Position Requirements:
Must have a driver’s license with good record. Must have a knowledge of safe operation of various small tools used in normal maintenance functions.
Job Description:
These positions will report to the Camp Manager who assigns different responsibilities (cleaning cabins, mowing lawns, repair, and maintenance).
Essential Job Functions:
Physical elements include lifting and carrying 60 to 100 pounds, frequent bending, and kneeling, reaching, standing for long periods of time, climbing ladders, painting, and handling and assembling multiple parts. Working conditions include being in the outdoors a majority of the time.
Weekend Lifeguard
Minimum age: 18 years old (by June 1st of year applying)
Program: Camp Wapo Weekend Seeds Camp
Position Requirements:
Must have First Aid & CPR certification. Must have Lifeguard certification. Training for these requirements will be provided at camp.
Job Description:
These individuals will be responsible for waterfront according to the needs of each congregation. They will also be involved with other aspects of programming such as children’s activities, registration, campfires, baby-sitting, canteen and arts & crafts.
