Living River Summer Camp Staff
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“All three of my summers as a Living River counselor have changed me for the better as an individual and grown the confidence I feel about my future career as a teacher. Forming connections with campers has been a special and unique opportunity for me to grow as a leader, mentor, teacher, and more.
Living River appeared in my life when I was feeling unsure about things. The genuine love and acceptance that I felt from everyone, pretty much immediately, changed me and the way that I am towards others. It often feels like God knew exactly where I needed to be right then, and made sure I would be put there. I will never stop thanking God for getting to be a counselor at this wonderful place!” -Bel Marshall, Returning Counselor, 2025 |
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“As a first-time counselor at Living River, I didn’t know what to expect. It was my first time at a summer camp, and I’ve never been a big fan of the outdoors. But despite all of that, Living River quickly became more than a job— it became a space where I grew in ways I never expected. I saw campers who were also new, just like me—unsure, nervous, and figuring things out, and I realized I wasn’t alone.
I learned to lead with patience, connect with people from different backgrounds, and show up as my whole self even when I felt out of place. Being a counselor taught me that you don’t have to have it all figured out to make an impact—you just have to care, listen, and be willing to grow. It challenged me, stretched me, and gave me something I’ll carry with me long after the summer ended.” -Tytianna Ransom, first-time counselor, 2025 |
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What dates do summer camp counselors work?
Summer camp counselors train for two weeks starting the Monday after Memorial Day. In 2026, training dates are May 26-29 and June 1-4.
Counselors work every summer camp session, coming early to set up and for staff meetings and staying after the session to clean up camp. Summer camp sessions in 2026 are:
You & Me- June 5-7
Elementary Camp 1 & Night Owl Camp* (These two camps are run at the same time, but separately.)- June 7-12**
Creative Camp- June 14-19
Elementary Camp 2- June 21-26
*Youth camp where campers stay up and sleep in later.
**Counselors will get a day off at some point during the 8-day run of camp from June 5-12.
Full commitment dates- May 26-June 26
Counselors work every summer camp session, coming early to set up and for staff meetings and staying after the session to clean up camp. Summer camp sessions in 2026 are:
You & Me- June 5-7
Elementary Camp 1 & Night Owl Camp* (These two camps are run at the same time, but separately.)- June 7-12**
Creative Camp- June 14-19
Elementary Camp 2- June 21-26
*Youth camp where campers stay up and sleep in later.
**Counselors will get a day off at some point during the 8-day run of camp from June 5-12.
Full commitment dates- May 26-June 26
Why work at summer camp?
At camp, counselors get to lead, shape, and be a part of something totally unique each summer. Every summer at Living River, camp is different because, as a counselor, your personality and gifts will positively shape the experience. You will make lifelong friends and have a lifelong impact on your campers. People who work at camp have listed it as one of the most important experiences of their lives!
Being a counselor will give you the opportunity to develop skills in leadership, time management, teamwork, communication, teaching, and more.
Being a counselor will give you the opportunity to develop skills in leadership, time management, teamwork, communication, teaching, and more.
What if i don't have a lot of experience working with kids?
Working with kids can be intimidating, especially if you do not work with children very often. At Living River, the counselor training period includes in-depth instruction for working with children, ranging from realistic mock small groups to group discussions about child development and care.
Rest assured, if you have not worked with kids before, you will be ready by the end of training. Additionally, the counselor staff has returning counselors who are always there to lend a helping hand, along with your head counselor(s), Living River's Directors, and adult volunteers.
Rest assured, if you have not worked with kids before, you will be ready by the end of training. Additionally, the counselor staff has returning counselors who are always there to lend a helping hand, along with your head counselor(s), Living River's Directors, and adult volunteers.
What do summer camp counselors at Living River do?
Living River is an overnight summer camp. Campers at Living River do recreational and creative activities throughout the day.
Living River summer camp counselors are in charge of camper safety foremost. Counselors create and maintain a safe environment in the cabins- sleep overnight in the bunk cabins, help campers maintain hygiene, and foster positive cabin relationships. Counselors are assigned to a cabin group with a co-cabin counselor. Building cabin relationships and creating cabin culture are a big and rewarding part of the job!
Counselors at Living River also help lead small-group discussions on Bible themes and stories with a co-small group counselor, as well as lead recreation activities, singing, energizers (dances to music), and mealtimes. Finally, counselors help set up before each session, clean up after each session, and assist with all the little behind-the-scenes tasks involved in summer camp facilitation!
There is plenty of training involved in how to lead all of these things effectively, and there’s always support from other counselors, head counselors, Living River's Directors, and experienced volunteers.
Living River summer camp counselors are in charge of camper safety foremost. Counselors create and maintain a safe environment in the cabins- sleep overnight in the bunk cabins, help campers maintain hygiene, and foster positive cabin relationships. Counselors are assigned to a cabin group with a co-cabin counselor. Building cabin relationships and creating cabin culture are a big and rewarding part of the job!
Counselors at Living River also help lead small-group discussions on Bible themes and stories with a co-small group counselor, as well as lead recreation activities, singing, energizers (dances to music), and mealtimes. Finally, counselors help set up before each session, clean up after each session, and assist with all the little behind-the-scenes tasks involved in summer camp facilitation!
There is plenty of training involved in how to lead all of these things effectively, and there’s always support from other counselors, head counselors, Living River's Directors, and experienced volunteers.
Learn more about being a counselor by reading the job description below and visiting the "About Summer Camp" page.
Click the button below to apply to be a summer camp counselor at Living River.
Be a CIT (Counselor in Training) at Living River!
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Rising High School Juniors and Seniors are eligible to be CITs for Elementary Camp or Creative Camp with a Counselor Mentor. As a CIT, you'll make friends and gain new self-confidence, leadership, and teaching skills. We hope CITs have an awesome experience and want to soon be Counselors at Living River, too!
Click below to fill out the online application or to download the CIT Job Description for more information. The deadline to apply for summer camp 2026 is May 1st. A member of staff will follow-up with you once we receive your application! |
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