Summer Staff Employment Details

Camp Arcadia’ summer staff is composed of approximately 36 Christian young people who have a desire to serve God. They are chosen from a variety of geographic areas and colleges.  The camp season begins Memorial Day weekend and extends through the middle of October.  Staff members are expected to start on May 25 and stay through August 23, at a minimum. Arrangements can be made to accommodate exceptions to these dates.

Compensation, Expenses, & Benefits

All salaries begin at $150 per week plus tips, room, and board.  Camp Arcadia guests tip at the end of their week of vacation.  These tips are shared among the summer staff based on the amount of time you worked that summer.  Tips average around $800 per summer per staff member.  Social Security and Federal Income Tax are withheld. 

Expenses while at Camp Arcadia are minimal.  The camp store (Trading Post) offers snacks and gift items.  Staff members should have money for possible medical expenses (medical insurance is not available for summer staff) and for living expenses until the first paycheck.  Salary is paid bi-weekly.  Staff can generally save up to $2000. 

Staff members are housed in the new & renovated staff rooms with outstanding new showers and restrooms.  They receive excellent meals, snacks, free use of camp laundry facilities, the opportunity to participate in camp activities as work schedule permits, and workers' compensation (medical coverage) for on-the-job accidents.  A staff lounge is provided that contains a TV and VCR/DVD.  Staff has access to telephones (bring a phone card to use) and the Internet.  They also receive two staff shirts and a discount on camp apparel sold in the camp store.  Staff members are welcome to bring a car, it is helpful in leaving Camp on your day off, although staff do share rides. 

Benefits of life at Camp Arcadia can include: personal and spiritual renewal, new and enriched relationships, joy and growth through Christian service, and opportunities to experience God's marvelous creation on the shore of Lake Michigan. 

Work Assignments & Responsibilities

Staff members are assigned to a specific work area according to expressed interests and Camp’s needs.  Each member is expected to work six days and given one day off per week.  Staff members work approximately 65 hours per week.  The day begins at 6:45-7:30 a.m., depending on the position.  A short morning break and 1 – 2-hour break in the afternoon is normally provided, depending on your position.  Staff responsibilities and assignments can change with the needs of the camp.

All staff members assist with cleaning of the buildings and grounds on Saturday morning, work in rotation in the Trading Post in the evening, and take turns (in teams) being responsible for emergencies at night.   

Staff Guidelines

Camp Arcadia is a Lutheran family vacation & retreat center located on the shore of Lake Michigan in northwestern Michigan.  Together, guests and staff at Camp Arcadia form a worshiping, learning, and celebrating community.  We believe that living in community is a gift from God; we are thankful for each other.  The center for our lives is the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which opens us to ourselves, each other and issues facing all humankind.

Staff members form the nucleus of the Camp Arcadia community.  Through their presence and participation, the staff has an important impact on the tone and atmosphere of the Camp.  The commitment of each staff member to spiritual growth, Christian worship, and service to others is essential.  These shared disciplines strengthen our sense of common purpose.

Camp Arcadia’s mission is to provide a setting for Christian families and individuals to vacation with God.  The entire program at Camp Arcadia is designed to foster the renewal and re-creation of the whole person, spirit, mind, and body, amid the beauty of God's creation and in fellowship with other Christians.

All employees are expected to work toward this mission.

Camp Arcadia expects all staff members to adhere to the following commitments:

¨        No consumption of alcohol on camp premises

¨        No drinking of alcohol by persons under 21 years old

¨        No provision of alcohol to anyone under 21 years old

¨        No use or possession of illegal drugs

¨        Participation in weekly staff worship service

¨        Participation in all staff meetings

In addition to our responsibility to abide by the laws of the State of Michigan, abuse of illegal drugs and/or abuse of alcohol have serious and damaging effects on the Camp Arcadia community.  Violation of any of these commitments can be reason for dismissal from Camp staff.  Respectful and appropriate social use of alcohol by persons over the age of 21 years is a choice that carries with it the responsibility to abide by State law, to not drink and drive, and to be aware of those who choose not to use alcohol, including recovering chemically dependent persons in our camp family.