Summer Staff with Maintenance Assistance as Primary Task

January 10, 2018

Our Mission

Our commitment is to provide transforming:
  • Settings for re-creation
  • Intensives for spiritual formation
  • Hospitality to all 

Our Task

Camping and Retreat Ministry in the Illinois Great Rivers Conference:

  • Equips local churches for ministry and provides a connection for ministry beyond the local church.
  • Provides intentional places apart
  • Extends genuine Christian hospitality and community
  • Nurtures Christian faith and discipleship
  • Develops Christian spiritual leaders
  • Teaches creation care and appreciation
  • Collaborates with United Methodists churches and agencies
  • Equips guests to go forth and serve

Essential Qualifications

It is expected that the applicant:

  1. Is certified in American Red Cross CPR/AED for the Professional Rescue (training provided if needed)
  2. Possesses excellent organizational and communication skills
  3. Will pass a criminal background check (if 18 or older)
  4. Is a mature person with faith consistent with The United Methodist Church
  5. Has energy and passion for camping and retreat ministry
  6. Possesses a welcoming spirit of radical hospitality
  7. Is able to communicate and work with groups and individuals of varied ages
  8. Has a passion for making a difference in the lives of others through hospitality

Other Qualifications

It is expected that the applicant:
  1. Loves working with adults, children, youth, and special needs campers in outdoor and indoor ministries
  2. Listens to others and observe others’ actions
  3. Reads text and information
  4. Comprehends instructions and manuals
  5. Moves about the camp property in various environmental conditions
  6. Withstands prolonged exposure to sunlight and other inclement weather
  7. Maintains concentration for prolonged periods
  8. Performs physical functions of maintenance

Expectations and Job Description

Expectations of All Staff

  1. Model a lifestyle of love and grace consistent with the life of Jesus Christ, assisting gently in conflict management and in responses to unacceptable behavior
  2. Demonstrate a willingness to grow and learn along with other staff and campers
  3. Accept guidance, direction, and supervision
  4. Commit to the mission of the ministry, which is to create a sustained community of love and acceptance where children and youth may encounter God-Love in nature, in friendships, in study, in worship, and in play
  5. Assist campers in management of crises and conflict
  6. Recognize and respond quickly and effectively in emergencies
  7. Abide by child abuse prevention rules, ACA standards, policies of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference, and public ordinances
  8. Sign off on the Illinois Great Rivers Conference personnel policy
  9. Live on camp (unless otherwise arranged) and work irregular hours
  10. Participate in the required staff training
  11. Attend all staff meetings, weekly in-service training, and community gatherings, including worship
  12. Maintain fitness level (swimming skills, strength and endurance) 
  13. Participate in daily routines of campers, including meals and worship
  14. Live on site and sleep in cabins, lodges, or tents with campers.
  15. Work irregular hours, including some evenings and weekends  
  16. Complete additional duties as assigned by supervisor or member of the management team

Expectations of Staff Whose Primary Task is Maintenance Assistance

  1. Under the direction of the maintenance manager, fulfill the campground's mission of providing hospitality to all
  2. Perform all duties in accordance with prescribed regulatory compliance guidelines, including local, state and federal guidelines as well as American Camp Association accreditation standards. Operate necessary grounds care equipment such as mower, tractor, chain saws, etc., in safe and efficient manner
  3. Be aware and make necessary changes to hazards found on camp grounds
  4. Assist in the repair of buildings and facilities and perform general maintenance duties 
  5. Dispose of trash and waste.  Manage recycling.
  6. Assist with emergencies on physical plant and site
  7. Assist in conducting inventory checks
  8. Store equipment safely
  9. Other duties as may be assigned


 Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

  1. Ability, both visual and auditory, to identify safety hazards and monitor guest and staff behavior and enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures
  2. Ability to walk, stand, bend and stretch
  3. Ability to lift, up to approximately 50 pounds, and occasional lifting of equipment weighing up to approximately 75 pounds may be required
  4. Ability to safely and properly use power tools and equipment
  5. Ability to safely drive cars, light trucks, tractors, and other motorized vehicles
  6. Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to the camp operation
  7. Physical ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid. Must be able to assist campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness or injury).
  8. Willingness to work irregular hour and operate with daily exposure to the sun and heat and other environmental conditions.