Summer Staff
2025 Summer Staff Positions
Well-trained, nurturing, and fun staff who are committed to each camper and to Christ is the hallmark of Johnsonburg's program. We hire a mature and diverse staff of youth development specialists via a process of personal interviews, references, and background checks. Staff receive 10+ days of intensive training on group facilitation, positive behavior management, activity areas, outdoor living skills, and the Bible Study curriculum. Certified activity specialists, Red Cross certified lifeguards, a trained Health Officer and trained medical professionals, work as a team to care for our campers.
Applications for the 2025 season are open; click the button to start and application:
How to Apply
Do you think you could be the next great J-burg counselor? We hire individuals from all walks of life, however we do usually require all full time counselors to be 19 years of age at the start of the summer, and to have completed one year of university or comparable experience.
If you feel that you are qualified please complete our online staff application. We do require references, which are handled through an online form once a candidate has completed an interview with our Associate Director of Programs. Qualified applicants will likely be given an interview date upon the completion of their application. Interviews are done in late winter & early spring via Zoom or in person.
2025 Johnsonburg Camp Counselor Job Summary
Youth Development Specialist (Camp Counselor)
Summer Job: June 9-August 9th) / Full salary including housing and meals, a two-week long paid staff training, PLUS an additional bonus for completing the summer. Must live on-site at our camp in Blairstown, NJ for the duration of the agreement.
Johnsonburg is a progressive Christian summer camp with a 65 year history of fun and outdoor exploration. We're looking for talented people, usually college-aged, that want to make a difference in the lives of kids and youth. It's a hard job...but incredibly rewarding.
Here's what you can expect:
- Working with kids from ages 6-17 who stay overnight at our camp for up to two weeks. You have to make sure they stay safe, and make sure they have fun.
- Housing and meals for the duration, plus full salary
- A two-week paid staff training. Most of it is to equip you for your work here, but we include some sessions to develop you for your future lives, including resume building and personal financial management 101.
- Being part of a great team of people, some of whom will likely become lifelong friends.
- Tough discussions with kids that will shape the way they view the world.
- A place on a diverse staff from a variety of perspectives, including race and gender.
- A camp that is not looking for conversions or proselytizing, but instead wants kids--and you--to think about personal identity as it relates to faith. We have spiritual practices as part of our program as well, but we aren't pushy. Technically our camp is Presbyterian, but we routinely have staff from other denominations, or no formal faith background at all.
- Opportunities to enjoy and connect with the environment, either daily on our beautiful 300+ acre site with a private lake and beautiful woods, or maybe on one of our off-site adventure trips in the area.
- Plenty of time away from your phone and technology--we're a screen free camp (unless you're on break...and then there's wifi 🙂 ). Honestly, even just a small break from your phone/the outside world feels GREAT. Unless you haven't had enough time to doomscroll in the last two years?
- A dedicated staff chaplain, as well as visiting mental health professionals to check in with during your summer.
- A hard, messy, memorable and rewarding job that has a big impact far beyond your terms of employment...both for you and your campers.
• Assist with facility needs to include but not limited to grounds, maintenance / repairs, and other related tasks.
• Organize and maintain equipment and supplies
• Assist with additional guest services duties as needed including housekeeping and dining services
• Actively participate in all staff meetings and initiatives; follow all organizational policies and procedures
• Perform any additional duties as needed in the spirit of cooperation and teamwork required by all members of the staff to ensure the mission goals and objectives are met
• Normal working hours are weekends/weekdays year round; longer as needed during summer
•As training / certification allows work with guest groups to provide ropes course activities and /or serving as a lifeguard at the lake / pool