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Interested in Joining Our Team?
Benefits
Why Work at Camp?
As a Chanco staff member, you will develop skills in collaboration and communication, develop resilience and grit, and grow as a servant leader. In addition to participating in fun activities like sailing, ziplining, and nature hikes, our staff have the unique opportunity to leave a lasting impact in the lives of our campers. All our jobs are paid bi-weekly and include lodging and meals for the duration of the summer. Additionally, many of our positions can be turned into an internship for college credit. If you want to be a part of a supportive, Christian community focused on personal and professional growth, then Camp Chanco is the place for you.
The Chanco Staff Experience
Staff FAQs
Why work at camp?
Live, play, and work in God’s Creation. Develop life & leadership skills. Strengthen your faith while impacting kid’s lives. See this article for more on why we feel jobs at camp are invaluable to your personal, spiritual, and professional growth (ACA Article).
What does a ‘Day In The Life’ look like for staff?
Who can apply?
Anyone over 18 may apply for our walk-around counselor, activity staff, and leadership positions. 17-year-olds may apply to be an intern, which is a paid, partial summer position. You must be willing to work with youth and live in a rustic environment.
What do you look for in camp staff?
Camp staff come from all walks of life. Some are quiet; others are loud. Some are artistic & musical; others are sporty & athletic. However, all should have one common trait. Camp staff should love working with kids. As you’ll see during our staff training, there is no one “right” way to be camp staff. We often take different approaches to challenges, offering unique solutions. Due to this, we feel that camp staff don’t need to exhibit specific characteristics and qualities, but rather are open to learning and growing in a faith-centered environment focused on creating an impactful, influential camp experience for all our campers.
Do I have to be an Episcopalian?
No! Chanco on the James is an equal opportunity employer. However, our camp program is centered around the Episcopal faith and applicants should be comfortable living and working in a Christian setting. All staff and campers will attend morning worship and chaplain activity blocks throughout each session. We expect our staff to engage in our chaplain program in meaningful and intentional ways.
What should I bring?
Camp staff live in a rustic environment in the outdoors, so bringing the proper gear and clothing is extremely important! Please see the attached PDF for our detailed packing list: Packing List
What areas can I specialize in?
Chanco on the James offers training for lifeguards, ropes course, and archery/axe throwing. Additionally, all staff go through a week-long training where they will receive a greater understanding of day-to-day camp operations, behavior management skills, and much more.
Do I have to be there the entire summer?
While we prefer staff to work the entire summer (with the exception of Interns), we recognize that there are other things going on in our staff’s lives! We require all staff to attend our staff training week in order to prepare you better for the summer. Beyond staff week, we ask that staff work a minimum of 2 sessions. Leadership staff and activity area leaders must work the entire summer.
Positions
About Our Summer Staff Positions
Camp Chanco staff members serve as mentors in counselor and instructor positions. These staff positions are the foundation for the entire camping program. Camper safety is our number one priority and this goal depends on a diligent and competent staff.
Activity Staff
Activity staff are assigned based on talent and experience. We have positions for: Archery, Ropes Course, Arts and Crafts, Nature, and Aquatics staff.
Staff members are responsible for their own program area and the development and planning of the program itself. If you have special skills in any of these areas and like the idea of teaching, then maybe an Activity staff position would be right for you.
Download & View the PDF for the Full Job Descriptions:
Counselor
Our counseling staff provide 24-hour supervision to our campers. Counselors are set in pairs and partner with program staff to oversee a campsite of up to 18 campers.
Counselors work as a team to create a safe, fun, Christian community for their campsite. In order to do this, they not only help facilitate but also participate in each activity along with the campers.
Download & View the PDF for the Full Job Descriptions:
Intern
The future of our summer camp staff are this year’s Interns. This staff training program includes fulfillment of daily tasks crucial to the program as well as related to support functions.
Formational time with our chaplains and time spent with the campsite observing and assisting counselors are also parts of the program. Service may last for one session up to the entire summer. Our Intern staff training program is open to candidates 17 years of age.
About Us
Camp Resources
Camp Schedule
Camp Registration
Specialty Camps
Packing List
FAQ
Retreat Resources
Rates & Pricing
Rates Packet
Guest Planning Guide
Lodging Pack
Music
Get Involved
Contact Us
Chanco on the James
394 Floods Drive
Spring Grove, Virginia 23881
(888) 724-2626
[email protected]