Short answer: To get hired at a Texas camp or retreat center, decide which kind of role you want, apply early, and show the director three things: that you are dependable, that you can work with a team, and that you care about the guests and the camp's Christian mission. Camp jobs on Camp Connection are for adults 18 and older. You can see Texas camp jobs and add yourself as a job seeker at /jobs/texas/.
Start with the kind of role you want
Texas camps hire for much more than cabin leaders. Common roles include:
- Program staff: leading activities, worship, games, the ropes course, the waterfront and outdoor education.
- Lifeguards and waterfront staff: usually need a current lifeguard certification.
- Kitchen and food service: cooks, prep staff and dining hall crew.
- Housekeeping: cleaning and turning over cabins and lodge rooms between groups.
- Maintenance and grounds: repairs, mowing, trails, vehicles and buildings.
- Guest services and office: check-in, scheduling, registration and answering calls.
Some of these are summer roles. Many, like kitchen, housekeeping, maintenance and guest services, are year-round, because camps host church retreats, school groups and family camps all year. Read more in year-round camp jobs in Texas and summer camp jobs in Texas.
What camp directors look for
You do not need years of camp experience for most entry roles. Directors tend to look for:
- Dependability. Camps run on tight schedules. Show that you show up, follow through and finish what you start.
- Teamwork. Staff live and work closely together. Give an example of working well on a team, at school, church, a job or as a volunteer.
- Care for guests. Whether you are serving meals or leading a game, the job is to make every group's stay go well.
- Fit with the mission. Christian camps want staff who are comfortable with the camp's faith and mission. Be ready to talk about yours honestly.
- Useful skills. Cooking, first aid, lifeguarding, music, driving, carpentry, office work and outdoor skills all help. List any certifications you hold.
Put together a simple camp resume
Keep it to one page:
- Your name, city and the best way to reach you.
- The roles you want and the dates you can work.
- Jobs, volunteer work and church or ministry service, with one line on what you did in each.
- Certifications such as CPR, first aid, lifeguard or food handler.
- Two or three references who know your work.
Apply early and follow up
Summer hiring at many camps often starts in the fall and winter. Year-round roles open whenever a camp needs someone, so check often. After you apply, a short, polite follow-up a week later shows the director you are serious.
Prepare for the interview
Expect questions like: How do you handle a long day? Tell me about a time you worked through a conflict on a team. Why do you want to work at a Christian camp? What would you do if a guest had a problem you could not fix? Answer with short, real examples.
Get started
Add yourself as a job seeker at /jobs/texas/ so Texas camps that are hiring can find you. If you are planning a retreat instead, our Texas camp directory is the place to start.