Apply for Summer Staff at The Pines

The greatest adventure awaits you! Join us for a life-changing summer of faith-filled encounters, lifelong friends, serving youth, and the most fun a person can have. Go Trees!

Best. Summer. Ever.

Are you ready for your best summer ever? The Pines Catholic Camp is looking for Catholic college-aged young adults and high school seniors to work at a place where lives are changed by the One who loves us most.

Become part of something incredible and spread the Word of God while having the most fun a person can have in one summer. At The Pines, we love Christ and our Catholic faith — and desire you to bring YOUR authentic gifts to serve around 3,000 youth in Big Sandy, Texas. Do something different this summer!

Please see description of roles below to view availability

Two counselors arm in arm
Counselor with shaving cream

Why The Pines?

What makes The Pines different from most other summer camps? Our focus is on relational ministry. The heart of The Pines is in the ministry to every camper that comes through our gates. Whether you’re playing with them on the ultimate field, praying with them during spiritual night programming, or simply being an ear to them as they open up about their life, you are being the Light of Christ to each camper.

To be able to serve others, we must also have full cups ourselves. Throughout the summer, our staff will also be pouring into and forming you as we encourage one another to live in Christian virtues. We use our Pines Rule of Life to guide us through formation, prayer, and accountability.

Camp at Messy War

Available Positions

  • Counselor positions for males and females are still available!

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    What is a Counselor?

    The counselor is the individual with whom we place the most trust. This person must be fully committed to the teachings of the Catholic faith and have a joyful heart! We’re looking for someone ready to help campers have the greatest week of their lives.

    Being a counselor requires a “camper-centered” and servant heart, high responsibility, and a great sense of humor! The experience we share with children at camp has a lasting effect on their lives, and we take that very seriously.

    Requirements:

    • At least one year removed from high school by summer (graduated high school in 2023 or before)

    • Strong personal faith life

    Summer Commitment:

    • Staff Training (May 18th-May 25th)

    • *10 weeks of summer camp (May 26th-August 4th)

    • One week off

    *Many staff members can commit to a full summer, but we are able to work with those who cannot!

  • 2024 SWAT positions for females have been filled! Graduating senior boys are still welcome to apply!

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    What is SWAT?

    SWAT (Servants With a Task) responsibilities include all the behind-the-scenes jobs that make camp run smoothly. Jobs of the day vary depending on the demands of camp, but most days involve serving food, cleaning facilities, helping with maintenance duties, filling water balloons, and assisting in the Camp Store, office, and with campers.

    The SWAT Team lives in gender-specific cabins and is supervised by the SWAT Coordinator. There is an emphasis on spiritual, professional, and personal growth and maturity through daily meetings, regular spiritual formation, and team-building activities.

    Requirements

    • Class of 2024 or older

    • Strong personal faith life

    Summer Commitment

    • Five weeks of summer (May 26 - June 30 OR July 2 - Aug 4)

  • 2024 SPOPS positions except CAMP NANNY and HEALTH CENTER COORDINATOR have been filled!

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    What is SPOPS?

    The SPOPS (Special Operations) Team keeps very specific areas of camp running efficiently while being an example of Jesus’ love and joy to campers. Throughout the summer, this team prays together, supports each other, and works hard to glorify God through their gifts.

    Positions

    • Photo/Video Team

    • Arts & Crafts

    • Health Center

    • Camp Store

    • Office

    • Maintenance

    • Camp Nanny (for directors’ children)

    Requirements

    • One year removed from high school (completed one year of college or equivalent time)

    • Strong personal faith life

    Summer Commitment

    • Staff Training (May 18-25)

    • *10 weeks of summer camp (May 26 - Aug 4)

    • One week off (more weeks off if needed)

    *Many staff members can commit to a full summer, but we are able to work with those who cannot!

  • 2024 Senior Staff positions have been filled!

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    What is Senior Staff?

    The Senior Staff team is for returning staff members who feel called to serve God through peer leadership. The goal for Senior Staff is to help staff lead young people in faith, fun, and friendship. Senior Staff members prayerfully minister to summer staff, help plan the programming of the summer, and shape the mission of The Pines through their servant leadership.

    Requirements:

    • At least two years removed from high school

    • Strong personal faith life

    • At least one prior summer on staff at The Pines

    Summer Commitment

    • Staff Training (May 18th-May 25th)

    • Full summer (May 11 - Aug 4)

    • Time off equal to one full week