SUMMER CAMP 2008 OPPORTUNITIES: APPLY HERE
• Counselor (must be at least one year out of high school)
Prepare and lead activities, nurture camper growth, manage conflict and facilitate evening devotions called “Winners’ Circle.” This is a direct ministry position requiring 24/7 supervision of campers.
• Program Staff (for applicants who have graduated high school)
This position will be the third counselor in the cabin and will be able to help with camper development and will be able to lead activities with the other counselors. This position will also be in charge of planning and exectuting Power Clubs (camper spiritual activities) and Night Activities (all-camp games) under the supervision of the Spiritual and Programs Coordinators.
• S.W.A.T. (servants with a task) (minimum age: 17)
Primary daytime responsibilities include “behind the scenes” jobs (focusing specifically on one of the following areas: kitchen, maintenance, office, health center or camp store) as well as assist program staff in skill-building activities. S.W.A.T. will live in community with each and will be supervised by the S.W.A.T. Coordinator.
NOTES FROM SUMMER STAFF SUPERVISORS
HEAD FEMALE COUNSELOR
PUMBAA from College Station, Texas
"I first came to the Pines when I was 8 years old. I knew, even then,what an amazing place it was. It was the only place where I could make 12 best friends instantly, meet college kids who were on fire for God, go down a zip line, learn how to throw a Frisbee and spend a whole week falling more in love with God. 14 years later, I have been on staff for 5 years, and I am still in awe of how amazing the Pines is. I have had the chance to meet campers who are looking to have the best week of their lives, to find their best friend, to learn how to make friendship bracelets, and to know more about their Catholic faith. As a counselor at The Pines, we have the awesome chance to provide our campers all of these things, to watch them grow, and to learn so much from them in the process. AND... we get to make camp fires, sing ridiculous songs, go to states themed dance dressed up as
HEAD MALE COUNSELOR
LENNON from Southlake, Texas
My mom is alway saying that I would be a completely different person if it wasn't for The Pines, and I can't agree with her more. There is something so special about this place, that as soon as you step out of your car and take a wiff of that good-old-down-home-piney smell, you can't help but wonder why you ever consider not working here. I have been coming out to The Pines each summer since I was 11, and even then I could feel the strong presence of God that this place has. You can feel it in each and ever person that walks through the shiny golden gates, from the tiny 7 year camper eager to learn about the world all the way up to the teen campers. Lifelong relationships get reduced down to a mere summer out here, and when your camper hugs you at the end of the week not wanting to go home, you know that you have made a difference in their lives. What else would you be doing with your summer anyway? Making burrito's at your hometown burrito joint coming home smelling like ground beef. Boring. Come out and have a beautiful time getting close to God and touching lives. Did I mention there's no Cell Phones or Facebook?
MORE EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION
What is The Pines Catholic Camp? Who is the Staff?
The Pines Catholic Camp is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to sharing the Catholic faith with young people in a dynamic, hopeful and Spirit-filled way. The 130-acre campsite is located two hours east of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in the Piney Woods of East Texas.
The Pines’ co-ed summer camp program is typically a one-week experience for youth ages 7 to 16 (with the exception of a two-week Counselor-in-Training program) which blends living and growing in Catholic community with fun through traditional camp activities such as crafts, canoeing, archery, riflery, swimming, music, climbing, ropes course, horseback riding and clown ministry. The Pines Staff is the heart of the ministry: young adults who step past their comfort zones to give, share, listen, sing, pray, play, learn and guide campers through an incredible week in the outdoors. Pines staff members are servant leaders who are not afraid of long hours, hot days, and homesick campers or skinned knees.
If this sounds like your idea of an unforgettable summer, read ahead!
What are the qualifications for working at The Pines?
• Meet the age/educational requirements for the position!!!
• Strong Christian faith and practice
• A person of integrity with good judgment
• Desire to work in an outdoor setting
• Desire to work as a team member
• Accepting of others from different backgrounds
• Desire to live in Catholic community
• Supportive of The Pines mission
• Available to work from May 25 to August 16, 2008
• new! Willing to be certified in a program area such as lifeguarding,
ropes, or target sports. We will provide the training during Certification
Week (May 25 - June 1).
Some of the “good stuff” you will receive while working at
The Pines:
(And did we mention that you don’t have to sit behind a desk all summer?!)
• Ten weeks of room and board
• Salary based on position
• Valuable training, work experience and skill development (leadership,
youth/adolescent development, communication, conflict resolution,
organization/time management, recreation planning, etc.)
• Certification possibilities: first-aid, CPR, high and low ropes, life-
guarding, target
sports or canoeing
• Be a part of a supportive, fun and faith-filled staff community
• Meet new people and develop lasting friendships
• Experience an opportunity to grow and share faith
• Opportunities for year-round involvement with retreat ministry
• And most importantly, the chance to make an amazing difference in the life of
a child!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
• If I was a CIT last year and would like to apply for staff, what position should I apply for?
You would be applying for a position on S.W.A.T.
• If I was an Assistant Counselor last summer what position should I apply for this summer?
You would be applying for a program staff position if you will be graduating this year. If you will have finished your first year in college by next summer, than you can apply for either Program Staff or Counseling Staff.
• I would like to apply to work at camp, but I am only available for part of the summer. Is this possible?
For training purposes and continuity on staff, it is preferable to hire staff members who are able to work for the entire nine weeks of summer camp. However, it is understandable that a staff member may need time to prepare for college or other commitments. There may be opportunities for staff members to work a half-summer (four or five weeks.) Please list availability dates on the application. Scheduling will be further discussed in an interview situation.
• How should I follow up with The Pines after submitting my application?
The application process is a rolling process. This means that applications will be accepted and interviews will be conducted as they come in. However, final decisions may not be made till around March. Feel free to call with any questions or concerns. (903)845-5834.