Camp Arcadia’s full season and summer staff is composed of approximately 40 Christian young people who have a desire to serve God. They are chosen from a variety of geographic areas and colleges. The camp season begins Memorial Day weekend and extends through October. Staff members are expected to start during the week of May 18 and stay through August 15, at a minimum. Arrangements can be made to accommodate exceptions to these dates.
Compensation, Expenses, & Benefits
Full Season and Summer Staff compensation starts at $175/week less Social Security and Federal Income Tax. Staff also receive tips, room, and board. Camp Arcadia guests tip at the end of their week of vacation. These tips are shared among the staff based on the amount of time worked that year. Tips average around $1,000 per summer per staff member. There is also a bonus program for employees who can work extended periods.
Expenses while at Camp Arcadia can be minimal. Staff members are housed in renovated staff rooms with showers and restrooms. They receive excellent meals, snacks, free use of camp laundry facilities, the opportunity to participate in camp activities as work schedules permit. Staff are covered by workers’ compensation (medical coverage) for any on-the-job accidents. A staff lounge is provided. Staff has access to telephones and wired internet. They also receive a staff shirt and one discounted piece of camp apparel sold in the camp store (Trading Post). Staff are welcome to purchase any additional snacks and gift items if they choose. Staff members are welcome to bring a car, it is helpful in leaving Camp on your day off, although staff do share rides. There are a limited number of staff car parking spots.
Staff members should have money for any non-job-related medical expenses (medical insurance is not available for summer staff) and for living expenses until the first paycheck. Salary is paid bi-weekly. Staff can generally save up to $2000 per summer.
Benefits of life at Camp Arcadia can include: personal and spiritual renewal, new and enriched relationships, joy and growth through Christian service, and opportunities to experience God’s marvelous creation on the shore of Lake Michigan.
Work Assignments & Responsibilities
Staff members are assigned to a specific work area according to expressed interests and Camp’s needs. Each member is expected to work six days and given one day off per week. Staff members work approximately 65 hours per week. The day begins between 6:45-7:30 a.m., depending on the position (kitchen staff generally report at 6:30 a.m.). A short morning break and 1 – 2-hour break in the afternoon is normally provided, depending on your position. Staff responsibilities and assignments can change with the needs of the camp.
All staff members assist with cleaning of the buildings and grounds between retreats, work in rotation in the Trading Post in the evening, and take turns (in teams) being responsible for emergencies at night.
Staff Guidelines
Camp Arcadia is a Lutheran family vacation & retreat center located on the shore of Lake Michigan in northwestern Michigan. Together, guests and staff at Camp Arcadia form a worshiping, learning, and celebrating community. We believe that living in community is a gift from God; we are thankful for each other. The center for our lives is the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which opens us to ourselves, each other and issues facing all humankind.
Staff members form the nucleus of the Camp Arcadia community. Through their presence and participation, the staff has an important impact on the tone and atmosphere of the Camp. The commitment of each staff member to spiritual growth, Christian worship, and service to others is essential. These shared disciplines strengthen our sense of common purpose.
Camp Arcadia’s mission is to provide a setting for Christian families and individuals to vacation with God. The entire program at Camp Arcadia is designed to foster the renewal and re-creation of the whole person, spirit, mind, and body, amid the beauty of God’s creation and in fellowship with other Christians.
All employees are expected to work toward this mission.
Camp Arcadia expects all staff members to adhere to the following commitments:
- No consumption of alcohol on camp premises
- No drinking of alcohol by persons under 21 years old
- No provision of alcohol to anyone under 21 years old
- No use or possession of illegal drugs
- Participation in weekly staff worship service
- Participation in all staff meetings
In addition to our responsibility to abide by the laws of the State of Michigan, abuse of illegal drugs and/or abuse of alcohol have serious and damaging effects on the Camp Arcadia community. Violation of any of these commitments can be reason for dismissal from Camp staff. Respectful and appropriate social use of alcohol by persons over the age of 21 years is a choice that carries with it the responsibility to abide by State law, to not drink and drive, and to be aware of those who choose not to use alcohol, including recovering chemically dependent persons in our camp family.
