The Best Job Ever! Why You Should Spend Your Summer at One of our Camps
~article submitted by John Morales, Peer Minister to the Rio Grande Valley
As college students and young adults, summer can really be a balancing act. We want to make money, add to our resumes, and enjoy our break before the Fall semester rolls around. If you are opposed to the idea of spending your summer doing boring internship work, our 3 diocesan camps have an invitation for you. Come work at camp!
Whether it is the Cypresses along the Guadalupe River at Camp Capers, the salty coastal air and warm sand of Mustang Island Conference Center, or the rugged, off-the-grid beauty of Duncan Park in the Colorado Rockies, spending your summer on staff is far more than just a job. Honestly, it is a life-changing experience. Here are some reasons to skip the internship and come to camp this summer!
A Thin Veil and God's Creation
At our camps, the veil between Heaven and Earth is remarkably thin. There is an immense sense of the Holy Spirit flowing through these spaces, moving through the rustling trees and chapels filled with campers in worship. It never quite feels like work when you are completely immersed in God’s creation. Imagine starting your mornings watching the sun rise over the Gulf, hiking through the crisp mountain air of Roosevelt National Forest, or participating in compline at St. Francis chapel under a massive blanket of stars in the Texas Hill Country. It is an environment that naturally sustains your own faith while you help cultivate it in those around you.
Unmatched Joy and Lifelong Memories
Let me be the first to say that taking care of campers for a week at a time takes a lot of energy. But the joy that these campers will bring to your days makes every single second worth it. You get to be the person who helps a shy kid come out of their shell, encourages someone to conquer their fear of the zip line or screamer, and answers their deep questions about faith. You will also build genuine, lifelong friendships with your fellow staff members. The shared memories, the collective mission to serve those around us, and the inside jokes create a bond that is impossible to find anywhere else. These things, along with the Holy Spirit, are what sustain you most during those tired times.
Translating "Camp Staff" to "Resume Speak"
A common misconception that I hear is that working at camp doesn't look as "professional" as an internship would on a resume, and I’ll tell you why that couldn’t be further from the truth. The skills you learn at any of our camps, whether it be Camp Capers, Mustang Island, or Duncan Park, are all highly marketable and can easily be translated into appealing resume bullet points for any career!
- Lifeguarding & CPR Certifications: You aren't just watching people swim, you are demonstrating vigilance, emergency response readiness, and the ability to maintain composure in distracting environments.
- Ropes Course Coordination: Facilitating a high or low ropes course translates directly to risk management, safety compliance, and team-building facilitation.
- Leading Camp-Wide Activities: Getting dozens of kids organized and engaged requires public speaking, program coordination, and adaptability when the schedule changes.
The Takeaway
Working at one of our camps is an opportunity to build your professional resume while legitimately having the summer of your life and making memories that will last a lifetime. It is an opportunity to serve, to grow as a person, and to be in a place where God's presence is undeniable. So, before you accept that boring summer internship, pause and consider the river, the beach, or the mountains. Our camps are calling!
