International Summer Staff
Welcome to Trout Lake Camps. Trout Lake Camps is a Christian camp located in Central Minnesota, USA. We exist to challenge kids of all ages with the life-changing message of Jesus Christ. We teach the basics of biblical faith in age-appropriate ways and incorporate the truths from the Bible in as many ways as possible.
If you are looking for a summer job, enjoy kids, and open to sharing about why you love Jesus and your personal relationship with Him, then Trout might be the place for you to spend your summer.
In summer 2019, we hired 161 college-age summer staff from all over the United States and 11 countries. A summer working at Trout is more than just a summer job. You will make life-long friends, be stretched in new and fresh ways, and see God move in incredible ways. Staff often report that working at Trout is one of the most challenging experiences of their life and also one of the most rewarding.
If you have questions about camp or how to apply email Tait Hoglund.
- Hard workers, people who need to "punch a clock" need not apply
- All-In, Trout staff members view their jobs as their mission trip versus their job
- Lean Forward – Staff members have "can-do", "how can I help?" type of attitudes. When they see problems, they take initiative to fix them themselves
- Love Kids – From the Kitchen, to Housekeeping staff to Lifeguards, we look for people who have a heart for kids, young and old
- Have a personal relationship with Jesus – Why do you Believe in Jesus? What is the gospel? How can someone have a personal relationship with Jesus? Trout staff members should have personal ownership in their relationship with Christ and be open to share that with kids when they ask.
- Believe in the Bible – Trout staff members believe the Bible and it's teachings to be true and point kids to the central truths of scripture.
- Trout staff members don't Take themselves too seriously – They understand the value of humor and know how to always make the best out of a bad situation.
- Food, Housing, and Laundry facilities are provided throughout your employment
- A modest stipend to cover other living expenses, travel, and leisure activities
- Limited access to a computer (usually 1-2 times per week max) to connect with home
- Free Staff T-Shirts!
- Staff Outing and Community Events as available throughout the summer to experience Minnesota, American Culture – (oh you betcha!)
For more information on the positions we hire, see below:
The Disciple Team Coordinator directs the Junior and Senior High Disciple Team Program. Each week 35–50 junior and senior high school students volunteer at camp. The Disciple Team Coordinator is the person who schedules, trains, supervises, and leads activities for these students.
The Program Events Coordinators design and direct all camp-wide activities. Applicants should be creative and comfortable in front of large groups.
The Music and Chapel Coordinator is responsible for musical and dramatic leadership in all areas of programming. This includes leading all evening chapel sessions. The Music & Chapel Coordinator also assists the Events Coordinator in leadership of games and evening activities.
The Audio Visual Specialist is responsible for videotaping and photographing camp activities, creating videos using computer based editing equipment, and running the sound system during chapel sessions and special events.
The Recreation Area Coordinator teaches sports skill classes and leads afternoon group recreation activities. This person is also responsible for the care and upkeep of all sports equipment and leading tournaments and activities, and assisting the event coordinators in leading evening activities.
The Adventure Area Specialist leads adventure based activities such as high and low ropes, climbing, zip line, team initiatives, canoeing, mountain biking and riflery. Adventure staff members supervise and teach activities at Trout. Applicants must be skilled in some of the above areas.
The Horsemanship Coordinator/ Wrangler is responsible for all aspects of the horsemanship program. This includes teaching classes, leading trail rides, caring for horses and equipment, and handling horses during special events or activities. Applicants must have solid horse skills and proven teaching experience. The Horsemanship Director must be a certified riding instructor or be willing to attend a CHA training clinic before arriving at camp. The Wranglers assist the Coordinator.
The Arts and Crafts Specialist directs Trout Lake Camps' Arts and Crafts program. This includes teaching classes and managing the craft shack in the afternoon. Applicants should be creative with fresh ideas and have a variety of artistic and craft skills.
The Lifeguard/Waterfront Coordinator manages all activities, equipment and personnel at both the beach and boat areas. This involves teaching skills classes, managing open swim times. Applicants should be an American Red Cross Lifeguard.
The Lifeguard/Ski Boat Specialist teach morning canoeing, sailing, water-skiing or fishing skills classes and lifeguards during afternoon activities. Staff also maintains and cares for all boating equipment. Waterfront staff must be American Red Cross certified lifeguards or water safety instructors and should be at least 18 years of age.
The Lifeguard/Boating & Swim Area Specialist teach morning swimming classes, lifeguard during afternoon and evening beach activities, and during open swim times. Waterfront staff must be American Red Cross certified lifeguards or water safety instructors and should be at least 18 years of age.
A Cabin Leader is responsible for day and night supervision in a cabin of 8-11 campers. This is the most physically and emotionally demanding job at camp, but also one of the most rewarding. Cabin leading requires someone that can find enjoyment though spending an extensive amount of time with kids and is committed to their growth. A cabin leader must be graduated from high school or GED.
The Cabin Coordinators train, supervise and support cabin leader staff. They must be able to handle difficult situations such as discipline problems, homesickness, and contacting camper parents. Applicants should have cabin leading experience.
The Cooks are generally responsible for leadership and coordination of all kitchen meals, cleanup and special needs. They will gain the knowledge of the basics of food preperation and service. Experience in food preparation is preferred.
The Dishwashers are responsible for cleaning up after meals. This includes washing dishes, mopping dishroom floors and other general clean up. This position supervises and works alongside many high school age staff each week.
The Dining Hall Host/Hostess is responsible for the overall appearance and operation of one of the two dining facilities. This includes preparing tables for all meals and cleaning up after meals. They are responsible for the beverages served at each meal.
The Soda Fountain and Barn Coordinators are responsible for supervising the soda fountain (Trout's ice cream shops). This involves operating and balancing a cash register, supervising younger staff, inventory of supplies, and serving campers.
The Janitorial/Housekeeping Staff are responsible for cleaning up various areas of camp including bathrooms, buildings, guest and general grounds areas.
The Groundskeeper is responsible for maintaining the grounds at Trout. They will mow, weed, water and repair all over camp. They are also responsible for washing vehicles.
The Office Specialists are responsible for daily office functions. Tasks include processing bank money, answering and directing telephone calls, sorting mail, processing paperwork, running the store and assisting with many other projects.
