SUMMER STAFF (PAID)

The Summer Staff program is more than a job; it can be life transforming. In addition to your job duties, you will be challenged in your spiritual walk through small group interaction specifically designed to help you take the next step in your relationship with Jesus. Special attention is paid to helping you hear God's call for your life. Come grow, change, and serve with us on the Summer Staff Team!

The goal of the Summer Staff program is two-fold. We use the ministry environment of Silver Birch Ranch to teach and develop the next generation of Christ-following leaders while providing summer programming for local churches to use to further their youth ministries.

Silver Birch Ranch allows many different opportunities for those in the program to learn and develop the skills needed in leadership. Summer Staff members are placed in positions of leadership and many will lead crews of volunteers in daily work details.

Through training, combined with hands-on experience, Summer Staff members learn valuable lessons about leadership and the responsibilities that come with it. All Summer Staff members will be cross-trained as counselors in addition to your primary position. Counseling re-assignments will be made as needed on a weekly basis.

Qualifications

  • Applicants must have a dynamic (seeking and obeying) relationship with Jesus Christ, and a strong desire to serve Him in the camp setting.

  • Applicants must be high school graduates.

  • No one who has been convicted of child abuse can work at Silver Birch Ranch.

Time

  • These positions begin on 5/27/2025, 5pm and end on 8/14/2025.

  • Summer Staff members are expected to stay for the entire eleven-week period. Any exceptions must be approved in advance.

Pay

All positions are paid $250.00 (pre-tax) per week, plus room and board. Summer Staff pay is distributed in a lump sum at the end of the summer.

Online Documentation

Applicants should read and understand the Summer Staff and Volunteer Manual, Counselor Manual and Doctrinal Statement of Silver Birch Ranch before completing the application.

Application Process

How do I apply?

Submit an application via our online application by clicking the button below.

Plan to dedicate 30-45 minutes to this process. In order to complete this application, be prepared to do the following:

  • complete the personal information in this form

  • upload a recent photo of yourself

  • answer questions about your relationship with Christ and ministry experiences

  • provide the name, phone number, and email address of a character reference

  • obtain a parent signature if you are currently under 18

When your application is submitted, we will send a request, via email, to the person you listed as your reference. Applications will not be reviewed until we receive the completed information. Please inform your reference to check for an email from Silver Birch Ranch that needs their attention.

Position Offers

Department Directors (or their appointee) will contact selected candidates by phone. Candidates who accept the offer will have one week to complete and submit their Background Release Form. A successful background check is required for employment (only candidates with negative results will be contacted again).

 

Positions (*All Positions)

  • Staff Director (Boys & Girls) Oversees the summer volunteers. Lives in volunteer housing, coordinates daily devotions, organizes daily meetings and staff activities with co-Staff Director, and provides support for volunteers.

  • Program Works directly with campers, counselors and staff in all program areas. Responsibilities include facilitating games, meals, Chapel sessions, Family Camp youth groups, and leading Bible Hour.

  • Cook Prepares food for meals and/or outside events and is trained to supervise a shift. Cooks will also rotate into the dishroom.

  • Program Kitchen Prepares all off-site meals and child-care snacks. Also assists in preparation of meals in the kitchen.

  • Canteen Services Duties include the daily running of the Canteen, Coffee Bar and Trading Post. Must demonstrate accurate cash counting ability. Also has oversight of the volunteer staff.

  • Challenge Course You will be involved in facilitating and maintaining SBR's Challenge Course. You will be trained with the skills necessary to run the climbing wall, zip-line, Leap of Faith, and the archery/BB gun range. Challenge course and archery experience is welcome, but not required.

  • Maintenance Oversees maintenance crew. Duties include garbage runs, painting, raking, and other maintenance/grounds-keeping activities.

  • Housekeeping Oversees the housekeeping crew. Duties consist of cleaning cabins, meeting rooms, doing laundry, and supplying toiletries.

  • Office/Housekeeping
    Office duties include reception tasks, answering and directing phone calls, data entry, and mail distribution. Assist with Youth Camp and Family Camp registrations. Experience with Word and Excel is required. This position works half time in the office, and half time in housekeeping.

  • Tech-Audio Duties consist of running sound, recording messages, and presenting slides and videos for Chapel sessions, as well as uploading messages. (Tech operates as a team unit and there may be times duties get shared. i.e. running slides, setting up for theme night, etc…)

  • Tech-Photo Duties consist of taking pictures of camper activities, creating photo files, uploading pictures, and creating slides for chapel sessions. (Tech operates as a team unit and there may be times duties get shared. i.e. running slides, setting up for theme night, etc…)

  • Tech-Video Duties consist of taking video of camper activities and creating week-in-review videos. (Tech operates as a team unit and there may be times duties get shared. i.e. running slides, setting up for theme night, etc…)

  • Lifeguard Oversee total waterfront operation including; whitewater rafting, tubing adventure, swimming and boating and specialty breakfasts. Lifeguard, CPR, First Aid certification required.

  • Wrangler Duties consist of barn maintenance and cleaning, haying, leading trail rides, providing riding lessons, and preparing specialty breakfasts. Female wranglers may also counsel for Riding Adventure.

  • Health Care Healthcare Co-Supervisor: Two medical staff will co-direct and provide medical care/first aid to campers, distribute medications, and makes data entry of medications and care given. Requirements: CPR and First Aid. Nursing students with clinical experience welcome. Call Brad Ellis at 715-484-2742 ext.232 for additional requirements.

  • Northwoods Retreat

    Work directly with guests, staff, and volunteers to accomplish the varying goals and needs of guests throughout the summer. Duties include, but are not limited to, housekeeping, cooking, maintenance, guest services, and program.

    *Plus other duties as assigned by your supervisor