Staff Frequently Asked Questions
Getting ready to serve on camp staff comes with plenty of questions, especially if this is your first summer as a counselor. Our Staff FAQ is designed to help you know what to expect and feel prepared for your role at LOMIK. You’ll find helpful information about training, schedules, what to bring, meals and housing, camper care, health and safety, communication, time off, and more. Whether you’re joining the team for the first time or returning for another summer, we want you to feel confident, supported, and ready to help create a safe, meaningful, and memorable camp experience.
Camp Staff FAQs
We know that working at camp is exciting, meaningful, and also a lot of work! Staff will have 2 hours each day during the week to rest, recharge, do laundry, call home, spend time with friends, or simply have some quiet time. Your exact schedule will vary based on your role, the camp schedule, and the needs of the program. We’ll work together to make sure you have time to rest and take care of yourself while also being ready to give your best to campers.
During a camp session, staff are expected to stay on camp property during their scheduled time off. Even when you’re off the clock, being part of the camp community means being available to support one another and help create a safe, welcoming, and fun environment for our campers. Some of the best parts of camp happen in the everyday moments when we show up for each other.
We know everyone needs time to rest, recharge, and take a break, too. Staff may choose to leave camp property during their time off on the weekends or they may choose to stay and have fun with their new friends on staff or attend church together on Sunday. We want you to enjoy your time off, take care of yourself, and return ready for another great week of camp.
You’ll have access to laundry facilities during the summer. Plan ahead and use your time off to keep up with laundry rather than waiting until you’re completely out of clean clothes! Bring your own laundry detergent and label your belongings. Laundry facilities are shared, so please be considerate of other staff and don’t leave clothes sitting in the machines.
Weekend meals may look a little different from meals during the regular camp week. When campers are gone, staff food will be provided on site for you to warm up or you may choose to pop into town for a treat at a local restaurant. We’ll share how you know what food is available and how to identify it during staff training. If you have special dietary needs, please talk with us before the summer so we can plan ahead.
Not necessarily. Your weekend schedule will depend on your position, the camp schedule, retreats, and other LOMIK activities. Some weekends may be yours to head home or make your own plans, while other weekends may include work responsibilities. There should be no time when there is only one staff member on campus. We’ll communicate schedules as far in advance as possible so you can plan your time.
Yes! One of the unique parts of being on the LOMIK summer team is that our staff are cross-trained and may work at all three camps Lake Luther, Lutheran Hills, and Lutherwald. You’ll get to experience different camp communities, meet new people, learn how each site operates, and become part of the larger LOMIK team.
LOMIK will assist the staff to coordinate travel between camp sites when you are scheduled to work at another location. We’ll communicate where you need to be, when you need to be there, and if you do not have a vehicle the staff can work together to make transportation arrangements.
Having access to a vehicle can be helpful during your time off, but you do not need your own car to be part of the LOMIK summer staff. Work-related transportation between LOMIK sites can be coordinated as needed. If you plan to leave camp during your weekends off, you’ll want to make sure you have a transportation plan that works for you.
In a bed, of course. Summer staff housing will be provided at the camp where you are working. Staff housing is shared, and you will be living with other members of the summer team. Living together is part of the camp experience you’ll make friends, share plenty of laughs, and learn a lot about being part of a community!
We love when your people want to know more about the place you’re spending your summer! However, because camper safety and staff responsibilities come first, visitors need to be approved in advance and may be limited during camper programming. Talk with your Site Director before making plans for someone to visit.
Yes, but campers come first! Staff may have access to their phones during approved personal time, but phones should be put away while you are working with campers unless they are needed for your job. One of the gifts of camp is being fully present with the people around you, so we encourage staff to model the same unplugged experience we want for campers.
Absolutely! We want you to stay connected with the people who support you. Your schedule will include time when you can call or text family and friends. If you have an important family situation or need additional time to connect with home, talk with your supervisor. We want you to be supported while you’re serving at camp. We just ask you not have your phones out in front of campers.
Come prepared for camp life, changing weather, getting dirty, and lots of activity! You’ll want comfortable clothes, sturdy shoes, swimwear, toiletries, bedding, a water bottle and anything else listed on the summer staff packing list. Label your belongings camp has a way of making everyone’s stuff look alike!
Your health matters! Making sure you are getting enough sleep and eating well are key to staying healthy at camp. Tell your health officer and site director if you are sick, injured, or not feeling well. We’ll help you determine what you need and make sure you know how to access appropriate medical care. Please communicate early rather than trying to push through when you’re not well.
Camp can be an amazing experience, but it can also be challenging. Long days, living with a team, and caring for campers can stretch you in new ways. You don’t have to figure everything out by yourself. Talk with your summer director or another member of the leadership team if you’re struggling. Asking for help is part of being a good teammate not a sign that you’re failing.
Living and working together means there will occasionally be differences. We expect staff to communicate honestly, listen to one another, and work toward healthy solutions. If you can’t resolve something on your own, ask a summer director or other leadership team for help. Camp is a place where we practice the same relationship skills we encourage campers to develop.
Sometimes. Staff activities and recreational opportunities depend on the site, schedule, weather, and safety requirements. Some activities may require a trained staff member or specific supervision, this will all be reviewed during staff training. You may always check with your summer director if you have questions.
Please let us know before the summer begins so we can talk through your needs and determine how meals can be handled. We’ll do our best to make sure you have safe and appropriate food options. Staff are also responsible for communicating clearly about their dietary needs and helping us understand what they need.
Yes! Your summer pay covers 2 weeks of training and 8 weeks of camp, including one week off around the Fourth of July. You’ll get paid for the full summer season, including your scheduled week off, so you can rest, recharge, and come back ready for more camp adventures!
Camp doesn’t stop just because the campers go home! Camper-free days may include clean-up, preparation, staff development, planning, facility projects, retreat support, training, or team time. There may also be opportunities for additional personal time depending on the schedule and your responsibilities.
Ask! There are no silly questions when you’re learning a new job and becoming part of a new team. Your summer director and the year-round LOMIK staff are here to help you understand expectations, solve problems, and have a great summer. We’d rather you ask than wonder!
You are part of the LOMIK team. Your summer will include hard work, long days, laughter, challenges, new friendships, opportunities to grow, and plenty of moments when you’ll see why camp matters so much.
Take care of yourself. Take care of each other. Take care of camp. And most of all, remember why we’re here—to create a safe, welcoming, faith-filled place where campers can experience God’s love.
