Resident Counselor Application
Thank you for applying as a Resident Counselor. Resident Counselors work for the Oregon-Idaho Camping and Retreat Ministries across two beautiful sites, Camps Magruder and Suttle Lake. Resident Counselors travel between these sites throughout the summer to serve as positive role models for campers, other counselors, and their peers. This position requires the applicant to be a person who works wells as a leader to children and youth and who can provide a safe, fun, and meaningful experience to campers even amidst fatigue. The work serving as a Resident Counselor involves long hours and is very physically demanding. Applicants should understand this is a position that requires stamina and endurance, as well as a positive outlook. The application is not considered complete until two reference forms for the applicant are returned, as well. The applicant is responsible for sending out the reference forms and seeing that they are completed in a timely manner.
Our Mission
Oregon-Idaho Camping and Retreat Ministries is a partnership with the Episcopal and United Methodist church and is committed to creating sacred spaces of Christian hospitality and learning. Our staff live out the camp’s mission by embodying Christ’s love for all people no matter age, sexual orientation, gender, background, ethnicity, or culture.
Logistics
Staff serve as a positive role-model for campers, guests, volunteers, and each other. Working at camp requires staff members to work and live in close Christian community with an entire team of people. This offers a unique opportunity to explore and grow in your personal faith, make a difference in the life of others, learn life & leadership skills, make new friends, be challenged, and enjoy a beautiful outdoor setting. Due to COVID-19, staffers can expect some safety requirements and guidelines to be followed for this job. Staff training will begin as early as June 9th, 2026 at Camp Magruder, and Resident Counselors will continue to serve through August 8, 2026. The tentative calendar is outlined as such: June 14-27 – Training @ Camp Magruder, June 28-July 2 – Magruder Week 2 (Mini-Camp and Camp Hope (camp that serves developmentally disabled adults)), July 4-10 – Magruder Week 3 (Elementary 1, Middle School 1, and MADD Senior High Camp (Music, Art, Dance, & Drama), July 11-16 – Suttle Lake Week 1 (dates approximate), July 19-24 – Suttle Lake Week 2 (dates approximate), and August 1-7 – Magruder Week 3 (Elementary 2, Middle School 2, Senior High Adventure, and Q Camp (camp for campers in the LGBTQ+ community)). These dates are meant for planning purposes only and are subject to change. This position is offering a seasonal salary equaling to about $590 per week for an 7-week summer.
Contact Info
If at any point you have questions, please contact Hope Montgomery (she, her) at 503-355-2310 or at hope@campmagruder.org.
Back
Next
Name
*
First Name
Last Name
Preferred Name
*
What would you like us to call you?
Preferred pronouns (check all that apply)
*
she/her
he/him
them/them
Other
Permanent Address
*
Street Address
Street Address Line 2
City
State / Province
Postal / Zip Code
College Address (if applicable)
Street Address
Street Address Line 2
City
State / Province
Postal / Zip Code
Email
*
example@example.com
Cell Phone
*
-
Area Code
Phone Number
Home Phone (if different than cell)
-
Area Code
Phone Number
How should we contact you with interview/hiring information? (We prefer email)
*
Email
Cell Phone (Text)
Other
How did you hear about this position opening?
Camp Magruder's social media
Google/online search
Family/friend
I was a camper here.
I came her for a retreat or event with another organization.
Other
Date of Birth
*
-
Month
-
Day
Year
Date Picker Icon
Do you identify as
*
Please Select
Female
Male
Nonbinary
Prefer not to respond
College, Class, and Major
Church you attend most regularly
Check any role which you have camp experience
Summer Camper
Retreats
Counselor Training from Camp Latgawa, Magruder, or Suttle Lake
Volunteer Counseling at Camp Latgawa, Magruder, or Suttle Lake
Summer Staff at Camp Latgawa, Magruder, or Suttle Lake
Counseling/Staff Experience at another Summer Camp
Outdoor School Staff
Everyone involved in Conference Camp programming must submit to a criminal background check if hired.
*
I give permission to use my personal information in a criminal background check.
I DO NOT give permission to use my personal information in a criminal background check.
What is the earliest date you could start, if hired
*
-
Month
-
Day
Year
Date Picker Icon
What is the latest date you could work, if hired
*
-
Month
-
Day
Year
Date Picker Icon
Vespers Strengths
Leading worship, or what Camp Magruder calls vespers, is an important part of the work we'll do at each camp, each week. We welcome a diverse range of faith backgrounds among staff members, but applicants should understand that they will be asked to take leadership roles in Christian vespers settings. We put a lot of value in the vespers experience and have a high standard of creativity and meaning. We train staffers and encourage them to use practices that they are comfortable with.
Check the vespers areas in which you are most talented or experienced
*
Prayer
Knowledge of Scripture
Scripture Reading
Skits
Songs
Speaking (Giving a Message)
Behind the Scenes/Set-up
Planning/Organizing
Teaching/Supervising Others in Vespers Planning
Creative Ideas
Spiritual Leadership
Other
Certifications and Skills
All Staff should be First Aid, CPR, and AED certified by their start date. We recommend you be certified or, at least, enrolled in a class by the time of your interview.
Check Lifesaving Certifications you currently hold (please attach life saving certificates in email to hope@campmagruder.org)
First Aid
First Aid for the Professional Rescuer
Adult CPR
Child/Infant CPR
AED Essentials
Life Guarding
Small Craft Safety (Boating)
Other
Oregon Food Handler’s Permit is required for Camp Latgawa, Magruder, and Suttle Lake summer staff. The permit can be attained after a simple test and $9-15 fee. Click on https://www.efoodcard.com/or/landing or http://www.orfoodhandlers.com/. It takes about 15-20 minutes to complete.
*
I don’t have the permit
I have a current permit (please attach a copy in an email to hope@campmagruder.org)
Working with Children and Youth
In what 4 areas do you think you offer the best gifts for campers
*
One-on-one counseling
Worship/spiritual leadership
Companionship
Social Interaction
Play
Supervision/Keeping Safe
Patience/Unconditional Love
Bonding a Cabin Group
Organizing Activities/Programs for Campers
Teaching About Faith
Emotional/Spiritual Support
A Positive Role Model
Someone who excels in creating routine
Teaching New Skills
Hard Work to Provide the Best Experience
Solving Problems
Activity Skills
Share where you have experience in activities you might lead if hired
*
No/Minimal Experience
Have Participated Comfortably
Have Participated and Taught Others
Sports
Nature Walks
Silly Songs
Musical Instrument
Games
Making Crafts
Get-to-know-you Games
Canoes/Kayaks
Skits
Photography/Video
Outdoor Living Skills
Spiritual Practices
Personality Profile
We want to get to know you better, what made you decide to apply, and what your biggest motivations and inspirations are.
Check 3 boxes you consider your greatest strengths
*
Patience
Organization
Motivation
Strong Work Ethic
Open Mindedness
Problem Solving Skills
Sense of Humor
Positive Outlook
Flexibility
Encouraging
Connects easily with others
A good listener
Emotionally attentive and intelligent
Check the 4 boxes that apply most to you
*
I am very outgoing and like to meet as many people as possible
I like to lead and have a strong voice in most groups
I am very aware of group dynamics and like to help people feel comfortable
I feel comfortable with just about anyone
I prefer to cultivate deeper, one-on-one relationships with a few people in the group
It is important for me to have a schedule with things laid out in an orderly fashion
It is important to me to get all my responsibilities out of the way before anything else
I usually have multiple projects I am trying to complete at any given time
It is very difficult to make me nervous or upset
I like to fix problems
I am a perfectionist
It is important to me to always be looking for ways to help out my peers and co-workers
I try to enjoy every moment of every day
I am looking to challenge myself and do something that scares me a little
I don’t tire or get frustrated quickly. I have a lot of stamina
I think a great deal about how my decisions and actions will affect others
Explain why you are applying for the Resident Counselor Position
*
Discuss your faith, what you believe, and how it influences your daily life
*
Experience
Share experience that has helped prepare you for this position. Check the areas you have worked with people younger than you.
Work in a Church
Sunday School
Vacation Bible School
Helping with younger youth in Youth Group
Youth Group Intern
Other
Community Service
Boy's and Girl's Club
YMCA
Big Brother/Big Sister
Other
Other work with Children/Youth/Families
Babysitting
Tutoring
Day Camps
Overnight Camps besides Camp Latgawa, Magruder, or Suttle Lake
Other
Past Employment
Please list all previous employment
List everywhere you have been employed, dates employed, supervisors, and contact information.
List any former employer you prefer we do not contact and why
References
Should be 21 years or older, non-family, and know you on a professional level. Link to or give a reference form to each of the two people you will list below. They can fill out the form online or complete a printed document. Your application is not complete until these reference forms are returned to the hope@campmagruder.org
Reference 1 Name
*
First Name
Last Name
Reference 1 Phone Number
*
-
Area Code
Phone Number
Reference 1 Email
*
example@example.com
Reference 2 Name
*
First Name
Last Name
Reference 2 Phone Number
*
-
Area Code
Phone Number
Reference 2 Email
example@example.com
I understand that it is my responsibility to send the reference forms to my references so that my application is complete. Reference forms are form on the same site that I found this application. I understand I can email hope@campmagruder with any questions.
*
Yes, I understand that I am responsible for sending my references their forms to fill out.
Signature and Release
*
I authorize investigation of all statements herein and release the camp and all others from liability in connection with same. I understand that, if employed, I will be an at-will employee and that any agreement to the contrary must be in writing and signed by the Camp Director. I also understand that untrue, misleading, or omitted information herein or in other documents completed by the applicant may result in dismissal, regardless of time of discovery by the camp.
Signature
Date of Signature
*
-
Month
-
Day
Year
Date Picker Icon
Submit
Should be Empty: