• 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. Staff training may begin as early as June 9th, 2026, and Resident Counselors will continue to serve through August 6, 2027. The tentative calendar is outlined as such: June 13-19 – Training @ Camp Magruder/Suttle Lake, June 21-25 - Magruder Week 1 (Day Camp), June 27-July 1 – Magruder Week 2 (Mini-Camp, Camp Hope (camp that serves developmentally disabled adults), Trees and Tides (Nature Camp)), July 3-9 – Magruder Week 3 (Elementary 1, Middle School 1, and MADD Senior High Camp (Music, Art, Dance, & Drama), July 10-15 – Suttle Lake Week 1 (dates approximate), July 18-23 – Suttle Lake Week 2 (dates approximate), and July 31 - August 6 – 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 $600 per week for an 7-week summer.

  • Contact Info

    If at any point you have questions, please contact Max Kemling (He, Him) at 503-355-2310 or at max@campmagruder.org.
  • Preferred pronouns (check all that apply)*
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  • How should we contact you with interview/hiring information? (We prefer email)*
  • How did you hear about this position opening?
  • Date of Birth*
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  • Check any role which you have camp experience
  • Everyone involved in Conference Camp programming must submit to a criminal background check if hired. *
  • What is the earliest date you could start, if hired*
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  • What is the latest date you could work, if hired*
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  • Vespers Strengths

    Leading worship, or what Camp Magruder calls vespers, is an important part of the work we'll do at 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*

  • 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 max@campmagruder.org)
  • Oregon Food Handler’s Permit is required for Camp 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.*

  • Working with Children and Youth

  • In what 4 areas do you think you offer the best gifts for campers*

  • Activity Skills

  • Share where you have experience in activities you might lead if hired *
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  • 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*
  • Check the 4 boxes that apply most to you*

  • 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
  • Community Service
  • Other work with Children/Youth/Families

  • Past Employment

    Please list all previous employment

  • 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 through Jotform or sent to max@campmagruder.org.
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  • Date of Signature*
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