Summer Camp Employment

At Sugar Creek, your work will change lives, including your own. Spend your summer growing in faith, building leadership skills, and creating lifelong friendships while helping campers experience God’s love in a beautiful outdoor setting.

Why work at Sugar Creek

Working at Sugar Creek is more than a summer job—it’s a calling, a community, and an adventure. You’ll be part of a team that encourages you, challenges you, and celebrates with you as you grow.

About Sugar Creek

Sugar Creek is Christ-centered, Spirit-led, and Bible-fed!

Our 660-acre property is full of meandering streams, lively ponds, high bluffs, peaceful prairies, and cozy cabins.
We emphasize small group relational ministry through a well-established decentralized village system. Campers live in “villages” of 15–50 youth each week, and each counselor typically leads a group of 4–8 campers in grades K–12.

Each summer, we welcome 1,500+ campers across residential, traveling, and Day Camp programs. A summer here is full of variety, faith-building experiences, and outdoor adventures.

Hear from those who've been here

Listen to heartfelt reflections from staff who found purpose, growth, and community while serving at camp.

Roles you can explore

Qualifications

Faith in Jesus Christ as Lord: Be willing and able to share your life in Christ with others. You don’t need to have all the answers—just a desire to grow, share, and walk in faith with a God who loves you unconditionally.
Openness to ELCA Lutheran theology: You don’t need to be Lutheran but should be open to ELCA Lutheran theology. Not sure what that is? The Program Director or Executive Director would love to have a respectful conversation about your faith, questions, and comfort level. Most staff come in with little formal theological education—and that’s completely okay!
Passion for people: A heart for helping people of all ages, especially kids and youth.
Willingness to try new things: Be ready for new experiences and adventures.
Education: High school diploma required (exceptions made for those who completed the LEAD program).
Background check: Ability to pass a criminal background check as a condition of employment.

Pay and perks

$300/week starting salary (for staff with at least one year of college or equivalent experience)
Experience Bonus: +$10/week for each prior summer on staff
Leadership Bonus: +$20/week for leadership roles
Recruitment Bonus: Earn $100 for each new staff member you refer who interviews, plus $200 more if they complete their summer contract
Free housing and meals in modern facilities with private bathrooms and showers in each dorm room
Time off on weekends to rest, recharge, or explore
Transportation provided from Madison or La Crosse, WI

International staff opportunities

Sugar Creek is proud to be a global community! We’ve welcomed staff from the Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mexico, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and more.

We provide:

Visa Support through trusted partners like IENA for J-1 visas
Transportation from Madison or La Crosse airports
Housing & Meals with private bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and all meals included
Cultural Opportunities to explore Wisconsin and connect with local families
Custom Internships in coordination with the academic advisor for international students studying in the U.S.

How to apply

Applications open November 1, 2025

Apply online (no resume/cover letter needed unless applying for leadership roles).
List 3 references.
The Program Director will schedule a Zoom or in-person interview.
Background check and work eligibility verification required.
Contact the Program Director at program@sgrcreek.org or (608) 734- 3113 if you have any questions.

Important dates

May 29–June 2: Leadership Staff Training
June 2–13: Full Staff Training (time off Saturday, June 7)
June 15: First day of summer camp
July 11–13: Staff Renewal Weekend
August 1: Last day of summer camp
August 2: All-camp clean-up day
August 3–10: Family Camp sessions

Time commitment and training

All summer staff take part in mandatory training covering safety, youth ministry strategies, peer ministry skills, curriculum training, outdoor living skills, and other certifications.

The work week begins Sundays at noon with a staff meeting and ends Fridays around 5 pm, giving you time off over the weekend to rest, recharge, or explore.

Staff stay in the Koinonia Lodge all summer, which features:

A large fireplace room, dining area, kitchen, and rec room
Fiber optic Wi-Fi throughout the building
Private bathrooms and showers in each dorm room

FAQs

Do I need to be Lutheran to work here?

No! You just need to be open to ELCA Lutheran theology and excited to grow in faith with others

What if I’ve never worked with kids before?

That’s okay! Our staff training equips you with everything you need, from outdoor skills to youth ministry strategies.

What are housing and meals like?

Staff stay in the Koinonia Lodge with private bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and a full kitchen. All meals are provided.

Is this a paid position?

Yes! Earn $300/week plus bonuses, with free housing and meals.

Do I need a car to get there?

No, transportation is available from Madison or La Crosse, WI.

Can I get internship credit?

Yes, we’ll work with your school to create custom internships.

What’s it like to be part of the Sugar Creek staff community?

It’s like joining a family. You’ll share meals, worship, and adventures with people who quickly become lifelong friends. Staff come from many backgrounds and countries, creating a rich mix of stories, skills, and perspectives that make every summer unique.

Will I make friends?

Definitely! Many staff describe their camp friendships as some of the most meaningful relationships of their lives.

Do I have to know everything about faith?

Nope! What matters most is curiosity, openness, and a willingness to grow together in a supportive, Christ-centered community.