Make Camp Sonshine Your Summer Home!
What Your Summer Could Look Like As a Part of Our Summer Staff!
Are you ready to say “Yes”?
Join our talented team dedicated to helping kids succeed in their journey of growing up. Be part of a team delivering award-winning programming aimed to create fun memories where children and youth experience God’s love. Say yes to joining our summer staff!
Interested in serving?
Say Yes to your summer home!
Want More Information?
Important Dates 2027
Camp Dates
10 weeks: June 14th – August 20th
Arrival Date
June 5th
Departure Dates
August 21st and 22nd
Orientation & Training
June 5th – June 13th
Important Dates 2027
Camp Dates
10 weeks: June 14th – August 20th
Arrival Date
June 5th
Departure Dates
August 21st and 22nd
Orientation & Training
June 5th – June 13th
Summer Staff Experience
Working at Camp Sonshine Maryland isn’t just a job. In fact, it’s a mission that engages every part of your being. Despite its challenges, a summer here is highly rewarding. Staff find it fulfilling while serving others. They discover God’s purpose for their lives.
Weekends Off!
Spend weekends at home, church or on Weekend Trips! Enjoy time to yourself or with the friends you make along the way.
Staff Outings
Camp Sonshine organizes various weekend trips such as visits to Six Flags, Washington DC, Annapolis, and more!
Food
Meals are served in a family-style setting to foster connections and teamwork. The food we provide at camp is NOT going to be anywhere near a 5 star restaurant. But we do provide all meals.
*Please refer to our staff handbook to read about potential examples of food provided
Housing
International and non-local staff are provided housing all summer long.
Practical Training
Upon arrival, counselors will learn about Camp Sonshine as an organization. Counselors will also receive expectations and bond as a team. We want to help you grow into the person you were created to be!
Life Changing Community
Our staff come from all over the world. Therefore, you will have the unique opportunity to make life-long friendships with those near and far!
Leadership Development
Throughout the summer, staff actively participate in various meetings essential for smooth operation of our camp.
These meetings include:
Morning Meetings
Sessions aimed to set expectations for the day, incorporating devotionals and daily announcements.
Monday Night Workout
Time designated for staff to prepare for the week’s activities and foster camaraderie within their program.
Refuel
A dedicated period for worship, prayer, and personal spiritual growth. Additionally, we offer opportunities for baptism during the summer if you feel called.
Housing Meetings
Led by Housing Leadership, these weekly gatherings cover a range of topics. Such as general announcements, prayer requests, and fostering house bonding.
Everyday staff arrive to camp by 6:30 AM and stay as late as 8:30 PM for evening meetings. In addition, some programs have latestays and overnighters. Consequently, staff will be required to stay later or sometimes overnight. A typical camp day schedule depends on the program and age group. Moreover, staff are expected to participate in other developmental opportunities during the summer.
Group Counselor Sample Schedule:
Activities Counselor Sample Schedule:
Summer Staff are expected to:
- Arrive on time and leave when dismissed.
- Perform all assigned duties.
- Follow Camp Sonshine Lifestyle Policies.
- Create a safe environment where children feel comfortable asking questions.
- Adhere to the specified dress code.
- Respect and follow guidelines for communication with other staff and campers.
- Maintain a Christian-like mindset throughout the summer.
- Complete projects such as Camper Cards and Birthday Cards.
*Refer to staff handbook for detailed policies
Explore the stories of past Camp Sonshine staff alumni
Read “To Our Incoming Staff” and discover why their time here was truly life-changing!
Available Positions
They will work with a specific group of campers throughout the summer. There are typically 12 campers per group. This role may vary due to the wide age range of our campers (4-16 years old).
*Group Counselors must be 18+ years old.
These counselors specialize in various activity areas. They offer campers opportunities to try new experiences, tackle challenges, and have fun!
*Activity Counselors must be 18+ years old.
Activity Areas Include:
Camp Store and Snack Shack
A favorite hangout spot that offers various camp merchandise for purchase. These counselors should be lively, positive, hardworking, and have integrity.
Discovery Time
A captivating storytelling experience. Therefore, counselors should be creative and adaptable. In addition to being excellent conversationalists.
Eco Explorations
These counselors guide campers as they explore nature and possibly get dirty!
Forest Ranger
Combining food and fun, these counselors must be knowledgeable about starting campfires. They should be conscientious about fire safety and food allergies.
Go Karts
Counselors should excel in conversation, prioritize detail and safety as they manage groups and go-kart materials.
Paintball Gallery
This activity requires a safety-conscious counselor who also manages equipment with attention to detail.
Robin's Range
Offering an exciting challenge from Archery to Tomahawk Toss. These counselors must be adaptable, safety-conscious, and passionate about delivering excellent instruction.
Ropes
From Tarzan Swing to conquering the climbing wall, campers adore our ropes courses. Ropes counselors must embrace challenges and prioritize safety.
Whether behind the scenes or in the forefront, our support team is crucial.
Support Positions Include:
Admin Assistants
Support the logistical needs of camp by following a specific person or program to ensure excellence in daily operations.
Calming Tent
Collaborates with camp leadership and families to address camper behavior. Duties may include extended supervision of campers and handling difficult situations.
Camp Nurse
Manages First Aid Station, ensuring the well-being of campers and staff during camp hours. This may include responding to minor injuries or medication administration.
Food Service
Assist in staff food management. Such as gathering supplies, meal assembly, and kitchen cleanliness.
Photographer and Videographer
Captures all the amazing memories made every day. From group photos to action shots, they capture every moment.
Receptionist
The first face our camper’s parents see! Responsibilities include responding to phone calls or emails and managing parent communications.
Social Media Assistant
Oversees social media accounts, gathering content, and assisting in any other marketing needs.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the campers like?
Camp Sonshine serves the Silver Spring area and cater to children aged 4-16. We welcome a diverse mix of religions, cultures, and financial backgrounds among the thousands who join us each summer.
Where is Camp Sonshine?
Learn more about our locations in Maryland by visiting Our Grounds.
What is the hiring process?
- First, APPLY.
- Next, a recruiter will contact you and schedule a interview.
- Finally, within 5 days of the interview, you will be contacted with a decision.
As Summer Staff, How much do I get paid?
International Staff:
Camp Sonshine has contractual agreements with various international J-1 visa agencies. They dictate the rates we pay to international staff. These rates, determined by a complex formula, are provided prior to accepting a position. We incur significant fees for these services, unlike with our domestic staff. However, we willingly invest in our international staff, reflecting our deep appreciation for their contributions.
Domestic Staff:
Please note over 21 confidential variables determine pay scales and we advise considering the offered wage before signing a contract. As a seasonal recreational ministry, we are exempt from minimum wage and overtime provisions under section 13(a)(3) of the FLSA act. We acknowledge this as a sacrifice and deeply appreciate your willingness to contribute. Your sacrifice helps us keep camp affordable for families and provide scholarships to many who otherwise couldn’t attend.
Do you offer housing for summer staff?
Yes! If necessary, international and non-local staff will be placed in camp housing accordingly.
When will I know where I'll be working during the summer?
Our staff will find out their placement during counselor orientation.
What if I can't work every required work day?
You never know if you don’t ask! Contact us for more information.
I always say that the campers here are special. These campers teach me about God and look at the world with a positivity that I cannot comprehend. I am forever changed for the better by working with these children that God has placed here”
– Danni
Assistant Director of GT (2023)
Every year you add new things which keeps the kids excited and engaged. I love the thorough training that the staff gets. Everyone is informative and helpful.”
– Mitch
Activities Programmer (2023)
There are friends and then there is family, but I was so blessed to have met a friend that became my family over 3 months of summer camp.”