Summer Staff 2024: Work at Lamplight!

Summer staff don’t just work at Lamplight — they are co-owners of the camp. Staff work together to plan the summer and create the curriculum and after a year of work are eligible to join the board of our umbrella nonprofit, Sand Mountain Cooperative Education Center.

Job Title: Lamplight Summer Program Staff Member

Job Summary:

Lamplight is looking for staff members for a new session this summer in Birmingham. Lamplight is an intensive, three-week summer program for teenagers provided at no cost to families so that it is accessible to all. Lamplight has a unique model where the students are encouraged to take ownership over the camp by participating in major camp decisions and help run the day to day operations of the camp as well. Campers decide on labor or service projects, field trip destinations, and seminar topics. We highly encourage you to read our Day at Lamplight page to get a sense of the camp, but we should be clear: the Birmingham session may look and feel different than the Guntersville session and it will be up to the staff and campers to decide how.

Responsibilities:

  • Staff must ensure the safety of campers while encouraging them to take risks and take responsibility over camp

  • Staff must be able to work in a tight-knit team 

  • Staff must be able to work calmly and collaboratively in an environment that can be demanding, often requiring   long hours during camp

  • Supervise campers in a variety of activities, ensuring their safety and well-being

  • Build positive relationships with campers and provide guidance and support

  • Help plan and implement camp curriculum

  • Assist with other camp duties as needed, such as setting up/cleaning up, meal service, and administrative tasks

  • Participation in planning sessions leading up to camp

Qualifications:

  • Minimum age of 20 years old

  • Interest in or experience with working with teenagers 

  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills

  • Ability to work effectively in a team environment

  • Ability to improvise and problem solve under pressure

  • Experience or interest in social work, education, or an adjacent field

  • Preference for those from the greater Birmingham area

Benefits: 

  • Three meals a day during the weekdays of camp (three weeks, exact dates still TBD)

  • Help with transportation if needed

  • An opportunity to apply for board membership of the nonprofit after a year of involvement

Pay: $2,500 stipend for three weeks of camp and a week of prep outside of camp.

To Apply:

If you are interested, please email us at lamplightsummer@gmail.com along with a resume and we can set up a call. Please use the subject line: “Staff Application”

We look forward to hearing from you!

Additional Information:

  • Lamplight is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity at our camp. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.