Voyageurs Lutheran Ministry is a multi-site organization, with two unique camps in Northern MN, a boundary waters canoe program, and off site day camps. Camp Hiawatha, situated on Deer Lake MN, has sandy shores, clear water, and is known for its wide open ballfield, beautiful waterfront, and accessible spaces, equipping it to truly be a camp for all. Camp Vermilion is located on the west side of Lake Vermilion, near Cook, MN. The rugged terrain and more rustic feel provide an adventurous twist to the daily camp activities. Its proximity to the Boundary Waters helps to shape the Camp Vermilion experience, with programming built around developing camping and canoeing skills alongside the fun games and activities of a camp day. Camp Vermilion is also home to our Voyageurs Canoe Country program, sending youth and adults into the BWCAW.

Many kids’ lives are changed more during their week of camp than they are for the rest of their lives. This is because they are surrounded by a camp staff that truly cares for them. You will also have the opportunity to grow in your own faith, and you will be amazed at the things you will learn and do – skills you can take with you wherever you go. And the friendships that develop will last a lifetime! Being a part of Voyageurs Lutheran Ministry provides staff the opportunity to share their faith in meaningful ways, while engaging in intentional community, learning many life-long skills, and experiencing a summer unplugged.

The summer staff is contracted from late May/early June-August 11. (Some positions begin May 28, and some begin June 2. ALL staff will participate in training beginning on June 9, 2024).

The summer begins with a few weeks of staff training, followed by 7 weeks of programming. Our first week of training (May 28-31) is our Certification week. In this first week, approved staff have the opportunity to become certified in CPR/First and and Lifeguarding.

The second week of training is Service week, where our staff have the opportunity to get to know the lay of the land at both of our sites, engage in work projects and program area preparation to really make camp their own. This is led by Camp Directors. The leadership staff will also participate in specialized training this week with our Director of Programs.

June 9-21, 2024 is All Staff Programmatic Training. These two weeks will be full of learning, providing staff an opportunity to learn about philosophy, theology, risk management, curriculum, games, camping and all the ins and outs of summer program!

Camper programming runs from June 23-August 9!

Staff are expected to work the entire summer unless arrangements are made prior to the beginning of the summer. An extended contract through the end of August is possible for applicants who might be interested.

The camp week runs from 12:30 p.m. Sundays through 4:00 p.m. Fridays. Friday evenings-Sunday morning are standard time off for staff. Staff will have a summer break from the evening of July 3 -morning of July 7, 2024 for the holiday. Staff members are also given 1.5 hour sabbath breaks each day during the week.

Staff training will run from June 2-June 21 and is required for all summer staff. It is a time to become familiar with the camp program and to learn the skills that you will need to work with campers. It is an intense learning experience with time for fun and team building with the staff. Those interested in certifications will begin May 28.

2024 Staff Training:
May 28-May 31: Certification Training

June 2-7: Service Week, Guide Training and Leadership Training— all staff unless otherwise discussed with Director of Programs

June 9-21: All Staff Programmatic Training

Salaries for 2024 range from $375-$450 per week depending on position and experience.

In addition to your salary, you will also receive room and board. Any work related injury is covered by workers compensation. Beyond this, we will keep you so busy there will be very little time to spend your money, and therefore you will end up saving most of your earnings!

For detailed requirements please see the job descriptions outlined here.

Counselors must be 18 years of age. Assistant Counselors are 17 years of age. Canoe Guides and Leadership staff: 21+ preferred.

Support staff must have completed at least their junior year of high school, though a year of college is preferred.

St. Augustine said, “Preach the Gospel at all times, and if necessary, use words.” The love of God is taught through loving others, as well as reading about it. It is through relationships that the Gospel of Christ is spread. The curriculum is important, but we are more concerned about how you show the love you talk about, than how you talk about it. We also want staff that are open and willing to learn new things, as well as committed to sharing their lives with and caring for every camper that comes to our camps. Having the ability to play the guitar, having an endless supply of energy, and being able to start a fire with one match in the rain are simply a bonus!