DINING SERVICES

• Competitive pay for meaningful work
• Internship and leadership opportunities that strengthen resumes and grad school applications
• Professional networking with educators, nonprofit leaders, and Camp Fern Legacy alumni
• Gain Leadership skills—confidence, humility, sense of self, integrity, decisiveness, resilience
• Transferable soft skills that employers look for—communication, teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability
• On-site training and help with certifications

Each morning at 7:45 AM, the handbell’s chiming carries across camp, lifting everyone from bunks and cabins toward the flagpole. Morning Colors are presented by the cabin of the day and gather the whole camp as one while kicking off the day. From there, we head straight to the dining hall for a family-style breakfast, full tables, shared stories, and plans for the day ahead.Cabins then head back for cleanup before another bell rings, calling everyone together again at the Council Ring for Pow Wow. Pow Wow sets the tone for what’s next—revealing the evening’s activities, sharing announcements, and building the excitement that carries campers through the day.Bells keep camp moving from one adventure to the next—they ring on the 20s in the morning and the 30s in the afternoon. Campers rotate through three morning activities, break for lunch at 12:30 PM, then recharge during a midday rest hour. As staff, you’ll have an off duty rest hour every other day. At 2:30 PM, a surprise snack kicks off the afternoon before three more activities fill the afternoon. Before dinner, camp slows just enough for free time, swim time, store time, and swapping stories time.Campers will experience six activities each day, while counselors may teach a variety of classes and receive one off period daily.

After dinner, the whole camp gathers at the Council Ring where the Cabin of the Day leads Vespers—a quiet moment to reflect, sing, and connect. Then it’s time for evening activities, full of fun and sometimes competition, wrapping up around 8:30 PM. Campers recharge with our tradition of Chocolate Milk, before heading back to their cabins to shower and wind down. Lights out comes at 9:30 PM for the Junior Line and 10:30 PM for the Senior Line, closing an unforgettable day at Fern.

We know our counselors need time to recharge as well. Every other night you’ll have a night “off-duty” until midnight, and on the weekends there is another opportunity for you to recharge during a half day “off-duty”.Working at camp has been the most rewarding and influential job I’ve ever had. I wouldn’t be who I am today without having grown so much in my time there. Being able to teach the classes and put on the events I had when I was a kid and helping to give the kids today the experience I got back then is so humbling and fulfilling. I’ve made so many friends and memories in my time at Camp Fern, and I pray everyone can share in what camp has to offer.

Mandeville, LA

Spending my summers growing up at camp, I was able to build friendships, learn new skills and make memories that will be with me forever. So much of my experience was thanks to the amazing counselors who worked hard each summer to make sure we were safe and having fun. My time as a counselor was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I was able to teach classes ranging from the waterfront to the ropes course and even took on more involved leadership roles. Working as a counselor helped me improve my communication and problem-solving skills and gave me so many more that will benefit me in any career. In giving back to the camp that helped define me, I not only helped create meaningful experiences for the campers but also saw the experience impact me in return.

Marshall, TX

Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” The only job I’ve ever had where this was fully true for me was working as a Camp Fern Legacy counselor. The longest, hottest, hardest days always just felt like hanging out with my friends, playing with horses, and helping children to learn and grow. Come spend a summer and see for yourself. You won’t regret it, and you’ll never find another job quite like it anywhere else.

Bossier City, LA

Working at camp has been the most rewarding and influential job I’ve ever had. I wouldn’t be who I am today without having grown so much in my time there. Being able to teach the classes and put on the events I had when I was a kid and helping to give the kids today the experience I got back then is so humbling and fulfilling. I’ve made so many friends and memories in my time at Camp Fern, and I pray everyone can share in what camp has to offer.

Mandeville, LA

Spending my summers growing up at camp, I was able to build friendships, learn new skills and make memories that will be with me forever. So much of my experience was thanks to the amazing counselors who worked hard each summer to make sure we were safe and having fun. My time as a counselor was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I was able to teach classes ranging from the waterfront to the ropes course and even took on more involved leadership roles. Working as a counselor helped me improve my communication and problem-solving skills and gave me so many more that will benefit me in any career. In giving back to the camp that helped define me, I not only helped create meaningful experiences for the campers but also saw the experience impact me in return.

Marshall, TX

Our cabin and activity counselors aren’t just staff—they’re leaders, mentors, and role models shaping unforgettable summers. While living in a cabin with co-counselors and 8–12 campers, you’ll build real relationships, make a tangible impact, and grow in ways that stick long after the summer ends.

The best counselors bring strong character, a positive attitude, and a servant-hearted approach.

Who We’re Looking For:

• 18+ years old with a passion for working with kids
• Mentally and physically ready for a busy, active summer
• Team players with a can-do attitude
• Comfortable working outdoors in the summer heat (cabins are no

Why You’ll Love It:

• Room and board included
• Generous off-time and laundry service
• Training in transferrable skills (lifeguarding, challenge course, WSI, leadership, outdoor education)
• Paid specialized training and potential college credit

Lifelong friendships, networking, and memories

Activity Areas You Could Lead:

• Waterfront: Swimming, Canoeing, Kayaking, Skiing, Sailing, War Canoe
• English Horseback Riding
• Sports: Riflery, Archery, Tennis, Ropes, Team Sports
• Crafts: Beadwork, Leatherwork, Pottery

Nature & Outdoor Adventures At Fern, you’ll gain leadership experience, develop professional skills, and have an amazing summer—all while having fun, being yourself, and growing in community.

Mealtimes aren’t just fuel—they’re some of the best moments at camp. Our campers and staff rely on delicious, well-prepared food to power their adventures, and that’s where you come in.

As a member of our dining service & kitchen staff, you’ll do more than prepare meals—you’ll help create an experience. From prepping and cooking meals from our recipes and meal plans, to keeping the kitchen running smoothly and the dining hall flowing, your work will make a real impact every day.Camp serves three family style meals for up to 150 campers and staff per meal—meaning your food helps bring everyone together. Along the way, you’ll gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced, team-oriented kitchen, develop professional skills, and be part of a fun, supportive community.Morning and evening shifts are available to fit your summer schedule. You must be comfortable/able to work outdoors in the summer heat (the kitchen can be warm, although it is one of the only places on camp with air conditioning!) TX Food Handler or TX Food Manager license is required – don’t have it, we can help!If you love cooking, working with people, and being part of something bigger, a seasonal role in our kitchen is the perfect summer job.Our grounds and maintenance team is the engine behind Camp Fern Legacy. Working behind the scenes, you’ll help keep our historic camp running like a well-oiled machine—so everything from cabins to activity areas is safe, functional, and ready for the next adventure.This is hands-on, highly physical work that makes a visible impact every day. Tasks include plumbing, carpentry, electrical repairs, painting, preventative maintenance, groundskeeping, vehicle service, and responding to repair needs across camp. Weekday and/or weekend shifts available.

What We’re Looking For:

• Valid driver’s license and 21+ years old to operate camp vehicles
• 2+ years of maintenance experience preferred
• Ability to lift 50 lbs and work in a physically demanding outdoor environment

Working knowledge of safety precautions, systems, and codes

If you enjoy problem-solving, working with your hands, and taking pride in keeping things running smoothly, this seasonal role offers meaningful work, variety, and the satisfaction of supporting an unforgettable camp experience.Our stable hands play a vital role in the Camp Fern Legacy experience by ensuring our horses are healthy, well-cared-for, and ready for each day at camp. This is a hands-on role for someone who truly loves working with animals and isn’t afraid of hard work.Stable hands assist with daily barn operations, including grooming, feeding, handling, stabling, and exercising horses, as well as maintaining and cleaning the stables. Workdays begin early and include weekend shifts.While this role does not always involve direct work with campers, stable hands directly support one of camp’s most beloved programs—making horseback riding safe, successful, and unforgettable for our campers.

What We’re Looking For:

• Applicants 18+ years old preferred
• Genuine interest in horses and their care
• Ability to perform physically demanding work in an outdoor environment
• Willingness to work early mornings and weekends

Dependable, responsible, and attentive to animal well-being

Stable hands report directly to the Head of Riding and Program Directors and are an essential part of the team that keeps our equestrian program running smoothly.

Each activity area is led by a department head. This staff member has strong people skills and knowledge of camp life. They oversee their activity area staff to ensure proper instruction, safety compliance, and excellent programming for campers. Department Heads work closely with Program Directors to coordinate session transitions, have the ability to see the big picture while focusing on tiny details, are responsible problem solvers, delegate well, and are level-headed.The Daily Activities Coordinator ensures smooth daily operations by managing schedules, coordinating activities, supporting staff, and preparing special programs and trips. Strong organization, communication, and leadership skills are essential. The Coordinator works closely with program staff to make sure they are trained in their activity areas and follows through with the promise we make to our parents of encouraging a robust program with engaging activities. They report directly to the Program Director.The Evening Activities Coordinator is responsible for planning, organizing, and leading all camp-wide evening programming. This role ensures that every nighttime event is engaging, safe, and aligned with the camp’s mission and traditions. The Coordinator works closely with program staff to create memorable experiences for campers and to maintain smooth operations throughout each evening.

The logistics coordinator is involved in much of the behind-the-scenes operations of camp while also being part of everyday camper and staff life. Responsibilities may include running errands to town, managing mail and packages, coordinating laundry, assisting in office tasks, and helping to facilitate transition weekends.

The Program Director(s) may hire additional assistant directors as needed. The ideal candidate for this role has numerous years of camp experience and is responsible and respected. The Assistant Director supports the Program Director in the day-to-day operations of Camp. This role requires an organized, flexible, and energetic individual who can assist with program implementation, mentor counselors, ensure safety, and contribute to a fun and engaging environment for campers. The Assistant Director works closely with the Program Director and the Executive Director to help coordinate staff, maintain camper safety, and support all aspects of camp operations.

Counselors must be at least 18 years old with a desire to work with children. We look for candidates with strong character, teamwork skills, and a positive attitude. Previous camp experience is helpful but not required — we provide comprehensive training. Since our cabins are not air conditioned, you should enjoy being outdoors and be comfortable working in summer heat.

No! Many of our best counselors started with no camp background. What matters most is your character, enthusiasm, and commitment to our campers. If you’re willing to learn, work as part of a team, and put others first, you’ll thrive at Camp Fern Legacy.

Yes! All staff participate in comprehensive pre-camp training that covers safety protocols, activity instruction, camper care, and team building. Depending on your role, you may also receive specialized certifications (lifeguard, water safety instructor, ropes course, TX food handlers, etc.) that are valuable beyond your time at camp.Mandatory Pre-Camp Training (for program staff – includes cabin & activities counselors): May 24-30, 2026Most positions are seasonal, running from late May through late July. Summer dates are flexible depending on your role; however, we do expect staff members to commit to the full session (2 or 4 weeks) for which they are hired to ensure consistency and stability for our campers.We also have a small year-round team for leadership, administrative, and grounds positions. Internships are available for college credit during the summer session.Start by submitting an online application through our CampInTouch portal. Our team will review your application and reach out to schedule an interview (in-person or video). We’ll discuss your interests, experience, and fit for available roles. Once hired, you’ll receive onboarding materials and training information.