Make a positive impact in the lives of young people.
At LOMC, we are dedicated to fostering personal growth, community building, and a deep appreciation for nature. Our programs are designed to inspire and challenge campers, and we seek staff who are passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of young people.
Being the Church in outdoor settings.
The purpose of the Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center is to be the Church in outdoor settings, nurturing Christian faith and providing experiences connecting the Word of God with the World of God.
Depending on the circumstance, starred roles may be added to the camp counselor role: i.e., Camp Counselor AND Health Coordinator, etc.
Mentor and lead a small group of campers (typically 7 or fewer), guiding them through a week of outdoor adventures, faith formation, and community building. Ideal For: People who love working with youth, enjoy being outdoors, and are ready to lead by example.
Key Traits: Responsible, empathetic, adaptable, and energetic
Ensure the wellbeing of campers and staff by distributing medications, handling minor injuries, tracking health forms, and creating a supportive environment. Ideal For: Detail-oriented individuals who enjoy organizing information and supporting others. Great for students interested in healthcare, education, or social work - no advanced medical training required.
Key Traits: Organized, attentive, calm under pressure
Document the energy and joy of summer at LOMC by taking photos and videos, managing social media posts, and creating content to share with camper families and the wider community.
Ideal For: Aspiring storytellers, photographers, or content creators who want to use their skills to highlight the beauty of faith, nature, and community.
Key Traits: Creative, self-directed, comfortable in outdoor settings
More than a summer job - a summer that stays with you.
Summer staff has two weeks of training covering everything from emergency procedures, childhood development, spiritual formation, and social-emotional care. We maintain ratios of campers to counselors in accordance with ACA (American Camp Association) standards and follow strict guidelines and protocols for camper safety.
You'll build leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills that stay with you long after summer ends. Whether you're guiding campers through the woods or helping a group navigate a tough conversation, you'll learn by doing—with a supportive team beside you.
Staff at LOMC form deep, authentic relationships. You'll be part of a team that laughs hard, works hard, prays together, and shows up for one another. We strive to build a liberative and regenerative culture of respect, inclusion, and mutual support.
Campers remember their counselors for years. You'll have the chance to be a role model, a steady presence, and a source of joy and encouragement for young people navigating big questions about faith, identity, and the world.
Camp is a place to reset. With 600 acres of prairie, forest, and trails, LOMC invites you to slow down, breathe deep, and reconnect - with God, with others, and with yourself.
What we're looking for, and what your summer will hold.
All summer staff must be 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or GED. One year of college/university experience or equivalent is preferred.
All summer staff must be available to live on-site for all of staff training (May 31 - June 12) and for all or most summer programs (June 14 - August 7).
All summer staff must be interested and willing to work with small groups of youth in grades K-12 and adults.
A summer of camping ministry is highly rewarding and challenging! Work within an intentional community in which you are responsible to one another.
Gain valuable skills in leadership, communication, and problem solving as you help children, youth, and adults navigate their summer camp experience.
Especially valuable for applicants interested in careers in social work, education, outdoor education/management, ministry, and other related fields. Respond and adapt to weather and other environmental challenges.
It is not a requirement that you are an ELCA Lutheran, but staff must be able to facilitate meaningful experiences grounded in the Lutheran faith tradition. Summer staff are equipped with facilitation skills during staff training. Summer programs take place in an outdoor setting. You may sleep in a retreat house one week, and you may be in a tent the next. Connecting with the natural world is central to LOMC's mission.
LOMC is a drug-free and alcohol-free camp.
Summer staff will be trained to lead outdoor adventures, including cookouts and tent camping.
What we offer, and when the season runs.
LOMC provides seasonal housing, staff training (including first aid, AED/CPR, food handlers, and/or lifeguard certification), workers' compensation, and supplementary insurance. Summer staff are paid a weekly salary.
(Contact Pastor Callie Arendt, Chaplain and Director of Ministry, Programs, and Engagement, for specific details on salary).
Summer staff positions run a total of 10 weeks (May 31 - August 7).
May 31 - June 12: 2 weeks of paid staff training (mandatory).
June 14 - August 7: 8 weeks of camp programming.
(815) 732-2220
registrations@lomc.org
Mailing Address:
PO BOX 239
Oregon IL 61061-0239
Hours:
Monday-Friday (9am-4pm)
Address:
1834 S IL Route 2
Oregon, IL 61061-9501
Your donations keep LOMC growing! Make a one-time or recurring tax-deductible gift:
How are you connected to LOMC?
LOMC is a ministry of the Northern Illinois, the Central / Southern Illinois and the Metropolitan Chicago Synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).