The Truth About Working at a Religious Camp

There are over 12,000 camps in the US. Many of these camps are religious. Some are more orthodox than others and some are no longer religious but still follow traditions that have stemmed from a religious background.

It’s no longer a jewish camp but a lot of the characteristics of our weekly routine would follow on from jewish tradition. On a Friday we walked in silence to an event called ‘services’ (recently changed to ‘Fire Circle’ in order to scrap any religious connotations) which involved every member of staff and camper sat around the amphitheatre singing, telling stories and thanking people for stuff they had done to help them within the past week. This was my favourite part of the week. It’s a time to unwind, find peace within camp (which is near to impossible most days!) and show gratitude to those around you. It really provided a unity within camp.

What if I’m not religious? What if I have conflicting views? I’m an atheist but worked at a camp of predominantly jewish kids. Not once did I feel out of place or alone at camp, even during traditional jewish events. Some camps may demand or prefer for their staff to share their religious beliefs but a lot of the time it’s more of a required understanding. As long as you respect the views, values and beliefs of the summer camp you attend then it’s not an issue. If you have conflicting views, then just like the way you are considerate to the camp’s religion, they will be considerate to you.

The best way to prepare yourself for these situations is to do the research. If you’ve scored yourself a position working at a religious camp (first of all - congrats!) then make sure to look into the religion and how they practice it at your camp. You don’t need to do enough research to be ordained but if you want to work at a Christian camp, for example, then it’s always good to know what branch of christianity they follow, what values they promote and how it impacts your daily routine.

You are not going to be indoctrinated and, no, they are not going to attempt to convert you. Religious summer camps are for the kids. Just like all summer camps, they aim to provide the best summer ever, whilst continuing to practice their beliefs. I can guarantee you these institutions aren’t hiring you in order to convert you. It’s a summer camp, not a cult.

I could argue I loved it more because I learnt things I wouldn’t have at a non-religious camp. I’ve learnt about a whole religion, a way of life, and about ways Jewish people celebrate - and boy do they know how to celebrate! During my time at camp there were times when the singing in the lunch hall turned into the scene of a Bar/Bat Mitzvah which is a jewish ‘coming of age’ ritual that is commemorated when they turn 12-13. Although I don’t follow the jewish religion, it didn’t stop me from enjoying watching my campers being thrown up and down in a chair to a very clappy song that I now know is called Havah Nagilah. Some of my campers were jewish and took Hebrew lessons throughout the summer then taught me how to write some words right to left. Something I wouldn’t have known how to do otherwise.

Camp is not about where you’re from, what you believe or what you look like. Camp is about having fun, finding a second home and building a family throughout the two months of summer. When you leave camp you won’t be thinking about the religious aspects, you’ll be dreaming about nights around the bonfire, days on the lake and singing songs in the dining hall. Religion shouldn’t be what separates us, but what brings us together through a willingness to love and learn. Happy Camping!