thinking about serving on staff but still have questions?

read through these staff faq's

- read through these -

Staff FAQ's

Who is in charge of the Staff at TCBC?

Our amazing Camp Director, Little Joe, is in charge of everything that happens at camp, including staff, throughout the summer. There is also our Program Director, who oversees the programming, as well as a Staff LEAD who is there to help oversee the Leadership Team while they are in charge of various staff departments.

During In-Camp-Training (ICT), staff will get a breakdown of roles and who reports to who during the summer.

Where is Trout Creek Bible Camp?

Corbett, Oregon! More specifically: 38105 SE Gordon Creek Rd. Corbett, OR 97019

About 15 minutes from Troutdale/Gresham and 30-40 minutes from Downtown Portland.

What is the Application process like?

It’s pretty straightforward and simple … applications are filled out online and you have the ability to start, stop, and go back to it when you have time.

We do ask a lot of questions so that we can get to know you and find out what you’re passionate about. Some of the questions that we ask on the application are …

– how long have you been following Jesus?

– who and/or what led you to consider serving at Trout Creek Bible Camp this summer?

– In what specific ways is the Word of God teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training you?

Is there an Application Deadline?

We do not have a deadline for applications; we keep accepting applications, doing interviews, and hiring until positions are filled. The only downside of applying later is that you might have fewer open positions; however, don’t let that stop you because every position on summer staff is needed!

What is the Hiring process like?

Once we receive your application & references, we’ll contact you to set up an interview. If you have questions before your interview feel free to call the camp office (503-695-2948) or email the camp (info@tcbc.com). You can also email or call us to check in on the status of your application/interview.

For your interview you’ll come to the camp office to meet with the Camp Director, Joe. Interviews usually last between 30 – 60 mins as you talk through your application and Joe will ask you more questions to get to know you.

After your interview (a couple weeks) you’ll get a call from Joe to find out if you got hired or not.

If you do get hired, then you’ll get a lot of emails from the camp office with paperwork that needs to be filled out and/or schedules you’ll need to keep …. and the countdown to camp can begin!!

When do Staff arrive to camp & When do Staff finish for the summer?

The staff arrives about a week before the campers arrive!

For 2023, summer staff arrives on Saturday, June 10th, and the staff finishes the summer on Saturday, August 24th.

There is also a Staff Retreat at the Beach that we all go to after the last week of camp, from Sunday – Wednesday. You’ll get more info about that during the summer.

What happens during In-Camp-Training (ICT)?

In-Camp-Training, or ICT as we like to call it, is a week where everyone gets to know each other, introduce new staff to our camp culture and weird sayings, and train everyone for the job they will be doing for the summer.

We also spend time setting camp up, decorating the chapel for the summer theme, making fun videos for campers, going off-site for all staff activities, working on Bible study curriculum, and getting to know all the staff!

Do summer staff get time off at the end of the week?

Yes!

During Junior Camp weeks staff are off from Friday night (9pm-ish) to Sunday night (8pm-ish) and during Jr. High camp weeks staff are off from Saturday (12pm-ish) to Sunday (8pm-ish). Some weeks vary, but that is the usual schedule.

If you need to take time off outside of the weekends, make sure to write that in your application and talk about it during your interview. If you get hired, then the camp office will send you a “time-off request” form to be filled out and returned to the camp office.

Do summer staff get time off during the week?

Yes!

The requirements of your job will determine how much time you get off each day, however, everyone gets some time off each day.

We do everything we can for our staff; needs for extra encouragement or time off can be addressed with your Dean during the summer.

Can summer staff get internship credit or volunteer hours?

We are happy to work with you and your high school, college or university to help you gain school credit for your time spent working with us at Trout Creek Bible Camp!

What are some skills that summer staff gain from working at camp?

Time Management, Adaptability, Collaboration, Creativity, People Management, Communication, Confidence, Public Speaking, Problem Solving, Social Awareness, Enforcing Rules and Policy, Leadership, Patience, Independence, Teamwork, Resiliency, Detail Oriented, Good Work Ethic … to name a few!

Is there a dress code for staff?

We require staff to wear their Staff Shirts every Monday and Saturday. Do not lose that shirt!! ?

We also ask that all staff dress modestly and to remember that they are role models for each other and campers.

Any crazy clothes staff should look for?

Yes! Keep an eye out for awesome clothes that you can wear for themed nights, Wacky Wednesday (girls) or Thuper Thursday (guys) …

Plus anything that would be good for skits!  We’d love to add to our collection or prom dresses, wigs, hats, suits, costumes, or anything else you find in good condition!

Do staff get a discount in the Camp Store?

Yes!  We love it when staff wear TCBC swag!! Staff get a 15% staff discount on most things.

What are some essential items staff should pack for the summer?

You’ll want to pack the essentials like warm clothes in case it rains, summer clothes for when the sun comes out, toiletries for brush & flush time. Pack some good running shoes and also water shoes … PLUS you’ll want to pack some crazy outfits for Wacky Wednesday (girls), Thuper Thursday (guys), and themed nights that we might have throughout the summer.

What are the living arrangements like?

Depending on the department you serve in will depend on the living arrangements. Here is a breakdown:

      • Counselors live in a camper cabin throughout the summer, except for moving out for 4 days during Family Camp.
      • CIT’s have a cabin that acts as their home base and is where all your stuff is stored. Each week they go to different cabins based on the Counselor/CIT pairings.
      • Program live in the same cabin with their Deans.
      • Crew live in the same cabin with their Deans.
      • Counseling & CIT deans stay in the Upper Lodge.

Can staff decorate their cabins?

Totes! Just remember that you can only use 3m strips to hold thing up (no nails or thumb tacks).

What is Camp Food like?

Amazing!! We asked the staff what their favorite camp meal was and here is what they said:

Pizza! Grandma Sue’s Pancakes & Oatmeal! Eggrolls & Orange Chicken! Roast Beef & Mashed Potatoes! Chicken Strips w/ Honey Mustard! French Toast! Meatloaf! Broccoli Cheddar Soup! Grilled Cheese Sandwiches!!

Can staff be in skits at fireside?

Yes!! During ICT we go over all the skits that we act out during the summer and make sure everyone has it down, then we put them into the lineup each week.

Can staff sing on stage in Chapel or at Fireside?

Yes!! During ICT, we go over all the Chapel and Fireside worship philosophy and then have staff sign up if they would like to be a part of the team. Throughout the week, staff that signs up meet with the Program Director to try out and talk about where they are needed & how they can serve in that way.

Can staff drive their car to camp & leave it there during the week?

Hundo P! We have an area reserved for staff parking!

How can staff learn how to play fireside songs?

Great question! Check out our YouTube page and find the “Fireside Songs” playlist … or just click here!

What do staff do with their laundry?

You’re in luck! Our amazing Crew Girls help the staff out and do laundry for departments throughout the week. If you choose to have your clothes washed, make sure you have a sturdy laundry basket and have all your clothes labeled so things get returned to the correct person! You’ll find out what your laundry day is during ICT!

Is there a computer staff can use while at camp?

We have computers in the office that are available to staff who pre-arrange it with their Dean and they can be used when needed.

Can staff use their phone during the week at camp?

We believe that technology can sometimes take away from the amazing experience that camp has to offer, the outdoors, friends, activities, and getting away from it all … so we have staff turn in their phones Monday morning and they receive them back on Saturday afternoon.

Parents are encouraged to call the Camp Office if they need to pass a message on to you. If staff need to make a phone call, they just need to clear it with their Deans and find a time that doesn’t conflict with their job duties to make the call.

What if you don't agree with something in the Camp's doctrinal statement?

This is a great thing to bring up in your application and during your interview process. We believe that God works through all kinds of people, but we also know it’s important that everyone is on the same page. Start out by bringing it up and talking about your thoughts and then go from there.

- do you still have a question -

shoot us an email