Community Support & Wellness Intern (SEASONAL)

Community Support & Wellness Intern

Lutherdale Bible Camp – Summer 2026

Position Dates: May 27 – August 15 (flexible)
Hours: Full-time
Compensation: Starting at $400/week
Room & Board: Provided (shared housing)
Academic Credit: Available

Position Overview

The Community Support & Wellness Intern plays a key role in supporting the mental, emotional, social, and holistic (MESH) wellbeing of campers and staff at Lutherdale. This intern works closely with the Clinical & Camp Health Intern, leadership team, and cabin staff to help ensure camp is a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment for everyone.

This role is ideal for students interested in psychology, social work, education, counseling, youth development, human services, or ministry, and provides hands-on experience supporting young people in a residential camp setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Camper Support & Preparation
• Review camper support forms and relevant background information prior to sessions
• Communicate with parents/guardians to clarify support needs, strategies, and care plans
• Share relevant information with leadership and cabin staff while maintaining appropriate confidentiality
• Help inform thoughtful cabin pairings and staffing decisions based on camper needs

In-Session Support & Care

• Support campers’ mental, emotional, and social wellbeing during camp sessions
• Assist in de-escalating and diffusing challenging situations involving campers or staff
• Provide on-the-ground support to cabin leaders navigating behavioral, emotional, or social concerns
• Collaborate with the healthcare team when MESH needs intersect with medical care

Staff Support & Community Care

• Support staff wellbeing by offering guidance, listening, and encouragement
• Help leadership identify trends or needs impacting camper or staff wellness
• Model calm presence, empathy, and clear communication in high-stress situations

Learning Outcomes

Interns in this role will gain experience in:

• Mental, emotional, and social (MESH) support for youth
• Trauma-informed and strengths-based approaches to care
• Crisis de-escalation and conflict resolution
• Communicating with families in sensitive situations
• Collaborating within a multidisciplinary care team
• Supporting community wellbeing in a residential setting

Qualifications

• Interest in youth development, mental health, social work, education, counseling, or related fields
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to remain calm, empathetic, and flexible in dynamic situations
• Comfortable handling sensitive information with discretion and professionalism
• Prior experience working with children or youth preferred but not required

Training & Support

• Paid staff training provided prior to the arrival of campers
• Ongoing mentorship and support from leadership and healthcare staff
• Clear protocols and guidance for camper support and crisis response

Equal Opportunity & Religious Affiliation Statement

Lutherdale Bible Camp is an equal opportunity employer. We believe everyone deserves to be welcomed, accepted, known, celebrated, and loved. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or veteran status.

Lutherdale is a faith-based nonprofit organization affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). While employees are not required to be Lutheran, all staff and interns are expected to support Lutherdale’s mission and uphold its policies and philosophy as a welcoming, inclusive, and Christ-centered community.