Junior Staff

The Summer 2025 Program Application opens Nov 1st.

NEW FOR SUMMER 2025 – 9th graders are able to apply for the Junior Staff Program.

Apply Here

Why be a part of the Junior Staff program?

  • You’ll gain a new family of friends.
  • You’ll make a difference in the world.
  • You’ll set your faith on fire.
  • You’ll have ridiculous amounts of fun.

Plus, you know, you’ll gain valuable skills you’ll use the rest of your life, accumulate a ton of service hours, find mentors who can help support and guide you even after the summer, and get to come to camp for free.

This program is for high school students (in 9-12th grade prior to summer) and is completely free.

Junior Staff volunteer at camp for 1-2 weeks serving alongside our counselors and summer staff. 

How to apply I Who can apply I Summer Dates I Important Info I Contact us

How to Apply

  1. Fill out your Junior Staff Application by February 1st.
  2. Set up an interview with camp. (We will send you an email within 1 week of applying to schedule this.)
  3. Wait patiently.
  4. Find out on March 1st whether you have been selected for the program.
  5. Attend the JS Training Weekend May 16-17th at camp (this is required!)

Have These Ready When Filling Out Your Application:

  • Email addresses for three references (at least one must be a pastor/spiritual leader) (make sure to ask them!).
  • A basic idea of your summer availability so that you can accurately select which cycles you will be available for.

If there are any spots remaining in the program after February 1st, we will continue accepting applications on a rolling basis until all spots are filled.

That’s it – pretty simple! If you have questions about it, email us using the form at the bottom of this page.

Who Can Be Part of the Junior Staff Program?

You must currently be in 9-12th grade. (NOTE THE CHANGE TO INCLUDE 9th Graders!)

It’s okay if you have never been to camp before or have limited experience working with kids-part of this program is showing you the ropes and helping you grow! But you do need to be eager to learn and able to serve as a Christian role model to our campers.

Lakeview Ministries is part of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. While you don’t need to attend an LCMS church to serve on Junior Staff, you do need to be willing to uphold our beliefs with campers. Find out more about what we believe HERE.

We select Junior Staff based on the following criteria:

  • Strength of Interview, References, and Application
  • Cycle availability during the summer
  • Previous history as a Junior Staffer (if applicable)
  • Year in school

If we are not able to offer you a spot the first year that you apply, we strongly urge you to apply again the next year. We do our best to make sure all qualified applicants get a chance to serve on Junior Staff before they graduate high school.

What Other Information Should I Know Before Applying?

Training Weekend:

All Junior Staff are required to attend our Junior Staff Training Weekend on May 16-17th. Arrival time is Friday at 6:30 pm and departure time is Saturday at 5:00 pm. This weekend gives you the ability to connect with other Junior Staff and learn important information to be able to hit the ground running during your time at camp in the summer. It’s also loads of fun.

JS Cycle Dates:

When applying you are expected to select ALL cycles you are available to serve, regardless of preference. The JS program is set up the same on both sides of camp. You are assigned a cycle based on what fits the needs of camp best. If your available cycles are very limited, it will lower your odds of being selected.

Only returning applicants in 11th and 12th grade are given the opportunity to express a preference for one side of camp or the other.

Camp Lakeview

  • Cycle 1: June 1-13
  • Cycle 2: June 15-29
  • Cycle 3: June 29-July 4
  • Cycle 4: July 6-20
  • Cycle 5: July 20-Aug 1

Lakeview Villages

  • Cycle A: June 1-13
  • Cycle B: June 15-27
  • Cycle C: July 6-18
  • Cycle D: July 20-Aug 1

Position Options:

When applying you will be able to select your top 3 positions. We may ask you about serving in a position you did not select. Regardless of position, all Junior Staff assist with meals and cleaning assignments throughout their time at camp. Junior Staff who are NOT in a Junior Counselor role will still be “adopted” by a cabin and spend their mealtimes and evenings helping and connecting with those campers.

Position Descriptions:

Weekends:

Depending on your cycle, you will typically be at camp for 1-2 weekends. On those weekends, you will help run our weekend retreats as well as work on projects around camp. You’ll also get a chance to hang out together as a Junior Staff cycle and get ready for the upcoming week of camp.

Disclaimer:

Serving in the Junior Staff Program will challenge you.  You will experience long days and be expected to put aside your own needs and desires for the needs of the team.  It will also be one of the best experiences of your life.  You will become part of a tight-knit community of friends, grow as a leader, share truth and love with campers who desperately need to hear it, and experience living a life that Jesus has called you for.

YOU BELONG AT CAMP.

Even if you are not entirely sure about your summer plans, get the process started by submitting your application. Have additional questions? Fill out the form below or call the camp office at 812-342-4815 for additional information.

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