Get Involved
Volunteer This Summer!
Volunteers must be at least 18 years old. We use volunteers to fill in all areas of camp: kitchen, maintenance, counselors, etc. Volunteer counselors must be at least one year out of high school. We only take volunteers when we need them. (i.e. large week of camp, summer staff member gone, etc.) If you are interested in serving for a week this summer, fill out a volunteer application. We will contact you to discuss when you are available and the needs we have.
Volunteer Application – Click here to go to our online volunteer application.
Reference Form – Click here for our reference form. We require one new reference every summer.
Get involved
Interning at Portage Lake Bible Camp
You will work hard, play hard, and have significant time to continue to foster a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Being an intern at Portage Lake involves a myriad of experiences that challenges you to learn new skills, problem solve, and to experience Christ in new and exciting ways!
We have so many unique groups that we serve throughout the year. You will be involved in leading team building activities, programming, kitchen and maintenance, and recruiting trips! At Portage Lake we love to tailor the internship to the passions and talents that God has placed in you.
Interns have free housing, food is available when groups are on site, and they will be paid a stipend bimonthly. Internships can be from mid-August through Christmas, Christmas to May, or a full retreat season! If you would like to intern during a different time frame, we would love to talk about what that could look like.
If this is something that sounds interesting to you, please email Matt Matt@portagelake.org or give us a call at 231-889-5911. We are so excited to hear from you!
Get Involved
Serving on Summer Staff!
How to Apply
Apply by February 14th to be eligible for a $150 bonus if hired!
**Reference letters do not have to be submitted just the application and the pending references.
**Applicants must commit to the entirety of the PLCBC summer season (end of May-mid August) to receive bonus.
Volunteer This Retreat Season!
Retreat Season spans from September through May during the weekends and we couldn’t do without our volunteers! Whether you’re in need of volunteer hours for school, or want an up north getaway for a chance to serve others, we welcome you to help out at camp! Meals and housing is provided for those who volunteer with us, so if you’re interested, please fill out this form for retreat updates or call our office at (231) 889-5911.
Available Positions
Summer staff
Working a summer at staff is an opportunity to join alongside the work God is doing in the lives of others.
Choose a Job Category
Program Coordinator Job Description
Overview Our intention each summer is that the life of every person who comes to camp is impacted for Christ, including those who are on staff. As a summer staff member at Portage Lake Bible Camp, you will be stepping into an instrumental role of ministry and leadership. This is an opportunity to live in…
SWIM Team Director
The Students Working in Ministry (S.W.I.M.) Team Director serves in a key ministry and leadership role at Portage Lake Bible Camp, investing in the spiritual growth, development, and success of the S.W.I.M. Team. This is a unique opportunity to lead, disciple, and be mentored while developing valuable ministry, leadership, and team-building skills within a vibrant Christian community. Through mentoring campers, building community,…
Counseling Staff (7 Male/7 Female positions)
Position Summary Each cabin leader will also be assigned a specialty area: lifeguarding, ropes instructor, arts & crafts, sports/athletics, etc. Counseling Staff serve in a key ministry role by leading, mentoring, and caring for campers in a Christ-centered camp environment. This position is responsible for building meaningful relationships with a cabin group, guiding campers through…
Cleaning Crew (4 Positions)
The Cleaning Crew ensures the daily operation of camp by maintaining clean, safe, and welcoming facilities for campers, guests, and staff. This role focuses on sanitizing cabins, bathhouses, and common areas while managing trash removal throughout the grounds. Members work closely with the Facilities Director and Cleaning Crew Supervisor, participating fully in camp life and…
Grounds Crew (6 Positions)
The Grounds Crew is responsible for the daily upkeep and appearance of the camp property, ensuring outdoor spaces are safe, attractive, and functional for all. This entry-level role focuses on lawn care, landscaping, and field maintenance. Working closely with the Facilities Director, Grounds Crew members are fully integrated into camp life, participating in staff training…
Second Cook (2 positions)
The Second Cook team plays a vital role in our mission of “Every life impacted for Christ” by managing food preparation and services that directly shape the guest experience. Summer kitchen roles operate on a two-shift system; specific shift assignments are discussed and finalized during staff training. As a Second Cook, you will work under…
Kitchen Crew (6 Positions)
The Kitchen Crew plays a vital role in the mission of “Every life impacted for Christ” by creating an inviting atmosphere through meal service and hospitality. This team directly shapes the guest experience through the care and quality of the dining environment. All summer kitchen positions operate on a two-shift rotation. Shift assignments are discussed…
Media & Tech Staff (2 positions)
Our mission each summer is that the life of every person who comes to camp is impacted for Christ, including our staff. As a summer staff member, you step into an instrumental role of ministry and leadership. This position offers a unique opportunity to live in Christian community, disciple campers, and be mentored in your…
Office Assistant (1 position)
Our intention each summer is that the life of every person who comes to camp is impacted for Christ, including our staff. As an Office Assistant, you serve as the “face” of Portage Lake Bible Camp, providing the hospitality and administrative excellence that allows our ministry to flourish. This is a unique opportunity to lead,…
Waterfront Director (1 Position)
Our intention each summer is that the life of every person who comes to camp is impacted for Christ, including those who are on staff. As the Waterfront Director, you occupy a critical leadership role, overseeing one of the most high-impact areas of camp. This is an opportunity to lead and disciple a specialized team,…
Arts & Crafts Director (2 Positions)
The Arts & Crafts Director plans and leads creative, safe, and engaging programming for campers while supporting the overall camp mission and community. This role requires strong organization, creativity, and group management skills, along with experience in art instruction or crafting. The Director works closely with the Program Director, manages supplies and shared spaces, and…
Canteen & Cool Beans Lead (2 Positions)
The Canteen & Cool Beans Lead plays a vital role in our mission of “Every life impacted for Christ” by creating a hospitable environment and providing excellent customer service. This position is responsible for the daily operation of the camp coffee shop, canteen, and store, ensuring every guest feels welcomed and cared for. General Qualifications…
Chapel & Worship Director (1 Position)
The Chapel & Worship Director plans and leads meaningful, Christ-centered worship experiences for campers, guests, and staff. This role requires strong musical leadership and the ability to coordinate teams for corporate worship. Working closely with the Program Director, Media/Tech staff, and Camp Speakers, the Director ensures every gathering fosters spiritual growth and connection with God…
Kitchen Lead (1 Position)
The Kitchen Lead plays a critical role in our mission of “Every life impacted for Christ” by providing leadership, culinary expertise, and spiritual mentorship within the kitchen. This position ensures the delivery of high-quality meals while cultivating a servant-hearted environment for the summer kitchen team. Summer kitchen roles operate on a two-shift rotation, with specific…
Cleaning Crew Supervisor (1 Position)
The Kitchen Lead plays a critical role in our mission of “Every life impacted for Christ” by providing leadership, culinary expertise, and spiritual mentorship within the kitchen. This position ensures the delivery of high-quality meals while cultivating a servant-hearted environment for the summer kitchen team. Summer kitchen roles operate on a two-shift rotation, with specific…
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Portage Lake Covenant Bible Camp is a community that is committed to providing a positive Christian environment for children, families, and young adults. We believe that our unique camp setting is ideal in providing campers an opportunity not only to come and learn about God, but most importantly to experience the unconditional love of Jesus Christ. It is our desire that all who come to Portage Lake are met with exciting and well organized activities, authentic fellowship, and fun! Knowing this, we emphasize relevant messages, age-appropriate activities, and truth. Our hope is that Portage Lake is an uplifting and integral part of each camper’s development.
Ready to Experience Portage Lake?
For more than 70 years, Portage Lake Bible Camp has been creating unforgettable experiences where faith grows, friendships form, and adventures never end.
Whether you're looking for the perfect summer camp for your child, a meaningful family getaway, or a transformative retreat for your group, we can't wait to welcome you to our corner of Northern Michigan.