Apply

1. Apply: Please complete our 2026 Staff Application. If you are interested in joining our wrangler team, be sure to fill out the 2026 Wrangler Application as well. For those wishing to work with our waterfront team, please also submit the 2026 Waterfront Application.

2. Recommendations: For NEW staff, share the Recommendation Form link with three individuals who can provide insight into your character and capabilities. These individuals should include, 1) a dean or teacher, 2) a pastor or Bible teacher, and 3) a work supervisor or someone else who knows you well and is not a relative.

Recommendation link: https://biglake.wufoo.com/forms/2026-big-lake-youth-camp-recommendation-form/

3. Interview: If your school is listed below for in-person interviews, sign up for one; if your school is not on the list or you missed our visit, select a Zoom interview here.

At Big Lake Youth Camp, we believe in a streamlined and supportive application process to find the right individuals who align with our mission of building people that change the world through wonder and empowerment; it begins with (Stage 1) you submitting your application and for new staff, recommendation requests, followed by an interview to showcase your passion and skills; if selected, you’ll receive a personalized offer (State 2) inviting you to join our team, leading to (Stage 3) final steps of completing essential paperwork that solidifies your journey with us, paving the way for a transformative experience where your growth and impact can flourish.

Schools/Area for in-person interviews

Columbia Adventist Academy – Monday, January 26, 2026 & Monday, February 9, 2026
Livingstone Adventist Academy – Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Milo Adventist Academy – Thursday, January 8, 2026
Oakwood Adventist University – Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Pacific Union College – Wednesday, February 25 & (tentative) Thursday, February 26, 2026
Portland Adventist Academy – Thursday, January 22 & Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Redlands Adventist Academy – Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Rogue Valley Academy – Friday, January 9, 2026
Southern Adventist University – Monday, February 9, 2026
Tualatin Valley Academy – Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Walla Walla University: January 12-14, 2026
Walla Walla Valley Academy – TBD

Q: How old do I have to be to work at Big Lake?

A: The general starting age for staff is 18, but we do hire a very limited number of 16 and 17 years olds. Jobs available for minors include: food service, maintenance, janitorial/laundry, camp office, and mall/snack shop.

Q: I want to work at Big Lake but I’m under 18….

A: The best way to learn the skills necessary to work at Big Lake is through our RAD-to-Staff camps. In these camps you learn leadership skills, Big Lake culture, as well as getting recommendations from current staff. You also have the opportunity to interview with a Big Lake director about work possibilities.