About Lutheridge
Lutheridge Camp & Conference Center is a ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Arden, NC — a place where faith, community, and adventure intersect. From summer camp to school group retreats to faith formation programming and rentals, Lutheridge is a year-round hub of transformational experiences connecting campers, families, schools, and congregations to God's creation and to one another.
Position Overview
The Assistant Program Director plays a vital role in shaping the Lutheridge experience across every season. Reporting to the Program Directors, this position supports and executes programming for a wide range of guests — from summer campers to school groups to hosted retreat communities. The ideal candidate is an energetic, organized, and faith-filled leader equally at home recruiting staff on a college campus or guiding a group through our aerial adventure course.
This is a full-time, salaried, year-round position.
Key Responsibilities
Summer Program Planning & Logistics
Collaborate with the Program Director to plan and execute a dynamic summer camp season year-round. Research, book, and coordinate off-site outings and transportation logistics. Order and manage program supplies, and maintain all equipment in safe, working condition throughout the year. Assist in coordinating the onboarding process of summer volunteers and manage administrative reports.
Summer Program Leadership
The Assistant Program Director will supervise the Lutheroad program, the waterfront, and on site support staff during the summer sessions.
Staff Recruitment & Development
Represent Lutheridge at college campuses, job fairs, and ELCA campus ministry events to recruit quality summer staff. Build relationships with university outdoor recreation, education, and ministry programs. Assist with interviewing, hiring, and onboarding seasonal staff, and lead training with a focus on aerial adventure course certification and facilitation. Assist with planning and implementing staff training each summer.
Camper Recruitment — Congregational Outreach
Visit ELCA and partner congregations to build relationships with pastors, youth directors, and families, promoting summer camp enrollment and Lutheridge programming. Represent Lutheridge at church events, synod gatherings, and regional youth ministry conferences.
School Group Recruitment & Programming
Conduct outreach visits to schools, meeting with administrators and teachers to recruit groups for on-site educational programming. Serve as a lead facilitator for school group visits, delivering age-appropriate outdoor education and team-building activities. Coordinate all logistics for school group stays including scheduling, meals, and activity facilitation.
Hosted Group Programming
Provide engaging programming for retreat groups, church groups, family reunions, and other hosted guests throughout the year as requested. Serve as a program lead during group stays, adapting activities to meet the unique needs and goals of each group. This may include facilitating the Group Interaction Course, indoor rock wall, archery, team building activities, music and more.
Aerial Adventure Course
Serve as a lead facilitator and trainer on Lutheridge's aerial adventure course. Deliver safe, engaging experiences for campers, school groups, and retreat guests. Train and supervise staff and volunteers in facilitation and safety protocols. Conduct regular equipment inspections and maintain safety documentation in compliance with ACCT standards.
Faith Alive Programming
Recruit staff and facilitate Lutheridge's Faith Alive confirmation retreats, creating meaningful experiences for youth.
Qualifications
Required:
· Bachelor's degree in outdoor education, recreation, ministry, education, or related field (or equivalent experience)
· Demonstrated experience in camp, outdoor education, or youth ministry settings
· Strong public speaking and relational skills across diverse audiences — youth, parents, educators, and faith communities
· Current aerial/challenge course facilitation certification or ability to obtain (ACCT or equivalent)
· Valid driver's license; ability to operate camp vehicles
· First Aid and CPR certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire)
· Genuine commitment to Lutheran faith and ELCA ministry values
Preferred:
· Experience in staff recruitment and training
· Familiarity with ELCA camp ministry or Lutheran youth programming
· Background in faith formation, confirmation ministry, or congregational youth work
· Experience with high ropes, belay systems, or challenge course instruction
· Musical leadership abilities
Compensation & Benefits
· Competitive salary commensurate with experience
· Health insurance
· Paid time off and holidays
· Professional development support including certifications and conferences
· The joy of living and working in the Blue Ridge Mountains
How to Apply
Send a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to the Program Director at Lutheridge Camp & Conference Center: [email protected]
Lutheridge is an equal opportunity employer and an ELCA ministry committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
NovusWay Ministries provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $40,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
Work Location: In person
