Retreat Centers - A Great Place to Work

By Mark Dubler
Executive Director, Otyokwah Camp & Retreat Center

Retreat centers generally offer one of the most rewarding work environments. Whether you are seeking temporary, seasonal, or full-time employment, you will want to search for retreat centers that fit your skills, talents, work experience, and personality.

Director Positions
If you are seasoned and looking for a full time director position, you will need to have experience with: fund raising, marketing, operations, reservations, guest relations, facilities cleaning, building and inventory management, bookkeeping and accounting. Sometimes, depending on the retreat center’s needs, you will need to be able to facilitate spiritual activities and events. Usually a college degree is required, in addition to excellent communication skills, event marketing, and management and computer skills. Often, retreat centers may look for experience in event coordination, hospitality and ministry.

Program Director Positions
Qualifications typically required for program staff include: staff experience in resident summer camp, supervisory skills, management experience and the ability to evaluate the performance of camp counselors, and training experience. Retreat centers may want you to train and supervise program counselors, coordinate camp activities and special events, and provide primary backup of program counselors.

Camp Counselor Positions
If you are seeking seasonal work at retreat centers, the list of qualifications may focus on some of the following abilities: relating to one’s peer group, accepting supervision and guidance, working with children, and assisting in teaching activities. Character traits most needed are: integrity, adaptability, and enthusiasm, a sense of humor, patience, and self-control.

The benefits of working at any one of the thousands of retreat centers across the country can offset a smaller salary. Most retreat centers have a mission statement that centers on renewal of body, mind, and spirit. Located in beautiful settings and staffed by harmonious people, your work experience may truly become your career path, and even, a way of life. All the best to you as you search for retreat centers and opportunities that suit you well!

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Mark Dubler is the Executive Director of Otyokwah Camp & Retreat Center and a Retreat Centers expert. Check out our great discounts for first-time groups at Otyokwah Camp & Retreat Center.