Each summer and winter, Lost Pines hires more than 100 co-ed staff members to teach outdoor skills and facilitate camp operations. Most of our co-ed staff members are 17-24 years of age and come from a wide range of backgrounds.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary based on position responsibility and individual’s experience
• Eligibility to apply for Staff Association scholarship
• Housing varies with job and position; staff live in cabins or walk-in tents
• Meals and staff shirts included at no cost
• Free WiFi at camp
• All buildings have air conditioning

Where can I work at Lost Pines?

Aquatics (pool and waterfront)

Merit badges typically taught: Swimming, Lifesaving, Rowing, Canoeing, Motorboating, Water Sports, SCUBA, Small Boat Sailing

The aquatics program at Lost Pines uses two pools near the center of camp and a waterfront area located on Lake Bastrop. The waterfront has numerous watercraft such as canoes, rowboats, motorboats, kayaks, stand-up-paddle boards, and sail boats. Staff in the pool area typically teach all the basic Scout water skills such as swimming, snorkeling, SCUBA, lifesaving, and BSA Lifeguard. Staff at the waterfront teach all the watercraft skills. The actual merit badges taught may vary year by year. In addition to classes, there is open boating and swimming most every day of the camp week.

Shooting Sports

Merit badges typically taught: Archery, Rifle Shooting, Shotgun Shooting

The Shooting Sports area consists of three different ranges for archery, rifle, and shotgun. It includes 3D action archery, clay pigeon shooting, and .22 rifle shooting. In addition to classes, there is open shooting most every day of the camp week.

Climbing

Merit badges typically taught: Climbing

Lost Pines is home to the tallest climbing tower in Texas and centerpiece of our council’s climbing program. The tower supports both rappelling and climbing programs. In addition to classes, there is open tower most every day of the camp week.

ATV Safety Course

ATV participants (Scouts 14+ years old) will complete the ATV Safety Institute beginning rider course. ATV program will be conducted during the daily program periods. Trail rides will be conducted on Thursdays. Staff assists in teaching and demonstrating the various riding techniques.

Nat-E-Con (Nature, Ecology, and Conservation)

Merit badges typically taught: Archaeology, Astronomy, Chemistry, Electricity, Energy, Environmental Science, Fish and Wildlife Management, Fishing, Fly Fishing, Forestry, Geology, Insect Study, Mammal Study, Nature, Oceanography, Reptile and Amphibian Study, Soil and Water Conservation, Space Exploration, Weather

The staff in this area typically teach skills and merit badges related to science and the environment. Staff members who are creative teachers with an ability to incorporate hands-on activities with students will be most successful here.

Scoutcraft

Merit badges typically taught: Camping, Cooking, First Aid, Emergency Preparedness, Geocaching, Orienteering, Pioneering, Search and Rescue, Wilderness Survival

This program area teaches basic outdoor skills and merit badges to Scouts. Staff members who are creative teachers with an ability to incorporate hands-on activities with students will be most successful here.

Eagle Quest (first year camper program)

Lost Pines has one of the best known first year camper programs, designed to show new Scout how a patrol works, with a staff member acting as the Patrol Guide for each patrol of eight Scouts. All Eagle Quest Scouts will work on First Aid, Swimming, and Leatherwork merit badges.

Living History

Merit badges typically taught: Basketry, Cycling, Indian Lore, Leatherwork, Metalwork, Textile, Signs Signals and Codes, Woodcarving

The Living History program is designed to provide a taste of early pioneer American life. This includes a working forge and sawmill. In addition to offering merit badges, there are demonstrations and activities on Living History Night. Staff in this area will typically wear historically accurate clothing. Mountain biking is also based in the Living History Area.

Silver Pines Adventure

Staff in this area lead older campers on exciting activities throughout the week. This includes C.O.P.E. activities, canoe fishing, SCUBA, ATV safety, an adventure trip tubing in the San Marcos River, archery, and shotgun shooting.

Counselors in Training (CIT)

This is an unpaid internship program designed to develop future Lost Pines staff members and provide personal development for Scouts. CITs generally rotate through and work in different program areas during camp, while enjoying the same room and board benefits as paid staff members.

Office Manager

The Office Manager is responsible for running the day-to-day operations of the camp business office which includes handling money. The Office Manager is also responsible for accurate recording-keeping for merit badge classes as well as general office duties such as copying and answering the phone. The position requires experience with standard Microsoft Office tools such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Trading Post

Staff in our trading post retail store sell merchandise and help restock products while the store is open for business. Prior experience operating a cash register or point of sales software is preferred.

Service and Support

Staff in this area are responsible for general maintenance of the camp including bath houses, garbage removal, commissary duties, and replenishing supplies in program areas.

Provisional Scoutmaster

The Provisional Scout program is for Scouts who wish to attend camp without their home troop. These Scouts are placed into a temporary Provisional Troop at camp under the adult leadership of a Provisional Scoutmaster who then serves as the unit leader for those Scouts throughout the week.

Camp Commissioner

The commissioners spend the week working closely with the Senior Patrol Leaders and adult leaders of each troop. A commissioner serves as the go-between for troops and camp staff. They conduct daily meetings, perform campsite inspections, and in general help ensure a good experience for each troop.