Thunderhead
Episcopal Center
Working at Thunderhead
At Thunderhead Episcopal Center (TEC), working at camp is more than a summer job. It’s leadership development. It’s community. It’s spiritual curiosity. It’s long days outside in the Black Hills and evenings around the fire pit laughing with people who will change you.
We are building a staff culture that is kind, flexible, safety-minded, and deeply committed to showing up for young people.
If you love nature, believe in the power of community, and want to help create a place where people can truly know the joy of being accepted fully — you might belong here.
Applications are open now and reviewed on a rolling basis.
Assistant Director
Lead our seasonal staff team and oversee daily camp operations. The Assistant Director is a key ministerial role focused on mentorship, program excellence, and fostering our mission in the Black Hills.
Kitchen Director
Manage our dining operations, menu planning, and food safety protocols. The Kitchen Director ensures our community is nourished with care, hospitality, and nutritious meals every day.
2026 Open Positions
Cabin Staff
Be the direct heart of the camper experience. Cabin staff live in modules with campers, facilitating daily spiritual adventures, leading activities, and modeling the radical love of TEC.
Thunderhead staff operate under what we call the Full Value Contract:
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Show up
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Pay attention
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Attend to safety
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Speak the truth (in love)
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Be open to outcomes
This isn’t just a poster on the wall — it’s how we lead, how we communicate, and how we care for one another.
The kind of people who thrive at Thunderhead are:
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Flexible
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Kind
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Go-getters
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Nature lovers
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Dreamers
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Emotionally mature humans who can live in community
We work hard. We laugh a lot. We debrief honestly. We prioritize safety. We share responsibility. We worship together. We rest together.
You do not need to be Episcopal or Christian to work at camp. You do need to be mission-aligned. Worship, prayer, and faith practices are a regular part of camp life, and staff are expected to participate alongside campers.
Staff Culture and Commitments
Joining the staff at Thunderhead Episcopal Center is a profound commitment to service, leadership, and communal living. We seek individuals who are ready to immerse themselves in the wonder of creation while fostering an environment where every camper feels fully known and fully loved. This role requires significant emotional resilience, a collaborative spirit, and a deep dedication to the safety and spiritual well-being of our campers. We expect our staff to be role models, modeling empathy, integrity, and joy in all interactions.
All staff are expected to commit to the entirety of the 2026 summer season, participating fully in staff training as well as all camp sessions. This dedication ensures continuity and helps build the sacred community that is the hallmark of the TEC experience. Expectations include maintaining high standards of personal conduct, adhering to all diocese safety protocols, and contributing actively to the daily maintenance and spiritual life of our Black Hills home.
Ready for Adventure?
I believe camp changes lives — including the lives of staff.
I am committed to building a culture where staff are supported, challenged, and trusted with real leadership. I expect excellence, kindness, and clear communication. I also believe deeply in laughter, rest, and fire-pit debriefs.
If you want to do meaningful work in a place where safety, honesty, and joy matter — I’d love to read your application.
— Sierra Gore Kacher
Canon for Thunderhead Episcopal Center
& Diocesan Youth Ministries
Episcopal Diocese of South Dakota