OPEN POSITIONS

Summer staff positions can be applied through the summer staff page.

Anyone who can climb is welcome! However, we recommend that all minors come with a parent or guardian. If you are 16 with a license, you may attend Open Climb without a parent or guardian as long as you have a signed waiver. Click on the link to download the waiver. Waivers must be signed by a parent or guardian prior to arrival.

Open Climb is an opportunity to push yourself and try something new. Each week we open our indoor rock climbing gym for our community to enjoy. Whether you have climbed before or not, Open Climb is a great place for you.

Yes, everyone who enters our climbing facility needs to do this. Thank you for understanding and helping us remain compliant and uphold the best practices. You can download the waiver here.

Yes! The admission cost includes a harness and helmet — everything you need to start climbing!

Wednesdays from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m., and some Saturdays during the season. Please see below for known upcoming closures, and as always, please sign up for our contact information form to get the most up-to-date information. We are closed November 22, December 27, January 8, February 12, and March 26. May 14 is our last night of the season.

Athletic clothing is advised that allows for non-restrictive movement. Closed-toe shoes are required. We also offer climbing shoe rentals.

Absolutely not! First-timers and experienced climbers coexist and learn from each other. Bouldering — one form of climbing we offer — has no prerequisites and you can be climbing within minutes of arrival. For those looking to climb taller walls, we have staff members ready to help you at any moment. Our team will get you situated and climbing right away!

Open Climb costs $10 per person. We do offer shoe and chalk bag rentals for $2 each.

Summer staff positions are very competitive and we take a great deal of pride in the selection of our staff. Prospective staff members go through a comprehensive application process which includes the initial application, references and a personal interview with a member of the Executive Staff.

Applications for Summer Staff Open October 1. You will get a confirmation email once you submit your application. If you do not receive that email, call the office. Please allow up to 2 weeks for us to reach out once you submit your application.

You must be 14 years old by the first day of Staff training (or Memorial Day Family Camp if working that weekend).

Every staff member needs to complete PA State Clearances. You will be given information upon hiring. You will need to fill out all the financial paperwork. Staff members under 16 years of age will need a work permit and parent permission.

Yes. Staff members may drive to camp. Cars are to be left in staff parking during the week.

Camp ends on Saturday morning and resumes on Sunday afternoon. You are required to leave camp during this time. During the week, there is scheduled time off/breaks.

Yes! We pay on a biweekly basis. Pay is based on the position worked and the amount of years serving in the same position. Pay is received by Direct Deposit or Pay Card. Room, board and lifelong friendships are also included.

Our Service Staff and Program staff stay in communal lodging, typically above our bathhouses, but may also be in one of our cabins depending on housing needs for campers on any given week. Counselors stay in cabins with campers.

The more weeks you can work, the better, but you are not required to work the entire summer. We like service staff to work at least 3 weeks plus staff training. In the application process, you will specify what weeks you are available to work.

You will know Seneca Hills is for you if you have a deeply rooted, personal relationship with Jesus Christ and a desire to serve Him in the summer camp setting.

After a staff member is hired, an extensive training program is provided at the start of the summer season called staff training. All first year staff members are required to attend staff training in its entirety. During staff training, staff members are trained on topics such as child development, how to recognize, prevent, and take action against bullying, behavior management, risk management, emergency procedures, how to conduct a Bible Study, and all other topics related to their specific position as well as all Seneca Hills Bible Camp policies.

Yes. Staff who are 14 are able to camp in the same summer they are working. Unfortunately staff ages 15 and up are not able to camp.

Staff shirts and nametags are given to all staff members. You should wear these items with either khaki pants or shorts for Sunday evening check-ins. The maintenance team can wear jeans. During the week, casual dress as appropriate, functional, and modest for your position is expected (Kitchen staff are required to wear non-slip, closed-toe shoes when working).

Yes! Throughout the week and after camper departure, our staff collects lost and found items and places them in bins organized by the week of camp so belongings can be easily found.

You must let the office know at least 24 hours in advance. You can email us at office@senecahills.org or call 814-432-3026 and leave a message.

We respect your privacy! If you prefer that pictures or videos not be taken of your child, simply let us know when you register your camper. We will make a note in your camper’s file and ensure that they are not included in any photos or videos during their time at camp. Your child’s safety and comfort are our top priority, and we’re happy to accommodate your preferences.

All of our campers are never forced to do something they are uncomfortable doing. Our staff is taught “Challenge by Choice” where they are instructed to encourage campers to get out of their comfort zone gently but are never allowed to force a camper to do anything.

Check-in is from 5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the Recreation Center.

Camper pickup is at 9 a.m. on the last day of their camp session.

If your child needs to be picked up in the middle of the week or if you are unable to pick up your camper at the end of the week, you will need to fill out a mid-week camper pick-up form/alternate pick-up form during camper registration at the beginning of the session.

Campers stay busy at camp! From team time to cabin competitions, and evening programs to cabin devotions, worship and Bible Study, our day is packed with fun, challenge, and exploration! Take a look below at what a typical day at camp looks like: Daily Schedule Our schedule varies based on the day of the week, but here is an overview of what to expect on a typical day at camp. 7:15 a.m. – Wake Up Morning Activity 8:15 a.m. – Breakfast Activity Time Missions 12:15 p.m. – Lunch Activity Time Snackery Free Time 5:30 p.m. – Dinner Bible Study Snackery Free Time Chapel Evening Activity Cabin Debriefs Lights Out

Absolutely! All campers take a swim test when they arrive at camp. Those who do not pass the test are permitted to swim in the shallow end of the pool, ensuring they can still enjoy swimming safely. Our pool is always monitored by certified lifeguards, so your child will be closely supervised during any water activities. Safety is our top priority, and we make sure every camper has a fun and safe experience at the pool. Campers who do not want to swim are not forced to swim.

Your child has 24-hour access to the bathroom. Our staff is instructed to assist campers if necessary. All of our cabins are located close to our bathhouses.

Yes! Campers are encouraged to bring a film or digital camera to capture pictures of their experiences. We only ask that the cameras are unable to connect to the internet. We also do not allow their use in the cabins.

Yes! We use SmugMug to upload photos of camp activities throughout the week. Photos are posted on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings, so you can get a glimpse of your child’s camp experience. The login information for the photo gallery is password protected and is provided to parents during check-in. This way, you can enjoy seeing the fun your child is having while ensuring their privacy is respected.

Please reference the packing list for all camps. Parents should label their camper’s belongings with their full name. What To Pack Bible, notebook, pen – We will provide a Bible for you to keep if you do not already own one Water bottle Sleeping bag or sheets and blankets Towel and shower shoes Jacket, sweatshirt, and long pants Pillow Sleepwear Toiletries Rain gear Flashlight Bug spray and sunscreen Sneakers and water shoes Modest bathing suit and towel (ex. Tankini, one piece – no bikinis, speedos, etc.; boys should wear swim trunks and girls should wear swimsuits that cover the midriff.) Water shoes and/or old sneakers Seneca Hills and Missions offerings Paper, envelopes, and stamps Small backpack or cinch bag Medications in original containers with camper’s name attached. Medication other than inhalers and epi-pens must be given to the camp nurse at check-in to be administered by the nurse. Medications will be returned during departure. What to Pack for Edge Wilderness Camps Sleeping bag Sleeping pad – foam or inflatable are fine Headlamp Hiking shoes – waterproof preferred Water shoes  Extra socks Your own pack – these will be provided if you do not have your own What Not To Pack Electronics, including cell phones, iPods, tablets, smart watches, computers, laptops, or any device that can connect to the internet Food, including snacks, candy, and gum Clothing not appropriate for camp, including bikinis, short shorts, and clothes with questionable slogans or logos. Campers may be asked to change and will be given clothes if they do not have extra Cash Alcohol/Tobacco/Drugs (including vapes and e-cigarettes) Weapons (any blades, firearms, lighters, fireworks, etc.) All prohibited items will be confiscated if brought onto campgrounds.

Yes! We feed our campers on Sunday night and Saturday morning.

As the safety of your children is a priority of ours, we need to know about any allergies your child may have. Please provide these details on your Health History form and be as specific as possible with the information to allow us to be prepared to accommodate your camper’s allergy. More information can be found on our Dining page under Facilities.

Only under special circumstances will we allow parents to pack snacks for their children. Since there is a ‘no food in the cabin rule,’ all snacks are given in our dining hall or snackery. Campers are given two daily opportunities to purchase snacks from our snackery on top of their three meals a day.

Not at all! Occasional bedwetting does not mean your child isn’t ready for camp. We’re experienced in handling situations like this discreetly and compassionately. Our counselors are trained to support campers with care and sensitivity, ensuring their comfort and privacy. We recommend letting us know ahead of time so we can take steps to help your child feel at ease. For example, we can provide reminders before bedtime, assist with discreet cleanup, and make arrangements for laundering bedding if necessary. Our goal is for every camper to have a fun and positive experience at camp, regardless of any challenges they may face!

ACA is the only national accrediting body for camps of all types. ACA’s accreditation standards focus on health, safety, and risk management, and are used as benchmarks by government entities. ACA accreditation provides public evidence of a camp’s commitment to the well-being of campers and staff.

Each cabin typically has 12-14 campers. Our counselor to camper ratio is 1:7. The counselor stays in the cabin with the children, providing guidance, supervision, and support throughout their time at camp.

Yes! You can write emails or letters to your camper while they are here with us at Seneca Hills! We have an online Camper Mailing Form and ask that you please limit messages to one per family, per day. Phone calls are strongly discouraged, as they tend to dishearten already homesick campers. (All communication should come through the office.) Please use our online Camper Mailing form found in the Resources section. Please limit messages to one per family, per day.

While we strive to ensure every camper has a positive and fulfilling experience, there are some situations where sending a camper home early may be necessary. These include: Behavioral Issues: Persistent disruptive or inappropriate behavior, bullying, or refusal to follow camp rules that affect the safety or experience of others. Homesickness: In rare cases, extreme homesickness does not improve despite our staff’s efforts to support the camper. All parents will be notified after 24 hours of persisting homesickness. Emotional or Mental Health Concerns: If a camper is experiencing emotional distress or mental health challenges that require specialized care. Family Emergencies: If a family emergency arises and you need to bring your child home. Parental Request: If a parent or guardian requests to pick up their child for any reason during the camp session. Parents are required to pick up their children if the Executive Staff and/or medical professionals deem it necessary.

While we are not equipped to handle campers requiring one-on-one attention, we can accommodate some special needs campers. Please give us a call in the office to discuss your camper’s specific needs.

As an ACA-accredited camp, Seneca Hills works within the standards the American Camp Association to make health and safety practices the very best they can be. Our staff undergoes two weeks of training to prepare for certain situations that may occur inside or outside at camp.

We take hydration very seriously, especially during hot weeks. Our staff ensures that campers drink plenty of water at all three meals, and we also incorporate scheduled water breaks throughout the day to keep everyone hydrated and safe.

We take a great deal of pride in the selection of our staff. The prospective staff goes through a comprehensive application process which includes a reference check, an intensive application, and a personal interview with one of the Executive Staff members or interns. An extensive training program is provided at the start of the summer season. Staff members are trained on topics such as child development, how to recognize, prevent, and take action against bullying, behavior management, risk management, emergency procedures, how to share the gospel, and much more. During the summer, staff are supervised and evaluated by members of our camp leadership team and full-time staff. All staff members are required to have their Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance, Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Background Check, and Federal Criminal History Record Information also known as the FBI clearance.

Homesickness is a reality of overnight camping, but one of the unique experiences of camping is allowing campers to gain a sense of independence. All of our counselors go through an extensive two-week training before the summer begins that includes dealing with a homesick camper. If a camper is homesick, our counselors will do their best to comfort the camper, if the homesickness persists, one of our Head Counselors will talk with the camper. If the homesickness continues after 24 hours, our Program Manager will connect with parents to find the best strategies for helping the camper through the week. Although we have campers each week who will wrestle with some homesickness, it is extremely rare that a camper will need to be sent home. Campers who stick it out will gain an incredible sense of independence and accomplishment!

Medications should be brought to camp in original containers with the camper’s name attached. Medications other than inhalers and epi-pens must be given to the camp nurse at check-in to be administered by the nurse. Medications will be returned during departure.

Our full-time staff monitor the weather at all times and check to make sure lightning, thunder, and storms are outside of the set range around camp. If lightning does happen to come within the designated range, then we will make sure all the campers and staff are safe inside a building. We will then proceed with pre-planned activities that are in place when needing to be indoors.

We hope that every camper will remain healthy and fully able to participate in all aspects of camp life. Just in case, though, Seneca Hills’ Nurse Station is staffed by medical professionals 24 hours a day, all summer long. We supervise the provision of medication at each meal and before bed. In the case of sickness or injury, parents/guardians are always made aware by our medical personnel or an executive staff member. Reasons a camper may need to be sent home include: A fever of 100.4°F or higher. Vomiting or diarrhea that persists or worsens. A contagious illness, such as pink eye, lice, or strep throat. A serious injury that requires further medical evaluation or treatment beyond what our camp nurse can provide. We want all campers to have a safe and positive experience, and we appreciate your understanding if sending your child home becomes necessary for their health and the well-being of others. Parents are required to pick up their children if the Executive Staff and/or medical professional deem it necessary. All campers can return to camp if they have been cleared.

Absolutely! Campers may submit up to two names for their cabin mate request. While we do our best to honor cabin mate requests, we cannot guarantee that your request will be granted.

No! Here at Seneca Hills, we hope to share the gospel with all children, reached and unreached. We do our best to cultivate a welcoming environment for all children regardless of their church background or denomination. Throughout the week your camper will be familiarized with the basics of faith such as prayer and worship and why they are essential. Those foundations will also be built and expanded upon through chapel, Bible Study, and missions.

Choosing the right time for your child to attend camp is an important decision. Here are a few questions to help determine if your child is ready for the experience: Can your child spend two nights (ages 6-8) or six nights (ages 9-18) away from home? Consider how your child has handled overnight stays in the past, such as sleepovers or time with extended family. If your child is anxious about being away from home for extended periods, it might be worth waiting until they feel more confident. How does your child respond to new environments and routines? Camp will be a new and structured environment. Is your child comfortable following instructions, engaging with new people, and adjusting to a busy schedule? Is your child ready to participate in group activities? Camp is a place for your child to interact with others, try new activities, and be part of a team. Is your child open to participating and being involved in camp activities, even if they’re outside of their comfort zone? How does your child handle challenging situations, like homesickness or conflict? While we offer support, there are times when campers may experience homesickness or need to work through challenges with peers. Is your child able to manage those emotions or work through difficulties independently? We want every camper to have the best possible experience, and we understand that camp is not the right fit for every child at every stage. If you’re uncertain, feel free to reach out to our Program Manager, and we’ll help you decide if camp is the right choice for your child this year.

Parents should label their camper’s belongings with their full name. What To Pack Bible, notebook, pen – We will provide a Bible for you to keep if you do not already own one Water bottle Sleeping bag or sheets and blankets Towel and shower shoes Jacket, sweatshirt, and long pants Pillow Sleepwear Toiletries Rain gear Flashlight Bug spray and sunscreen Sneakers and water shoes Modest bathing suit and towel (ex. Tankini, one piece – no bikinis, speedos, etc.; boys should wear swim trunks and girls should wear swimsuits that cover the midriff.) Water shoes and/or old sneakers Seneca Hills and Missions offerings Paper, envelopes, and stamps Small backpack or cinch bag Medications in original containers with camper’s name attached. Medication other than inhalers and epi-pens must be given to the camp nurse at check-in to be administered by the nurse. Medications will be returned during departure. What to Pack for Edge Wilderness Camps Sleeping bag Sleeping pad – foam or inflatable are fine Headlamp Hiking shoes – waterproof preferred Water shoes  Extra socks Your own pack – these will be provided if you do not have your own What Not To Pack Electronics, including cell phones, iPods, tablets, smart watches, computers, laptops, or any device that can connect to the internet Food, including snacks, candy, and gum Clothing not appropriate for camp, including bikinis, short shorts, and clothes with questionable slogans or logos. Campers may be asked to change and will be given clothes if they do not have extra Cash Alcohol/Tobacco/Drugs (including vapes and e-cigarettes) Weapons (any blades, firearms, lighters, fireworks, etc.) All prohibited items will be confiscated if brought onto campgrounds.

Yes! We invite families to visit Seneca Hills during our Open House, which is held on the first Saturday in May each year. This is a great opportunity to tour the camp, meet the staff, and get a feel for the place before your child arrives. We’d love to see you there!

Our different camp sections are structured in a manner that allows for growth at a level that is tailored to each age group specifically. For further information on this and to discuss specifics, call our office at (814) 432-3026.

Simply put, our food is the best! At Seneca Hills, we provide well-balanced, nutritious meals that are both delicious and filling. Our dining hall serves a variety of options to accommodate common dietary needs, including gluten-free options. We also offer snacks throughout the day to keep energy levels high for all the fun activities! However, we are unable to accommodate every dietary restriction. While we can handle gluten-free diets, other dietary needs may not be fully supported. If your child has specific food restrictions, we encourage you to review our allergy information on the dining options page to determine if camp meals will meet their needs. We want every camper to have a great experience, and we’re happy to work with you to find the best solution for your camper’s dietary needs!

Yes! It is our heart at Seneca Hills that finances never prevent a child from experiencing camp! Check out how to apply for financial aid. You can also find out how to give here.

A camper’s account is the money you choose to give them to make purchases in the store or snackery. Only junior and senior high campers may use this money to play paintball. Inside the camp store, campers can purchase journals, water bottles, camp apparel, and other various items. In the snackery, which is open twice a day, campers can buy drinks like water and soda and snacks like chips, candy, and ice cream.

No, you do not have to pay all at once. Families may use our Installment Plan. Once the deposit is paid, the remaining balance is spread over the remaining months leading up to camp (skipping the month of December if registered before then). Alternatively, you may pay the deposit at the time of registration, and pay the balance at any time up until arriving at camp. All fees must be paid in full no later than the beginning of your session. Contact the Seneca Hills office at (814) 432-3026, for questions regarding payments and balances due.

You may certainly check and add money if necessary to your camper’s account during the week. We recommend you add $50 to your camper’s account to allow them to purchase two snacks at every snackery and a novelty item in our camp store.

Deposits A non-refundable deposit of about one-third of the camp cost is required for all summer camp registrations. The deposit is due when registration is made. Cancellations Cancellations made within one business day of registration are eligible for a full refund. Refunds before June 10: Cancellations made before June 10 will result in a refund of all paid fees except the non-refundable deposit. Refunds on or after June 10: Cancellations made on or after June 10 will result in the forfeiture of all paid registration fees. Please Note Refunds will not be issued for campers who leave early for any reason, including illness, behavioral issues, homesickness, or conflicts with other campers. We understand these situations can be challenging, but once your child has arrived at camp, we are committed to providing them with the best possible experience. We recommend discussing camp expectations with your child before arrival to ensure they are prepared for their week at camp.