Shocco, WorldSong look to fill open summer camp positions

Shocco Springs Baptist Conference Center is set to be very busy this summer — its camps are full, and it’s even picked up a few conferences and events from other venues.

There’s just one vestige of the past year’s COVID-19 struggles still hanging on — hiring camp staff has been a lot more difficult this year.

Shocco still needs at least 50 more part-time employees for the summer, and openings are across all departments — lifeguards, food service, housekeeping and guest relations in particular, according to Laurie Mullinax, Shocco’s public relations coordinator.

“We would love it if churches would announce the hiring and ministry opportunities from their pulpits,” Mullinax said.

“If local pastors will let their youth in particular know about the job openings, maybe that will help bring more people in to apply.”

That especially applies to churches in the local area of Shocco, which is located in Talladega. The camp still has a few resident positions for students for the summer, but many of its positions are part-time jobs for people who live off campus and could commute to work.

“As far as restrictions are concerned, we are continuing to pay attention to the ever-changing suggestions of the CDC and will have to adjust as needed,” Mullinax said.

“But our prayer is that camp will return to normal this summer, and many, many people will have wonderful experiences with the Lord at Shocco Springs this year.”

She said the “overwhelming” summer staff shortage is something camps and other employers are experiencing industry-wide this year.

Staff shortage

Candace McIntosh, executive director of Alabama Woman’s Missionary Union, agreed. Though WMU’s WorldSong Missions Place is taking camp on the road this year by holding daylong missions camps at host churches around Alabama (see story, page 13), they still need a sizable staff — and still have open positions.

To apply for a position at Shocco (age 16 and up only), visit shocco.org/employment. To apply for a position on a WorldSong traveling team, visit worldsongretreat.org/2021staff and click on “Apply Now.”