About Camp
What is Camp Straight Street?
Camp Straight Street is a nine week day camp for kids entering kindergarten through eighth grade. We’re a Christian day camp dedicated to winning kids to Christ and discipling them through the fun and exciting atmosphere of camp.
Camp started in the summer of ’97 with about 60 kids each week from 1st - 7th grade. Over the past eleven years we’ve moved into a new building, doubled our staff and have seen our numbers grow to well over 250 kids each week. We also broadened our ages to K5 - 8th grade.
Where is Camp Straight Street?
We’re located on the campus of Shades Mountain independent Church just outside Birmingham in Bluff Park, AL. (It’s 3 miles north of the Galleria).
Who runs Camp Straight Street?
Camp Straight Street is a ministry of SM2 or Shades Mountain Student Ministries (the youth department of Shades Mountain Independent Church). Camp is directed by Jonathan Owen, SM2 Middle School Pastor.
How much does camp pay?
Camp is a difficult job that asks a lot out of you although it is very rewarding. We know that you’re giving up your summer to spend it with us so we want to make sure we pay you well. Our staff makes a weekly salary of anywhere from $225 (for younger high school students) to $325 (for older college aged students and adults). Your pay depends on your age, position and prior years of camp experience (we like it when quality staff return so we increase salaries each year for returning staff).
What is expected from staff?
Although camp is a ministry it is also a business and in many ways functions like a business. You are required to come to three days of training (Thursday, June 5 - Saturday, June 7), if you are a team captain, our name for head counselors, you’ll need to come to training two days earlier on Monday, June 2nd. Staff are required to arrive at 8:15 in the morning for our daily staff meeting and allowed to leave at 4:15. Twice a week you will be assigned to work an early or late shift, this means coming in at 7:00 a.m. or leaving at 5:45 p.m..
How do I apply for camp?
If you click the tab at the top of the page labeled “Jobs” you will find a downloadable job application. Download it, fill it out and return it to us by mail or bring it by our office. Once we receive your application we’ll contact you about an interview. We will be having a few interview sessions in Tuscaloosa and Auburn. If you will be attending those you may bring your completed application to the interview. For any question please contact Jonathan Owen at 205-978-9124 or jonathanowen@smic.org.
What if I live outside the Birmingham area?
Each summer we hire students from around the southeast. For college students interested in working at camp but live out of town we will provide housing near our campus. Out of town staff will stay in the homes of members of our church, Shades Mountain Independent Church. The housing is free and is available for those that need it.
Photo Album
Take a look at last year
Camp Straight Street is a nine week Christian day camp for kids entering kindergarten through eighth grade.
Check out a video of all the fun from past years.