The health and safety of all campers and staff is our highest priority, and we select our camp offerings to ensure the safest, high-quality experience for campers. Camp sessions follow the Minnesota COVID-19 Prevention Guidance for Overnight Youth Camps and are informed by the American Camp Association’s Field Guide to Camp.
If you think you’re a good fit to work at camp, browse positions and follow the links to apply below!
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Important Application Process Information
Once you begin your application you will be asked to state your preferred position, so be sure to read through our camp position descriptions below.
You will also be able to select your top choices for placement at one of our camp locations. You can read up on our camp properties to help you make the best decision. While staff have a base camp where they spend most of their time, staff may also be given the opportunity to work at another camp for a week or two. Participating at our different camps gives you a great opportunity to see and experience our broad range of camp activities.
Seasonal Camp Staff
Seasonal, regular camp staff work as directors, counselors, specialists, and support positions. From being a role model to preparing meals, these staff ensure campers have the best possible time at camp.
General Qualifications
- Must live on-site during the summer camp months unless otherwise noted.
- Staff will have one day off each week with additional time off as the schedule permits.
- All staff members must be vaccinated against COVID-19.
- Staff members must be at least 18 years of age or have graduated from high school by the start of the camp season. Some exceptions will be considered.
- Additional, position-specific qualifications are listed below available positions.
Compensation
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- Pay rates are based on the staff member’s individual certifications and experience related to the position. Compensation also includes room and board (for those living on-site) and worker’s compensation insurance. See compensation table.
Application Links
- If you have not worked at our camps before, you should complete the new, regular staff application, and must enter three references into our reference form.
- If you have worked at our camps before, please complete the returning, regular staff application.
- If you are interested in Director Level positions, please complete the director application, and must enter three references into our reference form.
- If you are interested in counselor positions, please complete the camp counselor application, and must enter three references into our reference form.
- If you are interested in specialist or support positions, please complete the camp specialist and support application, and must enter three references into our reference form.
- If you are interested in kitchen positions, please complete the camp cook and kitchen application, and must enter three references into our reference form.
Available Positions
Director Level Positions
Directors further the camp mission by designing and delivering program activities and events that are safe, fun, and appropriate to the campers’ ages and abilities. They provide the highest quality experience for campers by assisting in managing the overall camp operation, including supervising, mentoring, and supporting staff. Apply for a Director Level position.
Assistant Camp Director
- Description: The assistant camp director empowers, mentors, and supports other staff in all areas around camp. Responsibilities include supervising staff and overseeing the running of the camp program, including developing and implementing curriculum, providing strong program design, flexibly adapting and reacting to the fast pace of camp, and filling in for the camp director when needed.
- Qualifications: Candidates must be highly organized with strong attention to detail. Previous resident camp and supervisory experience is required.
- Compensation: See compensation table.
- Location: Camp Elk River, Camp Lakamaga, Camp Northwoods
Assistant Riding Director
- Description: The assistant riding director delivers riding lessons and equestrian science lessons in order to provide a fun and safe riding program that is appropriate to campers’ ages and abilities in addition to mentoring and supervising the riding counselors.
- Qualifications: Candidates must have in-depth knowledge of horse care and the ability to teach horse beginner lessons through more advanced lessons.
- Compensation: See compensation table.
- Location: Camp Elk River
Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Director
- Description: The counselor-in-training (CIT) director mentors older campers in the Counselor-in-Training (CIT) programs to help campers become leaders as you train them for staff positions.
- Qualifications: Candidates must have leadership program/youth leadership experience and preferably 21 or older.
- Compensation: See compensation table.
- Location: Camp Elk River, Camp Lakamaga
Health Care Director
- Description: The health care director oversees the health and safety of all campers and staff. Responsible for performing health screenings of all incoming campers and staff, dispensing medications, and maintaining accurate health logs and records as legal documents. Perform first aid as necessary and appropriate, respond to emergencies, maintain contact with the camp physician, and ensure general health and safety throughout camp.
- Qualifications: Candidates must be highly organized with strong attention to detail. EMT or higher training and certification are required. Candidates over the age of 21 and/or registered nurses are preferred.
- Compensation: See compensation table.
- Location: Camp Elk River, Camp Lakamaga, Camp Singing Hills, Camp Northwoods
M.E.S.H. (Mental, Emotional, and Social Health) Director
- Description: The M.E.S.H. (Mental, Emotional, and Social Health) director is responsible for the oversight of the emotional well being of campers and camp staff. This position will provide education to staff and campers both proactively and reactively to the social and emotional needs of campers. This is a leadership position that is part of a director team that supervises staff and acts as a resource in problem-solving and programming.
- Qualifications: Must be 21 years of age or older and have a degree or schooling in a Human Service, Social Work, or other equivalent major. Mental Health First Aid or equivalent training required before summer starts.
- Compensation: See compensation table.
- Location: Camp Lakamaga, Camp Elk River, Camp Northwoods
Program Director
- Description: The program director oversees all aspects of program at camp. Through helping to develop and monitor curriculum, providing ongoing training and support to staff, and taking on a strong active leadership role, they ensure that there is consistency and quality in all areas of program throughout resident camp and day programs.
- Qualifications: Previous resident camp experience is required. Candidates must have a strong programing background and be highly organized with strong attention to detail. Candidates must also have the ability to lead a variety of activities and the capacity to train others to lead. Archery and low ropes trainings are required, but are available during staff training. Lifeguard certification is highly encouraged. At least 21 years of age or older is preferred.
- Compensation: See compensation table.
- Location: Camp Lakamaga, Camp Elk River
Riding Director
- Description: Riding directors oversee all aspects of the delivery of a successful, safe horse program to our campers, including training and supervising riding specialists, evaluating riding levels of campers and staff, developing and implementing lesson plans, ensuring safety and program quality is upheld, and overseeing the care of the horses.
- Qualifications: Current certification as a horseback riding instructor or documented endorsements of successful experience in leading a formal horseback riding program, at least 21 years of age, and in-depth knowledge of horse care and safety required.
- Compensation: See compensation table.
- Location: Camp Elk River
- Additional Info: Horse programs start in early May at Camp Elk River, would prefer someone who could start May 1 if possible.
Trip Director
- Description: Highly organized with good attention to detail, the trip director coordinates all logistics for on- and off-site tripping programs. Provide support to trip specialists and take charge of trip logistics. Ensure trips have the correct food and gear, coordinate driving schedules, organize the appropriate permits, reserve campsites as appropriate and work with trip specialists to develop itineraries. Oversee general outdoor education and take charge of purchasing and bagging appropriate quantities of food for trips and on-site cookouts. At least 21 years of age or older is preferred.
- Qualifications: Candidates must be highly organized with strong attention to detail. You must have previous trip experience, preferably in a resident camp setting.
- Compensation: See compensation table.
- Location: Camp Northwoods
Waterfront Director
- Description: In one of the busiest areas at camp, the waterfront director oversees water safety. Conduct regular in-service training and waterfront emergency drills for lifeguards, supervise and schedule waterfront specialists and lifeguards, ensure safety is upheld, and help campers receive fun and educational water time.
- Qualifications: Candidates must be highly organized with strong attention to detail. Previous resident camp experience is required. Good organizational skills are necessary to schedule guards throughout different areas and manage multiple user groups. You must have previous waterfront supervision experience and skills and a current lifeguard certification.
- Compensation: See compensation table.
- Location: Camp Lakamaga, Camp Elk River, Camp Singing Hills
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Camp Counselor Positions
Counselors orient and welcome all campers to camp and help them plan their schedules. You ensure campers get up each morning, eat at each meal, have fun, participate in a variety of activities, and stay healthy, safe, and happy while at camp. You must have the ability to learn new skills in many different areas and have a passion to work directly with campers. Apply for a Camp Counselor position.
Program Counselor
- Description: Program counselors work with a group of 8-10 campers and oversee them for their entire camp stay.
- Qualifications: Must be 18 years of age or older and willing to live in cabins with the campers. Counselors must have the ability to learn new skills and have a passion to work directly with campers.
- Compensation: See compensation table.
- Location: Camp Lakamaga, Camp Elk River, Camp Northwoods
Riding Counselor
- Description: Riding counselors have similar duties as program counselors, but their schedules are based around horses. Lead campers in the riding program, assist those teaching horse lesson, and assist the riding specialists with horse care and barn upkeep. You will also get to utilize and learn new skills in other program areas around camp.
- Qualifications: Must be 18 years of age or older and have some background in horse care and horseback riding, in addition to the ability to learn new skills and a passion to work directly with campers.
- Compensation: See compensation table.
- Location Options: Camp Elk River
Trip Counselor
- Description: Trip counselors have similar duties as program counselors, but their schedules are based around Wilderness Trips. Assist Trip Specialists in leading campers through our Wilderness tripping programs. You will also get to utilize and learn new skills in other program areas around camp.
- Qualifications: Must be 18 years of age or older and have some background in outdoor skills and camping, in addition to the ability to learn new skills and a passion to work directly with campers.
- Compensation: See compensation table.
- Location: Camp Northwoods
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Specialist Positions
Specialists are responsible for planning and leading lessons and activities in their specific activity area that are safe, fun, and appropriate to the campers’ ages and abilities. They also support counselors in their job duties, including substituting for them on their time off. In addition to having skills and knowledge in your specialty area, you must have the ability to learn new skills in many different areas and have a passion to work directly with campers. Apply for a Specialist position.
Program Specialist - Art
- Description: Art specialists develop and deliver art activities to campers and provide support to counselors. Art projects are a favorite at camp! You can unleash your creativity and help campers express themselves with a variety of mediums-with opportunities for clay modeling at all camps and a wheel and kiln at Camp Lakamaga, you should have experience in a wide range of areas.
- Qualifications: Candidates should have in-depth knowledge in an artistic area, and a passion for teaching it to campers. You must be creative and organized, in order to come up with, plan for, and teach unique and age-appropriate projects for groups of campers. On-site living is preferred, but can be an hourly commuter as well.
- Compensation: See compensation table.
- Location: Camp Lakamaga, Camp Elk River, Camp Northwoods
Riding Specialist
- Description: Riding specialists deliver riding lessons and equestrian science lessons in order to provide a fun and safe riding program that is appropriate to campers’ ages and abilities.
- Qualifications: Candidates must have in-depth knowledge of horse care and the ability to teach beginner horse lessons through more advanced lessons. More advanced campers may complete a three-day horse trip off-site. On-site living is preferred, but can be an hourly commuter as well.
- Compensation: See compensation table.
- Location: Camp Elk River
Trip Specialist
- Description: Lead camp overnights for beginners, and off-site trips for more experienced campers for up to 18 days in backpacking, canoeing, and kayaking.
- Qualifications: With extensive skills in outdoor cooking, camping, orienteering and Leave No Trace principals, you educate campers and staff in a variety of outdoor skills. You must have experience in leading trips or extensive trip participation experience and have skills in canoeing, kayaking, and backpacking. Lifeguard and wilderness first aid certifications required. Staff must also attend mandatory trip leader training at Camp Lakamaga prior to leading their first trip. Training courses and certifications are available during staff training.
- Compensation: See compensation table.
- Location Options: Camp Northwoods
Waterfront Specialist
- Description: Enjoy your time near the water as you educate campers in boating, fishing, and water safety. (Types of boating vary by camp but include canoes, kayaks, row boats, pontoons, paddle boards, Corcls, and sailboats.) Supervise open swim sessions along with other lifeguards and act calmly and efficiently in emergencies. (You will practice drills and scenarios throughout the summer.)
- Qualifications: Lifeguard certification required. On-site living is preferred, but can be an hourly commuter as well.
- Compensation: See compensation table.
- Location Options: Camp Lakamaga, Camp Elk River, Camp Singing Hills, Camp Northwoods
Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Specialist
- Description: Counselors-in-Training (CIT) specialist schedules are based around teaching and mentoring CITs of all levels (I, II, & III) alongside the CIT Director. You will also get to utilize and learn new skills in other program areas around camp.
- Qualifications: Candidates must have the ability to learn new skills and have a passion to work directly with older campers.
- Compensation: See compensation table.
- Location: Camp Lakamaga, Camp Elk River
Lead Program Specialist
- Description:Responsible for maintaining supplies for specialty programs, creating schedules, and providing support and being a resource for counselors and specialist in other program areas.
- Qualifications: Previous camp staff experience, basic knowledge of all program areas, passion for teaching campers and mentoring other staff.
- Compensation: See compensation table.
- Location: Camp Lakamaga, Camp Elk River
Program Specialist - Archery
- Description: Develop and deliver archery programming to campers and provide support to counselors in other program areas as needed. Archery is an activity that all campers want to try at least once.
- Qualifications: Candidates should have experience in shooting and have a passion for archery and teaching campers. On-site living is preferred, but can be an hourly commuter as well.
- Compensation: See compensation table.
- Location: Camp Lakamaga, Camp Elk River, Camp Singing Hills
Program Specialist - Team Building/Low Ropes
- Description:Develop and deliver team building programs for campers and provide support to counselors in other program areas as needed. Using games, activities and the low ropes course you’ll help campers develop team building and communication skills while having fun.
- Qualifications: Candidates should have experience in participating or leading low ropes elements and have a passion for team building and teaching campers. On-site living is preferred, but can be an hourly commuter as well.
- Compensation: See compensation table.
- Location: Camp Lakamaga, Camp Elk River, Camp Singing Hills
Program Specialist - Outdoor Skills
- Description:Lead activities such as outdoor cooking, fire-building, geocaching, hiking, shelter building, knot tying and nature activities. Provide support to counselors in other program areas as needed.
- Qualifications: Candidates should have experience or interest in learning the following outdoor skills: outdoor cooking, camping, and “Leave No Trace” principals. On-site living is preferred, but can be an hourly commuter as well.
- Compensation: See compensation table.
- Location: Camp Lakamaga, Camp Elk River, Camp Northwoods
Program Specialist - Mountain Bike
- Description: Responsible for delivering quality Girl Scout programming for mountain bike safety, skills, riding techniques and basic bike maintenance that is appropriate to campers’ ages and abilities and provide support to counselors in other program areas as needed.
- Qualifications: BICP Level 1 Fundamental Skills Instructor certification (or equivalent) and background facilitating youth programming. On-site living is preferred, but can be an hourly commuter as well.
- Compensation: See compensation table.
- Location: Camp Elk River
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Support Positions
Support positions do the important behind-the-scenes work to keep camp running smoothly. These positions are generally based around an hourly schedule up to 40 hours/week; however a weekly rate based on working 6 days per week may be considered for candidates who wish to live on-site for the summer. Apply for a support position.
Office Manager
- Description: The office manager helps oversee the overall business operation of the camp, including purchasing, camp store duties, record keeping, customer service, and financial records.
- Qualifications: Candidates should be highly organized with strong attention to detail, and have skills in communication and customer service.
- Compensation: See compensation table.
- Location Options: Camp Elk River, Camp Lakamaga, Camp Northwoods, Camp Singing Hills
Cook-Out Manager
- Description: Help oversee and ensure all cook-outs run successfully including the ordering and purchasing food, packing of food and supplies, and ensure equipment is returned in good condition.
- Qualifications: Candidates should be highly organized with strong attention to detail, and have skills in communication and customer service.
- Compensation: See compensation table.
- Location Options: Camp Elk River, Camp Lakamaga, Camp Singing Hills
Driver
- Description: Drivers will spend the majority of their time transporting campers and staff to wilderness trip sites and field trip locations. Planning your routes and maintaining safety while driving is the driver’s responsibility. When driving is not needed, this position will fill in around camp as needed and based on prior knowledge or skills.
- Qualifications: Candidates must have a valid driver’s license, be at least 21 years of age or older with at least five years driving experience, be comfortable driving twelve-passenger vehicles and have a good driving record.
- Compensation: See compensation table.
- Location Options: Camp Northwoods
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Kitchen Positions
Kitchen positions do the important work of making sure our campers and staff are fed. These positions are generally based around an hourly schedule up to 40 hours/week. However, a weekly rate based on working six days per week may be considered for candidates who wish to live on-site for the summer. Apply for a kitchen position.
Head Cook
- Description: Direct the overall food service operation of the camp for up to 300 participants at any one time. This includes adequate stock rotation and food purchasing, food preparation, following a pre-determined menu to ensure balanced nutrition, following due diligence to any dietary restrictions and food allergies, scheduling and coverage for kitchen staff, and keeping a safe and sanitary kitchen environment. You supervise and direct any staff working in the kitchen.
- Qualifications: Serve Safe certification and documented food service experience is necessary.
- Compensation: See compensation table.
- Location Options: Camp Northwoods
Cook
- Description: Under the direction of the food service director, you prepare and serve high-quality meals for up to 300 participants at any one time. You must be able to work well as a member of a team to prepare nutritional and camper-friendly meals, assist with clean-up and inventory, and ensure all health and safety standards are met.
- Qualifications: Documented experience in food preparation and/or cooking required.
- Compensation: See compensation table.
- Location Options: Camp Northwoods
Kitchen Assistant
- Description: Kitchen assistants assist the cooks in preparing and serving nutritious meals and in maintaining the cleanliness and sanitation of the kitchen and dish-washing area.
- Qualifications: Documented experience in food preparation and/or cooking required. Can be 16 years of age if living off-site, 18 if living on-site.
- Compensation: See compensation table.
- Location: Camp Northwoods
