Summer Jobs
FIND YOUR PURPOSEA summer position at Camp Wood YMCA is more than “just a job”. It’s a life-changing experience. As summer staff, your days will be very full–full of outdoor activities like hiking and boating, full of challenges as you mentor and care for campers, full of sun and wind and rain. But your days will also be filled with the laughter and smiles of children, the friendship and support of fellow staff, and the most spectacular sunsets and starry nights you’ve ever experienced.
Primary Staff
Day In & Day Out Leaders
Cabin Leader
Our Cabin Leaders, along with their Co-Leader, are the primary caretakers for a group of 8-10 campers. Camp Wood Cabin Leaders are vital in making camp happen! They must have a passion for working with kids and a love for the outdoors. Cabin Leaders also teach “clubs” every morning and participate in all-camp activities each evening. These Leaders are responsible, positive role models who tackle each day with energy and enthusiasm.
Preferred (but not required) skills include Lifeguard and First Aid Certified, experience working with kids, and ability to lead.
Wranglers
Wranglers assist in planning and facilitating Camp Wood’s popular horse program. This position requires a passion for teaching campers how to ride and knowledge on how to care for our herd. Wrangles will be responsible for leading trail rides and maintaining safety procedures at the barn. Previous riding experience required.
The Wranglers will participate in general camp life in addition to his or her core duties. This individual will lead in a cabin when required and assist with other program areas.
Office Assistant
The Office Assistant will work under the supervision of the Office Manager. Great computer and phone skills are a must for this position as well as a willingness to work partial weekends. This person must be organized and have a love for camp!
Dining & Housekeeping Staff
Camp Wood dining staff ensures that all campers enjoy healthy, delicious meals to fuel their activities while at camp. Our housekeeping staff ensures that our accommodations meet the needs of campers, visitors and overnight guests so that they can focus on enjoying their time at camp. These individuals will work under our Director of Dining and Housekeeping and must be quick learners.
PROGRAM STAFF
Specialty Area Leaders
Adventure Lead
Calling all thrill-seekers! The Adventure Lead is responsible for supervising high-ropes, zipline, giant swing, climbing wall, and tower. This individual must be diligent in maintaining safety protocols and training staff to do the same. Properly setting up and tearing down equipment is done on a daily basis so organization skills are necessary. The Adventure Lead ensures that all adventure program areas are safe, fun, and well-administered. Previous experience on ropes is preferred.
The Adventure Lead will participate in general camp life in addition to his or her core duties. This individual will lead in a cabin when required and assist with other program areas.
Arts & Crafts Lead
The Arts & Crafts Lead is responsible for designing and implementing a comprehensive Arts & Crafts curriculum for campers. Our areas of art include pottery, painting, drawing, jewelry, nature crafts, candlemaking, tye-dye, and more. This individual is responsible for training staff on how to run Arts & Crafts for their cabin. In addition, he/she will organize and keep an inventory of all Arts & Crafts materials. The goal of the Coordinator position is to ensure a dynamic, fun, and engaging Arts & Crafts program for all ages.
The Arts & Crafts Lead will participate in general camp life in addition to his or her core duties. This individual will lead in a cabin when required and assist with other program areas.
Equestrian Lead
The Equestrian Lead will implement a horseback riding curriculum for campers and supervise a staff of 2 to 3 wranglers. They will work closely with the Teen Lead to plan and run the Wrangler-In-Training (WIT) program. In addition, the Equestrian Lead will ensure the safety of all horse program participants and the well-being of Camp Wood’s herd. The goal of the Equestrian Director is to provide Camp Wood campers with a fun, safe, high-quality horse program. Previous riding and camp experience is required.
The Equestrian Lead will participate in general camp life in addition to his or her core duties. This individual will lead in a cabin when required and assist with other program areas.
Nature Lead
The Nature Lead should be an engaging instructor and have a love for outdoor exploration. Knowledge of the Tallgrass Prairie and the different types of wildlife will help in this role. This individual should exhibit a keen sense of direction, willingness to get a little dirty, and proactiveness in maintaining safety measures. The main job of a Nature Lead is to leave campers with a love for our amazing world!
The Nature Lead will participate in general camp life in addition to his or her core duties. This individual will lead in a cabin when required and assist with other program areas.
Media Lead
The Media Lead will be in charge of capturing all the amazing summer memories through pictures and videos. This individual is expected to produce 20-25 edited photos per day and compile an end-of-week video to share with camp families. They will work closely with the Director of Marketing to ensure the content is in line with Camp Wood’s values. Previous experience in photography and videography is required.
The Media Lead will participate in general camp life in addition to his or her core duties. This individual will assist with other program areas when necessary.
Waterfront Lead
The Waterfront Lead is responsible for supervising all activities and programs at the waterfront. Specific responsibilities include: checking the waterfront for safety hazards, supervising lifeguards and swimming instructors, enforcing waterfront rules, and coordinating swim schedules. The Waterfront Lead is also responsible for organizing and implementing safety drills and emergency procedures. Previous lifeguard experience is required.
The Waterfront Lead will participate in general camp life in addition to his or her core duties. This individual will lead in a cabin when required and assist with other program areas.
Leadership Staff
Camp-Wide Leaders
Teen Lead
Our Teen Lead will plan and facilitate Camp Wood’s leadership programs for campers between the ages of 14 and 17. These programs include Leader-In-Training (LIT), Counselor-In-Training (CIT), and Wrangler-In-Training (WIT). The Teen Lead will be responsible for preparing campers for leadership roles in their schools, communities, and Camp Wood. Our Teen Lead must have a passion for working with teens and be willing to help them build self-confidence. This individual must be an exceptional role model who exercises responsible decision-making and respect for others.
Unit Leads
Our Unit Lead positions will support and coach Cabin Leaders throughout the summer. The Big Bluestem Unit Lead will be responsible for supervising older cabin groups while the Little Bluestem Unit Lead will supervise younger cabin groups. Additional responsibilities include: planning weekly unit-specific activities; addressing camper behavior concerns; planning and implementing all-camp games; and coordinating overnight campouts. Previous camp and leadership experience preferred.
Day Camp Lead
The Day Camp Lead is responsible for implementing and supervising all Day Camp programming. This camp runs Monday thru Friday, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm and typically has 10-20 campers. Other tasks include coaching Day Camp leaders, planning unique activities, coordinating with program staff, and properly checking campers in/out.
Need more Information?
If you are on the fence and you would like to talk to one of our full time staff about any of the positions provided, please fill out this form. We are happy to talk to you about all of the opportunities that Camp Wood provides.