Work as a Summer Camp Counselor
Gwynn Valley’s staff make each summer a success.
We hire creative, fun, inspiring individuals who demonstrate a desire to work with younger children and who have strong character, leadership skills, and experience to teach in our program areas.
Our staff is made up of people from all over the world and these diverse cultures are an important part of Gwynn Valley. Countries such as Scotland, England, Ireland, France, Poland, Ukraine, Russia, Brazil, Japan, India, Australia, and New Zealand have been represented at camp. In addition, we have staff from many US states. Our counselors have finished their freshman year of college or are at least 19. Our overall camper/staff ratio is 3 to 1.
“This has been one of the most amazing summers of my life! From the moment I arrived at Gwynn Valley I was awe-struck by the diversity of people around me. I considered myself lucky to be here. I’ve taken on a lifestyle, not a mere job – a lifestyle because it’s changed me, challenged me, and taught me how to grow. The best part is not only am I benefiting myself – I’m making a difference to the children.” Staff member
We have positions available for cabin counselors, activity heads, program assistants, office, kitchen, housekeeping, and laundry staff.
To learn more about staff opportunities, next summer’s dates and other pertinent information for prospective staff, please read over the 2013 Staff Information document.
Adventure Leaders
In our Mountainside and Riverside programs we work to build a strong sense of community through adventure activities. We offer programming in backpacking, mountain biking, climbing, white water canoeing, pioneering skills and other activities. We are looking for staff who enjoy working with 11 to 14 year olds, have a passion for teaching, and have experience in leading outdoor pursuits. For more information on the Mountainside and Riverside programs please refer to the Program information pages.
Staff Application
You must have the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to download these forms.
SIT’s & Interns
Too young to be a counselor?
If you are 16 or 17 and finishing 10th or 11th grade, you may qualify for the Staff-In-Training (SIT) program. To learn more about SIT opportunities please look over the 2013 SIT Information.
If you are 18 and finishing the 12th grade you may apply for an intern position. To learn more about Intern opportunities please look over the 2013 Intern Information.
What is it that you get from camp as a staff member?
At the end of our camp season here at Gwynn Valley I start to think about again finding the right staff to work in our program. We had a great summer in 2011 and you want only better for the next year. I feel the greatest challenge in camping today is finding the right staff to work in your program and I hear other camp directors express that same thought. We’re looking for people who genuinely fit into our particular little bit of utopia. What is it that you get from camp as a staff member? I contemplate that question each new season and each year I come to the same following points (this is a good thing because I firmly believe what is written below is the gospel truth).
- Live, play, and work in the great outdoors
- Go on active adventures
- Experience other parts of our country
- Make new friends from all over – even from other countries
- Bank more money than you think – with few expenses (well..especially if you’re in a rural setting)
- Become a child’s hero
- Learn leadership skills
- Learn public speaking
- Become a marketing expert (with kids)!
- Live the human powered existence at camp (you seldom get in a car)
This and more will happen to you. Some of our staff spend a summer working with children and it literally becomes a life changing experience. Now keep in mind we’re not out to make your parents pay out another 2 years in college tuition so you can change your major to elementary education. It is however, something that opens doors as it exposes one to so much more than waiting tables at a restaurant or leaning on a shovel all summer long.
Life only seems to get more complicated for college students. As a dad with 4 children soon to be of college age, I ask myself and them, what are some of the most important characteristics of students today – how do they learn, what do they need to learn, their goals, hopes, dreams, what their lives will be like, and what kinds of changes will they experience in their lifetime. There’s a pretty cool video out on youtube that was done by Michael Wesch at Kansas State University, A Vision of Students Today. Check it out. What is it that camp offers that students just don’t get from school today? How many tremendously successful adults can trace back some important learning to their time as a participant or staff member at summer camp? Check out the next video that was produced by the American Camp Association and see some who did. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5orvqJPk7s Give camp a try and make a difference in a child’s life as well as yours.”
Grant Bullard – Director
