Summer Camp Staff
2025 Summer Camp Staff Position Overview and Requirements
Working at Westwind is a rewarding and demanding summer job. Staff are expected to live within a tight-knit community and practice community care and self-advocacy through meaningful communication and collaboration. Westwind staff put the safety and experience of our campers above all else and work long days. Working at Westwind is fun and filled with sand and sunshine. You will become someone's role model and learn about yourself through the process, and will feel tired and fulfilled at the end of the summer.
The camp season begins June 13th with staff training and runs until the end of summer cleanup or by August 24th (please see 2025 Camp Calendar with specific session details). We expect staff members to be available during the entirety of the camp season unless otherwise approved by the Program Director.
Please note all staff must participate in the pre-summer staff training, pass a background check including national sex offender registry clearance, have a current First Aid, CPR, and AED certification by the first day of summer camp and are subject to drug testing for pre-employment and throughout the summer. Training may be provided before or during staff training. Job descriptions state a minimum age the applicant must be at the time of the first session of summer camp. First Aid/CPR training may be offered for free prior to the summer.
Applications
Applications open January 1st! There is no deadline for applications, however, interviewing begins mid-January, and positions are open until filled. Please be sure to review job descriptions before applying.
How to apply? Once you have logged into your camp account or created a new account, you will find the application located in the ‘Document Center’ found under the ‘Additional Options’ tab. Applications are found in the left column under ‘Online Forms’. Please fill out the application that applies to you completely and follow further instructions for resumé uploading. Applications will not be reviewed until the application is fully completed and the resumé has been uploaded.
Staff Training
Counselors, Unit Assistants, Program Support, Photographers, and Relief Counselors undergo 10 days of training and orientation at the beginning of each summer. What is taught during the staff training week is in alignment with Westwind and the American Camp Association’s values, standards, and expectations for staff & counselor training.
Staff training dates: June 12th-21st, 2025
Additional training for leadership staff (Unit Coordinators, Art Lead, Naturalist, Waterfront Coordinator, Activity Lead): June 9th-12th
Salary
All positions have a daily base salary that includes room and board. Pay increases may be made based on certification and experience levels. Applicants that receive a job offer will also receive a personalized salary that is specific to their position and any relevant additions.
- Unit Assistants: $60-$65
- Counselors/Relief Counselors/Program Support/Media: $70-$75
- Activity Lead, Art Lead, Naturalist, Waterfront Coordinator): $70-$80
- Unit Coordinators: $80
Job Descriptions
Teen Leadership and Teen Arts Unit Coordinator
The Teen Leadership program works with youth ages 15-17 years old. The Teen Lead Unit Coordinator is responsible for the supervision of 5-15 campers as well as 2-3 Teen Lead Counselors at a given time. This position involves using a curriculum designed to help foster and develop group dynamics, problem-solving, and leadership skills within the teen programs to be used not only at Westwind but in their communities as well. The Teen Lead Unit Coordinator will be responsible for helping the counselors execute the curriculum as well as providing programming to foster the campers’ appreciation and deeper understanding of the natural world, which may include overnight activities as well as camp activities. This being a supervisory position, it would be the responsibility of the Unit Coordinator to assess the leadership skills of the counselors within the Teen Lead Unit and provide coaching and support to them, including writing and delivering evaluations twice (mid-summer and end of summer). This position works closely with and is supervised by the Camp Director. Secondary responsibilities may include: supervising Babysitters during Family Camps, assisting with dishes and camp cleaning, supporting Administrative staff with training and logistics.
Supervisory and camp experience required.
Teen Adventure 2 Unit Coordinator
The Teen Adventure 2 program is for teens aged 15-17 years old. The Teen Ad 2 Unit Coordinator will be responsible for the supervision of 10-21 campers as well as 2-3 counselors at a given time. Teen Adventure 2 is a program dedicated to taking the skills, confidence, and adventure learned in Teen Adventure 1 and applying them to camp while working on leadership and team building – all focused around true wilderness and outdoor adventure. The Teen Ad 2 Unit Coordinator will be responsible for developing curriculum and schedules, supporting the counselors’ and campers’ needs, and providing relevant programming and activities. Being a supervisory role, the Unit Coordinator will be responsible for assessing the leadership abilities of the Teen Adventure 2 counselors and providing coaching and support to further develop their leadership and outdoor skills, including writing and delivering evaluations twice (mid-summer and end of summer). This position works closely with and is supervised by the Camp Director. Secondary responsibilities may include: supervising Babysitters during Family Camps, assisting with dishes and camp cleaning, supporting Administrative staff with training and logistics.
Supervisory and camp experience required. WFA/WFR certification is preferred but not required. Outdoor leadership experience is a must.
Teen Adventure 1 Unit Coordinator
The Teen Adventure program works with youth ages 14-17 years old. The Teen Ad 1 Unit Coordinator will be responsible for the supervision of 10-21 campers as well as 2-3 counselors at a given time. This program is aimed at developing outdoor skills, fostering an understanding and appreciation of the natural world, and providing campers the opportunity to expand their comfort within the outdoors.
The Teen Ad 1 Unit Coordinator will need to have experience with overnight backpacking, teaching outdoor skills, challenge course facilitation, as well as the comfort to participate in activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, surfing, etc. This is a very outdoor-focused position; the curriculum is designed to teach basic wilderness and outdoor skills and turn those into more advanced leadership skills in the Teen Adventure 2 program. The Teen Ad 1 Unit Coordinator will be responsible for developing programming that allows campers to have unique experiences outdoors and in camp that provides a sense of appreciation and higher levels of confidence and understanding. Being a supervisory role, the Unit Coordinator will be responsible for assessing the leadership abilities of the Teen Adventure 1 counselors and providing coaching and support to further develop their leadership and outdoor skills, including writing and delivering evaluations twice (mid-summer and end of summer). This position works closely with and is supervised by the Camp Director. Secondary responsibilities may include: supervising Babysitters during Family Camps, assisting with dishes and camp cleaning, supporting Administrative staff with training and logistics.
Supervisory and camp experience required. WFA/WFR certification is preferred but not required. Outdoor leadership experience is a must.
Unit Coordinator - Youth Camp (Sherwood, Highlands, Alpine)
Unit Coordinators in youth camp are responsible for the organization and supervision of their assigned unit (Sherwood, Highlands, Alpine) consisting of about 30-40 campers and 10-15 staff (5-7 counselors, 2-3 Unit Assistants, and Support Staff/Relief Counselors).
Unit Coordinators are responsible for planning and executing any unit activities as well as overseeing their unit’s cabin activities. Additionally, they will be responsible for coaching their staff to provide the best experiences for the campers. This position requires prior experience in group and behavior management. As supervisors, the Unit Coordinators will be responsible for conducting observations and assessments of staff, including writing and delivering evaluations twice (mid-summer and end of summer). This position works closely with and is supervised by the Camp Director. Secondary responsibilities may include: supervising Babysitters during Family Camps, assisting with dishes and camp cleaning, supporting Administrative staff with training and logistics.
Supervisory and camp experience required.
Art Lead
The Art Lead facilitates Westwind’s art program for youth and teen campers (ages 7-17) and also adults and families of all ages. The Art Lead will be responsible for planning and teaching daily arts and crafts projects, maintaining and organizing the Art Palace and all of the art supplies, working alongside all units to customize and develop curriculum, and leading groups of campers throughout the day. The Art Lead will also work directly with the Teen Arts, incorporating art and leadership into camp programming. This position requires creativity and experience in various art techniques and leadership of staff and all participants. Secondary responsibility may include assisting with camp cleaning, dishwashing, supporting staff coaching and evaluation, and others as assigned.
Minimum age of 18 years old with experience in art instruction and/or programming.
Activity Lead
The Activity Lead will be responsible for planning and executing any camp activities including but not limited to campfires, All Camp, themed meals, interest groups, as well as some unit activities and specialized programs. This position requires a creative, organized, and flexible individual with the goal of including everyone equally and the willingness to be challenged with their ideas. Each week of youth camp will have a theme. The Activity Lead is responsible for carrying out the theme throughout the week in each area of camp. The Activity Lead is assigned to a unit and will participate in unit activities as support staff when they are not planning or implementing an activity, working closely with the Camp Director and the Unit Coordinators throughout each week. The Activity Lead will also be supporting the Teen Stewards program by developing programming for those campers. Secondary responsibilities may include assisting with camp cleaning, dishwashing, supporting staff coaching and evaluation, and others as assigned.
Minimum age of 18 years old.
Naturalist
The Naturalist facilitates specific nature programming and activities for all ages, either during established unit time or other cabin activity times. The Naturalist is responsible for creating and executing educational and fun nature activities that correlate to Westwind’s rich natural history, biodiversity and location. Working closely with Unit Coordinators, this position requires prior knowledge of and passion for coastal plants, the estuary, the ocean and tidepools, and the rainforest, and is able to inspire others by designing nature activities for both campers and staff. The Naturalist is assigned to a unit and will participate in unit activities as support staff when they are not planning or implementing an activity. Secondary responsibilities may include assisting with camp cleaning, dishwashing, supporting staff coaching and evaluation, and others as assigned.
Minimum age of 18 years old. Some experience with plant identification and nature programming preferred.
Media/Photographer
The primary responsibility of the media team is to capture photos and videos to reflect the camp day. Media team members will post photos to the camp’s SmugMug account and help to compile some videos throughout the summer. The Media team members will acquire photos and video clips of each cabin group and all-camp activities, as well as spend time with units and cabins getting photos of smaller group activities. Secondary responsibility may include assisting with camp cleaning, dishwashing, and others as assigned.
Photography and editing experience required. Minimum age of 18 years old.
Portfolio or examples of work to be expected at time of interview.
Waterfront Coordinator
The Waterfront Coordinator is the point person for Westwind’s waterfront activities and responsible for the safety of all campers and staff. The Waterfront Coordinator must be lifeguard certified and have some supervisory experience. This position is responsible for scheduling all lifeguards for camp activities, working closely with Unit Coordinators and lifeguards to make sure there is proper coverage. This position requires a love for the river, knowledge of small craft safety and other safety protocols, organization and creativity, and the willingness to lead both staff and campers, whether in activities or in water safety practices. The Waterfront Coordinator is also responsible for assessing the skills of the lifeguards and finding ways to teach and support them throughout the summer. Prior leadership experience is required. The Waterfront Coordinator will be assigned to a unit and participate in evening programming with their assigned unit. Secondary responsibility may include assisting with camp cleaning, dishwashing, supporting staff coaching and evaluation, and others as assigned.
Minimum 18 years old. Must have or be able to obtain current lifeguard certification.
Program Support (Art/Activity, Lifeguard)
Program Support staff will be responsible for assisting program leads and program areas, such as Art, Waterfront, and supporting the Activity Lead with general and new programming. Schedules will vary depending on daily needs. Each Program Support staff will need to be flexible across all units and participate in overnights and other unit or cabin activities. Program Support staff may also support cabin groups with specific or general activities and help plan and facilitate programming for units and cabin groups. During Family Camps, counselors may lead activities for adults and children or lead Color Groups (groups of children of similar ages). Secondary responsibility may include assisting with camp cleaning, dishwashing, and others as assigned.
Experience working with youth is preferred. Interested lifeguards must have or be able to obtain a current lifeguard certification. Minimum age of 18 years old.
Youth Counselor
The primary responsibility of a youth camp counselor is to care for the campers’ needs while also creating a welcoming, inclusive, and safe environment. Each counselor will be assigned to a cabin of 8-10 campers of a similar age. They will be living with, eating with, and planning and participating in activities with their cabin. Counselors must be patient, flexible, compassionate, and punctual. Sound judgment and decision-making skills are a must. The ability and willingness to be challenged and to learn is required. Counselors work closely with Unit Coordinators and all other staff to ensure that each camper’s needs are met. During Family Camps, counselors may lead activities for adults and children or lead Color Groups (groups of children of similar ages). Secondary responsibility may include assisting with camp cleaning, dishwashing, supporting staff coaching, and others as assigned.
Experience working with youth is required. Minimum age of 18 years old.
Teens Counselor
The primary responsibility of a Teens Counselor is to provide a welcoming, inclusive, and safe environment for the teen campers. Teens Counselors will work with the Unit Coordinators to develop programming and activities that will help teen campers to develop their leadership skills, exercise their creativity, and deepen their appreciation and understanding of the natural world. Teen Counselors will be living with and supervising groups of 8-10 teen campers. The ability to work with peers in a collaborative and supportive way is a must. Teen Counselors must be patient, flexible, compassionate, and punctual. Teen Counselors will need to provide programming specific to each Teen program they are assigned to (Adventure or Leadership). During Family Camps, counselors may lead activities for adults and children or lead Color Groups (groups of children of similar ages). Secondary responsibilities may include dishes, camp cleaning, and evaluation writing, and others as assigned.
Experience working with youth is required. Outdoor skills are a plus. Minimum age of 19 years old.
Relief Counselors
Relief Counselors offer assistance to each unit and all camp programs. Schedules will vary depending on daily needs. Each Relief Counselor will need to be flexible across all units and participate in overnights and other unit or cabin activities. The main responsibilities of Relief Counselors include taking cabin groups for periods of time throughout the day within their assigned units and facilitating activities, working closely with other unit staff to ensure the campers’ needs are being met. Sound judgment and decision-making skills are a must. During Family Camps, Relief Counselors may lead activities for adults and children or lead Color Groups (groups of children of similar ages). Secondary responsibility may include assisting with camp cleaning, dishwashing, and others as assigned.
Experience working with youth is preferred. Minimum age of 18 years old.
Unit Assistants
Unit Assistants will be responsible for working within a unit and also working closely with the Unit Coordinator. Unit Assistants assist with providing supervision during counselors’ time off and transition times between activities, as well as loading and unloading luggage, chaperoning bus trips to and from camp, cleaning, dishes, and general activity programming for both youth and Family Camps. The distribution of mail and singing/entertainment prior to meals is also Unit Assistant’s responsibility. Programming support and a willingness to help in any area of camp are a must. Unit Assistants must be energetic, creative, flexible, responsible, punctual, compassionate, and comfortable being up in front of a group.
Experience working with youth is required. Minimum age of 17 years old (can be hired if 16 and turning 17 before or during the summer).
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Westwind provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type with regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.