Summer Camp Staff
2023 Summer Camp Staff Position Overview and Requirements
Working at Westwind is a rewarding and demanding summer job. You will learn what it means to live and work in a close-knit community that, by the end of the summer, will likely feel like family. Chances are, you will be looked to as a role model, a hero, and maybe someday, someone will be applying for a job at Westwind because of the impact you had on their life. If you are willing to work hard, play hard, put others first and experience and appreciate the beautiful outdoors for a whole summer, Camp Westwind might be the right place for you.
We highly value the commitment you make to working at camp. The camp season begins June 15th with staff training and ends August 27th with cleanup ending on August 29th (please see 2023 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.
Applications
Applications are open! There is no deadline for applications, however, interviewing begins in January, and positions are open until filled. Please be sure to review job descriptions before applying.
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, Support Staff/Relief Counselors, and Lifeguards/Support 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 standards and expectations for staff & counselor training.
Staff training dates: June 15-24th
Additional training for Leadership staff (Assistant Camp Director, Unit Coordinators, Art Specialist, Nature Specialist, Waterfront Coordinator, Activity Specialist): June 12-15th
Salary
All positions have a daily base salary that includes room and board. Pay increases may be made for certification and experience. Applicants that receive a job offer will also receive a personalized salary that is specific to their position and relevant additions.
- Unit Assistants: $50
- Counselors: $60-$65
- Relief Counselors/Support/Lifeguards: $60-$65
- Program Staff (Media Specialists, Activity Specialist, Art Specialist, Nature Specialist, Waterfront Coordinator): $60-$65
- Unit Coordinators: $70
Job Descriptions
Teen Leadership Unit Coordinator
The Teen Leadership program works with youth ages 15-17 years old. The 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 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. Secondary responsibilities may include: supervising babysitters during Family Camps, assisting with dishes and camp cleaning, and evaluation writing.
Supervisory and camp experience required.
Teen Adventure 2/Teen Trekkers Unit Coordinator
The Teen Adventure 2 and Teen Trekkers programs are for teens aged 15-17 years old. The 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. Teen Trekkers incorporates adventure off of the Westwind site with activities such as surfing, sea kayaking, and backpacking. Comfort leading activities in outdoor settings and participating in active outdoor activities required. The 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 and Trekker counselors and providing coaching and support to further develop their leadership and outdoor skills. Secondary responsibilities may include: supervising babysitters during Family Camps, assisting with dishes and camp cleaning, and evaluation writing.
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 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 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 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. Secondary responsibilities may include: supervising babysitters during Family Camps, assisting with dishes and camp cleaning, and evaluation writing.
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, often working closely with the Camp Director. Secondary responsibilities will include: supervising babysitters during Family Camps, assisting with dishes and camp cleaning, and evaluation writing.
Supervisory and camp experience required.
Art Specialist
The Art Specialist facilitates Westwind’s art program for youth and teen campers (ages 7-17) and also adults and families of all ages. The Art Specialist 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. 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 and dishwashing.
Minimum age of 18 years old with experience leading art instruction.
Activity Specialist
The Activity Specialist will be responsible for planning and executing any all camp activities focusing on participation over competition, 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 decided by the staff. The Activity Specialist is responsible for carrying out the theme throughout the week in each area of camp. The Activity Specialist 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. Other job duties may include camper mail printing, dishes, end-of-session cleaning lead, and others as assigned.
Minimum age of 18 years old.
Nature Specialist
The Nature Specialist facilitates specific nature programming and activities for all ages, either during established unit time or other cabin activity times. The Nature Specialist is responsible for creating and executing educational and fun nature activities that correlate to Westwind and its biodiversity and location. Working closely with Unit Coordinators and lifeguards, 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 Nature Specialist is supervised by the Camp Director and is also responsible for gathering and organizing supplies and materials. The Nature Specialist is assigned to a unit and will participate in unit activities as Support Staff when they are not planning or implementing an activity. Other job duties may include dishwashing, camp cleaning, and assisting where needed.
Minimum age of 18 years old.
Media Specialist (Photographer and Videographer)
The primary responsibility of the Media Specialists is to capture photos and videos to reflect the camp day. Media Specialists will post photos to the camp’s Flickr account and compile an end-of-session video. The Media Specialists 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. Video material of day-to-day activities, special events, and camper testimonials will be gathered. Secondary responsibilities will include assisting with dishes and camp cleaning.
Photography and editing experience required. Minimum age of 17 years old. Preferred age 18 or older.
Portfolio to be expected at time of interview.
Waterfront Coordinator
Act as the point person for waterfront activities and responsible for the safety of all campers and staff. The Waterfront Coordinator must hold current lifeguard certification and have leadership 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 responsibilities will include assisting with dishes, camp cleaning, and writing evaluations.
Minimum 18 years old. Must have or be able to obtain current lifeguard certification.
Lifeguard/Support
Lifeguards are responsible for the safety of all participants during any waterfront activity. Each lifeguard needs to be currently certified. The ability to facilitate and run waterfront activities in a fun and creative way is included in the responsibilities of lifeguards. Lifeguards will be supervised and supported by the Waterfront Coordinator while also communicating and working with each Unit Coordinator. Each lifeguard will be assigned to a unit and will participate in evening programming with their assigned unit. Secondary responsibilities will include assisting with dishes and camp cleaning.
Minimum age of 18 years old. Must have or be able to obtain current lifeguard certification.
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 responsibilities may include dishes and camp cleaning.
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.
Experience working with youth is required. Outdoor skills are a plus. Minimum age of 19 years old.
Support Staff/Relief Counselor
A vital part of camp operations, Support Staff/Relief Counselors offer assistance to each unit and all camp programs. Schedules will vary depending on daily needs. Each Support Staff/Relief Counselor will need to be flexible across all units and participate in overnights and other unit or cabin activities. The main responsibilities of Support Staff/Relief Counselors include taking cabin groups for periods of time, facilitating or assisting with archery, challenge course, tree climbing, and some nature activities. Additional responsibilities may include assisting with the camp store, supporting the Program Leads, lifeguarding (if applicable), dishwashing, camp cleaning, as well as program planning and preparation. The Support Staff/Relief Counselors work closely with each Unit Coordinator to design their schedule. Support Staff/Relief Counselors must be creative, flexible, and punctual.
Minimum age of 18 years old. Experience working with youth preferred.
Unit Assistants
Unit Assistants (previously known as Minors Support Staff) 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.