Best Summer Job or Internship!! Summer Camp Staff
About this Job (campchestnutridge.org/discover)
We are looking for energetic, creative, hardworking, community builders, who want to make the world a better place by making the Love of Christ visible. We do this by welcoming each and every person who comes to camp, through our care for creation and by building relationships with the people around us.
As a staff member, you will work harder than ever before as well as make memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.
Positions Available:
- Senior staff – A generalist position where counselors provide leadership, creative energy, and positive camp experiences. All counselors live with the campers, helping each adjust and grow within the camp environment and community, planning activities and events for the camp week, leading daily worship and Bible Study sessions, promoting the building of Christian community, and participating in all camp activities.
- Lifeguard (must be 18 or older): LIfeguard will spend most of the day lifeguarding different water-based activities around camp, such as our pool, canoes and kayaks, and lake inflatables. When not lifeguarding, lifeguards will assist with other activities around camp. No experience is necessary. Lifeguard training is available as part of staff training.
- Waterfront Coordinator: (rising Sophomore in College or older) Waterfront Coordinator will oversee all water-related programs at Chestnut Ridge. They maintain all water-related equipment daily. In addition, they oversee pool and lake games, and monitor the pool water and bathhouse. They will supervise counselors and lifeguards at the pool, inflatable lake toys, and canoeing/kayaking on the lake. Lifeguard certification is required and is available as part of staff training. The Waterfront Coordinator will participate in all camp activities outside of the water-based programs as well.
- Ropes Course Specialist (Age 18 and up): The Ropes Course Specialist will spend most of the day facilitating campers as they participated in various ropes course elements, including our static and dynamic aerial courses, zipline, gravity swing, and tree climbing. When not helping with the ropes course
- Challenge Course Coordinator: (rising Sophomore in College or older) The Challenge Course Coordinator will be in charge of all high and low ropes areas. Responsibilities include: Keeping all areas clean and orderly, storing all equipment at the end of the day, maintaining adequate staff at each area, supervising staff on all challenge course facilities, filling in on ropes staff when needed, conducting regular technical training so staff remains sharp, facilitating a safe and fun environment. High ropes certification at Chestnut Ridge is required and is available as part of staff training. Prior experience in belay systems is highly recommended. The Challenge Course Coordinator will be required to participate in all camp activities outside of the challenge programs as well.
- Adventure Counselor/Trip Leader: (18 & older, 21+ to drive) The Adventure Counselors lead all camp-based high adventure activities including the low and high challenge course activities, initiative games, and zipline. They also work with the camp’s high adventure trips, including backpacking, rock climbing and whitewater rafting. Adventure counselors should have excellent communication skills, a lot of energy, a strong focus on safety, and aptitude for group dynamics and team building facilitation. Experience in belay systems is a plus. Persons on this team must be able to plan and lead offsite trips. Camping and outdoor skills are essential. Excellent driving record and completion of a bus driver safety course during staff training strongly desired. Adventure Instructors are required to participate in all camp activities outside of the adventure program. Adventure Instructors should plan to attend Trip Leader Training, as well as lifeguard and high ropes certifications.
- Equestrian (Horse) Camp Counselor: (rising 12th grade & older) Equestrian Camp Counselors teach beginning and intermediate trail riding and horse care daily. In addition, instructors oversee herd maintenance and care, feeding and grooming and care of all tack and horse related equipment. Horse Camp Counselors are required to participate in all camp activities outside of the trail riding program as well. Staff should plan to attend Horse staff training will be during staff training as well as full staff training.
- Arts & Crafts Instructor: (rising 12th grade & older) This position requires developing and operating an arts and crafts program with artistic expression geared to various ages, interests, and abilities of the campers. The need for organization, safety and preparation is always present. Clay art, lanyards, leather crafts, and jewelry making are all a part of this popular activity. The Arts and Crafts Instructor is required to participate in all camp activities outside of the art program as well.
- Media Specialist: (18 & older) The Media Specialist is responsible for photo, video, and presentation productions. This person insures that quality photos are taken and posted to the website daily. The Media Specialist films, edits, and produces a video each week.
- Farm/Garden Staff: (18 & older) Farm/Garden Staff members work with the Garden/Farm Manager to care for the gardens and camp livestock on a daily basis. Planting, watering, weeding, harvesting, and feeding animals are all part of this position. Staff will also work with the campers that come to the farm. Emphasis on sustainable agricultural practices. Farm/Garden Staff are required to participate in all camp activities outside of the farm/garden programs as well.
Internship Opportunites:
Many colleges and universities give internship/class credit for summer positions at Camp. With the highly varied nature of roles and responsibilities at camp, we can help cater responsibilities of highly qualified candidates to fit internship requirements for many majors, including Psychology, Education, Arts, Marketing, Environmental Science, Recreation Management, Communications, Nursing, and more
Your Role:
Patience, flexibility and endurance are the three most important qualities when working as summer staff. Your role as a staff member requires you to work long hours, present your best self and selflessly serve others. The vast majority of our summer camp staff are residential. Staff are given the opportunity to experience a variety of camp activities throughout the summer.
Energy
Going 110 percent every day is important. Campers are inspired by your energy and enthusiasm, so staff must have high energy every day. If you’re having fun and giving your energy and talent to the campers, the campers have fun, and get inspired to be more and learn more.
Important Dates
Staff Training: May 22 - June 10
During staff training, you will have the opportunity to obtain certifications in Lifeguarding, CPR/First Aid, High Ropes Facilitation and Tree Climbing.
Trip Leader Training: May 20-22 for anyone interested in leading an off-site adventure trip
Camp Sessions: run weekly, Sunday to Friday, June 12 - August 26st (understanding that many college students are not available the last week of camp)
SALARY & BENEFITS: Salaries are based upon position, experience, certifications, and skills.
First Year Summer Staff: $270/week + Housing and Meals
Second Year Summer Staff: $290/week + Housing and Meals
Third Year Summer Staff: $310/week + Housing and Meals
Fourth Year Summer Staff: $320/week + Housing and Meals
Fifth Year Summer Staff: $330/week + Housing and Meals
Increase in pay:
Lifeguard Certification
Belay Certification
You can increase your weekly pay by $5/week, plus receive additional pay to attend the trainings (approx $200 per training).
Housing and Meals
Housing is provided throughout the summer. Meals are provided throughout the week and on weekends when we have retreat groups on site. The 5 cabins and 2 lodges at Chestnut Ridge are air-conditioned and have bathrooms in the cabins. Some weeks you will be assigned to a “camper cabin”, which typically has 2 counselors and 10 campers. Other weeks you will be assigned to a "staff cabin". These have a detached bathroom, electricity and air conditioning.
Time Off
Most staff take off a week each summer for vacation, mission trips, etc. Additionally, each week staff have off one night (from 6:00 pm until 11:00 pm) and are off from approximately 9:00 p.m. Friday evening until 2:30 pm Sunday afternoon. Retreat groups doing programs on Saturdays offers the staff opportunities to make additional money at an hourly rate.
Networking
Being a staff member at camp allows you to connect to our alumni network of former staff and parents who are business owners and employers who recognize your commitment. Sharing camp with alumni and parents is a common language that demonstrates your dedication, commitment and strong work ethic.
Professional Development
Camp is invested in your development and your success. Our objective is to fully equip you with the leadership skills that will enable you to be an effective leader at camp, at school, and in today’s workforce. We focus on building excellent skills in the areas of collaborative teamwork, effective communication, creative thinking and problem-solving. While at camp, we are helping you identify and develop your strengths in these areas. Many colleges and universities give internship/class credit for summer positions at Camp.
About Chestnut Ridge Camp and Retreat Center:
We are 362 acres of fun, hospitality, excitement, and growth.
Chestnut Ridge Camp & Retreat Center is a non-profit, ACA accredited, co-ed summer camp associated with the United Methodist Church. Chestnut Ridge is located in Efland, NC, and offers day and overnight camps for campers in K – 12th grade.