​WORK AT SUMMER CAMP

• Camp Fire Minnesota aims to be a leader in pay equity for on-site staff and we are proud to offer double the median pay offered by resident camps across the country, according to research conducted by the American Camp Association. *note that pay is different for International staff attending camp through an agency
• Meals and lodging for on-site staff are provided all summer, including weekends.
• 2 to 3-weeks of paid staff training (depending on position) designed to support your growth as a leader and build transferable skills. We’ll support you in including camp experience on your resume or college applications.
• We offer staff outings and social activities each weekend. Transportation is available for staff without access to vehicles during the summer.
• On-site staff get 2 hours off per day, 1 paid mental health day during the summer, and time off between Friday evening and Sunday early afternoon.
• Join a supportive, inclusive environment, with coaching-oriented supervisors, and time to virtually attend therapy sessions.

• Build on Your Education: You’ll receive a comprehensive staff training and on-going team-building sessions. In these trainings, we’ll learn about camp activities, behavior management, parent communication, how to work with youth of all ages and backgrounds, the importance of developmental assets, and proper health and safety guidelines. These are valuable skills you’ll use throughout your life, no matter what profession you follow. Check out this New York Times article and Huffington Post article to learn more about the benefits of camp (or if you need to convince your parents!).
• Help Youth Grow Strong: Our summer camp counselors are caring individuals who love the outdoors and are dedicated to giving youth an amazing summer camp experience. You will help campers learn about themselves and others, learn new skills and encourage them to have fun in a safe outdoor environment.
• Build Incredible New Relationships: You will meet the wildest, most caring, fun-loving, adorable, energetic, courageous, and confident campers around! They will impact your lives forever, and you will create memories that last a lifetime for you – and for them. You will also meet other incredible staff that will become lifelong friends. We cherish the diversity and community our staff share each summer.
• Have Fun! While “camp is for the camper,” you’ll leave having had an amazing summer, meeting other incredible counselors, learning about yourself, trying new things, and exploring the outdoors.

Meet a Camper and Staff Alum: Lalo “Rio” Edmondson (pronouns: he/him)

Meet Lalo, a hardworking young man in his first year of teaching. He began coming to Camp Fire Minnesota’s summer camp program at the age of 13. Lalo participated in our Leadership Development program and went on to become a counselor, growing confidence in himself as a leader. He is now on our Board of Directors! Watch more about Rio’s experience here.

Plus – Watch a few staff highlights from last summer on our TikTok!

@campfiremn 🎶 We only got one thing on our mind… 🎶 SUMMER CAMP! Want to have an unforgettable summer? We are hiring for summer camp jobs now! Go to our website to apply. Check out this fun video that our staff made last summer! https://campfiremn.org #campfire #summercamp #campcounselor #minnesota #camplife #summer2023 ♬ Sunroof – Nicky Youre & dazy

Cabins offer a classic, un-plugged experience. Each cabin has bunks with mattresses and is open-air with screen-in windows. There are not restrooms or electricity in cabins; all restrooms are nearby sleeping areas and have electricity and flush toilets. Staff sleep in curtained areas near the entrances and exits to cabins. While sometimes campers need extra help on the first night settling in, camp is such an active experience that typically campers sleep through the night.

When you submit your application, you will have the option to select which cabins you are comfortable supervising. These options are girls cabins, boys cabins, and all-gender cabins (which is a mixed gender environment). You will largely stay in the same cabin all summer, but may move around sometimes depending on the needs of the program.

Take a virtual tour

Working at summer camp is fast-paced and different than a typical job. Here’s some information about how time-off works at camp.

Each on-site staff member gets 2 hours off per day. During this time you’ll have access to our indoor staff lounge or other outdoor quiet spaces around camp. Our staff lounge has internet access, a television, and a small kitchen to prepare a snack if you’d like. We encourage staff to use their time off as self care and as a time to connect with family or friends outside of camp.

Each on-site staff also gets Friday evening through Sunday early afternoon off. Friday evenings usually include a trip to town so staff can go to the store for any essentials. Staff outings or activities are typically planned for Saturdays, with transportation available for international staff or staff without cars at camp. Campis located very close to the Twin Cities, with easy access to museums, shopping, movie theaters, sporting events, and more. Staff can also utilize the camps facilities on weekends as long as proper safety and supervision is in place. Head to the waterfront for a swim (with a lifeguard) or practice archery during your time off. Saturday evenings often include screened movies or board game nights.

Each staff is provided one paid mental health day during the summer. We will do our best to accommodate your preferred date, though we do need to make sure that staff spread out when they take these so we can maintain proper supervision of campers.

Need to take off during the summer? We can usually accommodate a max of 1 week off for staff, if communicated in advance and approved. Please share your desired dates with the Camp Director as soon as possible for a better chance of being approved.

That’s okay – please still apply and let’s chat! We want staff to have some flexibility to take on other adventures throughout the summer, while still serving all our campers.

A few things to keep in mind:

1. All staff are expected to be a part of staff training. If you are starting with us mid-summer you will receive on the job training.
2. Hiring preference is given to staff who can commit to more weeks or the full summer. Please share dates you may or will need off before or during your interview.
3. Most leadership positions require a full season commitment.