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Work at walden

How can a job at Walden help build your future?

Working at a children’s overnight summer camp is a great resume builder for any future professional endeavor. As a Child Development Specialist, you’ll build and hone skills in:
  • Team building and Collaboration
  • Leadership and Decision Making
  • Problem Solving and Behavior Management
  • Communication with people from a wide range of ages and backgrounds
  • Creativity–develop innovative and fun ways to engage an audience.
  • Life and job skills that apply across the professional spectrum.

Internships/College credit

Because of the vast skill set required of a camp counselor, we can fashion internships for virtually any major, from accounting to forestry management. Scott and Liz both have master’s degrees and can supervise learning contracts as needed. Internships are paid.

 

Walden staff should be up-to-date on vaccinations based on Centers for Disease Control recommended childhood immunization schedule, including the initial two-dose Pfizer or Moderna Covid-19 vaccination. The most recent Covid-19 booster and annual flu shot are strongly encouraged.

Walden Counselor/Activity Instructor 2024 job description

June 7 – August 4

Walden counselors live with their campers and co-counselors and are responsible for mentoring and caring for the campers in their assigned cabin.  In addition to cabin life, counselors will teach at activity periods during the day.  Counselors are generally hired for their particular skill set in one or more of the following areas: Athletics—Tennis, Baseball, Basketball, Softball, Archery, Fencing, Soccer, Lacrosse, Ultimate Frisbee, Volleyball Waterfront—Canoe, Kayak, Sailing, Stand-Up Paddle Board, Ski/Wakeboard, Swim Instruction Arts & Crafts—Ceramics, Drawing, Painting, Tie-Dye, Batik, Lapidary, Jewelry Making, Sewing, Sculpting and more Media—Photography (B&W and Digital), Radio/Podcasting, Videography, Walden Pond (daily newspaper) Performing Arts—Theater, Drama, Improv, Jam band Outdoor Life—Farm/Garden, Animal Care, Outdoor Cooking, Hikes and Trips Tripping—taking campers on overnight trips around Northern Michigan Counselors must have at least one year of college or the equivalent, have a desire to work with children, be willing to work as part of a team, and have an appreciation for nature, including principles of conservation and environmental stewardship.

is walden right for you?

Camp Walden hires approximately 90 cabin counselors each summer who form the backbone of our program. These counselors mentor, instruct, and care for Walden campers day and night—a job that both requires and enhances communication and problem-solving skills, as well as creativity and patience. To decide whether Walden is right for you, read our Staff Brochure and continue exploring our Website. If Walden’s program, philosophy, and high standards align with your idea of an exciting and worthwhile summer job, then please fill out an application!

In general, we are looking for counselors who:

  • Seek experience working with children and teens as positive role models, helping them to learn new activity skills as well as develop their resilience, empathy, and social skills.
  • Possess experience studying, coaching, or participating in camp activities—waterfront, arts, sports, etc.—and feel confident in their ability to teach campers who possess beginner to intermediate skill levels.
  • Enjoy working outdoors in a natural, low-tech setting. (Staff have access to their phones and to internet on their off time.)
  • Value diversity, equity and inclusion. See our DEI statement on this website and in the Staff Brochure.
  • Can attest that they are mentally, emotionally, and physically prepared to perform the duties required of Walden staff..

Not ready to apply just yet? Fill out this form and we’ll be in touch!

AND DON'T FORGET TO
CHECK OUT OUR STAFF BROCHURE!

diversity, equity, inclusion

Walden understands that a relevant camp community requires the harmonies of many voices—not only those that inspire, but also those that instruct and challenge. We strive to be a camp where diversity is celebrated and supported, and where each camper and staff member is provided the resources and opportunities to succeed. Our mission of teaching empathy and respect is incomplete if it only serves those who think and look like we do. We believe that our camp can be anyone’s camp, and that our greatest strength lies therein.

Walden is an Equal Opportunity Employer that hires qualified staff regardless of their race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law.