Join Our Team
Start your summer off right by joining the Camp Waldo team! Camp Waldo is a three-week overnight summer camp located on the banks of the Greenbrier River in Summers County, West Virginia, serving kids in grades 3rd through 9th.
Our staff help make camp a summer home to everyone in our community. The feeling of warmth, spirit and tradition are evident in everything we do. Our staff is made up of dedicated individuals who love the outdoors, who want to positively impact children, all with the common goal of making this summer the best for our campers. We are hiring for counselors, leadership staff and kitchen staff for Summer 2024.
Counselors
Join the Camp Waldo team as a dedicated and enthusiastic Camp Counselor, playing an integral role in providing a memorable and enriching experience for our campers. At Camp Waldo, we focus on ecology, environmental stewardship, athletics, and the arts, and we are looking for individuals who are passionate about fostering a positive camp environment.
Position Overview:
As a Camp Waldo Counselor, you will be an essential part of the camp community, living with campers in newly restored cabins at a ratio of 1:4. During the camp day, you’ll have the opportunity to serve as an activity specialist or a general counselor, guiding campers through various aspects of our program.
About Camp Waldo:
Camp Waldo is a program of Appalachian Headwaters, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring forests, water, and communities in central Appalachia. Learn more about our programs at www.appheadwaters.org.
Standard Job Responsibilities:
- Residential Role: Live with campers in newly restored cabins at a ratio of 1:4, fostering a supportive and inclusive living environment.
- Activity Instruction: Teach specific activities, including ecology, environmental responsibility, outdoor skills, art, music, creative writing, chess, yoga, archery, soccer, basketball, and the ropes course.
- Versatility: Participate in various areas of camp, contributing to the holistic camp experience.
- Camp-Wide Engagement: Lead children in camp-wide games, such as overnight camping trips, paddling on the river, stargazing, frisbee golf, and capture the flag.
Qualifications:
- Availability: Each Camp Waldo counselor is expected to be present and available for staff orientation and the duration of the camp session.
- Age Requirement: Counselors must be 18 years old or older. College students are preferred.
- Background Check: Candidates must be able to pass a background check, including an interview and criminal background check as required by ACA standards.
- References: Candidates must provide two to three references. Our administrative staff check multiple references for every candidate.
Key Dates:
- Counselor Arrival: May 31st
- Orientation: June 1st – June 7th
- Camp Session: June 8th – June 29th
- Departure: June 30th
- Each Camp Waldo counselor is expected to be present and available for staff orientation.
- Counselors must be 18 years old or older. College students are preferred.
- Candidates must provide two – three references. Our administrative staff check multiple references for every candidate.
Camp Waldo Head Counselor
Head Counselors play a pivotal role in creating an exceptional summer camp experience for Camp Waldo campers and fellow counselors. We are currently hiring for two Head Counselors, each responsible for a specific focus area:
Standard Job Requirements for Head Counselor Position:
- Manage and support camper cabins.
- Supervise and mentor counselors.
- Contribute to daily programming for campers and counselors.
- Act as a liaison to camp leadership.
- Assist in the planning and execution of Staff Orientation.
Qualities We Are Looking For:
- Passion for working with children, young leaders, and a diverse staff.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- Strong organizational skills, capable of managing multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Alignment with the camp mission and goals, including a commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive environment.
- Ability to pass a background check.
Specialized Head Counselor duties may include:
- Supervision and Mentorship: Provide hands-on supervision and mentorship to counselors within assigned cabins, fostering leadership development and ensuring a supportive environment.
- CIT Program Oversight: Directly manage and support Counselors-in-Training (CITs) camper cabins, ensuring a positive and growth-oriented experience for both campers and staff while encourage program growth.
- Strategic Program Contribution: Play a pivotal role in daily programming, actively shaping experiences for campers and counselors.
- Liaison Role: Act as a vital liaison between camp leadership, including the Camp Director and Assistant Director/Environmental Education Director, to ensure effective communication and collaboration in enhancing the overall camp experience.
- Orientation Leadership: Significantly contribute to the planning and execution of Staff Orientation, with a focus on preparing counselors, including CITs, for their roles.
- Program Leadership: Oversee and manage the water program, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for campers. Additionally, take charge of ropes course daily programing and facilitation.
Leadership Team Schedule:
- Arrival: May 27th
- Orientation: May 28th – May 31st
- Counselor Arrival: May 31st
- Orientation: June 1st – June 7th
- Camp Session: June 8th – June 29th
- Leadership Departure: July 1st
To Apply: All interested applicants should complete an application at https://forms.office.com/r/mZqZjsrQbz.
Outdoor Skills & Adventure Director
Embark on an exciting journey with us as the Outdoor Skills & Adventure Director, where you’ll lead and elevate our Outdoor Adventure programs nestled in the picturesque landscapes of southern West Virginia. We are seeking a dynamic individual who is not only experienced but also deeply passionate about extending our camp experience, cultivating a robust outdoor program rooted in environmental ethics, and harnessing the natural wonders of Appalachia.
Position Overview:
As the Outdoor Skills & Adventure Director, you will spearhead the planning and execution of outdoor adventure programs, immersing campers in activities such as hiking, backpacking, and paddling. This role involves imparting essential skills like camp craft, wilderness survival, navigation, and other technical competencies to campers. The ideal candidate will excel in working collaboratively with diverse counselors (young adults) and campers.
Essential Job Functions:
- Tailored Outdoor Skills Program: Develop and implement a dynamic and safe outdoor skills program, thoughtfully tailored to the ages and abilities of our campers. Encourage campers to embrace their environmental ethic and step out of their comfort zones.
- Comprehensive Activity Planning: Plan and facilitate a spectrum of activities, including nature exploration, outdoor cooking, camping, hiking, kayaking, backpacking, orienteering, and more.
- Program Evaluation: Evaluate the success of the program, closely monitoring the development of campers’ abilities and skills.
- Collaborative Meal Preparation: Collaborate with the Camp Chef in developing and preparing outdoor meals, engaging campers and staff in the process.
- Procedural Adherence: Ensure strict adherence to all relevant procedures by both camp staff and campers.
- Staff Training Leadership: Assist in leading staff training for outdoor skills, with a focus on safety and instilling Leave No Trace principles.
- Resource Management: Oversee the management and care of physical facilities and equipment related to the Outdoor Adventure Program.
- Equipment Maintenance: Maintain outdoor equipment through regular safety checks, manage inventory, and plan for equipment replacement.
- Safety and Cleanliness Checks: Conduct regular safety and cleanliness checks in program areas, fostering good outdoor stewardship with a commitment to Leave No Trace principles.
Qualifications:
- Passion for Wilderness and Youth Engagement: A deep passion for the wilderness and working with youth, fostering a collaborative team spirit.
- Proficiency in Outdoor Trip Planning: Proficient in planning and leading wilderness trips.
- Environmental Stewardship: A solid understanding of Leave No Trace principles and procedures.
- First Aid Certification: Current First Aid/CPR certification required.
- Wilderness First Aid/Responder: Wilderness First Aid and Wilderness First Responder certification preferred but not required.
- Background Check: Ability to pass a background check, including an interview and criminal background check as per ACA standards.
- References: Must provide two to three references, subject to thorough administrative verification.
- Driving Capability: Capable of driving a large passenger van.
- Driver’s License: Valid driver’s license and a clean driving record required.
Leadership Team Schedule:
- Arrival: May 27th
- Orientation: May 28th – May 31st
- Counselor Arrival: May 31st
- Orientation: June 1st – June 7th
- Camp Session: June 8th – June 29th
- Leadership Departure: July 1st
To Apply: All interested applicants should complete an application at https://forms.office.com/r/mZqZjsrQbz.
Camp Nurse
Key Responsibilities: As the resident Camp Nurse/Health Center Director, you play a vital role in safeguarding the well-being of campers and staff, ensuring compliance with health and safety standards. This full-time seasonal position, spanning from June 10 to July 2, demands a dedicated LPN/RN committed to the entirety of the summer schedule.
Essential Duties:
- Primary Health Care Professional: Serve as the primary health care professional for the camp community.
- Health Center Operations: Oversee day-to-day operations of the camp Health Center, including set-up, organization, supply management, and staff communication.
- Camper Check-in: Assist with camper check-in, ensuring the reception of medications and completion of required documentation.
- Medication & Health Logs: Maintain comprehensive Medication & Health logs for the entire camp.
- Medication Administration: Administer all prescribed and over-the-counter medications.
- Medical Care: Provide care for ill and injured campers and staff.
- Parent Communication: Communicate with parents when necessary, fostering transparency and trust.
- Collaboration with Local Medical Provider: Work collaboratively with a local medical provider available for consultation.
- Emergency Notification: Notify the camp director promptly in cases of serious illness or accidents.
- First Aid Equipment Maintenance: Ensure first aid equipment in camp is well-maintained and provide necessary equipment and information for the health and safety of campers and staff during trips.
Desired Qualities:
- Self-Starter Mentality: We are seeking individuals who are proactive, self-motivated, and demonstrate initiative in ensuring the well-being of our camp community.
- Passion for Camp Mission: A deep passion for our camp’s mission, fostering a love for nature, environmental stewardship, and the overall well-being of campers.
Compensation: We will provide a salary of $5,000 for the camp term. Camp Waldo also provides housing, three meals a day, camp gear, comprehensive staff training, and scheduled days off as part of the compensation package.
Key Dates:
- Leadership Team Arrival: June 28th
- Leadership Team Orientation: June 29th – July 1st
- Staff Arrival: June 2nd – June 9th
- Camp Session: June 10th – July 1st
- Leadership Departure: July 2nd
To Apply: Please submit your resume to our Camp Director, Jonathan Walker-VanKuren, at jwvankuren@appheadwaters.org.
Assistant Chef and Kitchen Staff
Position Overview: Join our culinary team at Camp Waldo as an Assistant Chef or Kitchen Staff member. Reporting directly to the Head Chef, Al Pettijohn, and supported by 2-3 additional kitchen staff, you’ll be part of a collaborative team responsible for preparing three delicious vegetarian meals each day for approximately 150 people. Operating out of the large, airy Dining Hall kitchen, renovated in 2017-2018, this role provides a unique opportunity to work in a vibrant environment under the guidance of a CIA-trained chef.
Key Responsibilities:
- Team Collaboration: Work closely with the Head Chef, Assistant Chef, and additional kitchen staff to ensure the successful preparation and delivery of meals.
- Versatile Kitchen Work: The Assistant Chef may be involved in all elements of kitchen work, from preparation to clean up.
- Maintain Safety Standards: Commit to maintaining a safe and sanitary work environment, meeting all health code standards.
- Passion for the Outdoors: Enjoy living and working in the outdoor setting of Camp Waldo and engaging with children.
Qualifications
Assistant Chef:
- Experience: Previous experience in commercial kitchen work.
- Age Requirement: Minimum age of 20.
- Professional Background: Minimum of two (2) years of experience in food service preparation and delivery.
- Adaptability: Ability to perform various tasks within the kitchen, showcasing versatility.
Kitchen Staff:
- Experience: Some experience in food service preparation and delivery preferred.
- Enthusiasm: Eagerness to contribute to the kitchen team’s success.
Compensation: Competitive pay for all positions. On-campus housing, meals, and access to laundry facilities are provided.
To Apply: All interested applicants should complete an application at https://forms.office.com/r/mZqZjsrQbz.