Summer Staff - Wanake Camp & Retreat Center

Are you ready for a summer filled with laughter, growth, and unforgettable memories? Camp Wanake invites you to be a part of our dynamic and spirited Summer Staff team, where each day is an opportunity to inspire, connect, and make a lasting impact on the lives of campers.

The Camp Wanake Experience: As a Summer Staff member, you become an integral part of the Camp Wanake experience – a journey that transcends the ordinary and embraces the extraordinary. From the breathtaking beauty of nature to the joyous laughter of campers, each moment is a chance to contribute to something special.
Team Spirit and Camaraderie: Join a diverse and supportive community of fellow staff members who share your passion for adventure, learning, and creating a positive camp environment. Camp Wanake thrives on the strength of its community, where friendships are forged, and teamwork is celebrated.
Roles and Responsibilities: Whether you're leading outdoor adventures, facilitating crafts, or guiding spiritual discussions, each staff member plays a crucial role in shaping the camp experience. From counselors to program leaders, every role contributes to the magic of Camp Wanake.
Adventure Awaits: Embrace the thrill of outdoor adventures as you guide campers through activities such as canoeing, hiking, team-building challenges, and more. The great outdoors becomes your classroom, and each adventure is a chance to inspire a sense of wonder and exploration.
Spiritual Growth and Mentorship: Camp Wanake is not just a place for outdoor fun; it's also a space for spiritual growth. As a staff member, you have the opportunity to mentor and guide campers in their faith journey, fostering an environment where spiritual connections are nurtured.
Creativity and Expression: Unleash your creativity through arts and crafts, music, and other expressive activities. Camp Wanake values the diverse talents of its staff, encouraging you to share your passions and inspire campers to explore their own creative potential.
Training and Development: Camp Wanake is committed to the growth of its staff. Benefit from comprehensive training programs that equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to create a safe, engaging, and memorable camp experience.

Join us for a summer of adventure, growth, and community. We invite enthusiastic individuals with a heart for service to apply and become part of the Camp Wanake legacy.

INTERNSHIPS (PAID/UNPAID)

CAMP COUNSELOR

Supervise a group of campers (average 9-14 in a group) with a co-counselor while living in a retreat center, cabin, or rustic camping area.
Assist campers in enjoying and learning about Creation by hiking, building a Home in the Woods, cooking over a fire, and playing outside.
Facilitate daily spiritual development by leading Bible study, morning/night watch, pow-wows, and teachable moments.
Build Christ-centered relationships with campers by jumping in the swimming pool together, cheerleading during rock climbing, working together on the challenge course, and having fun together while doing many of Wanake's specialized programs like sports, horses, musicals, princess balls, and more!
Counseling is a great experience for anyone interested in pursuing a career in teaching or youth ministry!
This is not an entry-level position. We are looking for people with real experience working with children. (Sunday School Leader, Baby Sitting/Nannying, VBS, Teaching, Tutoring, Coaching, Day Care, etc are some examples of real experience working with kids)
Counselors will assist with cleaning and other responsibilities as needed.
Counselors will receive a break at least every other day and some counselors may be assigned a week to serve in another capacity like the kitchen or support staff.

STARTING SALARY: $300/week + a $20/week every year you come back

PROGRAM STAFF/CHAOS AGENT

Assist Counselors and Team Directors in making the camper's week the best it can be.
Will meet with Area Team Director for weekly briefing meeting where the team will make assignments for the program duties (Rock Climbing, Song Leading, Horses, Crafts, etc.- will receive Wanake training) and daily counselor break coverage for the 3-5 programs/camps in your area team as well as other responsibilities assigned to your area team. (Filling in for a sick counselor, assisting healthcare staff, cleaning, dishwashing, barn party speaker recruiting, and other duties as needed)
A positive attitude and a good work ethic are a must. Flexibility and the ability to change direction with short notice is required.
The Area Team Chaos Agent position is a great experience for anyone interested in pursuing a career in hospitality, recreation management, event services, or gaining experience in camp counseling in future years.
Real-world experience with children and youth is important but not necessary.

STARTING SALARY: $300/week + a $20/week every year you come back

COMMUNICATIONS and MEDIA INTERN

Capture video and photo footage, upload photos daily, and assist with the design of communication projects.
Assist with parent communication-including camper mail and email
Collecting Quotes from parents and campers about their camp experience
Assisting with evaluations, surveys, and reviews
Take, edit, and print group photos
Organize digital media
Assist with other PR-related tasks
Health Center Restroom Cleaning
2 hours of counselor breaks- Monday through Thursday
Other duties as assigned
Must be experienced or trained in the areas of video filming and uploading, photo taking and uploading, photo and video editing, and public relations.
Must possess strong organization and communication skills
Must have a desire and ability to work with children in an outdoor setting

STARTING SALARY: $300/week + a $20/week every year you come back

TEAM DIRECTOR

Supervise counselors and area chaos agents (paid and volunteer) of 3-5 programs/camps each week in your area team.
Assist in leading staff training, and coach counselors in skills like behavior management, homesickness techniques, camper bonding, and more. (Experience in these areas a plus)
Complete weekly written evaluations of each member of your area team.
Facilitate a weekly briefing meeting with the area team (counselors and chaos agents) where you assign program duties, counselor break coverage, and other responsibilities assigned to your area team.
Previous leadership, organizational, creative, and supervisory skills are a must.
Area Directing is a great experience for anyone interested in pursuing a career in pastoring, management, supervising, or coaching.
Will assist with cleaning, program support, counselor substitution, and other duties as needed.
Will receive Wanake Program Training (Belaying, Challenge Course, Crafts, etc.) and Supervisory Training.

STARTING SALARY: $360/week + a $20/week every year you come back

HEALTH DIRECTOR

Provide health care assistance to campers and staff at Camp Wanake.
Will supervise health center, provide First Aid, administer medication, and provide a nurturing environment where people can come to be cared for and feel at peace in their time of need.
21 years old, First Aid and CPR required, any other health experience is a plus.
The Health Care Director is a great experience for anyone interested in pursuing a career in nursing or medicine.

STARTING SALARY: $360/week + a $20/week every year you come back

VISITING RN

The Visiting RN visits Wanake each day of the summer camp program, Sunday through Friday. The visit requires a 30-60 minute visit to check the medical log, oversee the health director’s work, and assist with special concerns or issues.

This position also includes being at Wanake on Sundays for check-in from 2:30-4:30 PM. The ability to be on call is very helpful. There is leeway for time off during the summer. This position requires electronic logging components.

Salary is based on experience and credentials.

LIFEGUARD

Lead/Guard swimming sessions, boating, water games, water carnivals, swimming lessons, and other water activities.
Must have current lifeguarding and advanced first aid and CPR certifications/ WSI certification preferred.
Will assist with pool care, cleaning, and monitoring pool chemicals.
When duties are completed at the pool, Lifeguards become chaos agents
This has the potential to be an hourly position.

STARTING SALARY: $300/week + a $20/week every year you come back

SUMMER KITCHEN ASSISTANT

Works throughout the entire food service operation - dishes, food prep, clean-up, and other duties as assigned.
Assists Packout Director and Satellite Dining Ambassador as needed/directed.
Reports to Food Service Manager and/or Shift Supervisor.
Must be able to take direction well and be a quick learner.
Capable of handling a high-stress, fast-paced environment.
Looking for a positive, energetic, team player.
ServSafe certification is preferred, but not required.
A great fit for a person who likes to work "Behind the scenes"
This has the potential to be an hourly position.

STARTING SALARY: $300/week + $20/week every year you come back

SEASONAL MOWER (APRIL-OCTOBER)

WANAKE INCREDIBLE INTERN (Wii)

What do we look for when hiring staff?

What is the starting salary?

When does the job start?

Staff Training starts in May (3 weeks long)- with most Weekends off (Usually Wanake runs training from Sunday evening through Friday evening.)
Summer Camp starts on Sunday in June and runs for 7 weeks ending in August. Each Week of Camp runs from Sunday (Noon)-Friday (Once we are done cleaning-usually around 9 PM) Saturdays are off
Cleaning Day/Put Summer Camp To Bed Day is the Saturday after summer camp is over.
There are additional paid work opportunities in August
Supervisor Training and Program Training Dates TBD (Will be sometime in April and May) For Team Directors/Team Chaos Agents/Lifeguards

What age do we start hiring?

What is your Time Off Policy?

Working the entire summer is expected; some exceptions are made for missions, school-related activities, and important life or family events. Don’t discount a summer of ministry because you can’t work the last week. All requests for time off must be submitted to your supervisor at least 3 weeks in advance.
All staff members are off from the time we are finished cleaning on Friday night (usually around 9 PM) till Sunday at Noon.
Counselors receive an hour off each day.
Support staff time off is each night when your responsibilities are done.

Where will I live?

What will I eat?

What will you expect of me?

What do I do after submitting an application?

A person from camp will be in touch to set up an interview. If you have questions, call 330-756-2333 or email amy@campwanake.org.
Have 3 references fill out the online reference (You'll need to send them the link in an email to the form) - Note to returning staff- **References are valid for 3 years**

Link to the reference form: https://campwanake.org/reference-form-2/

Please ask three persons who know you well to complete either the online reference form or print and mail one directly to us. Family members may not serve at references.
- One reference could be from the pastor of the church where you are active.
- One reference could be completed by someone able to judge your skill and abilities in working with children.
- One reference could be from someone able to judge your work characteristics, such as maturity, dependability, ability to work in a team, and flexibility.
If your reference cannot fill out the online reference:
- Print out a reference form at this link: https://campwanake.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Reference-Form.pdf
- Sign your reference forms on the back of the page
- Provide your reference with a stamped envelope addressed to Wanake.
- Ask persons to sign their name across the back of the envelope after they have sealed it.
- References shall be mailed directly to Wanake and not be returned to you, the applicant.

Thank you for applying!

My child loved her counselor and the friends she made the most. She loved that her counselor prayed with them daily and sang to them.

Camper Parent

I enjoyed Morning Watch because we got a chance to listen to God speak to us.

Camper

When I became a counselor I found that working as a team of two taught me how to be in positive, healthy relationships with others.

Summer Staff Member

I took another look at Bible stories I’ve read before, looking at them from a different point of view.

Camper

At home, I don’t really connect with God, but now I am going to try my hardest to do so. Wanake makes me a better person. I love it.

Camper

I am constantly in awe of the real-world skills working at camp taught me, and so many of them apply to me daily!

Summer Staff Member

My daughter loved everything! I think the frog pond, making friends, and singing songs ranked pretty high because she kept returning to those experiences.

Camper Parent

I did feel challenged this week at Wanake to be my best and become a better person because I tried lots of things I probably wouldn’t have.

Camper

I am constantly in awe of the real-world skills working at camp taught me, and so many of them apply to me daily!

Summer Staff Member

Real friends aren’t measured in years, they’re measured in connection and happiness - making you feel like your best self.

Camper

The best part of camp was my child being able to have pure fun, encouraging kindness, and making new friends. She also said the food was delicious!

Camper Parent

When I became a counselor I found that working as a team of two taught me how to be positive,
healthy relationships with others.

Summer Staff Member

I feel that living without electricity, running water, and mattresses made me realize how grateful I am for the things I have, but also know I can live without them.

Camper

I am coming back to camp next summer because these weeks here have been some of the best in my entire life!

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Summer Staff Member

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