IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Imagine what it would be like to spend part of your summer bucking the whitewater rapids in Pennsylvania, exploring the sights and sounds of Cape Cod by bicycle, touring the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia by horseback or hanging off a rock face in Vermont? As an adventure trip leader for Camp Hazen YMCA, you'll lead two-week, service-based leadership trips for teens entering their junior or senior year. In addition to biking, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, climbing, caving, sailing, camping and whitewater rafting, your team will also help build an affordable home for a deserving family. Positions run from June 7th until August 16th (pre/post season employment is also available). Compensation includes $245 per week plus a $200 end-of-summer bonus, room, board, and lifeguarding and Wilderness First Aid certification. Applicants must be at least 21 years old, have a valid drivers' license with a clean driving history, proven sound decision-making and leadership skills, and the ability to pass a lifeguarding course. If you thrive on adventure and enjoy working with teens, fill out the online application. For more information, contact Meg Carr through email or by calling 860.526.9529.

• Whatever your interest is, think about getting out there and trying something new, traveling to new places, meeting new friends and, well, having the best summer of your life all while helping to change kids' lives along the way! Get paid to lead adventure trips and help construct homes for the needy with Camp Hazen YMCA.

CALIFORNIA JOBS more

Milk a cow. Spin wool from sheep. Harvest fresh organic produce. Live sustainably. Backpack from bay to sea. Campfires, swimming, hiking, storytelling, crafts. Summer camp at Hidden Villa will awaken each campers sense of awe for natural beauty, provide tools for multicultural community building, and create a learning environment that encourages a commitment for social justice where positive change in the world can be made. Cultivating the genuine curiosity, self-esteem, and well being of campers, summer staff are integral in creating a place where everyone can develop self-confidence and experience a sense of belonging. From residential counselors and program heads to farm, healthcare and kitchen staff, over 50 summer job opportunities are available in 2008. Staff members receive a base pay of $275 per week with increases depending on experience, cabin or camping housing and meals. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have a love for working with youth, a fun-loving spirit, energetic, flexible, mature and team-oriented. A commitment from June 7th through August 16th is necessary, with some positions beginning as early as May 31st. Applications are available online or email camp@hiddenvilla.org for more information.

• Live, work and play on a 1,600 wilderness preserve and organic farm in the Santa Cruz Mountains this summer! Help nurture relationships between people of different cultural, religious, economic, and racial backgrounds, and strengthen their connection to the environment as a summer staff member with Hidden Villa.

Are you a natural, energized and passionate leader looking for a rewarding job working with children in the outdoors? If so, Plantation Farm Camp is looking to build a strong, diverse and supportive community this summer and needs you. As a working farm located on 500 acres in the coastal hills of Northern California, Plantation's emphasis is in nurturing self-esteem and building responsibility in an atmosphere of shared fun in a relaxed and beautiful setting. The farm raises beef and dairy cattle, sheep, dairy goats and chickens, and the large organic garden provides vegetables and flowers for the open-air dining experience. You have the option of working as a counselor, a teen leadership-training counselor or with the kitchen team, and your fellow counselors will be backpackers, horseback riders, certified lifeguards, musicians, artists, culinary students, outdoor enthusiasts and teachers from all over the world. The camp season runs from June 2nd through August 26th, with some flexibility in start/end dates. Part of the Plantation experience is rustic outdoor living in platform tents; you'll also eat high quality, farm-fresh and made-from-scratch meals, with vegetarian options. Compensation starts at $255/week, with bonuses based on experience. Job openings are filled on a rolling basis, so fill out the online application today!

• In addition to the sustainable spirit of life on a farm—whether building an ox cart, spinning or weaving sheep wool, or serving freshly harvested produce—the summer team at Plantation will lead campers in a variety of unique activities: bareback horseback riding, a game of cricket or quidditch, kayaking the Gualala River, or making the adventurous and reflective journey to the Pacific Ocean.

COLORADO JOBS more

Since 1921, family-owned Cheley Colorado Camps has been welcoming young people for an enriching, adventurous and value-centered camp experience during the summer months. Cheley facilities include horseback riding rings, craft centers, on-site climbing inside and out, a ropes course and a fleet of mountain bikes. Beyond the facilities are miles of trails into the surrounding park and forest. Whether as a support staff member (barn crew, office team, kitchen team) or as a program counselor (riding instructor, hiking and backpacking guide, crafts counselor), over 200 seasonal workers are hired each year. The summer kicks off with 8-10 days of staff training that includes exposure to professionals in the fields of child development, forests and parks, psychology and wilderness medicine. Employment is a 9-week commitment from May 31st to August 4th, 2008; opportunities are also available as early as mid-May through the end of October. Benefits include room, board, a base salary of $1,700 and a travel allowance. All counseling staff must have a current CPR and first aid certification; backpacking, hiking and horseback riding counselors are required to have Wilderness First Aid certification.

• A summer at Cheley will push you to grow. The mountains will give you perspective and help you clarify long-term goals. Most importantly, you'll have fun with great people. The combination is rare, the experience extraordinary.

Owned and operated by the Walker family since 1947, the Colorado Mountain Ranch summer camp provides a warm, friendly environment where individual growth and learning occur through confidence-building activities in an active outdoor setting. Adventurous programming abounds at the ranch, where campers can participate in everything from a challenge ropes course and mountain boarding (ever try it?) to Western horseback riding, swimming, hiking and camping. A new program for 2008 is called Earth!, offering experiences in sustainable living. Summer staff are instrumental in creating and implementing every aspect of ranch programs and activities, facility use, food service, construction projects and maintenance. Every job—ranging from activity instructors to wranglers—involves inspiring and guiding campers, participating enthusiastically in all daily activities and embracing the Native American philosophy of respect for self, others and nature. Depending on the position, first year staff members can earn $150-$250/per week (plus a contract bonus), along with meals, housing, leadership training and, of course, living in the mountains! Seasonal job opportunities are available from May 21st through October 1st (at minimum, you must commit to a June 3rd through August 13th term). Applications are available for download online.

• The rustic, turn-of-the-century log lodge exudes the ambience and hospitality of the old West—where the Colorado Mountain Ranch staff presents plentiful and delicious cuisine, from hearty Western-style to gourmet entrées.

This summer you could lead a climb up a 14,000-foot peak, guide a moonlight exploration of a desert canyon or, perhaps, teach a camper how to fish a mountain lake, raft a river or set-up camp in a ponderosa pine forest! Located in the San Juan Mountains of southwest Colorado, Colvig Silver Camps is a residential, wilderness-oriented camp that blends traditional summer activities with overnight backcountry adventures. Ten-week summer staff opportunities include program, climbing, arts & crafts, expedition and pathfinding coordinators, counselors, wranglers and a registered nurse. Depending on position, start dates begin from May 29th through June 4th and continue through August 10th, with a three-day, mid-summer break in July. Benefits include a salary of $1,300 to $1,925, room and board, laundry, comprehensive staff training and wilderness first aid certification for head counselors. If you have a passion for working with children in an outdoor setting and a commitment to the development of positive, meaningful relationships, email or call 800.858.2850 to request a PDF application.

• Creative. Tireless, Patient. Flexible. Positive Attitude. Fun-Loving Spirit. Sense of Humor. Responsible. Sound like you? Colvig Silver Camps seeks these key attributes in its summer staff.

Located in the middle of Pike National Forest at 9,200 feet (and just over an hour from southwest Denver), Tumbling River Ranch is a second generation, family-run ranch serving 55 guests per week for a vacation of a lifetime. Summer staff have a tremendous opportunity to contribute to the guest experience through superb customer service and respect. Whether working as a cook, baker, housekeeper/wait staff member, hiking guide, life guard/nanny, youth or teen counselor, maintenance worker, wrangler, in the office or on the grounds, all staff members should be prepared to work hard and enjoy what they are doing. Benefits include a monthly salary, room, board and a post-season bonus. Preference is given to those who can begin work in early May and finish their assignment in late August/September. Call 800.654.8770 or send off an email to Megan Dugan for detailed job descriptions and an application.

• With superb horseback riding, fly fishing, rodeos, live entertainment and an outstanding kids' program, the summer staff at Tumbling River Ranch help create a one-of-a-kind Western dude ranch experience for families.

MAINE JOBS more

Teach a camper how to create a ceramic mug or kaleidoscope. Engage campers in group problem solving skills with the help of the ropes course and climbing wall. Coordinate a small, earth-oriented tipi village focusing on traditional Native American life. Lead a llama trekking adventure. Got you interested? In the rolling hills of Maine, you'll find Hidden Valley Camp and a well-rounded blend of artistic and outdoor adventure summer programs. Whether you're skilled in outdoor adventure, sports, English riding, animal care, or the arts, over 100 job opportunities are available. Program staff kick off the summer with two weeks of training in early June (are you ready to challenge yourself on the zip line?); then participate in two four-week sessions through mid-August. In addition to a supportive and creative learning environment, a salary, housing, healthy meals (rumor has it there is a lobster banquet), and generous off-time is provided. Applications are available online.

• Have you ever tried llama trekking? A well-rounded blend of artistic and outdoor adventure programming abounds at Hidden Valley Camp, with over 100 job opportunities available this summer.

Waterskiing and windsurfing on Panther Lake. Conquering the climbing tower or low ropes course. Mountain biking wooded trails. Creating pottery in the ceramics studio. With activities galore complemented by laughter, friendship, and community, Maine's Kingsley Pines Camp fosters a stimulating and rewarding experience for resident campers aged 8 to 15. As the core of the camp staff, counselors supervise, lead, guide and live with campers. They also teach either arts, waterfront, sports, or outdoor adventure activities. The camp season kicks off in early June with one week of training followed by ten weeks of children's camp and two weeks of family camp. Benefits include room and board (including delicious lakeside meals with a vegetarian option), a competitive salary, staff lounge with Internet access, transportation on days off and a summer loaded with fun! Candidates should be caring, creative, enthusiastic and have a genuine concern for children. The counselor application for 2008 is available online.

• With summer lake temps reaching 80 degrees, Kingsley Pines Camp counselors and campers get a chance to enjoy days filled with sailing, waterskiing and windsurfing.

MONTANA JOBS more

Spread over 20,000 acres in Montana's Crazy Mountain foothills, family-owned Lazy K Bar Ranch LLC remains one of the "honest-to-gosh" original dude ranches in the west. Guests come for the riding, incredible fly-fishing, the scenery, the remote and rustic setting, the brilliant sunshine and enjoying down-to-earth folks and great cookouts. 15 employees are hired each summer (from June 10th through Labor Day), with job openings and responsibilities that include choreman (hand-milk two cows, feed pigs, carry luggage, stock wood and provide basic maintenance), housekeeper/waitstaff (clean and make the cabins comfy, wait tables, create an inviting guest experience and maintain cleanliness of dining room), split-shift workers (fills in for the cook, baker, laundress, waitstaff, housekeeper and dishwasher) and wranglers. A winter caretaker is also needed each year from mid-September through mid-June. Benefits include a monthly wage, room and board, equal share in an incentive pool and days off free to ride, hike, fish, square dance, hot tub or enjoy the surrounding region. Adventuresome, outgoing and open-minded applicants must be non-drinkers, non-druggers, able to draw on the inner self, appreciate nature and be team players with high moral standards. If this sounds like you, email Carol Van Cleve Kirby or call 406.932.4449.

• If you are looking for a true dude ranch experience with down-to-earth folks, Lazy K Bar Ranch LLC in the Crazy Mountains of Montana is looking for adventuresome, outgoing and open-minded summer staff.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and located in the Crazy Mountains of south-central Montana, Sweet Grass Ranch is a sixth generation, family-owned working Angus cattle ranch. Staff, guests and family work, play, eat and experience the simple pleasures of ranch life in unspoiled country together. Summer 2008 job openings include housekeeping/dining crew (responsible for keeping guest cabins and the main house clean, washing guest sheets and towels, and setting up and clearing meals; $1,000/month), a baker (responsible for all the breads, desserts, pastries and salads at the ranch; $1,800/month) and a chef (cooks all meat/vegetables and shares breakfast/lunch duties with the baker; $2,500/month). Both cooks are responsible for keeping the kitchen neat and clean at all times, keeping a running list of needed groceries and seeing that meals are on time. All staff also receive housing, meals, encouragement for a job well done and an end-of summer gratuity pool bonus; and when your job is finished for the day, you have the opportunity to ride horses, fish, hike or head to town for dances and rodeos. Positions begin in late May with work through mid-September (although there is wiggle room at either end). If you are a self-starter, highly motivated, punctual, people-friendly and are not afraid of hard work, email your cover letter and resume to Shelly Carroccia.

• If you are looking for the simple pleasures of ranch life in the unspoiled Crazy Mountains of Montana, you'll find Sweet Grass Ranch—where staff, guests and family work, play and eat together.

Would you like to meet new people, work with horses and wake up everyday in one of the most awe-inspiring national parks in the U.S.? The Glacier Division Crew of Swan Mountain Outfitters is accepting applications for barn managers at one of three locations throughout Glacier National Park. Each barn manager is responsible for the upkeep, oversight and decision-making at the corral, including 5-7 employees and 30-45 horses. The position requires a solid foundation of basic horse care (grooming, feeding, health, etc.) and the ability to handle any escalated issues from wranglers or customers. Strong communication, organization and horsemanship skills are a must. Positions are available from the end of May through September. Contact Aubrie Tabor to learn more about the position and to begin the application process.

NEW YORK JOBS more

Are you flexible, fun, caring, and responsible? Do you have a love for children and the outdoors and a craving to do something different? Then come explore your summer job opportunities with Homes for the Homeless Summer Camps Kiwago, Lanowa and Wakonda. Nestled in the foothills of Bear Mountain (about an hour north of New York City), each camp provides homeless children—free of charge—a place to learn, grow, explore and belong. Whether working as a unit leader, general counselor, activity specialist or on the camppower or waterfront team, all staff members work together to promote the development of self-esteem, provide a role model for healthy group living and get campers excited about life and the outdoors. The 2008 camp season runs from June 16th through August 22nd, and kicks off with a nine-day orientation period filled with teambuilding, information, activities and camp preparations. Housing, meals and a stipend are provided.

Every summer over 3,000 New York City children from disadvantaged communities will pack their bags for a free trip to one of five Fresh Air Fund summer camps just north of the city. For many, it'll be their first time away from the busy streets. The Fund operates the camps on a 3,000-acre preserve filled with forests, fields and lakes. Summer job opportunities include general counselors, waterfront staff, ropes-course facilitators, farm staff, nutritionists, nurses and program staff who focus on everything from photography and woodworking to drama and outdoor living skills. Staff members are important in the eyes of boys and girls who have just been introduced to a new and exciting world. You'll act as a role model, teach new skills and help plan days filled with fun and discovery. Along with a wage ranging from $2,000 to $2,800 for the season, meals and housing are provided. A travel allowance is also provided for those traveling over 300 miles to the camp. Applicants must be at least 18, have completed their freshman year of college, and have a sincere motivation to work with inner-city children. If you're ready to have unforgettable summer, your new adventure starts here.

• Providing disadvantaged children from New York City the opportunity to pack their bags for a free journey to a 3,000-acre preserve, the Fresh Air Fund is looking for summer camp staff who can become role models, teach new skills and help plan days filled with fun and discovery.

Are you looking for the summer experience of a lifetime? Located in an outdoor paradise near the Adirondack High Peaks region, Camp Echo Lake is committed to empowering campers with life-enriching experiences while creating a community heightened by cooperation, teamwork and fairness. Echo Lake's historic strength in the outdoor Trek program is a result of a long-time emphasis on offering campers amazing opportunities to hike, climb, mountain bike, cave and paddle—all in some of the country's most beautiful landscapes! Whether leading a paddling adventure on the Hudson River, a multi-day backpacking trip in the Gunks, a mountain biking excursion to Saratoga, or facilitating learning at the Trek Outpost climbing and bouldering wall, summer outdoor counselors will have the chance to share their expertise and enthusiasm for the outdoors. Summer staff members must make a commitment from June 10th through August 18th, have solid outdoor skills and be certified in first aid, CPR, and Wilderness First Responder. Compensation includes a salary ranging from $2,000-$4,000 (based on age, experience, and job description), simple but comfortable housing in wood frame cabins and meals. Learn more about the hiring process or call 914.345.9099 for more information.

• Empower children to reach their full potential in the great outdoors. Hike, climb, mountain bike, cave and paddle your way around the Adirondacks. Work and play as a summer outdoor specialist with Camp Echo Lake!

NORTH CAROLINA JOBS more

Promoting the natural world and human character through experiential programming, Eagle's Nest is seeking camp staff, wilderness and adventure staff and interns for the summer of 2008. Camp staff teach activities in the arts, music, and drama (batik, guitar, pottery, musical instrument making, raku, improvisational theater, and productions of musicals and plays), wilderness (whitewater canoeing on a handful of southeastern rivers, rock climbing in the Appalachian mountains, and backpacking on the region's trails), and athletics (emphasizing skill and teamwork, not competition, as well as exploration of games from around the globe). Staff members may also double as wilderness trip leaders (with programs including trekking, hiking, sailing in the U.S. and cultural trips to Belize, Mexico and New Zealand). Staff will live on the campus in beautiful Pisgah Forest, leading, living, and forming community bonds in cabin groups with campers and other staff. Summer orientation begins at the end of May with work continuing through August 11, 2008. Benefits include a competitive salary, room, whole-food meals, laundry and professional discounts on gear. Self-motivated, energetic and creative applicants who have experience and a strong desire to teach and play in the outdoors will thrive in this fun work environment. Applications are available for download online. Contact paige@enf.org or call 336.761.1040 for more information.

• Attracting individuals who yearn to be of service and make a positive impact on the world, Eagle's Nest is an extremely popular camp for counselors due to its creative and communal processes.

RHODE ISLAND JOBS more

Introducing the W. Alton Jones Camp—an outdoor playground ideal for learning, exploration and adventure. As part of the URI Environmental Education Center, programs emphasize group-building, self-esteem, environmental stewardship, conservation, natural history and outdoor skills. Featured job openings at the environmental overnight summer camp program include:

• The Earth Camp Assistant Coordinator will assist in the coordination of the camp program, play an active role in the 2-week staff training and assist with the supervision of 17 camp counselors/program specialists and up to 10 junior counselors from May 1st through August 15th.

• Earth Camp Field Teacher/Counselors supervise residential campers and teach or lead ecology, natural science, conservation, sensory awareness, canoeing, no-trace camping and survival skills, arts & crafts, group games, skits and evening programs from June 15th through August 15th.

Compensation includes a very competitive wage, meals, accommodations in staff housing (wireless Internet and cable TV included), and CPR, first aid, and lifeguard certification. To begin the application process, send or fax your cover letter, resume and three references to Herb Blake, Summer Programs Coordinator, W. Alton Jones Camp, 401 Victory Highway, West Greenwich, RI 02817; (401) 397-3304, ext. 6043; (401) 397-3293 (fax).

• Blending teaching and learning with the traditional elements of summer camp, W. Alton Jones Earth Camp staff connect adolescents to exciting experiences in the natural world.

WYOMING JOBS more

Do you have a passion for working with youth, a love of the outdoors and a desire to help amazing young men and women develop into the leaders of tomorrow? C5 Youth Foundation is an intensive leadership development program that prepares high-performing teens from low-income families with the skills needed to succeed in college, work and life. Through challenging, fun and rewarding experiences, students will participate in summer camp, travel, community service, cultural events, college prep and adventure activities. The C5 summer staff team will play an essential role in leading programs that promote leadership, teamwork, responsibility, and independence. You will develop your own leadership skills and grow personally through quality training, challenging activities, and insightful coaching. Expect to develop teambuilding and facilitation skills as well as experience leading a variety of outdoor activities. Prospective applicants must be able to relocate to the beautiful foothills of the Big Horn Mountains near Hyattville, Wyoming to live and work at this residential camp from June 8th through August 28th. A travel stipend, room and board, and a competitive and customized compensation package are provided. To learn more about this amazing and meaningful summer job opportunity, contact Sarah Krentz or call 213.863.8444.

• The summer camp experience at C5 provides an enriching experience for campers and staff alike. Not only will you play an essential role in developing the leadership skills of young people, you'll gain valuable experience as well. You'll be part of a winning team of spirited college students and recent graduates who are enthusiastic, committed, and dedicated to building a better future.

UNIQUE RESOURCES

Expand your summer camp and ranch job search by exploring these keywords:

Need to fire up your resume?
Students across the country are discovering that they can earn much more than cash as a camp counselor—you can obtain resume-building experience or even academic credit. Read more...

• Interested in a camp job?
Visit the American Camp Association employment center to browse job listings, job fairs, information about working at camp, types of jobs and careers and posting your resume.

• Unsure about where to work?
Visit the Find A Camp searchable database of over 2,400 ACA-accredited camps, with search options that include special needs and interest, location, length, gender or religious and cultural affiliation.

JOB CHANNELS—EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS
• U.S. ADVENTURE JOBS
• WORLDWIDE ADVENTURE JOBS
• WILDERNESS THERAPY VENTURES
• JOBS IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS
• ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION JOBS
• SUSTAINABLE LIVING & FARMING WORK

• CAMP & RANCH JOBS
• RESORT & HOSPITALITY JOBS
• MIND, BODY & SOUL QUESTS
• MEANINGFUL WORK
• TEACHING GIGS WORLDWIDE
• WORK, VOLUNTEER & INTERN ABROAD