Three Season Program Staff (Live at Camp)

Job Overview

April – October

Position: Program Staff
Location: Sound View Camp, Puget Sound
Job Type: Full-time, Temporary
Compensation: $325-$365 per week, plus room and board
Schedule: Wednesday–Sunday, with occasional Mondays and Tuesdays as needed

Purpose of Position

Program Staff play a crucial role in delivering an exceptional outdoor environmental education experience for our guests, including families, students, summer campers, and other organized groups. Staff will teach established lesson plans, lead program areas such as the high ropes course, archery, and the waterfront, and contribute to camp operations, including meal service and facility maintenance.

Must be friendly, creative, and adaptable, with a passion for environmental education. Comfortable lodging and meals are provided. Comprehensive on-the-job training is available, and there may be opportunities for extended employment into summer and fall.

Job Structure

This position covers 3 different seasons and 2 different positions. In the Spring and Fall season (each approximately 10 weeks), the position is for outdoor environmental education program staff, primarily providing environmental education to school groups and recreation to family groups. During the summer (6 weeks), this position is Summer Camp Staff, which involves being a residential camp counselor for a 3 day-2 night education based summer camp program. 

Responsibilities

• Teach outdoor environmental education classes.
• Lead and maintain program areas (e.g., high ropes, archery, waterfront).
• Assist with evening programs, campfires, and large group activities.
• Live in a cabin with campers, ensuring their safety, well-being, and engagement throughout their stay.
• Foster a positive and inclusive environment within the cabin group.
• Help campers with daily routines, including wake-up, hygiene, and bedtime.
• Assist with hospitality (greeting groups, setting up the dining hall, doing dishes).
• Support housekeeping, maintenance, gardening, and running the camp store.
• Participate in staff training, meetings, and ongoing professional development.
• Contribute to marketing, special projects, and facility upkeep when groups are not present.

Specific Duties

• Attend staff meetings as scheduled.
• Prepare for guest arrivals, including setting up living spaces and reviewing schedules.
• Engage guests through effective icebreakers and learning names.
• Teach skill-based activities daily during summer camp.
• Eat meals with campers and families, fostering positive interactions.
• Assist with meal service and dishwashing.
• Actively participate in evening programs and campfires.
• Support camp sustainability efforts, including garden maintenance.
• Manage and operate the camp store.
• Assist with closing responsibilities, including lost & found collection and evaluations.

Physical Demands

• Work is primarily outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Must be comfortable standing for extended periods (2–3 hours).
• Ability to lift and move heavy objects as needed.
• Walking up and down hills for on average 5 miles per day.

Effect on End Result

Successful Program Staff ensure safe, engaging, and memorable experiences for campers, families, and school groups. Well-run programs encourage repeat visits and reinforce Sound View Camp’s reputation as an outstanding outdoor education facility.

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Passion for the environment and sustainable living.
• Friendly personality and strong communication skills.
• Willingness to live on-site.
• Preferred experience in recreation, teaching, or camp programs.
• Valid food handler’s card (or willingness to obtain).
• Ability to learn new skills and adapt to different roles.
• Pass a background check

Related Certifications (Desired but not required)

• Studying or background in science, education, outdoor recreation, or related fields
• AED, First Aid or Lifeguard Certification
• ACCT1 Certification
• USA Archery 1 Certification
• Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder Certification