Summer at Camp Orkila
Orkila summer positions
All of our summer positions focus on mentoring youth and building community through the Y's Core Values of Respect, Responsibility, Honesty, Caring, and Passion for Excellence as well as the missions of Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility.
Many positions offer flexible start dates from May through August.
Please note that if you are interested in multiple positions with Camp Orkila this summer it is only necessary to apply to one posting. We will be happy to consider you for all open positions during the interview process.
If you are an applicant that will require a J-1 visa to work in the United States, use the “International J-1 applicants” Apply Now button to access the International Cabin Staff or International Support Staff applications. You will be asked about your specific position interests later in the application process and can learn more about our hiring process HERE.
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Counselor Positions
Cabin Counselors live in a cabin with other counselors and about 10 campers. Cabin Counselors are responsible for the basic care and everyday needs of the campers in their cabin group for 1 week sessions over a 9 session summer.
A counselor may work in a combination of our programs.
Age 18+ required
Cabin Counselor
Day camp Counselor
Day Camp Counselors work with our Orcas Island Day Camp. Day Camp Counselors are responsible for the basic care and everyday needs of the campers in their group for 1 week sessions. Day Camp Counselors fulfill the role of a Cabin or Specialty Counselor when not working in day camp programs.
A counselor may work in a combination of our programs.
Age 18+ required
Specialty camp Counselor
Specialty Counselors work with our Specialty Camp Programs. Specialty Counselors are responsible for the basic care and everyday needs of the campers in their group for 1 week sessions as well as facilitating some specialty programs and activities. Specialties vary by week but may include High Altitude Leadership, Outdoor Adventures, Art Exploration, Sports Discovery, Boat & swim, and Marine Biology. Specialty Counselors will fulfill the role of a Cabin Counselor when not working in Specialty Camp Programs.
A counselor may work in a combination of our programs. The link will direct you to a general application, you will discuss specific positions later in the process.
Age 18+ required
International cabin staff
International Cabin Staff fill a variety of cabin counselor, program counselor, trip leader, unit director, and related positions. For applicants who will need a J1 visa to work in the United States for the summer.
For more information on the J-1 application process visit here: International Staff Information.
Age 18+ required
Position currently filled.
Program Positions
Adventure Team Program Counselor
Adventure Team (A-Team) Program Counselors take on an important role as challenge course facilitators. The A-Team facilitates all of Camp Orkila's low and high ropes elements, including our zip line and giant swings. They also lead many group 'Initiatives,' and run the BMX track. We will offer a site-specific challenge course certification course as part of staff training. All Program Counselors live in cabins with Cabin Counselors and campers, fulfilling the role of a Cabin Counselor when not working in their assigned program area..
Previous challenge course experience not required.
Age 18+ required
Arts and Earth program counselor
Arts and Earth (A&E) Program Counselors facilitate our Art Studio and Marine Science Center activities! All Program Counselors live in cabins with Cabin Counselors and campers, fulfilling the role of a Cabin Counselor when not working in their assigned program area. Basic Arts and Earth Program Counselor job functions include facilitating art projects, leading beach walks, leading Life in the Forest (an energetic tag game), and teaching archery.
Previous experience with teaching art, target sports, or lessons in ecology and nature is encouraged.
Age 18+ required
Aquatics program counselor
Aquatics Program Counselors facilitate and lifeguard all of our Pool and Waterfront activities! We will offer a lifeguard certification course prior to the start of staff training for qualified applicants who are not already certified. All Program Counselors live in cabins with Cabin Counselors and campers, fulfilling the role of a Cabin Counselor when not working in their assigned program area. Basic Aquatics Program Counselor job functions include facilitating and lifeguarding boating, Dock Jump, Polar Bear, Get Wet Get Dirty, teaching swim lessons to day campers, and cleaning the pool..
Previous swimming experience required.
Age 18+ required
The deckhand supports our boat captain and helps ferry Camp Orkila participants to offsite overnight island trips. The deckhand will assist with loading and unloading participants, ensuring safe handling and operation of the 44-passenger Kwhanice motor vessel, and perform a variety of other duties as assigned.
Age 18+ required
Deckhand
director Positions
Unit Directors are responsible for one unit, which includes 20 to 40 campers and 3 to 10 counselors. Units are of a specific age group. Basic job functions include scheduling and facilitating activities, camper behavior management, mentoring and coaching counselors, interns, and counselors-in-training, and communicating with parents as necessary..
Wilderness First Aid (WFA) may be required. We offer a complimentary course before training begins.
Age 21+ strongly preferred
UNIT Director
Counselor in training (CIT) Director
The Counselor in Training (CIT) Directors create and facilitate the 4-week CIT Program for campers entering grades 11-12 of high school. These teens are interested in growing as leaders and working towards becoming a Cabin Counselor..
Wilderness First Aid (WFA) may be required. We offer a complimentary course before training begins.
Age 21+ strongly preferred
The link will direct you to a general Unit Director application, you will discuss specific positions later in the process.
Program Unit Director
Program Unit Directors supervise one of our three program areas:
Arts and Earth Director- provides supervision and leadership to Arts and Earth staff team, and manages associated program areas (marine salmon center, archery, and craft studio).
Aquatics Director- provides supervision and leadership to lifeguard team, and is responsible for maintenance and safety of pool, waterfront, and boating facilities and equipment.
Adventure Team Director- provides supervision and leadership to challenge course staff and works with Challenge Course Manager to record and perform maintenance on our challenge course.
The link will direct you to a general Unit Director application, you will discuss specific positions later in the process
Age 18+ required
The Office Aides support all of camp’s programs. Responsibilities include providing customer service to guests in-person, over the phone, and via email, supporting the day-to-day operations of camp, and assisting in problem solving as unique and challenging situations arise..
Due to work visa requirements, this position is not available for international staff coming on a J-1 visa.
Age 21+ strongly preferred
Office Aide
The Media Director provides supervision and leadership to Media Team staff. Basic job functions include managing staff and posting schedules, creating content, ordering cabin photos, and maintaining camp media equipment.
Due to work visa requirements, this position is not available for international staff coming on a J-1 visa.
Age 21+ strongly preferred.
Media Director
Assistant Director
Assistant Directors provide various forms of leadership across all camp programs and will also learn how to support many of the logistics of camp. Basic job functions include coaching and giving feedback to staff, placing campers in units, facilitating the lodge during meals, responding to parents and guardians of campers, and completing other duties as assigned.
Age 21+ required.
Office Assistant director
The Office Assistant Directors provide leadership across all of camp’s programs. Responsibilities include providing customer service to guests in-person, over the phone, and via email, coaching and supervising staff, managing the day-to-day operations of camp, and assisting in problem solving as unique and challenging situations arise.
Due to work visa requirements, this position is not available for international staff coming on a J-1 visa.
Age 21+ required.
Camper Support Director
The Camper Support Director oversees the health and safety of camp’s staff and campers by providing direct support to campers who need extra support while at camp at Camp Orkila on beautiful Orcas Island, WA. They support Mental, Emotional and Social Health needs, with the aim of helping everyone to feel safe, happy, and comfortable while ensuring the supervision and safety of campers at all times.
Work, educational, or life experience in social work, mental health counseling, or related fields preferred.
Age 21+ required
The Health Director is in charge of maintaining the Health Hut (the camp health facility) and supervising the Health Aides. Applicants should be individuals with incredible attention to detail, superb communication skills, advanced organizational skills, and comfort with high levels of responsibility, including supervising other staff. Basic job functions include dispensing hundreds of medications a day during meals and bedtime, ensuring 100% accuracy, and communicating with parents regarding medical information, if necessary.
In progress or completed Registered Nurse (RN) program preferred.
Due to work visa requirements, this position is not available for international staff coming on a J-1 visa.
Age 21+ required.
Health director
Operations Director
Operations Directors provide high-level leadership for all of camp. Working alongside the Summer Program Directors, Operations Directors provide coaching and feedback to staff, support camper needs, take lead on camp logistics, and communicate with parents and guardians of campers.
Age 21+ required.
Teen expedition Positions
A trip leader is responsible for implementing 1 to 4 week Leadership Development Institute and expedition programs. Aside from ensuring the physical and emotional safety of their group, Trip leaders are also responsible for delivering expedition programming and creating a unique and engaging experience for their participants. Trip leaders should have documented experience in sea kayaking, be comfortable cooking and camping in the backcountry and have experience working with teens.
Wilderness First Aid (WFA) may be required. We offer a complimentary course before training begins.
Age 21+ strongly preferred.
TEEN TRIP LEADER
High Altitude Leadership 2.0 TRIP LEADER
A High Altitude Leadership 2.0 (HALDI) trip leader is responsible for implementing multiple 2 week challenge course focused teen leadership programs. Aside from ensuring the physical and emotional safety of their group, Trip leaders are also responsible for delivering challenge course and leadership programming and creating a unique and engaging experience for their participants. Trip leaders should have experience with challenge courses/ropes courses and working with teens.
Wilderness First Aid (WFA) may be required. We offer a complimentary course before training begins.
Age 21+ strongly preferred.
The link will direct you to a general Teen Trip Leader application, you will discuss specific positions later in the process.
An Islanders Trip Leader is responsible for implementing a 4 week kayaking expedition program. Aside from ensuring the physical and emotional safety of their group, Trip Leaders are also responsible for delivering expedition programming and creating a unique and engaging experience for their participants. Trip leaders should have documented experience in sea kayaking, be comfortable cooking and camping in the backcountry and have experience working with teens. In addition to leading the Islanders program, Islanders Trip Leaders may be responsible for supporting other expeditions programs, training, and operations.
Wilderness First Aid (WFA) may be required. We offer a complimentary course before training begins.
Age 21+ strongly preferred.
ISLANDERS TRIP LEADER
The Outtrip Coordinator provides crucial support to the Expedition team and staff trip leaders. Outtrip Coordinators support in packing out food and gear for all overnight trips and expedition courses, maintaining our fleet of boats and equipment and working to keep our Outtrip building running smoothly. Outtrip Coordinators live with a cabin of campers and support other areas of camp when not working on Outtrip specific duties.
*Due to work visa requirements, this position is not available for international staff coming on a J-1 visa
Age 18+ required.
OUTTRIP COORDINATOR
Key member of the Teen Expedition director team that supports the functions of overnight, day trip and large scale expeditions programing. They are responsible for planning and organizing trip packing (food and gear) for all programs and the ordering of food & equipment while overseeing the maintenance of all trip gear. This position requires experience with expedition programs and strong organizational and logistical skills.
Age 21+ required
The link will direct you to a general Assistant Director application, you will discuss specific positions later in the process.
OUTTRIP ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
eXPEDITIONS ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
The Assistant Director works with the Teen Expedition team and supports trip leaders in leading expedition courses. They work with trip leaders to plan routes, develop teen leadership curriculum and support the development of teen participants. The Expeditions Assistant Director also provides coaching and feedback for trip leaders and supports the day-to-day operations of the Teen Expedition Program. Strong applicants will have experience working in the expedition or guiding field, have skills in sea kayaking or similar field, and have strong leadership ability.
Age 21+ required
The link will direct you to a general Assistant Director application, you will discuss specific positions later in the process.
Additional Positions
CAmper support coordinator
Camper Support Coordinators provide direct support to campers who need extra support while at camp. They are responsible to supporting Mental, Emotional and Social Health needs, with the aim of helping everyone to feel safe, happy, and comfortable while ensuring the supervision and safety of campers at all times.
Work, life experience, or education in social work, mental health counseling, or related fields preferred.
Age 21+ strongly preferred.
Health Aides work closely with the Health Care Manager, and volunteer nurses and doctors to dispense hundreds of medications during meals and bedtime every day. Basic job functions include, helping manage the Health Hut (the camp health facility), packing medications for overnight trips, and working directly with campers and staff to support their health needs. This position is great opportunity to experience a real medical facility in a fun environment. Another bonus is the opportunity to meet rotating volunteer nurses and doctors with diverse specialties.
Nursing or pre-nursing students preferred.
Attention to detail, flexibility, and organizational skills required.
Due to work visa requirements, this position is not available for international staff coming on a J-1 visa.
Age 18+ required
Health Aide
Media Coordinator
The Media Team works together as photographers and videographers to produce weekly content after capturing awesome camp moments throughout each week. The Media Team update's camp's media sites including Smugmug, Instagram, and Facebook.
Previous experience with video cameras and accessories, video editing software such as Final Cut Pro and Premiere Pro, and photo editing software such as Photoshop required.
Due to work visa requirements, this position is not available for international staff coming on a J-1 visa.
Age 18+ required
support staff Positions
International support staff
International Support Staff includes roles in the kitchen, housekeeping, maintenance, laundry and store. For applicants who will need a J1 visa to work in the United States for the summer.
For more information on the J-1 application process visit here: International Staff Information.
Age 18+ required
Provides direct supervision to overall operation, development and safety of small craft and large vessel transportation program.
Due to work visa requirements, this position is not available for international staff coming on a J-1 visa.
Age 25+ required
Boat Captain
Every day hundreds of children participate in fun and engaging YMCA programs. Bus Drivers support camp programs through transporting children to and from program activities and sites.
Age 22+ required
Position currently filled.
Bus Driver
Food Services Supervisor
Resident camp Food Service Supervisor assists in the operations of the camp food service program for camp staff and guests. Our kitchen staff take part in trainings with other members of the program teams and will get training in their department and their specific kitchen position. They’ll work alongside the full-time kitchen team to help with food prep, dishwashing and maintaining overall cleanliness of the kitchen. This is a crucial role in providing delicious and healthy camp meals in a highly organized manner. All members of the kitchen team will be supervised by the Food Services Director and perform other duties as assigned.
Age 18+ required
Position currently filled.
Resident Camp Cooks assists the Food Service Director in all camp food services for camp staff and guests. Our kitchen staff take part in trainings with other members of the program teams and will get training in their department and their specific kitchen position. They’ll work alongside the full-time kitchen team to help with food prep, dishwashing and maintaining overall cleanliness of the kitchen. This is a crucial role in providing delicious and healthy camp meals in a highly organized manner.
Age 18+ required
Cook
Cook’s apprentice will prepare and serve food in one of our fast-paced commercial kitchens. Additional responsibilities include maintaining kitchen and lodge cleanliness, washing dishes, and storing food and supplies with food safety in mind. Cook’s assistant will work with Food Service Director and will assist them as needed, as well as attend Kitchen Staff Meetings and participate in the Camp Orkila Community.
Age 18+ required
Position currently filled
Cook’s apprentice
Resident Camp Dishwashers assists the Food Service Director in all camp food services for camp staff and guests. Our kitchen staff take part in trainings with other members of the program teams and will get training in their department and their specific kitchen position. They’ll work alongside the full-time kitchen team to help with food prep, dishwashing and maintaining overall cleanliness of the kitchen.
Age 16+ required
Dishwasher
Groundskeeper
Maintains grounds of beautiful camp facilities, including lawns, landscaping, and other areas.
Age 18+ required
Position currently filled