Day Camp Counselor

Minimum age 18

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 fulfil the role of a Cabin or Specialty Counselor when not working in day camp programs.

* A counselor may work in a combination of any of our traditional, day camp, or specialty programs throughout the summer

Specialty Counselor

Minimum age 18

Specialty Counselors work with our Specialty Camp Programs. Specialties vary by week but may include High Altitude Leadership, Outdoor Adventures, Art Exploration, and Marine Biology. 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.

* A counselor may work in a combination of any of our traditional, day camp, or specialty programs throughout the summer

*The above link will direct you to the general cabin counselor application. You will have the opportunity to discuss more specific positions later in the application process

Program Positions

Aquatics Program Counselor 

Minimum age 18

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 is required

Deckhand

Minimum age 18

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.

Position currently not available.

Director Positions

Unit Director

Minimum age 21 (strongly preferred)

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) certification may be required depending on the unit. We offer a complimentary WFA course before staff training begins

Counselor in Training (CIT) Director

Minimum age 21 (strongly preferred)

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) certification may be required. We offer a complimentary WFA course two days before staff training begins

*The above link will direct you to the general Unit Director application. You will have the opportunity to discuss more specific positions later in the application process

Program Unit Director Positions

Minimum age 21 (strongly preferred)

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 above link will direct you to the general Unit Director application. You will have the opportunity to discuss more specific positions at a later step in the application process

Office Unit Director

Minimum age 21 (strongly preferred)

The Office Unit Directors 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.

 *The above link will direct you to the general Unit Director application. You will have the opportunity to discuss more specific positions at a later step in the application process

*Due to work visa requirements, this position is not available for international staff coming on a J-1 visa

Media Director

Minimum age 21 (strongly preferred)

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

Position currently not available.

Assistant Director

Minimum age 21

Assistant Directors provide various forms of leadership for the rest of camp, 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.

Office Assistant Director

Minimum age 21

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.

 *The above link will direct you to the general Assistant Director application. You will have the opportunity to discuss more specific positions at a later step in the application process

*Due to work visa requirements, this position is not available for international staff coming on a J-1 visa

Camper Support Director

Minimum age 21

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 or life experience or education in social work, mental health counseling or related fields is preferred

Position currently not available.

Health Director

Minimum age 21

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

Position currently not available.

Operations Director

Minimum age 21

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.

Position currently not available.

Teen Expeditions

Trip Leader

Minimum age 21 (strongly preferred)

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. 

High Altitude Leadership 2.0 Trip Leader

Minimum age 21 (strongly preferred)

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. 

*The above link will direct you to the general Teen Leader application. You will have the opportunity to discuss more specific positions at a later step in the application process

Islanders Trip Leader

Minimum age 21 (strongly preferred)

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.

Outtrip Coordinator

Minimum age 18

The Outtrip Coordinator provides crucial support to the Expedition team and staff instructors. 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.

*Due to work visa requirements, this position is not available for international staff coming on a J-1 visa

Logistics Assistant Director

Minimum age 21

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.

*The above link will direct you to the general Camp Orkila Assistant Director application. You will have the opportunity to discuss more specific positions later in the application process

Expeditions Assistant Director

Minimum age 21

The Assistant Director works with the Teen Expedition team and supports instructors leading expedition courses. They work with instructors to plan routes, develop teen leadership curriculum and support the development of teen participants. The Expeditions Assistant Director also provides coaching and feedback for instructors 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 sailing, biking or sea kayaking and have strong leadership ability.

*The above link will direct you to the general Camp Orkila Assistant Director application. You will have the opportunity to discuss more specific positions later in the application process

Additional Positions

Camper Support Coordinator

Minimum age 21 (strongly preferred)

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 or life experience or education in social work, mental health counseling or related fields is preferred

Health Aide

Minimum age 18

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. Incredible attention to detail, flexibility, and advanced organizational skills are required.

*Due to work visa requirements, this position is not available for International staff coming on a J-1 visa

Media Coordinator

Minimum age 18

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, Vimeo, Instagram, and Facebook.

*Previous experience with video cameras and accessories, video editing software such as Final Cut Pro and Premiere Pro, digital cameras, and photo editing software such as Photoshop is required.

*Due to work visa requirements, this position is not available for International staff coming on a J-1 visa

Position currently not available.

International Support Staff

Minimum age 18

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

Position currently not available.

Boat Captain

Minimum age 25

Provides direct supervision to overall operation, development and safety of small craft and large vessel transportation program. 

Position currently not available.

Bus Driver

Minimum age 22

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.

Food Services Supervisor

Minimum age 18

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.

Position currently not available.

Cook

Minimum age 18

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.

Position currently not available.

Cook’s Apprentice

Minimum age 18

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.

Position currently not available.

Dishwasher

Minimum age 16

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.

Position currently not available.

Groundskeeper

Minimum age 18

Maintains grounds of beautiful camp facilities, including lawns, landscaping, and other areas.

Poition currently not available.