Certifications
Different certifications are required for different positions at camp. All staff are required to have CPR/First Aid certifications.
CPR/First Aid
All staff must hold a current CPR/First Aid certification or higher, valid through end of employment agreement with Camp Orkila. If you are still in need of a certification, we suggest checking with your local Y, Fire Department, colleges/universities in your area, or one of the following acceptable certifying bodies.
If you are coming to camp on a J-1 visa, Orkila will provide CPR/First Aid training before or during staff training.
If you are a unit director or teen trip leader taking part in the Wilderness First Aid course, you will still need a separate CPR certification.
*Please note that your class MUST include an in-person portion and CANNOT be fully online
Washington State Food Handlers/Food Worker Card
Anyone preparing or serving food to participants must have a food worker card. This includes all kitchen staff as well as unit directors, trip leaders, and outtrip coordinators who will be responsible for meals for any expeditions or off-camp trips. We provide time for staff to get the food worker card during training. If you already have one you can send it in with your other certifications. If you are interested in getting a food worker card before training you can find the course and more information by following the button below.
Wilderness Medicine
Because some traditional camp programs include an off-camp overnight and our teen expedition courses spend multiple days out in the wilderness, we need our Unit Directors and Teen Trip Leaders to have a wilderness medicine certification. We accept Wilderness First Aid and higher certifications. Orkila can provide a Wilderness First Aid certification free of charge before staff training begins. We recommend the organizations listed below if you are unable to attend the course during training.
*Other WFR certifications may be considered if their curriculum is provided for review.
Program Specific Certifications
Some positions at camp will have program specific certifications and training.
Aquatics Program Counselors require lifeguard certifications. Orkila provides a lifeguard training with site specific trainings and a certification exam. This is a paid training. Certifications are transferrable.
Adventure Team Program Counselors require site specific challenge course training. Orkila provides a training run by Synergo. This is a paid training.
Teen Trip Leaders, on a water based course, need a a water safety certification. Orkila accepts a number of different certifications including Red Cross and YMCA Lifeguard certifications, Red Cross Small Craft Safety, US Sailing Small Boat Instructor or Sailing Counselor, ASA Dinghy Instructor, ACA Level 1, 2, or 3 in Sea Kayaking, and BCU Coach Level 2.
Orkila will provide a Basic Water Rescue course during training.
Other positions may have certifications available as part of the general training for that role.
