Join Team Birchwood
At Birchwood, campers are surrounded by a vibrant team of role models who work here because of their open-mindedness and engaging leadership styles. These college-age counselors are enthusiastic teachers as well as caring cabin counselors. All day long, they teach from the heart, encourage challenges, inspire kindness, and work to build a camper’s individual strengths. If you’re a positive person, who loves working with people, come work with us for what will likely be one of the most memorable summer’s of your life!
Positions Offered
Camp Counselors
Birchwood counselors live in a cabin of eight to twelve girls (with the help of one to two co-counselors) and teach an activity four periods a day.
As a cabin counselor, you are responsible for the safety and happiness of every camper in your cabin. Your job is to promote fun, friendship, and teamwork.
Activity instructors teach a designated activity with enthusiasm each day. Whether covering the basics over and over, or teaching higher-level skills, it is crucial to be engaging, positive, and encouraging. Some larger activities like sailing or horseback riding offer multiple positions, whereas smaller activities like dance and drama are traditionally taught by only one individual.
Wilderness Counselors & Outdoor Adventure Trip Leaders
Counselors hired as “wilderness counselors” teach a variety of outdoor adventure skills in camp - including canoeing, kayaking, mountain biking, rock climbing, low ropes-course activities, campfire cooking, orienteering, and hiking. While teaching in camp, they also act as a cabin counselor.
With advanced skills and training, wilderness counselors can qualify to take out-of-camp trips for girls of all ages. These adventures involve canoeing, kayaking, mountain biking trips, hiking, and extended adventures in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. These staff members live in a separate cabin in camp whenever they come and go from camp.
Employment Requirements
First and foremost, Birchwood counselors must have a fun-loving disposition and sincere desire to be a strong and caring mentor who enriches the lives of girls, around the clock, 24/7. Being a camp counselor is incredibly fun and rewarding - but it demands a lot of energy, patience, and kindness!
It is essential to have a great attitude for the ENTIRE summer and to be an excellent team player. Counselors must have the ability to take the initiative, lead groups of girls effectively in a variety of settings, communicate openly and honestly, and maintain healthy relationships with peers.
Experience caring for children is required for this position. Employees must be willing and able to promote our specific vision after extensive training and on-going support. Counselors must be able to complete all of their responsibilities each day (including boring stuff like cleaning up) with a smile on their face and a skip in their step. Preference is given to applicants with proven skills in one or more of the daily activities we offer, though training is available in many cases.
We hire approximately 40 college-age staff each summer. Applicants must be able to commit to the entire summer season, including our staff week that typically begins around June 1st. We prefer applicants who have completed at least one year of secondary education and have taught children in a hands-on, experiential setting.
All staff members are required to have current certifications in First Aid and CPR. Applicants interested in teaching waterfront or wilderness activities require additional certification as trained lifeguards. We provide lifeguard training prior to staff week.
All staff positions require visual and listening skills sufficient to keep campers safe and the physical and emotional strength to work the long hours that are part of the camp counselor position.
Note: Applicants from countries outside of the U.S. must first apply to an international staffing agency to be considered, such as CCUSA, Camp Leaders in America, or Bunac.
Staff Testimonials
“I've been the happiest I've ever been in my adult life as a summer camp counselor. Working at a camp allows me to actively be the person that I needed in my teen years for girls at camp. Summer camp [as director] has become such a huge part of my life and I don't foresee that changing any time soon.”
~ Krissy N. // Witchita, KS
“I can’t say enough how much I LOVE this camp and the experiences I’ve had. The staff, directors, and the kids made it wonderful. There was always so much energy, happiness, love, and support. I liked every single staff member and have made friends and memories of a lifetime. I’m taking away so much more confidence, direction, satisfaction, etc. etc. etc. from this experience!”
– Gretchen G. // Washington DC
“Everyone is totally jealous of my summer! I made life-long friends and memories. Birchwood made me a better person and believed in my abilities. I just can’t put into words how grateful I am for this experience. ”
– Rachel K. // Portavogie, Northern Ireland
“I can’t tell you how much this place has changed me and my life! I have had so much fun here and made such good friends. This place and the people here are so special to me, I can’t imagine going home because I will miss it so much. Coming here has made me more confident, happier, and now I think I know what I want out of life: friends, fun, to travel, be independent, to work with horses as often as I can.”
– Paula M. // Minneapolis, Minnesota
“I want to thank you for making this such a special place, for being open, and for all your support. Thank you for the inspirational meetings, your passion, your insight, and the encouragement along the way. You gave us the spirit to make this place amazing this summer. This place has found a special spot in my soul where it will forever remain.”
– Erin E. // Iowa city, Iowa
“Birchwood is such very family-oriented and professional. I go back year after year for the welcoming atmosphere, wonderful friends, beautiful setting, and to learn new skills. Learning how to work in groups, be responsible, and rely on others has made me a stronger person and better leader.”
– Victoria B. // Nottingham, England
“Wow! What an amazing and incredible time I have had at Birchwood! Walking into camp I was nervous and scared. Staff week was such an enlightening experience for me. As a first-time counselor you supported me and I feel very lucky to have you as a mentor. You have given me so much in so many ways.”
– Mackenzie S. // Minneapolis, Minnesota
“I wanted to thank you both for all you do at camp. I see the way that you pump up the campers, encourage them, and build them up—I know that you do that with us counselors as well. This job has taught me patience and compassion. I have come away from this job with more confidence and assertiveness. Thanks for encouraging me to take this job!”
– Malani K. // Salina, Kansas
“I can remember so easily the first few days of camp. I was scared and unsure. As the days flew by I became stronger and more confident. Everyone is so giving of themselves at Birchwood. We lived in the HERE and NOW and supported each other with smiles, hugs, and talks. Recently I went over the goals we wanted as a staff group from the beginning. We have accomplished every single one of them and added on some extras. This experience here at Camp Birchwood has left an impression on my heart that I will carry with me forever.”
– Megen M. // Los Angeles, California
“Thank you for this amazing adventure! This is a beautiful place you have created. You really do change the lives of young girls. Thank you for making me feel so important and valued. Both of you inspire me to try my hardest, be passionate, have faith in myself and aspire to great things. I will thank you endlessly for my Birchwood times.”
– Lucy P. // Hampshire, England
“The more I think about it the more I don’t think words can express how I am feeling. I’ve never felt like this in my life before. Birchwood has re-shaped my emotions and feelings. Everyday I look forward to a new challenge and learning about life and myself. You have helped me learn. Thanks for being someone I can laugh with, cry with, and talk with.”
– Alison O. // Perth, Australia
“I can’t thank you enough for this experience. Camp means so much to me. To get to come and see all the campers and all my friends each summer is so special. Even though it is considered work, it is easily the best, most fun-filled job I have ever had.”
– Kasey R. // Minneapolis, Minnesota
“After just one summer, I love Camp Birchwood dearly and am so grateful for my time here. I am honestly taking away so much – friendships and memories, confidence and belief in myself, and new skills that I will use like outdoor experiences, teaching experiences, etc. I could not have made a better choice!”
– Katherine W. // Dallas, Texas
Join The Team
Want to apply and be apart of the Camp Birchwood Team?