Who We Hire
Our internship program is designed specifically for pre-service teachers and undergraduate or graduate-level students studying education or child development (or related fields).
We're seeking candidates who demonstrate the following key qualities:
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Passion for the outdoors and youth development
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Ability to collaborate effectively and communicate proactively
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Open-minded and respectful of others' viewpoints, opinions, and ideas
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Creative, flexible problem-solvers
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Committed to creating safe, inclusive, and playful learning environments
The Role
Our one-of-a-kind internship program blends real-world training in youth development, lesson planning, and community cultivation with non-traditional education leadership opportunities in a residential summer camp setting.
Students who complete our internship will be uniquely prepared to transition to classroom teaching environments and equipped with the skills to create dynamic learning communities that support diverse learners.
Examples of transferrable skills you'll learn as part of our camp staff:
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Developing camp programming (lesson planning)
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Creating a cooperative cabin group (cultivating a classroom community)
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Working collaboratively with a diverse staff of peers and mentors
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Helping kids learn positive conflict resolution skills
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Supporting kids in developing strong communication and listening skills
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Navigating topics such as gender identity, sexuality, and self-expression
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Creating a safe and inclusive learning environment, both physically and mentally for all kids
Internship participants will be directly mentored by Conni Crittenden, an award-winning and nationally-recognized veteran classroom teacher.
Internship program participants will be core members of our residential camp staff, serving a dual role as camp counselor and intern. Participants will be responsible for the following counselor duties:
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Plan and lead daily camp activities with campers utilizing our “camper-led” programming model
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Maintain our daily camp schedule for campers and staff
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Collaborate with camp leadership and fellow staff to create and maintain a safe and positive camp culture for adults and kids alike
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Uphold and model our core values, including collaboration, playfulness, and non-competition
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Supervise campers and ensure their safety, development, growth, and general well-being throughout their camp session
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Mediate camper disputes and behavioral interruptions as they arise
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Know, enforce, and follow all camp safety guidelines
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Know and understand all emergency camp procedures
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Assist in maintaining accurate program records, including daily attendance and incident reports
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Support camp health staff and dining staff as needed to ensure camp needs are met
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Help maintain and clean all camp facilities, including cabins, dining halls, bathrooms, and activity spaces.
Participants will meet online regularly with Conni to discuss their recent learnings, collaboratively problem-solve any challenges they are facing, and review best education practices. Near the end of summer, participants will have the opportunity to meet with Conni in person for additional one-on-one guidance.
Benefits
Internship program participants will receive the following benefits:
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Base salary of $4,500
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Regular time-off; staff receive approximately 1 day off during each camp session
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Provided housing; camp staff live on-site in rustic cabins alongside our campers for the entire summer
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Provided meals; camp staff eat alongside our campers in our camp dining hall; we can accommodate a variety of dietary restrictions and preferences
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Opportunity to gain experience working with children of varying ages, needs, backgrounds, and interests
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Opportunity to secure high-quality references and recommendations for future employment opportunities
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Ongoing mentorship and guidance from veteran classroom educators
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Opportunity to build transferable classroom/teaching skills
Where You'll Work
If hired as an intern, you'll work at one of our two camp locations:
55 Bass Lake Road
Traverse City, MI
1310 Buena Road
Frankfort, MI
Your camp assignment will be made based on your unique interests and skills, as well as our current staffing needs. You can note a location preference during your interview, but please note that we may not be able to accommodate all location requests.
Explore Other Roles
We hire adventure trips staff and residential camp staff, too! Check out our other roles below to find the fit that's right for you.
