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More Than Just a Summer Job

It starts as a job. Shortly after, it becomes something unforgettable.

At Camp Thunderbird, summer work isn’t just a series of tasks. It’s a chance to step into a community that challenges you, supports you, and asks you to show up fully. Staff arrive for a season, but what they step into is bigger: a place where leadership is earned, growth happens every day, and your presence makes a real difference in the lives of campers and fellow staff. Working at Thunderbird means real responsibility. Long days are filled with meaningful work, guiding, listening, adapting, and leading not from the sidelines, but in the middle of it all. On the lake, on the trail, in the cabins, and around the fire, you’ll see your impact. You’ll grow quietly and powerfully through shared effort, reflection, and the kind of challenges that teach lessons no classroom ever could.

What It Takes

Being a camp counselor is one of the most rewarding jobs in the world. Counselors must be adaptable leaders who can both mentor and motivate campers and maintain a positive energy even on challenging days. Above all, the role requires a deep commitment to creating an environment where every single camper and staff member feels safe, included and inspired to grow. To see a comprehensive list of your roles and responsibilities and our commitment to you, click here:

Roles and Responsibilities

Adventure Staff

If you’re looking for a job in the camp community that allows you to be challenged, expand your skills and experience in the outdoors, travel to some of the most beautiful and remote parts of the country, and have tons of fun, then a Tbird wilderness job just might be for you! Click here to view the Wilderness Jobs that we offer.

Wilderness Jobs

How Staff Members Describe Thunderbird

Spending my twenties as part of the Camp Thunderbird community has been a truly defining experience in my life. It has played a meaningful role in shaping who I am today, while also allowing me to witness so many young girls discover their voices and grow into the individuals they are meant to be.

Katelyn 'Belle' Joy Wassell

Australia

Camp Thunderbird has become so much more than just a place I work, it truly feels like a second home. Over the many years I’ve worked here, and through the friendships, challenges, and unforgettable moments, I’ve grown in confidence and developed into a leader I’m proud of. There’s something incredibly special about watching the impact camp has on the kids, and seeing pieces of my own journey reflected in their growth and joy. It’s hard to put into words just how much this place means to me.

Madeleine 'Pow' Brooks

United Kingdom

Thunderbird is something more than just a camp. It’s as close as it gets, a magical place that trust me, feels unreal. I’m not gonna lie, we gonna be doing some hard work sometimes but hey, doing it all with the most amazing people you’ll ever meet it’s absolutely worth it and priceless. Staff is gonna make you part of the family and nature is gonna be your best friend. At the end of the summer you’ll have the greatest experience for your soul and spirit and that’s something nothing and nobody will ever be able to take away from you.

Andres 'Snap' Felipe Cuentas Castro

Columbia

My time at camp was an unforgettable experience that helped me grow both personally and professionally. I had the opportunity to work with amazing people from all around the world, different backgrounds, build strong friendships, and learn how to handle challenges with patience and confidence. Living and working in such a fast paced environment taught me a lot about responsibility, teamwork, and communication. Even on the difficult days, the experience gave me memories and lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Benedek 'Laser' Erdelyi

Hungary

FAQ

How do I get to camp?

If you are a domestic staff member you can drive to camp or fly into Minneapolis. From Minneapolis we chart a bus for all of our staff up to camp.

International staff fly into Minneapolis, and take the chartered bus up to camp. We provide housing accommodations the night before you take the bus up to camp.

What is the pay and how/when is it distributed?

Pay varies by age and experience and is distributed at the end of the contract or on an as-needed basis.

Is housing and meals provided?

Yes, housing and meals are included. During your time at camp you will live in camp and eat all meals at camp. There are exceptions for people who are from Bemidji.

Will I be assigned a specific age group or activity area?

Both! Cabin counselors will be able to fill out a preference form for which age group they would like to work with. Depending on your expertise, you will most likely also be assigned to one or two activities that you will lead or assist with.

What are days off like?

Days off as a staff member at Camp Thunderbird are amazing! Days off start at 7 a.m. and go until 7 a.m. the next day. Staff are encouraged to stay in camp if they please, or can catch a ride into town on one of our daily shuttles. We run three shuttles a day to and from Bemidji for our staff team.

Bemidji is the perfect place to spend a day off. As the self-proclaimed first city on the Mississippi, Bemidji is full of charm, history, and plenty of ways to keep busy. Spend the morning exploring the shores of Lake Bemidji, grab lunch at one of the many local restaurants downtown, or browse the unique shops along the main strip. If you're looking for a little adventure, the area is surrounded by trails for hiking and biking, and the lake is perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, or just soaking up the sun. And of course, no visit is complete without a photo with the iconic Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox statues, a true Minnesota staple. Whether you want to relax, explore, or get outside, Bemidji has something for everyone.

Is there a staff orientation or training period before campers arrive?

Yes! Staff undergo 10 days of leadership development training prior to campers' arrival. These 10 days help our staff build the foundation to be successful counselors and thriving adults long after camp. We supply our staff with ample tools to navigate the various situations they may experience during their time at camp, and these tools are applicable to all aspects of life, not just within the gates of Thunderbird.

Roles and Responsibilities

Up Next

Roles and Responsibilities

More about different staff positions at Thunderbird.

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