Beyond Staffing: Role Models for Every Camper

At Thunderbird, counselors are more than staff, they’re mentors, teachers, facilitators, and role models.

Many staff have grown up at Thunderbird themselves, helping to carry traditions forward while inspiring campers every day. We seek staff who genuinely love working with children and who live the values of camp in every interaction. All staff undergo thorough background checks, reference screenings, and extensive interviews. Our team comes from across the U.S. and all around the world, including England, Ireland, Scotland, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Colombia.

Once hired, staff complete a ten day training program and receive ongoing support throughout the summer. Safety is a top priority: staff are trained in Red Cross Lifeguarding, First Aid, CPR, and Wilderness Medical Response through NOLS. Our staff return rates reflect the strength of our community. About a third of the team grew up at Thunderbird, and we aim to bring back over 60% of staff each summer to maintain continuity, mentorship, and the heart of camp life. New staff bring fresh ideas, adding energy and perspective to a strong foundation of experience and tradition.

Positions at Camp Thunderbird


CABIN COUNSELOR

Counselor positions are available to applicants who have completed at least one year of college or equivalent and have a skill to share or teach. Counselors will be responsible for a cabin group of six to ten campers (with the help of two to three other co-counselors). Counselor responsibilities also include teaching or assisting in one or more of our activity program areas.

TRIP LEADER

Trip Leader positions are available for applicants interested in leading off-site backpacking, canoeing or biking trips ranging in length from two to nine days. Trip Leaders work with campers age 10 to 14 and teach them basic skills necessary to feel comfortable and safe in the backcountry. Applicants should have basic wilderness skills and a desire to share their love of the outdoors. Spend up to 20+ days in the backcountry in this position. For more information about Trip Leader positions, please see our Adventure Staff page.

EXPEDITION TRIP LEADER

Expedition Trip Leader positions are available to applicants with previous backcountry trip-leading experience or extensive wilderness experience. Responsibilities include co-leading one of our multi-week wilderness programs out of camp. Due to insurance restrictions, Expedition Trip Leaders are typically at least 21 years of age. For more information about Expedition Trip Leader positions, please see our Adventure Staff page.

ACTIVITY SPECIALIST

As an activity specialist, you will be in charge of one activity area at camp. Activity specialists have a strong background in their activity. Responsibilities include instruction and lesson planning, equipment management, and general safety and oversight of campers and staff in your activity area. Specialist positions are available in the following activity areas: Arts & Crafts, Blacksmithing, Canoeing, Horseback, Pottery, Rock Climbing, Sailing, Swimming, Videography, and Trip Planning. Activity Specialists may live in staff housing or if interested in camper cabins, where your role is that of a fun aunt/uncle and while helping on occasion with the campers.

LEADERSHIP TEAM

Positions are available to applicants with previous camp or management experience. Responsibilities include supervising staff and campers and working as part of a leadership team to ensure a fun, safe and successful summer for everyone at camp. Positions include Unit Director, Program Director, Special Program Director, Trip Director, Waterfront Director, and Staff Director.

OFFICE STAFF

Office staff positions are available to applicants with administrative experience and a desire to work in a summer camp setting. Office staff will be expected to assist the Office Manager and Directors with jobs as needed. Computer skills including Microsoft Office or equivalent are a plus.

NURSE

Nursing positions are available to licensed RNs or Graduate RNs. We have two nurses at each camp as well as a physician. Camp nurses are responsible for the general health and well-being of campers and staff throughout the summer and are on call for any medical emergencies that may arise. We also hire Student Nurses to help in the health centers.

KITCHEN STAFF

Kitchen staff positions include Food Service Manager, Head Cooks, and Assistant Cooks, and prep and dish crew staff. Food service experience preferred.

MAINTENCE STAFF

Summer maintenance staff assist our year-round facilities caretaker in general camp maintenance.

HOUSEKEEPING STAFF

Housekeeping staff are responsible for regular cleaning of some indoor facilities as well as laundry services.

Application Info & Key Dates

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Application Info & Key Dates

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