Description

As a Camp Counselor, you'll help create life-changing experiences for children and adults with disabilities. Whether you're supporting campers in a cabin, leading an activity, helping someone build independence, or sharing your own talents, you'll play an important role in creating a safe, inclusive, and unforgettable camp experience.

True Friends offers several Camp Counselor assignments across our three locations. Schedules, program lengths, responsibilities, and camper needs vary by assignment. During the application and selection process, we'll learn more about your interests, experiences, availability, and strengths to help determine which opportunity may be a good fit.

You do not need experience in every area. We'll provide training and support to help you succeed in your assignment.

Where you could work

• Camp Friendship - Annandale, MN
• Camp Eden Wood - Eden Prairie, MN
• Camp Courage - Maple Lake, MN 

Camp Counselors may work at one, two, or all three of our camp locations during the summer, depending on program needs, assignment, and availability.

You don't have to live near a True Friends site to apply! Our Counselor positions are residential and include on-site housing and meals during employment, making this a great opportunity for individuals who live outside the immediate area, including those from other states.

Assignment Types & Responsibilities

•  Cabin-Focused Assignments - Some Camp Counselors will typically work with the same cabin group throughout the week, going with them to activities and meals, and supporting them throughout their stay, including providing overnight support as needed. Typical start dates are from early to mid-June
• Activities-Focused Assignments - Some Camp Counselors may have an assignment focused primarily on leading and facilitating activities rather than working primarily with a specific cabin or camper group. Typical start dates are late-May

          Activities may include:

• • High Ropes and Challenge Activities 
  • Team-Building Games
  • Arts & Crafts
  • Adaptive Archery
  • Outdoor Recreation
  • Sports & Games
  • Aquatics
  • Other Specialized or Adaptive Activities

          Training may be provided based on the activity and assignment.

Your specific responsibilities will depend on your assignment and may include:

• Create a safe, welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment for campers
• Build meaningful relationships and encourage participation and connection
• Support campers' social, emotional, and physical needs
• Encourage independence, confidence, teamwork, and personal growth
• Lead or assist with camp activities and programs
• Provide supervision and maintain awareness of camper safety
• Support activities of daily living and personal care when required by the assignment
• Work collaboratively with other counselors and camp staff
• Participate in required staff training and program activities

Why You'll Love It

• Make a difference: Help create meaningful experiences that build confidence, independence, and connection
• Build relationships: Form genuine connections with campers and fellow staff
• Try something new: Get outside your comfort zone and discover new skills and interests
• Bring your strengths: Whether you're an athlete, artist, outdoor enthusiast, caregiver, or just someone who loves helping others
• Be part of something bigger: Your work directly supports the True Friends mission and helps make camp possible

What You'll Gain

• Leadership experience: Build confidence leading activities, supporting individuals, and working as part of a team
• Real-world experience: Develop skills in communication, teamwork, problem-solving, caregiving, recreation, and working with individuals with disabilities
• Personal growth: Step outside your comfort zone, take on new challenges, and discover strengths you may not have known you had
• Transferable skills: Gain experience that can apply to future careers in education, healthcare, human services, recreation, childcare, social work, and many other fields
• Meaningful connections: Build relationships with campers, families, and fellow staff that can last well beyond the summer
• A summer you'll remember: Spend your summer doing meaningful work, trying new things, and being part of a community that makes a difference

Schedule

• All hired staff complete a minimum of one week of orientation before working with campers
• Most camp sessions run Sunday through Friday, approximately 5.5 days per week
• Staff may be asked to provide evening or overnight support as needed based on camper and program needs
• Staff receive scheduled time off between sessions, and when applicable during sesions
• Specific schedules and time commitments vary by assignment and location

Highly valued, but not required: Previous camp experience; experience working with children or adults with disabilities; experience in recreation, education, healthcare, human services, childcare, or related fields; CPR/First Aid or Lifeguard certification; high ropes or challenge course experience; adaptive recreation experience; or specialized skills, hobbies, or talents you can bring to camp.

Compensation

Summer Camp Counselors are paid a daily stipend rate based on their role and experience.

• First year Counselors: $59/day
• Returning Counselors: Eligible for increased daily rate based on previous True Friends experience, plus an early signing bonus when applicable
• Summer Commitment bonus: Eligible exempt (stipend paid) residential staff who complete their full agreement and remain in good standing may earn an additional bons based on the number of weeks worked. Bonus eligibility begins after 6 weeks
  • 6-7 weeks worked, additional $60/week worked
  • 8-9 weeks worked, additional $70/week worked
  • 10-11 weeks worked, additional $80/week worked
  • 12-14 weeks worked, additional $90/week worked
• Meals and lodging included during employment

Requirements

What You'll Bring to the Table

• Must be at least 16 years old for the Counselor in Training roles
• Must be at least 18 years old for the Cabin and Activities Counselor roles
• Must be able to pass the required organizational background study
• Passion for making a difference in the lives of others
• Willingness to step outside your comfort zone and try new things
• Comfortable working with and supporting individuals with a range of abilities and needs
• Willingness to learn and provide personal care and ADL support
• Ability to coach, encourage, and lead individuals and groups
• Strong work ethic and willingness to take initiative
• Flexibility and adaptability in an ever-changing environment
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team

Highly valued, but not required: Previous camp experience; experience working with children or adults with disabilities; experience in recreation, education, healthcare, human services, childcare, or related fields; CPR/First Aid or Lifeguard certification; high ropes or challenge course experience; adaptive recreation experience; or specialized skills, hobbies, or talents you can bring to camp.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

The work environment and physical requirements vary by assignment. Camp Counselors should be prepared to:

• Work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, including heat, cold, and rain
• Spend extended periods standing, walking, sitting, and participating in activities with campers
• Bend, reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and move throughout the workday
• See, hear, and communicate verbally with campers and team members
• Lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds
• Participate in recreational, physical, and outdoor activities
• Live and work in a communal environment for residential assignments
• Work extended or variable hours, including evenings and overnights, for residential assignments
• Wear a safety harness and participate in high ropes or challenge activities if assigned to those duties

Specific physical demands, schedules, and environmental conditions will depend on the assigned program.