Summer Employment
Thank you for your interest in joining our wonderful team this summer! By becoming part of our seasonal team of over 20 dedicated staff members—including cabin counselors, a horse director, summer leadership, and kitchen crew—you’ll play a vital role in making our day and overnight camps unforgettable. Even if you’re with us for one summer, you’ll create memories that last a lifetime and will always be welcomed back to this family.
We’re excited to welcome staff from around the world! Due to J-1 Visa regulations, we ask that all international applicants partner with a certified visa sponsor agency that provides guidance and support throughout the screening process before interviewing with Camp Holiday Trails. Please reach out to CHT’s sponsor agency, Camp Leaders. Once you have created a profile, we encourage you to email our Camp Director, Philip James – Program@
Cabin Counselors
Cabin Counselors play a central role in creating safe, inclusive, supportive, and meaningful camp experiences for each camper at Camp Holiday Trails. Working as part of a cabin team, Cabin Counselors provide consistent supervision, guidance, encouragement, and care while helping campers build confidence, independence, positive relationships, and a sense of belonging.
Cabin Counselors are responsible for understanding and responding to the individual developmental, emotional, social, and medical needs of campers. This includes supporting campers through challenges such as homesickness, peer relationships, and group dynamics; using age- and developmentally appropriate approaches to behavior management; recognizing and communicating medical concerns to the Medical Team; and serving as positive role models throughout the camp experience. Cabin Counselors are expected to approach each camper with patience, empathy, compassion, and respect while helping create an environment where every camper feels safe, valued, and supported.
International Cabin Counselor position description.
Activity Lead/Cabin Counselor
Activity Lead / Cabin Counselors serve in two complementary roles at Camp Holiday Trails. During scheduled program time, they lead engaging and inclusive activities within their area of specialization, creating opportunities for campers to explore, learn, and have fun. Outside of program time, they serve as a Cabin Counselor, supporting the daily needs and well-being of campers and contributing to a positive, inclusive cabin community. This position requires flexibility, creativity, and a commitment to creating a meaningful camp experience both within the activity area and in the cabin. (Challenge Course, Arts & Crafts, Aquatics Lead, Archery, Athletics, Music & Drama, Nature)
Lifeguards
Lifeguards are responsible for ensuring the pool environment remains safe, welcoming, and accessible to all campers. This includes actively monitoring swimmers, maintaining appropriate supervision and safety standards, completing required pool checks and maintenance tasks, and responding quickly and effectively to injuries, emergencies, or other safety concerns. Lifeguards work closely with Cabin Counselors, the Medical Team, and other Camp staff to communicate camper needs and support a consistent approach to health and safety. To learn more please reach out to our Camp Director, Philip James at Program@
Summer Leadership Team
The Summer Leadership Team is a dedicated group, overseen by our year-round Camp Director, committed to the success of our overnight summer camp program. These leaders embrace adaptability and a “can-do” spirit, ensuring every aspect of Camp runs smoothly.
Cabin Directors, Volunteer and Operations Coordinator, and Med Liaison make up our Summer Leadership Team. To be considered, previous camp experience (not limited to CHT) is required and leadership or management experience is preferred.
Cabin Director
Cabin Directors provide leadership and guidance to campers and cabin counselors throughout the summer, fostering a safe, positive, nurturing, and inclusive cabin community. They provide indirect supervision and coaching to cabin counselors, serve as a primary resource for addressing camper needs, behavior, and group dynamics, and help ensure consistent expectations and practices across cabins. Cabin Directors monitor cabin operations, identify and respond to emerging concerns, and support staff in creating an effective and supportive cabin environment.
Cabin Directors are active members of the camp leadership team and help coordinate daily camp operations, including supporting program areas, responding to staffing needs, assisting with schedule adjustments, and helping resolve issues that arise throughout the day. When the Camp Director is off property, Cabin Directors support the day-to-day leadership of Camp, making operational decisions, responding to camper and staff concerns, and communicating significant issues to the Camp Director or Director of Programs. Through their leadership, Cabin Directors help ensure that camp remains safe, organized, responsive, and aligned with the mission and values of Camp Holiday Trails.
Volunteer and Operations Coordinator
CHT’s Volunteer and Operations Coordinator schedules Camp volunteers while providing logistical support to ensure Camp activities and programs run smoothly and successfully. This includes coordinating Camper mail with CHT’s Administrative Director, gathering and delivering program supplies, filling water coolers, and assisting with the setup and execution of special activities and large group events.
Kitchen Staff
Do you have a passion for creating unique, healthy, kid-friendly cuisine while also having the opportunity to build relationships with youth? And let’s not forget endless dancing & singing in the kitchen. Then you may just be the perfect fit to join our Camp Holiday Trails (CHT) Kitchen Team.
Horse Director
CHT’s Horse Director oversees daily horse program operations, including the care and management of horses and equipment, program planning, volunteer coordination, and supervision of staff and volunteers supporting the program. This person leads the Horse Program Monday through Thursday during each camp session and ensures that appropriate systems, supplies, and resources are in place for successful program delivery. Outside of scheduled Horse Program responsibilities, the Horse Program Director provides support across camp operations. Responsibilities may include assisting cabins during rest hours when counselors are unavailable, coordinating transportation for international staff during scheduled time off and planning or facilitating evening activities that contribute to a welcoming and engaging camp community.
CHT RN
As an RN at our camp, you’ll be a critical part of creating a safe and supportive environment for children with special healthcare needs.
You will be responsible for collaborating with a Medical Team of approximately 10-12 people per day, including MDs, other advanced providers, 4th medical students, EMTs and more.
Seasonal Jobs FAQs
Check out our Cabin Counselor Packing List
Cabin Counselors are paid a weekly stipend of $350 and receive housing, meals, and snacks for the entirety of their time at Camp. Seasonal staff will receive First Aid and CPR training paid for by Camp and have the opportunity to further their skills through lifeguard certification, challenge course certification, and archery facilitation. Staff interested in becoming a lifeguard will receive a bonus following completion of their contract and be reimbursed for their certification or renewal course.
Apart from a First Aid and CPR certification, Seasonal Staff do not need additional training prior to arrival at Camp. Cabin Counselors and Leadership all take part in Counselor Training Week (CTW) during early June. CTW is a time for you to build a community with your co-counselors while learning the skills and tools necessary to thrive at Camp. This week is split between planning and learning how to facilitate Camp activities and open discussions about life at Camp, for both yourself and our Campers. You’ll learn about our traditions, songs to sing at flagpole, and how to help your homesick Camper finish their breakfast.
Cabin Counselors are typically off by 3 PM on Closing Day of each session until 10 AM on Opening Day of the following session, though times may vary based on the preparation needed for the next session. Before departure on Closing Day, Cabin Counselors collaborate with Leadership to clean Camp, restoring cabins and activity spaces to their initial condition.
Cabin Counselors also have one day off each week from 8 AM to 5 PM. Checking out with Leadership before time off and checking back in upon return are required. Cabin Counselors may also coordinate with their co-counselor for additional downtime during the week, utilizing rest hours, mornings, nights, and more for personal activities like exercise, meditation, connecting with friends and family, or simply resting.
Our Campers’ medical care is entrusted to our dedicated 24/7 medical team, referred to as the ‘Med Team.’ This team is led by a Med Lead, often a Medical Doctor (MD), who oversees a skilled group of healthcare professionals, including Nurse Practitioners (NPs), Physician Assistants (PAs), Residents, Medical Students, Registered Nurses (RNs), RN students, and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). Their primary responsibility is to manage the medical care and treatment of all campers, staff, and volunteers throughout the summer.
As a Cabin Counselor, your role is to be a positive role model, ensuring the well-being and safety of our Campers while creating memorable experiences for them. While you are not responsible for providing medical care, you play a crucial role in monitoring campers’ well-being. If a Camper requires medical attention or medication, your responsibility is to recognize the need and promptly bring the Camper to Med Korner for assessment and any necessary medical care. This ensures that our Campers receive the appropriate medical attention while enjoying their time at Camp!
People often struggle to think of working at a Camp as a “real job” and we promise it is because of the personal and professional development that takes place at Camp. Maybe it’s hard to conceptualize what Camp looks like on your resume. We’re here to help!
We recognize our seasonal staff have responsibilities outside of Camp, including pursuing an education. To support your academic goals, we offer flexibility regarding your summer class schedule. We encourage all summer courses to be conducted online and asynchronously to accommodate your camp commitments. However, it’s important to note that balancing multiple summer courses while fulfilling your responsibilities as a Cabin Counselor or member of Leadership can be challenging. We are committed to assisting seasonal staff who choose to enroll in online summer classes to the best of our ability.
If you’re interested in receiving course credit as part of your employment at Camp or to fulfill internship hours, please reach out to the Camp Director, Philip James, at program@campholidaytrails.org. We will work collaboratively to ensure that your course requirements align with your camp responsibilities, allowing you to make the most of your Camp experience.
We understand that transportation can be a concern and are committed to assisting you with your travel needs. Whether you’re arriving by air or train, we’re more than happy to arrange pick-up from the airport or Amtrak station. Additionally, we can coordinate with fellow counselors who may reside in your area to help you get to Camp. Once you’ve arrived at Camp, you’ll quickly form connections and friendships with your fellow counselors. This means you’ll likely have the option to ask a co-counselor for a ride into town or for any other transportation needs that may arise.
It’s important to note that while we provide support for transportation to and from Camp, for time off, counselors are responsible for their own transportation arrangements. We encourage collaboration among counselors to coordinate travel during your time off, including over the weekends. Please don’t let transportation concerns hold you back from becoming a part of our dedicated team!
Yes, although connecting with nature, campers and co-counselors take center stage. To facilitate this, we operate as an ‘unplugged’ community. This means that electronic devices such as cell phones, computers, tablets and more should stay put away during sessions. These items may be used in the Staff Lounge during time off. Our policy serves multiple purposes, including ensuring the safety of the Campers under your care, fostering your undivided attentiom and engagement with Campers and co-counselors, and providing you with a well-deserved electronic break.
In case of emergencies or essential calls from family and loved ones, our main office can be contacted. If you anticipate an important call, such as a graduate school or job interview, please communicate with leadership and we will make arrangements to accommodate your needs. As for regular communication during sessions, Counselors will use walkir-talkies to stay in touch with Leadership and Med Team.
We believe in the power of deep connections that are formed by living alongside your Campers and co-counselors. Most of our cabins are designed to accommodate two counselors and up to six Campers. Occasionally, a program volunteer, ages 15 years or older, may become a part of your cabin.
Your role as a Cabin Counselor is instrumental in crafting a warm, playful, and engaging cabin experience that contributes significantly to the Camp Magic. Each session, you and your co-counselor will welcome a new group of Campers into your cabin. This presents a unique opportunity to foster genuine relationships and create memorable moments. We encourage a spirit of creativity and fun within your cabin, often adopting a unique cabin theme. This could involve transforming your cabin into an underwater adventure or becoming spies for the week, complete with a “laser” obstacle course. The possibilities for imaginative cabin culture are endless, making each session at Camp Holiday Trails an adventure on its own!
Our daily schedule is as follows:
8 AM Flagpole + Breakfast
9 AM Tidy Bowl
9:45 AM First Activity
11 AM Snack*
11:15 AM Second Activity
12:30 PM Flagpole + Lunch
1:30 PM Rest Hour
3 PM Snack
3:15 PM Free Time + Swim
4:45 PM Clean Up
5:15 PM Flagpole + Dinner
6:30 PM WOW Hour
7:30 PM Evening Program
8:45 PM Snack*
9 PM Cabin Time
*Please note that during Partner Sessions, only afternoon snack is offered.