Welcome to Camp Holiday Trails, where every season brings a new chapter in our legacy of creating unforgettable moments for children and teens with medical needs and their siblings. Established in 1973 by three visionary pediatricians, our Camp has blossomed into year-round programs for individuals with chronic illnesses and their siblings, fostering empowerment and independence.
At Camp Holiday Trails, we believe in the transformative power of Camp Magic. Our Campers travel from the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond to embark on adventures filled with heartwarming memories and life-changing experiences. From the whimsical fridge walk to horseback riding, from wishing on boats to conquering our challenge course, every activity here is a step towards growth, resilience, and joy.
Join us in our mission to empower our community and be a part of the Camp Holiday Trails family. Together, we can create moments that last a lifetime and make a profound impact on the lives of those we serve.
Seasonal Positions Include
Cabin Counselors
Counselors, ages 18 years or older, are the heart and soul of Camp Holiday Trails. Without their dedication, Camp Magic would not be possible. They are the creative minds behind activities at our archery range, challenge course, messy art sessions, waterfront adventures, and much more. These passionate individuals receive housing, food, a weekly stipend and a chance to make a profound impact while crafting unforgettable memories for our Campers.
Flexibility is key because Camp can be wonderfully unpredictable. An interest in working with children and teens is a must, as you become a role model and guide in their journey of growth, resilience, and fun. Join us this summer! Click here to learn more!
Summer Leadership Team
The Summer Leadership Team at Camp Holiday Trails 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, Med Liaison, and Programs Team make up our Summer Leadership Team. To be considered, previous experience as a Cabin Counselor at CHT is required and leadership or management experience is preferred.
Summer Leadership’s duties span from stepping in for sick counselors to setting up evening programs. This team is prepared to undertake any task with the support of their fellow team members and our dedicated year-round staff.
Our Summer Leadership Team is more than a group of individuals; it’s a collaborative force ready to tackle any challenge and ensure that Camp Holiday Trails remains a place where every Camper can thrive. If you are passionate about Camp, possess leadership skills, and are prepared to embrace the diverse needs of our community, we invite you to join us in creating a transformative summer experience for our Campers.
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. CHT is currently looking to fill 1 Kitchen Manager and 2 Kitchen Staff Assistants for Summer 2024, along with a Dishwasher who will be the master of “Dishland”. These positions are seasonal, full-time roles that require attention to detail and the ability to work well in a team environment. For more details on the specific job roles, please see below.
Horse Director
The Director of the Horsemanship Program at Camp Holiday Trails is a pivotal seasonal role that involves crafting, coordinating, and managing our summer Horsemanship Program. Working closely with the Camp Director, you’ll help shape the curriculum, coordinate volunteers, and ensure a safe and inclusive environment for our campers. The Horse Director must have a minimum of three years of riding experience, including active engagement in a youth riding program. Patience and empathy for working with Campers who have varying medical conditions is essential.
If you have a passion for working with youth, a love for horses, and meet these qualifications, join us in making a positive impact on the lives of children and teens with medical needs and their siblings.
Seasonal Staff FAQs
Check out our Cabin Counselor Packing List
Check out our Cabin Counselor Packing List
Cabin Counselors are paid a weekly stipend of $325 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 off by 4 PM on Closing Day of each session and remain off until Opening Day of the following session; arrival time on Opening Day varies from session to session. Prior to leaving on Closing Day, Cabin Counselors and Leadership work together to clean Camp, getting cabins and activity spaces back to how these areas started the session! Cabin Counselors may coordinate with their co-counselor for additional downtime during the week, using rest hours, mornings, nights, and more for exercise, meditation, checking in with friends and family, or to simply rest.
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!
Our COVID-19 protocol is updated on a yearly basis, following the close of overnight summer camp. Please visit our Covid and Camp page to learn more.
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, Taryn, at campisgood@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, smartwatches, computers, tablets, and more should stay in the Staff Annex during sessions. Our policy serves multiple purposes, including ensuring the safety of the Campers under your care, fostering your undivided attention 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 let Leadership know and we will make arrangements to accommodate your needs. As for regular communication during sessions, Counselors will use walkie-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.
Interested in joining our Seasonal Staff? Please contact our Camp Director, Taryn, at campisgood@campholidaytrails.org for the next steps or with questions.
