10 Reasons Why Being a Camp W Counselor is the Best (and Hardest) Job You’ll Ever Have

We’re looking for the most engaging, smart, trustworthy, kid-loving, outdoor camp counselors who are ready to have the best summer ever! Is that you?

There are plenty of summer jobs out there. So, what makes being a Camp W counselor such a big deal? Being a counselor at Camp W is a demanding job—possibly one of the most challenging jobs you’ll ever take on—and it comes with a whole host of big responsibilities. You’ll spend your days being the target of every camp game and water balloon fight, hearing your name called 1,023 times in a day, working hard on a lesson plan only to pivot at the last second, baking under the summer sun, singing ridiculously silly songs, being cried on, and wrangling campers (which sometimes feels like herding cats).

But this job also comes with countless rewards, real impact, and unforgettable memories. After all, you’ll spend your summer breathing in fresh air, laughing, making lifelong friends, playing games in the woods, roasting s’mores, going on epic adventures, and creating moments you’ll carry with you long after the summer ends—all while making a real difference in the lives of hundreds of campers.

We guarantee one thing … It will be the best summer of your life. Here’s why:

1. You’ll make great friends.

While our staff comes from all different backgrounds, we are united by our love for the outdoors and adventure. The friendships built at Camp W go beyond the summer—our counselors often continue exploring, hiking, camping, and making memories together long after camp ends.

2. Your “office” looks something like this:

Wide-open fields, towering trees, campfires under the stars, and a sky full of possibilities.

3. Your work uniform consists of a t-shirt, shorts, and boots.

If you spend your summer working in an office or doing an internship, you’ll have to dress up every day. At Camp W, it’s t-shirts and shorts. Every. Single. Day. Comfort over fashion.

4. You work hard. Very hard.

But at the end of the day, you get paid to play capture the flag, hike, paddleboard, raft, explore the woods, stomp in mud puddles, and spend your day searching for the legendary Camp W Yeti! Sometimes, we think the staff have more fun than the campers—after all, we’re all just big kids.

5. Your schedule will look something like this:

Ring in the morning with camp circle, trek through the forest, teach science lessons on topics from water purification to animal tracking, race campers across the field, play camouflage in the woods, investigate a skull you stumble upon, and share stories by the campfire at night. This sure beats the standard wake up, work, repeat routine.

6. You’ll gain experience in all areas of work.

Being a counselor at Camp W will teach you communication, leadership, responsibility, problem-solving, creativity, and adaptability—skills that are highly valued in any career. And patience. Lots and lots of patience.

7. Camp W is a safe and welcoming place for all.

We pride ourselves on being an inclusive, supportive, and encouraging environment where everyone feels like they belong.

8. You’ll try new things and push your limits.

Whether it’s your first time trying archery, building a fire, rock climbing, or leading a group of campers, you’ll step outside your comfort zone—and that’s where real growth happens.

9. You get to do—and teach about—what you’re most passionate about.

Are you obsessed with nature, music, art, hiking, survival skills, birds, or even Bigfoot? Whatever your passion, you’ll have endless opportunities to share it with campers and inspire them along the way.

10. You’ll make a difference.

Beyond all the fun, being a counselor at Camp W is one of the most rewarding jobs you’ll ever have. You will help shape the lives of campers, teaching them confidence, resilience, independence, and a love for the outdoors. As one of our favorite quotes says:

“In the end, we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will understand only what we are taught.” – Dioum

Sound like how you’d like to spend your summer?

Join our team! Check out all of our Camp W opportunities here—we’re hiring now!