Hiking Counselor
Cheley Colorado Camps
Estes Park, Colorado
Inspire Trailblazing Youth as a Hiking Counselor! Open to male-identifying individuals.
Estes Park, Colorado
Inspire Trailblazing Youth as a Hiking Counselor! Open to male-identifying individuals.
Currently recruiting for the season that runs from June 1st, 2024 to August 11th, 2024.
Backpacking Counselors run the backpacking program in their unit (Ski Hi, Chipeta, Haiyaha, Senior Chipeta, Boys’ Trail’s End, Girls’ Trail’s End). Backpacking Counselors lead backpacking trips in Rocky Mountain National Park and Indian Peak National Wilderness five days a week, which requires excellent physical condition and stamina. Must be 20 years old by the start of Staff Training and have a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record. CPR/WFA required.
Essential Job Functions:
Preferred Skills: Backcountry/backpacking experience. Ability to navigate off trail above tree line. Ability to teach orienteering, outdoor cooking, and backpacking skills. Knowledge of Rocky Mountain National Park and Indian Peaks Wilderness.
Required Skills for 20 year olds: Have extensive backcountry experience in the mountains (Rocky Mountain National Park preferred). This might include Cheley campers who received a hiking or backpacking patch at camp, completion of a NOLS course, or Outward Bound or HMI experience, etc.
Physical Requirements: Must have visual and auditory ability to assess any unsafe environment or hazard and physical ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid. Must have the physical ability and strength to carry a heavy pack over varied terrain (snow, tundra, boulders, loose rock, etc.) five days per week.
Salary: The base salary for this position is $415/week.
HBO (hiking/backpacking/out of camp) Counselors spend time leading hikes and backpacks in Rocky Mountain National Park and Indian Peaks National Wilderness, lead outcamps, and may accompany campers on activities such as mountain biking, whitewater rafting, or stand-up paddleboarding in their unit (Ski Hi, Chipeta, Haiyaha, Senior Chipeta, Boys’ Trail’s End, Girls’ Trail’s End). CPR/WFA required.
Essential Job Functions:
Preferred Skills: Hiking/backpacking experience and passion for the outdoors. Ability to teach orienteering, outdoor cooking, and backpacking skills. Knowledge of Rocky Mountain National Park and Indian Peaks Wilderness.
Physical Requirements: Must have visual and auditory ability to assess any unsafe environment or hazard. Must have physical ability and strength to lead activities five days a week, carry a heavy pack over varied terrain (snow, tundra, boulders, loose rock, etc.), and respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid.
Salary: The base salary for this position is $415/week.
Hiking Counselors run the hiking program in their unit (Lower Ski Hi, Lower Chipeta, Ski Hi, Chipeta, Haiyaha, Senior Chipeta, Boys’ Trail’s End, Girls’ Trail’s End). Hiking Counselors lead hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park and Indian Peak National Wilderness five days a week, which requires excellent physical condition and stamina. Must be 20 years old by the start of Staff Training and have a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
Essential Job Functions:
Preferred Skills: Hiking experience and passion for the outdoors. Knowledge of Rocky Mountain National Park and Indian Peaks Wilderness.
Required Skills for 20 year olds: Have extensive backcountry experience in the mountains (Rocky Mountain National Park preferred). This might include Cheley campers who received a hiking or backpacking patch at camp, completion of a NOLS course, or Outward Bound or HMI experience, etc.
Physical Requirements: Must have visual and auditory ability to assess any unsafe environment or hazard and physical ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid. Must have the physical ability and strength to carry a heavy pack over varied terrain (snow, tundra, boulders, loose rock, etc.) five days per week.
Salary: The base salary for this position is $415/week.
Horseback Riding Counselors teach fundamentals of horsemanship, handling, care, and basic riding to campers of all skill levels in a safe and fun manner for their unit (Lower Ski Hi, Lower Chipeta, Ski Hi, Chipeta, Haiyaha, Senior Chipeta, Boys’ Trail’s End, Girls’ Trail’s End). Rides can include all-day trail rides, instructional ring rides, and overnight trips. Horseback Riding Counselors interact and work with the Ranch Manager and Barn Crew to help ensure camper and horse safety. CPR/WFA required.
Essential Job Functions:
Preferred Skills: Must have experience working with children and experience with horses. Ability and patience to teach campers while working with horses at the same time.
Physical Requirements: Must have visual and auditory ability to assess any unsafe environment or hazard. Must have physical ability and strength to lead activities five days a week, and to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid.
Salary: The base salary for this position is $415/week.
Outcamping Counselors plan and run outcamps for their unit (Lower Ski Hi, Lower Chipeta, Ski Hi, Chipeta, Haiyaha, Senior Chipeta, Boys’ Trail’s End, Girls’ Trail’s End). CPR/WFA required.
Essential Job Functions:
Preferred Skills: Must be organized, have experience working with children, and have general knowledge of the outdoors. Ability to plan games and creative activities.
Physical Requirements: Must have visual and auditory ability to assess any unsafe environment or hazard. Must have physical ability and strength to lead activities five days a week, and to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid.
Salary: The base salary for this position is $415/week.
Mountain Biking Counselors run the mountain biking program and all sports activities for their unit (Haiyaha, Senior Chipeta, Boys’ Trail’s End, Girls’ Trail’s End). CPR/WFA required.
Essential Job Functions:
Preferred Skills: Must have experience working with children and knowledge of mountain biking. Ability to lead a variety of sports.
Physical Requirements: Must have visual and auditory ability to assess any unsafe environment or hazard. Must have physical ability and strength to lead activities five days a week, and to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid.
Salary: The base salary for this position is $415/week.
Sports Counselors run all sports activities for their unit (Lower Ski Hi, Lower Chipeta, Ski Hi, Chipeta). CPR/First Aid required.
Essential Job Functions:
Preferred Skills: Must have experience working with children. Ability to lead a variety of sports.
Physical Requirements: Must have visual and auditory ability to assess any unsafe environment or hazard. Must have physical ability and strength to lead activities five days a week, and to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid.
Salary: The base salary for this position is $415/week.
Crafts Counselors plan and implement the craft program for their unit (Lower Ski Hi, Lower Chipeta, Ski Hi, Chipeta, Haiyaha, Senior Chipeta, Boys’ Trail’s End, Girls’ Trail’s End). CPR/First Aid required.
Essential Job Functions:
Preferred Skills: Must have experience working with children and background in creative arts. Ability to teach a variety of creative craft projects (pottery, silversmith, woodworking, etc.).
Physical Requirements: Must have visual and auditory ability to assess any unsafe environment or hazard. Must have physical ability and strength to lead activities five days a week, and to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid.
Salary: The base salary for this position is $415/week.
Riflery Counselors run the riflery program in their unit (Lower Ski Hi, Lower Chipeta, Ski Hi, Chipeta, Haiyaha, Senior Chipeta, Boys’ Trail’s End, Girls’ Trail’s End). Riflery Counselors act as General Counselors, helping in a variety of program areas when riflery is not offered. CPR/First Aid required.
Essential Job Functions:
Preferred Skills: Must have experience with children and shooting rifles. Ability to be conscientious in teaching riflery to children and have incredible patience.
Physical Requirements: Must have visual and auditory ability to assess any unsafe environment or hazard. Must have physical ability and strength to lead activities five days a week, and to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid.
Salary: The base salary for this position is $415/week.
Campfire Counselors run all evening programs (“campfires”) for their unit (Lower Ski Hi, Lower Chipeta, Ski Hi, Chipeta, Haiyaha, Senior Chipeta, Boys’ Trail’s End, Girls’ Trail’s End) as well as Chapel, All-Camp Campfire, Vespers, Choir, Final Banquet, and Recognition Night. During the day, they act as General Counselors and help in a variety of program areas. CPR/First Aid required.
Essential Job Functions:
Preferred Skills: Must have experience with children and leading large groups. Must be organized, outgoing, creative, a strong leader, and a team player. Ability to play a musical instrument and lead group singing preferred.
Physical Requirements: Must have visual and auditory ability to assess any unsafe environment or hazard. Must have physical ability and strength to lead activities five days a week, and to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid.
Salary: The base salary for this position is $415/week.
Barn Crew cares for the camp horses, under the supervision of the Ranch Manager. Keeping the barns clean, feeding, grooming, and assisting in shoeing are part of this job. Barn Crew assists campers in bridling, saddling, and mounting, and they assist with general camp maintenance. Because of the nature of working with livestock and children, days can be long, and start and end times are not based on a clock. Barn Crew lives and works together in the barn area and works toward the goal of attaining the camp mission statement. Barn Crew is great training for those interested in ranch operations, veterinary medicine, or those that simply like working with horses. CPR required.
Essential Job Functions:
Preferred Skills: Experience with horses, general operations of a ranch/barn, and the ability to work early and long hours. If an applicant does not possess all the skills listed above but has a willingness to learn and work hard, they will be able to be a valuable member of the crew.
Physical Requirements: The physical strength to lift hay bales and other heavy items as well as unload, load, and move equipment.
Salary: The base salary for this position is $440/week.
Camp Store Managers operate and oversee four camp stores smoothly and efficiently, including taking opening/closing inventory, re-stocking, friendly sales to campers, staff, and camp families, maintaining financial records, and daily cleaning and organization. Camp Store Managers also pick up and distribute mail; drive the daily shuttle to town for staff; and assist in the office during times when the store is closed. Camp Store Managers must work well together to ensure all stores are run smoothly and efficiently and create a schedule that allows coverage of all stores. Must have a valid driver’s license.
Essential Job Functions:
Preferred Skills: Some retail experience (especially, utilizing Square) is a plus. The ability to work early and long hours, serve as an active member in the Cheley community and quickly learn camp’s software system to track funds and inventory.
Physical Requirements: The physical strength to lift medium-weight boxes and stand for several hours at a time.
Salary: The base salary for this position is $415/week.
Nannies supervise the children of our year-round staff. Nannies are responsible for childcare for staff children ranging in age from newborn to thirteen. Our team of nannies typically cares for about a dozen children living on-site at camp. First Aid/CPR required. Must have a valid driver’s license.
Essential Job Functions:
Preferred Skills: Experience with young children and/or being a nanny/babysitter. Ability to create and manage an educational and fun childcare experience, high level of energy, creativity, and enthusiasm.
Salary: The base salary for this position is $415/week.
Laundry Coordinators are responsible for washing all camper laundry each week. Skills needed: positive attitude, ability to work well with others, flexibility, patience, organization, self-starter. Must have a valid driver’s license.
Essential Job Functions:
Preferred Skills: Ability to work early and long hours, and ability to drive a 15-passenger van.
Physical Requirements: The physical strength to lift 30-40 pounds and to work 10–12-hour days.
Salary: The base salary for this position is $14.50/hr. Our goal is to provide around 40 hours per week. $200 per week is deducted from hourly staff for room and board.
The Travel Coordinator must be very detail orientated, and proficient on the computer to keep track of over 1000 campers and their travel plans. The Travel Coord. answers the phone, handles staff requests, meets parents, picks up and sorts mail, cleans the office, and assists in the day-to-day operations of the office. The Travel Coord. supports our year-round office staff. Must have a valid driver’s license.
Essential Job Functions:
Preferred Skills: Experience with office/clerical duties a plus, computer skills (email, Microsoft Word, internet), and excellent phone manners. Must be detail-oriented, very organized, knowledgeable about airports and travel regulations, able to think quickly on your feet, and able to keep accurate files and records.
Physical Requirements: This job requires long hours immediately before camper arrival and departure, four times per summer.
Salary: The base salary for this position is $14.50/hr. Our goal is to provide around 40 hours per week. $200 per week is deducted from hourly staff for room and board.
The Cheley Department of Transportation (CheDOT) consists of Equipment Drivers and CDL Drivers. CheDOT has contact with campers every day as they are responsible for the safe transportation of campers. Transportation Crew handles the daily transportation and maintenance needs, including busing campers to trailheads for backpacks and campsites for outcamps. They also sweep lodges and porches, and do general camp maintenance such as fixing screens, roofs, toilets, and furniture; and cutting and splitting firewood, as assigned by the Facility Manager.
CDL Drivers must be at least 21 years old and have or be willing to obtain a commercial driver’s license (training provided). Equipment Drivers must be at least 19 years old with a valid driver’s license. CPR required.
Essential Job Functions:
For CDL Drivers:
For Equipment Drivers:
Preferred Skills: Experience with general maintenance (training is provided). CDL Drivers must have or be willing to obtain a commercial driver’s license. Must complete a DOT physical before arrival at camp. Ability to work early and long hours, and ability to drive a manual transmission.
Physical Requirements: The physical strength to unload, load, and move equipment.
Salary: The base salary for these positions are $14.50/hr. The base salary for CDL Drivers living off site is $160/day. Our goal is to provide around 40 hours per week. $200 per week is deducted from hourly staff for room and board.
Cooks work together to create delicious meals for the camp in four large kitchens. Cooks must effectively and efficiently prepare and serve three meals a day. Head Cooks must be able to manage the kitchen; supervise and assist the Cooks with food prep, service, and clean-up; and oversee food safety and sanitation procedures. Cooks follow the lead of the Head Cook and are responsible for meal preparation and presentation.
Essential Job Functions:
Essential Job Functions of Head Cooks:
Preferred Skills: Experience with cooking in large quantities is preferred. Must be organized, a self-starter, a team player, and a leader with management experience. Practice food safety and sanitation. Knowledge of food terms, ability to read and follow recipes, familiarity with kitchen equipment.
Physical Requirements: Must be able to lift 40-50 pounds and stand for extended periods of time while working 10-12 hours per day.
Salary: The base salary for the Head Cook position is $14.75/hr. The base salary for the Cook position is $14.50/hr. Our goal is to provide around 40 hours per week. $200 per week is deducted from hourly staff for room and board.
The Kitchen Assistants in Chipeta and Ski Hi Dining Hall support the kitchen team with cleaning and dishwashing.
Essential Job Functions:
Preferred Skills: Positive attitude, ability to work well with others, flexibility, patience, organization. Ability to follow directions and be a self-starter, and the ability to work early and long hours. The ability to drive a manual transmission is a plus.
Physical Requirements: The physical strength to lift 30-40 pounds and to work 10–12-hour days.
Salary: The base salary for this position is $14.50/hr. Our goal is to provide around 40 hours per week. $200 per week is deducted from hourly staff for room and board.
The Media Team use their creative and technical skills to create fresh content to engage the Cheley community (campers, parents, and staff), build brand awareness, and generate a buzz for the Cheley Experience. The Media Team is dedicated to creating new, one-of-a-kind content. They are passionate about media through filming, editing, storytelling, graphic design, writing, and photography.
They work together to create a schedule that allows for equal coverage of all units and all activities. and lead efforts to ensure all deadlines are met. Every member of the media team is responsible for maintaining all equipment (e.g., iMac, Røde VideoMic, LaCie Hard Drive) in good working order. Each individual will create visual content for various social media platforms, including, but not limited to, Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. They will create an organized system for labeling, storing, and saving content from the summer, and clean PowWow weekly.
The most visible and time-consuming project for the Graphic Designer is designing and creating the annual 86-page yearbook. The Graphic Designer must also manage the entire process of defining requirements, visualizing, and creating graphics including illustrations, logos, layouts, and photos for the Spirit Button, Name tag, and Holiday Card. At the end of the summer, the Graphic Designer must turn in the completed, ready-to-print yearbook. The final copy must be 100% correct and all names have been proofread.
Essential Job Functions:
Preferred Skills: Degree in Design, Fine Arts, or related field is a plus. Proficiency with design software/technologies (e.g., InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Procreate), and proven graphic designing experience or a strong portfolio of work. Experience in other Adobe Creative Cloud suite of programs is a plus. A valid driver’s license is preferred.
Physical Requirements: The physical strength to handle our rugged terrain to capture our different activities. This will include our property and trails where our campers hike, ride, and climb.
Salary: The base salary for this position is $415/week.
The Media Team use their creative and technical skills to create fresh content to engage the Cheley community (campers, parents, and staff), build brand awareness, and generate a buzz for the Cheley Experience. The Media Team is dedicated to creating new, one-of-a-kind content. They are passionate about media through filming, editing, storytelling, graphic design, writing, and photography.
They work together to create a schedule that allows for equal coverage of all units and all activities. and lead efforts to ensure all deadlines are met. Every member of the media team is responsible for maintaining all equipment (e.g., iMac, Røde VideoMic, LaCie Hard Drive) in good working order. Each individual will create visual content for various social media platforms, including, but not limited to, Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. They will create an organized system for labeling, storing, and saving content from the summer, and clean PowWow weekly.
The main responsibility of the Photographer is taking unit and program photographs for the Cheley Connection (a secure online portal with photo galleries for parents and family members), the 86-page yearbook, the website, and other promotional/marketing purposes. The Photographer must also ensure at least 10 photos per unit per day are uploaded to the Connection via Flickr and that photos are of quality and appropriate.
Essential Job Functions:
Preferred Skills: Degree in Photography, Media Studies, Fine Arts, or a related field is a plus. Proficiency with editing software (e.g., Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop), proven photography experience, or a strong portfolio of work using a DSLR or other professional-grade camera. Experience in other Adobe Creative Cloud suite of programs is a plus. A valid driver’s license is preferred.
Physical Requirements: The physical strength to handle our rugged terrain, follow groups, and capture our different activities. This will include our property and trails where our campers hike, ride, and climb.
Salary: The base salary for this position is $415/week.
The Media Team use their creative and technical skills to create fresh content to engage the Cheley community (campers, parents, and staff), build brand awareness, and generate a buzz for the Cheley Experience. The Media Team is dedicated to creating new, one-of-a-kind content. They are passionate about media through filming, editing, storytelling, graphic design, writing, and photography.
They work together to create a schedule that allows for equal coverage of all units and all activities. and lead efforts to ensure all deadlines are met. Every member of the media team is responsible for maintaining all equipment (e.g., iMac, Røde VideoMic, LaCie Hard Drive) in good working order. Each individual will create visual content for various social media platforms, including, but not limited to, Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. They will create an organized system for labeling, storing, and saving content from the summer, and clean PowWow weekly.
The most important and time-consuming project for the Videographer is filming, editing, and producing the annual video. Each video is less than 10 minutes long and must contain equal coverage of First Term and Second Term, each camper unit, and each program area. While the annual video is the primary project throughout the summer, there will be a list of smaller projects requested from the Videographer.
Essential Job Functions:
Preferred Skills: Proficiency in Adobe Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve Studio, ownership or access to professional video camera equipment, and experience in standard video content creation. Experience in other Adobe Creative Cloud suite of programs (After Effects, Audition, Illustrator, Photoshop, etc.) is a plus. Experience flying or ownership of a drone is a plus. A valid driver’s license is preferred.
Physical Requirements: The physical strength to handle our rugged terrain to capture our different activities. This will include our property and trails where our campers hike, ride, and climb.
Salary: The base salary for this position is $415/week.
Nurses have the overall responsibility for the health care of their unit(s). This includes speaking to campers and staff about preventative health care; storing and distributing daily medications; treating minor illnesses and injuries; documenting medication and treatment given; and determining if individuals need care in our Health Center, or need to be seen by the camp doctor, local health care clinic, or EMS. Nurses collaborate with staff to ensure that all camper health needs are being met. Must be licensed as an RN, LPN, or NP. CPR required.
Essential Job Functions:
Preferred Skills: Experience in pediatric or school nursing. Strong organization, assessment, and communication skills.
Physical Requirements: Be physically fit for an active camp environment, adapt to high elevation living and be able to work long hours when needed.
Salary: The base salary for this position is $1,100/week with an additional $200/week (starting after week 2) to be paid at the completion of the work dates as specified in your offer letter.
Ropes Course Staff work with all units at camp at the High Ropes Course, Low Ropes Course, and Climbing Wall in small groups of 8-12 for half-day and full-day sessions with at least one additional counselor.
They are also Program Assistants. They check in on all units to make sure their equipment is in working order. Program Assistants will be trained in archery and care for archery equipment. They are responsible for the upkeep and inventory of the Dungeon (storage unit for in-camp program equipment).
Level 1 or Level 2 Challenge Course Facilitation certification through ACCT is required (or the ability to acquire prior to June 1st). Must provide certification or written documentation of challenge course and climbing experience and training. First Aid/CPR required.
Essential Job Functions:
Preferred Skills: Challenge course experience on a high or low ropes course. Ability to teach proper belay, knot tying, and safety procedures for the climbing wall and high ropes course. Must have extensive experience in climbing, and the ability to run the climbing/ropes course program. Group processing and facilitation skills are required. Patience, flexibility, and ability to work independently.
Physical Requirements: The physical ability and strength to lead activities five days a week, and to respond appropriately to any situations requiring first aid, and the visual and auditory ability to assess any unsafe environment or hazard.
Salary: The base salary for the Facilitator position is $465/week.
The Rockstock Coordinator is a unique leadership role. Our Rockstock site is a beautiful parcel of land complete with a stream, mountainous landscape, and easy access by a dirt road. The site features a shelter for gear and meal preparation, a stone fire pit, a tree house, various low ropes initiatives, an outhouse, and multiple spots for shelter construction and camping. The primary objective of Rockstock is to offer enriching and enjoyable outcamping experiences for small groups of 12 campers alongside one or two unit counselors, each group visiting for two or three days.
The Rockstock Coordinator is responsible for the comprehensive management of the program, encompassing meal and program planning, equipment requisites, site safety, and fostering a creatively educational environment for campers. Additionally, they oversee the facilitation of Outcamp Counselor training. The Rockstock Coordinator must be very independent and connected to the Cheley community and the Cheley Experience. CPR/WFA required.
Essential Job Functions:
Preferred Skills: Must have experience working with children and be passionate about living outdoors and teaching new skills. Organized, independent, strong leader, flexible, creative, adaptable, and have experience in outdoor education. Demonstrated maturity and independence and should possess a robust foundation in outdoor skills. Familiarity with Cheley is preferred.
Physical Requirements: The physical ability and strength to lead activities five days per week and to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid, and the visual and auditory ability to assess any unsafe environment or hazard. Must be adept at operating largely autonomously.
Salary: The base salary for this position is $490/week.
While we have a rolling hiring process, be sure to get your application in early, especially if you have specific position preferences. We prioritize applicants who can work the entire summer. Review our dates for 2024 and on your application, please note your availability.
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