Hiking Counselor
Cheley Colorado Camps
Estes Park, Colorado
Inspire Trailblazing Youth as a Hiking Counselor! Open to male-identifying individuals.
Currently recruiting for the season from June 1st, 2024 to August 11th, 2024.
Since 1921, Cheley has provided summer camp experiences for children ages 9-17 in Estes Park, Colorado. In 2022, we were selected as one of Outside’s Best Places to Work – the only traditional overnight summer camp to make the list.
Nestled in Estes Park Valley, just 75 miles from Denver, Cheley offers breathtaking views of the Rockies. With 750 acres at Land O'Peaks Ranch and five additional sites like Trail's End Ranches, Blue Valley, and Pierson, each adds unique charm from covered wagons to stargazing at the Outpost.
Cheley Colorado Camps is a longstanding family-owned co-ed summer camp with a rich history dating back to 1921. Nestled in the picturesque Estes Park Valley, we offer a distinctive youth development experience. Surrounded by the stunning landscapes of Rocky Mountain National Park, the Indian Peaks Wilderness, and the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, campers and staff can engage in a wide range of activities, from hiking, horseback riding, rafting, and mountain biking, creating lifelong memories.
Our Mission: We build the lasting character and resiliency of young people, creating unique life experiences in a challenging and nurturing natural environment.
What truly distinguishes Cheley is our unwavering commitment to character development through the camper-inspired Code of Living. These values, encompassing responsibility, integrity, trust, and empathy, are woven into the fabric of the Cheley experience. We cherish our rich history and tradition while consistently striving to enhance our camp, ensuring that we remain a top-rated summer camp. Accredited by the American Camp Association, we emphasize personal growth, responsibility, and self-reliance, making Cheley an exceptional choice for both campers and staff.
We offer a wide range of programs, including two 4-week terms, a 4-night program for younger campers, family camp, and more. Each summer, we welcome over 1,200 campers and a dedicated team of 220 seasonal staff, supported by a small year-round team. Campers return year after year, with some staying as long as ten summers, forming nurturing relationships with our counselors who serve as positive role models and help uphold the Code of Living.
Our location is an outdoor enthusiast's dream, with over 600 miles of trails in Rocky Mountain National Park alone, along with an array of amenities such as horseback riding rings, a climbing wall, a gymnasium, mountain bikes, and more. Our facilities, steeped in tradition and history, seamlessly blend with the surrounding natural beauty. We are committed to preserving our rugged, rustic character while offering opportunities for personal growth. At Cheley, we believe in creating not just an adventure but also future leaders, making our camp an extraordinary place for campers and staff alike. Join us in the heart of the Rockies for a transformative summer experience that transcends typical camp adventures, shaping the leaders of tomorrow. For more information, visit our website:
Our Staff Experience is a unique and enriching journey that extends beyond just a job. When you work at Cheley, you become a part of the close-knit camp community, where you'll not only work but also live in a picturesque natural landscape. We value the transformative power of the Cheley Experience for both campers and staff alike. Here's what you can expect during your season with us:
Community and Inclusivity: At Cheley, we create an inclusive environment where everyone can bring their authentic selves to camp. Our staff comprises more than 200 individuals from the United States and abroad who share a common goal: making summer fun, empowering, and enriching for all, including campers and staff.
Recruitment and Screening: We take our staff recruitment seriously. We interview candidates from around the country and hire international staff through placement agencies. All applicants undergo a rigorous interview process, provide three references, and complete a background check to ensure we have dedicated and diverse staff who are excited to work with youth and positively impact children's lives.
Location and Natural Beauty: Cheley is nestled at the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest, and the Indian Peaks Wilderness. You'll wake up to breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and pine forests and fall asleep to stunning sunsets. Our location offers an unforgettable summer in the Colorado mountains, where the natural beauty is truly inspiring.
Lifelong Friendships: Working at Cheley means forming deep and lasting friendships with people from various backgrounds. These relationships extend beyond your time at camp and often lead to staff returning year after year to reconnect with this unique community.
Personal Growth and Development: The Cheley Experience isn't for everyone, as it requires personal sacrifices. Living in rustic accommodations, sharing living spaces, having limited personal time, and adhering to a structured schedule with long hours are part of the package. However, the rewards are life-changing. You'll develop countless skills and gain valuable experience that will benefit you in any future job or organization.
Unique Skill-Building: Throughout the summer, you'll have the opportunity to learn and develop skills that go beyond a typical job. These skills include flexibility, integrity, empathy, judgment, initiative, effective communication, work ethic, leadership, and emotional intelligence. Camp experiences will enhance your job marketability and offer you benefits beyond just a paycheck.
Perspective and Lifelong Memories: A summer at Cheley will provide you with perspective and help clarify your long-term goals. Most importantly, you'll leave with lifelong memories and strong bonds with remarkable people. This rare combination of experiences makes Cheley an extraordinary place to work.
At Cheley, we have been offering outstanding summer camp experiences since 1921. Our success is built on the dedication and enthusiasm of our staff, who uphold high personal standards. As a staff member, you will be an integral part of the camp community, with opportunities to support and engage with campers in various ways beyond your job description.
Whether you are a counselor, a member of the leadership staff, or part of the support staff, you'll play a crucial role in creating a safe, fun, and enriching environment for our campers. Your dedication to guiding campers, maintaining discipline, and leading activities will help them have a memorable summer. Moreover, your hard work and commitment will contribute to the Cheley Experience, where personal and professional growth is celebrated.
If you choose to join us for a season at Cheley, you'll embark on an adventure filled with challenges and rewards. Your journey will be marked by friendships, personal development, and the opportunity to make a real impact on the lives of the youth we serve. We look forward to having you as a part of our community, and we guarantee that your Cheley Experience will be a remarkable chapter in your life.
Being a counselor is a very important position and the choices they make affect the campers’ entire camp experience. The goal of the counselor is to give each camper a safe, fun, and memorable summer where they learn about themselves and learn to “act spontaneously in the right. The ideal Cheley staff member embodies:
We are looking for staff members who are excited to work with youth, have experience working with children or in a particular program area, and are willing to work hard and impact children's lives.
We live by our core values and beliefs, which embrace harmony, honesty, integrity, unselfish love, and concern for human dignity. We’re passionate about creating an inclusive camp community that celebrates, supports, and thrives on diversity: in race, color, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, disability and mental health, ethnicity, religion, cultural observance, national origin, family status, veteran and military status, and any other category people use to define themselves or others. The Cheley Experience thrives on creating an environment where everyone is comfortable bringing their authentic selves to camp. All are welcome and encouraged to apply!
At Cheley, we provide room and board to all staff members. The specific living arrangements may vary depending on your position and age group:
Our accommodation offerings are designed to ensure that you have a comfortable and enjoyable living experience during your time at Cheley. Most staff members, including all counseling staff, a few leadership staff, and some support staff, share bathhouses with campers, equipped with cubbies for storing toiletries, private stalls, and individual showers, ensuring privacy and comfort
Meals: Our kitchen staff is exceptional, and we take pride in providing delicious and nutritious meals for campers and staff throughout the summer. We offer three meals daily, ensuring you have the sustenance you need for your active days at camp. If you have time off or prefer a to-go option, you can grab a packed lunch from our out-of-camp kitchen to meet your needs.
We understand that finances are important – Housing and meals, valued at over $2,000 for the summer, are provided at no additional cost to you. This not only ensures you have a comfortable place to stay and nutritious meals to enjoy but also allows you to save on essential expenses, fully immersing yourself in the camp experience.
We understand that a comfortable living environment and satisfying meals are integral to your overall experience at Cheley, and we're dedicated to providing both. We look forward to having you on our team and making your time with us enjoyable and memorable.
Note that hourly staff have a weekly deduction of $200.
From exclusive discounts and convenient laundry services to unique recreational access and bonding opportunities, the Cheley Experience is enriched with various benefits. Explore the details below and prepare for an adventure beyond just a job.
We want to make your journey to camp as smooth as possible! Here are some transportation options to consider:
Please note that staff members are responsible for their transportation to and from camp. While we do not typically provide transportation from Denver International Airport, we may make exceptions in rare circumstances, primarily for international staff.
Additional Information:
As a staff member, there are plenty of fun activities to enjoy during your time off Here are some of the exciting things you can do in and around Cheley and Estes Park, Colorado:
Estes Park, Colorado
Inspire Trailblazing Youth as a Hiking Counselor! Open to male-identifying individuals.
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.
Since 1995, CoolWorks has connected adventure-seekers with job opportunities in amazing places—from national parks to ski resorts, summer camps to dude ranches. We help people trade screen time for real time—meaningful experiences that spark connection and growth. Your next great adventure is waiting. More About CoolWorks