Recruiting for May 20th, 2024 to August 2nd, 2024.
Farm Camp Staff bring our farm to camp by teaching kids about animals, art, and agriculture. Staff responsibilities also include farm chores; watering the land, feeding, cleaning, and caring for animals. This work may require time outside of normal camp hours. Experience farming, gardening, animal care, and/or child care is preferred.
Site Directors provide leadership, direction and supervision to staff in all aspects of camp life. They provide supervision in ratio with program participants as needed. They plan, prepare and facilitate age-appropriate activities in large and small groups. They provide instruction and training to staff. They provide organization, leadership and administrative support, including timely communication with staff and parents. They provide an atmosphere of respect, acceptance and caring for each child and show each child as much individual attention as possible. They interact positively with children, other staff members and parents. Site Directors will evaluate program, staff and procedures, making changes that have a positive impact on camp.
Our Bus Driver Staff transport campers to and from locations around Colorado Springs. A CDL class B license with a school bus endorsement is required.
Our Trip and Travel Leaders are those who have experience in teen leadership and multiple of our core adventure program areas; paddle sports, mountain biking, hiking, and/or traditional overnight camping. They work closely with our middle school and teen leadership programs providing unforgettable overnight experiences. Previous experience guiding or work with outdoor youth development programs is preferred.
Camp Counselors at Go West lead campers in all of our camp activities (Art, Rock Climbing, Standup Paddle Boarding, Gardening, Group Games, Biking). Camp Counselors work to create an atmosphere of respect, acceptance and caring for each camper and show each camper as much individual attention as possible. Previous experience as a camp counselor, teacher, after school staff or child care is required.
Unit Leaders are responsible for supporting camp counselors and working hands on with kids. We separate campers into 4 different age units, with a unit leader responsible for each one. Previous experience working with children is required. Experience supervising others is preferred.
Mountain Biking staff help campers to build bike handling skills and lead single track and double track rides on Colorado Springs’ best trails. In addition to mountain biking, staff lead our Bicycle 123 program, teaching campers to safely navigate neighborhood streets by bike. Riding experience is required and guiding experience is preferred.
Standup Paddle Board staff lead one of our campers’ favorite activities. Our paddle board curriculum includes paddle skills, games and teambuilding on the water. Experience leading waterfront activities, guiding paddle sports and/or a current lifeguard certification are required.
Rock Climbing staff are responsible for leading our rock climbing programs. We’re lucky to have the opportunity to climb at some of Colorado’s best climbing destinations (Garden of the Gods, Red Rock Canyon, North Cheyenne Canyon). Previous guiding experience or certification is preferred.
The Logistics Coordinator at Go West is an important part of our team. They are responsible for the details of summer camp life. They are the primary person to develop checklists, trip rosters, manage records for the season, as well as oversee our youth volunteer program. Candidates should have experience working with youth as well as exceptional organizational skills.
We know that a great camp experience starts with caring, mature staff members, and our staff is made up of adults who are committed to providing guidance, encouragement and an unforgettable summer of fun. At Go West, we hire the cream of the crop. Our counselors go through a rigorous hiring process and are selected based on their experience, knowledge, and skills in specific camp activity areas, and their ability to create positive relationships with campers and fellow staff members. Every individual contributes to the spirit and culture of camp, and we highly value including counselors from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Preparation is everything. All of our staff members complete a thorough training before summer begins, continually attend in-service trainings and are evaluated throughout the summer. Our series of trainings include, at a minimum, First Aid, CPR and certifications in specific program activities. Staff members also go through state and federal criminal background checks.
To ensure the safety of our campers, Go West maintains a 1:6 staff to camper ratio. While at camp you’ll experience lots of fun and adventurous activities, but it is the community of understanding, friendship, and encouragement that keeps campers and staff coming back year after year.
Go West staff work Monday through Friday, 35-40 hours per week, May 20th through August 2nd.
The camp is an exciting, exhausting, demanding, rewarding opportunity. A successful camp counselor is truly committed to providing their campers with a great experience, helping them to grow, build skills and create meaningful relationships. Great camp counselors are unique in their ability to put the needs of others before their own, and work on behalf of the Go West team. A passion for youth development and experience working with kids is a must! Camp staff will work 40 hours per week for 10 weeks. If you're looking for a traditional camp experience but value your evenings and weekends free Go West might be the right fit for you!
Grew up in 4-H or spent some time WWOOFing? We are looking for staff with experience in farming or gardening. If you've ever had a job where you've bike commuted, Go West Camps might be a perfect fit for you. We use pedal-powered transportation, and basic riding and bike maintenance skills are a real plus. Adventure programs are an important part of Go West Camps and require some of our staff members to have a greater level of certification and education. We are looking for people who have education and certification through nationally and internationally recognized organizations such as Red Cross, American Mountain Guide Association, the American Canoe Association, National Outdoor Leadership School, International Mountain Biking Association and League of American Bicyclists. An interest in teaching, leading and working with youth is key for all of our staff members. When it's time to get riled up or wind down at camp, music can be the key. We're always looking for staff who are excited to sing or play a few licks on the guitar. We hope to use photos and video to document our campers experience at camp. If you're a photographer or GoPro wiz we need your skills.
If you're looking for a traditional camp experience but value your evenings and weekends free Go West might be the right fit for you! Because we are a summer day camp, all staff must provide their own housing and transportation to and from camp every day. We are conveniently located close to Colorado College and University of Colorado, Colorado Springs offering lots of summer sublet opportunities. If you don't have local housing and would like information on where to look, please email us we have many resources available to you.
If you're looking for a traditional camp experience but value your evenings and weekends free Go West might be the right fit for you! Because we are a summer day camp, all staff must provide their own housing and transportation to and from camp every day. We are conveniently located close to Colorado College and University of Colorado, Colorado Springs offering lots of summer sublet opportunities. If you don't have local housing and would like information on where to look, please email us we have many resources available to you.
Colorado Springs is easy to navigate both by car and by bike. We encourage staff to commute by bike if possible. Using active transportation reiterates our camp's mission. Our camp locations are located on the north end of Colorado Springs, a short commute from anywhere within the city.
The opportunities for fun while you are on staff at Go West Camps are boundless. We will hike, climb, mountain bike, standup paddle board, shoot archery, fish, create art, among many, many other great activities. For your nights and weekends off, Colorado Springs is undoubtedly one of the most breathtaking cities in the U.S. From majestic mountains, beautiful weather, downtown’s city life, and the historic streets of Old Colorado City, Colorado Springs is truly a gem of a city with a lot to offer. With no shortage of bars, restaurants, and cafes, there is always something to do in the area, whether it's art festivals, farmers' markets or music events. Whatever your interests are, there is truly never a dull moment in El Paso County.
If you think Go West is a fit for you just apply online via the link below. We would love to talk to you on the phone before you take the time to fill out our online application. You will be asked to create a new account and provide some biographical information.
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