Sanborn Western Camps
Sanborn Western Camps
Currently recruiting for the season from May 29th, 2024 to August 13th, 2024.
Sanborn Western Camps is an outdoor adventure residential camp in Colorado. Sanborn provides a unique opportunity to benefit from quality time spent in the natural world as a teacher, mentor, and friend to kids from all over the world. We give kids the opportunity to grow as young men and women while climbing 14ers, riding horses and living together in the outdoors.
Sanborn Western Camps is located at elevation of 8600 ft in the Rocky Mountains of central Colorado, 35 miles west of Colorado Springs.
- Location
- Colorado
- Season
- Summer
- Staff size
- 130
- Housing
- Whether included in the compensation package or provided at a cost, housing is provided for staff.
- Meals
- Provided
- Cell phone service
- Some, ask for details
- Internet access
- Good
About Sanborn Western Camps
In the late 1940s, an idealistic young couple had a vision of a better world. In the years just after World War II, Laura and Sandy Sanborn had a dream of creating a place where young people could learn to live together in the out-of-doors.
In 1948, they welcomed four boys to Big Spring Ranch. Now, over 70 years later, Sanborn Western Camps and its associated non-profit organizations, Colorado Outdoor Education Center, High Trails Outdoor Education Center, and The Nature Place Conference Center, provide outdoor experiences for thousands of children and adults each year.
Stay up to date on the latest camp information here on our Blog: Latest News
Commitment to Racial Justice, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at camp
The Space, Time and People of Sanborn are three key aspects of who we are and set the stage for life-changing experiences.
SPACE: Located on 6,000 private acres surrounded by 35,000 acres of National Forest we are the largest camp in the country land wise. The terrain in our backyard provides the ideal settings for horseback riding, mountain biking, rock climbing, backpacking and other amazing activities. Over time we have acquired more permits than any other outfitter in the state allowing us to share epic adventures in the greater Colorado wilderness and national forest areas.
TIME: Most campers come for a month, and many younger campers come for 15 days. This time at camp allows for unique expeditions but also the opportunity to come back to a strong community and develop meaningful relationships.
PEOPLE: Campers and staff come from all over the country and 6-10 foreign countries. People with all sorts of backgrounds, interests, and skills come to Sanborn to learn new skills, develop their strengths and grow as individuals within a caring, challenging and supportive community.
Our staff members are powerful mentors, leaders, and friends. You are able to truly impact the lives of the campers while building an amazing resume and peer relationships that last a lifetime.
Our Mission: To live together in the Outdoors, developing a Sense of Self, a Sense of Community, a Sense of the Earth and a Sense of Wonder, through Fun and Adventure.
It is something we live every day, and it makes this opportunity anything but a normal summer job.
The Employee Experience
As a summer camp staff member, you will have opportunities to teach, learn, and develop your leadership and technical skills while influencing the lives of others.
First and foremost, our staff needs to have a strong desire to work with children. While the days are long and the work is hard, the rewards are indescribable, as you are an integral part of the campers' lives, helping them grow and develop as individuals within the camp community. Very few jobs provide so many opportunities for leadership, impact, and meaningful work as a summer at Sanborn.
Summiting Colorado's highest peaks, horse packing trips over rugged terrain, rafting the Arkansas River, rock climbing and fishing in the South Platte... these are just some of the places where camp happens. Real opportunities for challenge, appropriate risk-taking and leadership make camp so much more than just "a place to go for the summer." Hard and soft skills are practiced and developed while experiencing the beauty of the Colorado wilderness.
Being in the outdoors and making a real connection with nature is more important than ever. Disconnecting from the ever-increasing rush of technological stimulation and electronic overload is vital. The camp provides this opportunity, and the campers (and staff!) benefit in so many ways. Watching the sunset behind the mountains, getting lost in the uncountable stars of the Milky Way Galaxy or being mesmerized by the grace and power of a soaring redtail hawk are just a few examples of how we connect with nature at camp.
Ideal Candidate
Someone who:
- Truly enjoys working with children
- Wants to learn and grow alongside exceptional mentors
- Enjoys being a part of a community and something bigger
- Wants to strengthen their leadership skills
- Enjoys new experiences and challenges
- Loves the outdoors
Room and Board
We offer a competitive base salary and Housing, Meals and Laundry are all included at no cost and valued at over $2,000 for the summer!
At the boys camp, Big Spring, you will live in a wooden frame platform tent, yurt or cabin. At the girls' camp, High Trails, you will live in a cabin. The staff to camper ratio in the living areas is no more than 1:5 and usually lower than 1:4. Every counselor will have at least one co-counselor in the living unit and most units will have an assistant counselor as well.
Our meals are nutritious, varied and tasty.
Employee Perks
Why Work at Sanborn?
- Personal growth and development while being coached by great leaders
- Being part of a 75-year-old high-quality non-profit organization
- Working in a community where you have a purpose and ability to change lives
- Opportunity to be a role model, mentor, teacher and friend
- Living in a spectacular location at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains
- Experience leading and participating in amazing trips and programs
- The opportunity to continue to develop a wide range of professional, social and technical skills that will last a lifetime
Benefits:
- Summer salary starting at $3,700
- Housing, Meals and Laundry included and valued at over $2,000 for the summer
- Unbelievable Pro Deals
- Stipends available for relevant certifications (WFA, Lifeguarding, SPI...)
Travel: Needs Based Stipends Available *Upon Completion of Contract*
We would like to ensure that the opportunity to work at camp is accessible to individuals in an equitable manner. If the cost of travel will prohibit you from being here we will work with you to provide a travel stipend in order to ensure your arrival at camp.
Getting Here and Getting Around
Sanborn Western Camps is located in Florissant, Colorado, 35 miles west of Colorado Springs. Staff members are welcome to bring their own cars. The nearest bus station is in Colorado Springs; the nearest major airport is Colorado Springs (COS). We will pick up staff members at either location. Many staff want to fly into Denver International Airport (DEN). If you chose to fly into Denver please contact camp for more details on how to arrive at Camp.
For Fun
- 14,000 Ft. Mountain Climbs
- Backpacking: 1-5 day trips
- Astronomy
- River tubing & rafting
- Canoeing
- Stand-up paddle boarding
- Desert Trips
- Mountain Biking
- Technical Rock Climbing
- Horseback Riding: 1-5 day trips
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Low-impact camping
- Swimming
- Sports
- Games
- Free Play
- Campfires
- Theater- plays, skits, events
- Archery
- High Ropes Course
- Pottery
- Photography
- Mountain Survival
- Riflery
- Challenge Course
- Arts and Crafts
- Rock Scrambling
- Fossil Digging
Current Job Openings
- A Non Profit residential camp with 75 years of experience
- Set on 6,000 acres of land, we are the largest private camp in the country
- We combine traditional sleep-away camp with extended backcountry expeditions and adventures
- Sanborn has access to more 14,000-foot peaks than any other program in CO
- Expeditions: 3-5-day trips backpacking, mountain biking, rock climbing, horseback riding, canoeing & fishing
- Enthusiastic, resilient and flexible individuals.
- Interest in the outdoors and working with kids
- This position is residential and is all about working, teaching and living with children while creating a respectful community based around living in close contact with nature.
- Personal growth and development while being coached by great leaders
- Being part of a 75 year old high quality non-profit organization
- Working in a community where you have a purpose and ability to change lives
- Opportunity to be a role model, mentor, teacher and friend
- Living in a spectacular location at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains
- Experience leading and participating in amazing trips and programs
- The opportunity to continue to develop a wide range of professional, social and technical skills that will last a lifetime
- Provide first aid care and MESH support for campers and staff
- Oversee the administration of medications to campers and staff
- Coordinate visits to a physician or assessment by our PA when needed
- Monitor health and cleanliness standards in the health center
- Organize paperwork and maintain online digital documentation and file organization
- Communicate and work closely with various staff as part of the Sanborn Medical Team
- Maintain clear, helpful and professional communications with parents and directors
- Assist staff with activities, work projects and other tasks as necessary.
- Setting up top rope sites outdoors on natural rock
- Supervising outdoor bouldering sites and activities
- Managing the indoor bouldering gym
- Organizing climbing equipment for both camps
- Documenting use of equipment
- Training staff members on belay systems and site management
- Teaching campers belay and climbing skills
- Working with campers age 9-17
- Communicating well with staff members
- Using fixed, artificial (traditional), and natural protection for anchors
- Organizing the arts & crafts building; preparing for arts and crafts activities; creating new program ideas and trips.
- Creating activities that result in tangible projects for campers.
- Maintaining a clean & organized environment for arts & crafts projects and creating an inviting space for campers & staff.
- Preparing the A&C area for any art-themed overnight (ordering extra supplies, assisting in organizing and packing supplies, etc.).
- Training counselors before & assisting them during their A&C projects (ensure supplies are stocked, counselors are prepared, provide extra supervision if needed, etc.).
- Making necessary shopping trips to purchase special A&C supplies (MUST HAVE A CLEAN DRIVING RECORD).
- Leading and/or assisting on and off-camp trips, activities, programs and special events. Including specific art themed trips and the art-themed Saturday Special.
- Encouraging creativity amongst staff & campers.
- Being knowledgeable & skillful in a variety of A&C activities.
- Providing cabin coverage for other counselors & staff as needed – occasionally requiring you to spend the night in a cabin.
- Participating in evening activities; including organizing programs, and walking ridges, etc.
- Being flexible in response to current & emergency situations & to shifts in responsibilities & assignments when camp is underway.
- Have a high degree of self-motivation and the ability to work long hours
- Have experience with and be comfortable leading western-style horseback rides to all ages
- Teach basic horsemanship skills on the ground and while mounted
- Complete daily chores around the barn
- Work with and manage riding counselors
- Lead safe, fun and enriching trips and activities
- Mediate conflicts in the living units and on trips
- Working within a team of unit counselors to provide leadership and care for campers.
- Assisting trip leaders and senior staff members on off-camp trips, activities, programs and special events.
- Assisting and/or leading on-camp trips, activities, programs and special events.
- Being responsible for table supervision at meals.
- Providing tent coverage for counselors as needed — requiring you to spend the night in another tent.
- Being flexible in response to current and emergency situations and to shifts in responsibilities when camp is underway.
- Preparing the kitchen/lodge for meals and cleaning up afterwards on a rotational basis.
- Deep cleaning the lodge every Saturday morning.
- Working with fellow Assistant Counselors in the dishroom and lodge during Friday night, Saturday and Sunday meals and assisting in program as assigned those same days (as determined by time off schedule).
- Living and working with and having charge of a group of our youngest campers age 7-11
- Assisting and/or leading Junior Camp trips, activities, programs and special events*
- Being responsible for table supervision at meals
- Being flexible, in response to current and emergency situations and to shifts in responsibilities when camp is underway.
- Working under the guidance of the cooks and the camp director to maintain a clean and sanitary lodge
- Supervising counselors and assistant counselors in the kitchen
- Recognizing the ever-changing uses of the community facilities (lodge, performance center, science center, community building) and keeping them clean and ready for the next users
- Being responsible for delegating cleaning tasks to others and/or personally accomplishing cleaning tasks in a prompt fashion
- Coordinating camp Waste Removal efforts, including driving the trash truck and assisting other staff in collecting and removing trash to our central compactor
- Working in conjunction with the Recycling Coordinator to manage and organize the recycling trailer
- Taking pride in the overall appearance of the camp facilities, especially the dining area, kitchen, dishroom, bakery, trash and recycling areas, lodge bathrooms and office spaces
- Ability to make Community Care Duty (kitchen duty) a fun, entertaining, rewarding and enjoyable experience through solid communication, hands-on participation, and the empowerment of all staff
- Helping order food needed for trips; organizing and packing food for all-day and overnight trips
- Maintaining a clean, orderly and organized environment for food packing and trip preparation
- Prepping the “Outcamp” area before and after trips (putting out necessary food stuffs, equipment, picking up trash and recycling, cleaning up after trips depart/return, managing cook-kit cleaning area, etc.)
- Assisting counselors and trip leaders during their pre-trip departure times (distributing food, helping campers pack, etc.)
- Making necessary shopping trips to purchase specialty or bulk foodstuffs (MUST HAVE A CLEAN DRIVING RECORD)
- Assisting and/or leading on or off camp trips, activities, programs and special events
- Being responsible for table supervision at meals
- Providing tent or cabin coverage for other counselors and staff as needed–occasionally requiring you to spend the night in another cabin/tent
- Participating in evening activities (walking ridges, organizing program…)
- Being flexible in response to current and emergency situations and to shifts in responsibilities and assignments when camp is underway
- Prep, cook, and serve healthy, delicious and attractive meals for campers and staff
- Ensure that allergy and dietary restrictions are met for each meal. This often requires several dishes for each meal to accommodate needs.
- Maintain cleanliness and organization throughout the kitchen.
- Comply with proper sanitation and safety procedures.
- While not the primary function of the cooks, participate in dishwashing when needed
- Put away food order
- Notify head cook when ingredients and supplies need to be ordered
- Foster a climate of cooperation and respect between coworkers and the extended camp community
- Assist with preparation and/or packing of snacks and cookouts when scheduled.
- Willing to be flexible with day to day changes.
- Willing to train! Previous cooking experience helpful, willingness to learn essential.
- Ability to work with little supervision and maintain a high level of performance
- Excellent working knowledge of kitchen appliances, their operations and cooking methods.
- Knowledge of ServSafe requirements and certification if possible
- Knowledge of and adherence to Teller County Public Health food service guidelines
- Ability to spend all day on your feet
- Ability to lift 25lbs
- Ability to navigate over uneven terrain
- Shifts may vary and some include weekends.
- 16 years old and up
- Starting at $13-$14, depending on experience
- Free meals while working
- Limited Optional Housing Provided
- Taking photos that will be used to share with parents, uploaded to our website, and used for other marketing purposes the rest of year
- Connecting w/ staff headed out on trips to request photos and then gathering photos that other staff members take
- Using camp provided cameras and computers in Adobe Lightroom Software to organize the photo catalog
- Uploading photos weekly for camper parents and family members
- Being a part of camp community and knowing individual campers/staff so that you can effectively photograph life at camp
- Leading trips and programs while simultaneously photographing what you are involved in.
- Skills using a dslr camera are helpful but not required to do this job effectively (we can teach you!)
Adventure Camp Counselor
Gain a well rounded experience that will help prepare you for any future job.
RATED “THE BEST OUTDOOR CAMP IN THE COUNTRY” BY OUTSIDE MAGAZINE
Who We Are
Location: 30 miles west of Colorado Springs
We specialize in outdoor adventures such as backpacking, mountain biking, rock climbing and horse pack trips. We also offer in-camp activities like archery, swimming, sports and camp games.
We are looking for:
Our benefits include: A competitive base salary plus lodging, meals and laundry, valued at over $2,000 for the summer.
Other benefits:
Bonus: Discounts on outdoor gear and clothing. Staff members are also eligible to receive a certification stipend based on current, nationally-recognized certifications.
Health Care Provider/Registered Nurse
Tired of being inside? Spend your summer outdoors with a healthy, active population in a supportive community! Great job for experienced or brand new nurses--we support your growth and development.
Open to RNs and NPs. If you are not a Colorado RN/NP we can help you pay for your CO nursing license, if hired.
Our modern, well-equipped health care facilities include a treatment room, bathrooms, isolation room, wardrooms and the nurse’s private quarters. Colorado is a Nursing Licensure Compact state. We have good relations with doctors in Woodland Park and in Colorado Springs. This is an excellent opportunity to practice primary nursing in a camp community.
RN SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES & ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Benefits: A competitive base salary plus lodging, meals and laundry valued at over $2,000 for the summer season.
Bonus: Pro Deals and also Stipends offered for current, nationally-recognized related certifications
Climbing Coordinator
Rock climbing at Sanborn Western Camps is all about exploring beautiful granite outcroppings, challenge yourself physically and mentally, and supporting your fellow campers. We climb mostly at single-pitch top-rope crags located both on our property and in the nearby national forest. We also have a small bouldering gym located at Big Spring, and are developing outdoor bouldering sites around camp property. Throughout each camp session we offer multiple half-day, all-day, and overnight climbing trips, as well as a week-long climbing and leadership trip for 15 year old campers. Climbing and outdoor bouldering is open to campers aged 9-17.
General Responsibilities: Must be over 21; Prior experience with institutional top-rope anchor building with fixed, artificial (traditional), and natural protection; maintaining organized and inspected equipment; organizing trip logistics; creating physically and emotionally safe climbing environments, working with and managing counseling staff as they assist you in the climbing program; providing organized, punctual and intentional leadership, creativity, direction and supervision during activities, trips and around the camp; utilizing the Sanborn mission statement as a framework for your work as a Youth Development Professional; taking ownership for your personal attitude, behavior and knowledge building; working with other staff members to provide a quality experience for all members of the camp community; and adjusting one’s personal habits to the philosophy, policies and ideals of the camp including a comprehensive understanding of and respect for our time off/alcohol policies and procedures.
Climbing Coordinator Specific Responsibilities:
Benefits: Competitive base salary plus lodging, meals and laundry valued at $2,025
Bonus: Pro deals and also Stipends based on current, nationally-recognized certifications
Arts and Crafts Coordinator
Open to men and women, 21 and older. Prior camp experience and/or arts education experience preferred. A highly qualified candidate will have: a background in art therapy, art education, makerspace concepts, and/or have a passion for artistic expression and creation; a high degree of self-motivation and have experience with and be comfortable teaching children ages 7-16 in the residential camp setting; managing and working with a specific group of staff members; modeling healthy choices and behaviors for all campers and staff; leading safe, fun and enriching trips and activities; mediating conflicts in the community and on trips; representing the goals and mission of the organization; acting with integrity and maintaining impeccable judgment; and assisting to create a respectful community.
Arts & Crafts Coordinator Specific Responsibilities:
Benefits: Competitive Base salary plus lodging, meals and laundry valued at $2,025 for the summer.
Bonus: Pro Deals and also Stipends based on current, nationally-recognized certifications
Wrangler
Work for the “best outdoor camp in the country” by Outside Magazine
With 6,000 acres of on-property land to explore and more off property trip permits than any other camp in the Colorado Rockies, Working at Sanborn Western Camps is a challenging and rewarding opportunity. In one summer you will have the opportunity to influence the lives of children, explore the Colorado backcountry, work with other staff from all around the country and develop your leadership and technical skills. The days are full, the energy is high, and the fun is contagious.
Open to men and women 21 years and older. This position is residential and encompasses a variety of roles: wrangler, educator, peer supervisor, trip leader, and logistics coordinator.
A HIGHLY QUALIFIED WRANGLER CANDIDATE WILL:
Benefits: A competitive base salary
plus lodging, meals, and laundry valued at over $2,000 for the summer season.
Bonus: Pro Deals and also Stipends offered for current, nationally-recognized related certifications
Assistant Counselor
Open to men (current high school seniors or college freshmen) or women (current college freshmen) who have demonstrated work experience and a desire to work in a camp community. This position is residential and is all about working, teaching and living with children and creating a respectful community.
Assistant Counselor Specific Responsibilities:
Benefits: Competitive Base Salary plus lodging, meals, laundry, Pro Deals, and the opportunity to influence the lives of children in the out-of-doors
Bonus: Staff members are also eligible to receive a certification stipend based on current, nationally-recognized certifications earned OUTSIDE of previous Sanborn training environments.
Junior Camp Counselor
Open to men and women 2 years out of high school — traditionally college sophomores and older. This position is residential and is all about working, teaching and living with younger children.
Sanborn Junior Camp Counselor Specific Responsibilities:
Please note: The Junior Camp is a unique “camp within a camp” program consisting of four separate two week sessions. The Junior Camp program has a set of age specific activities and trips that are only for Junior campers. There are opportunities to work in the general camp program, but the majority of your responsibilities involve specific Junior Camp activities and programs on the property.
Benefits: A competitive base salary plus lodging, meals, laundry, Pro Deals, and the opportunity to influence the lives of children and staff members in the out-of-doors
Bonus: Staff members are also eligible to receive a certification stipend based on current, nationally-recognized certifications earned OUTSIDE of previous Sanborn training environments.
Kitchen Coordinator/Assistant Counselor Supervisor
Open to men or women 21 years and older with kitchen and/or facilities management experience and a clean driving record. Prior Sanborn Western Camps experience is preferred.
General Responsibilities: Being a responsible role model to the campers; working with other staff members to provide a quality experience for all members of the camp community; daily punctuality; vision and organizational ability; varied communication skills; respect for and understanding of health codes; sense of humor; ability to safely lift 50 lbs; impeccable driving record; conducting oneself responsibly when not specifically assigned; utilizing the mission statement as a framework for your work as a Youth Development Professional; taking ownership for your personal attitude, behavior and knowledge building; and adjusting one’s personal habits to the philosophy, policies and ideals of the camp including a comprehensive understanding of and respect for our time off/alcohol policies and procedures.
Kitchen Coordinator Specific Responsibilities:
Benefits: Base salary plus lodging, meals, laundry, Pro Deals, and the opportunity to influence the lives of children and staff members in the out-of-doors
Bonus: Staff members are also eligible to receive a certification stipend based on current, nationally-recognized certifications earned OUTSIDE of previous Sanborn training environments.
Outcamp Coordinator
The Outcamp Coordinator handles Food & Gear Logistics for our trips. Open to men and women 21 years and older –with a clear driving record to be able to drive camp vehicles. This position is residential and involves a majority of your time organizing and packing food for camp trips. The rest of your time is spent in the camp program working with children. Prior Sanborn Western Camps experience is preferred.
General Responsibilities: Ordering, organized, packing and managing the food for all camp trips; being a responsible, dedicated role model to the campers; working with and managing counseling staff as they assist you in the food packing process; providing organized, punctual and intentional leadership, creativity, direction and supervision during activities, trips and around the camp; utilizing the Sanborn mission statement as a framework for your work as a Youth Development Professional; taking ownership for your personal attitude, behavior and knowledge building; working with other staff members to provide a quality experience for all members of the camp community; and adjusting one’s personal habits to the philosophy, policies and ideals of the camp including a comprehensive understanding of and respect for our time off/alcohol policies and procedures.
Outcamp/Trip Logistics Coordinator Specific Responsibilities:
Benefits: Base salary plus lodging, meals, laundry, Pro Deals, and the opportunity to influence the lives of children and staff members in the out-of-doors
Bonus: Staff members are also eligible to receive a certification stipend based on current, nationally-recognized certifications earned OUTSIDE of previous Sanborn training environments.
Cook/Cook's Assistant
Our cooks are crucial to helping create the overall experience for our campers and staff. Sanborn is a fun, fast paced, energetic place to work. The camp cooks are responsible for food prep, providing meals that meet a wide variety of dietary needs, cleaning and sanitation practices, assisting with inventory, kitchen organization, and working with camp counseling staff.
Apply here https://www.sanbornwesterncamps.com/employment/employment-opportunities-2/cook
Essential Job Functions:
Other Job Duties:
Qualifications: (Minimum Qualifications, Education and Experience)
Physical Requirements of the Position:
Compensation
Responsibilities are not limited to this list.
Photographer
Open to people 21 years and older –with a clear driving record to be able to drive camp vehicles. This position is residential and involves a majority of your time taking photos and sharing them with the camp community. The rest of your time is spent in the camp program working with children.
General Responsibilities: Taking photos of children and staff involved in the camp program; being a responsible, dedicated role model to the campers; providing organized, punctual and intentional leadership, creativity, direction and supervision during activities, trips and around the camp; utilizing the Sanborn mission statement as a framework for your work as a Youth Development Professional; taking ownership for your personal attitude, behavior and knowledge building; working with other staff members to provide a quality experience for all members of the camp community; and adjusting one’s personal habits to the philosophy, policies and ideals of the camp including a comprehensive understanding of and respect for our time off/alcohol policies and procedures.
Photographer Specific Responsibilities:
Benefits: Competitive Base salary plus lodging, meals and laundry valued at over $2,000 for the summer.
Bonus: Pro Deals and also Stipends based on current, nationally-recognized certifications
How to Apply
Click "Apply Here" below to be part of a one-of-a-kind experience in Colorado!
Contact Info
- staff@sanbornwesterncamps.com
- (719) 748-3341
- www.sanbornwesterncamps.com
