Join Our Team Today!
If you want to be an integral part of creating an awesome camp experience for children with special needs, Camp Idlewild is the place for you!
Camp Idlewild employs staff and accepts volunteers that have completed our application process for our Summer and/or Weekend Camp sessions to care for our camper's personal and medical care needs and to facilitate programs.
Openings depend on the time of year. For Summer and/or Weekend Camps, we hire Residential Camp Counselors, Program Specialists, Kitchen Staff, and Nurses. All of our staff must be 18 years or older. Most of our staff are college students or young professionals but neither is a requirement. We also have a Counselor-In-Training (CIT) Program for ages 15 to 17. Staff members may be able to earn college credit by setting up internships and practicums at camp. The process is initiated by the student but we are happy to help.
Ideal candidates are exceptional individuals who possess strong leadership skills, have the desire to help others, are team-oriented, creative, energetic, compassionate, and love to have fun in the outdoors.
It is very important to us that our staff are well-trained and receive the proper support. All new staff members attend a week of training before Summer Camp and receive ongoing supervision. All staff and volunteers are required to complete intensive training geared towards camper care, medical & emergency procedures, behavior management, risk management, programming, and CPR/First Aid certifications. Staff members also learn about Autism Spectrum Disorders, Sensory Processing Disorders, Down Syndrome, and Developmental Delays as well as strategies for working with the individuals we serve. Our trainers are professionals with extensive experience and knowledge in the field of Autism and other special needs populations that we serve.
Low counselor-to-camper ratios are crucial to the success of Camp Idlewild. Our ratios are 5:1 campers to staff but are typically 3:1. The primary responsibilities of our Counselors include encouraging campers through the scheduled activities and assisting and supporting them in areas of communication, social interaction, behavior, and self-care.
All staff members must complete the entire application process and have complete references, an interview, and a Level 2 Background Check before being hired. No experience with Autism is required to work at Camp Idlewild, the most important things we look for in staff are the right attitude, a willingness to learn, and a lot of enthusiasm.
Summer/Weekend Camp Staff and Volunteer Staff Positions Include:
- Camp Nurse (Registered Nurse)
- Camp Counselors (Age 18+)
- Counselors-In-Training (Age 15-17)
- Food Service Director
- Food Service Assistant
- Activity Specialist
Staff and Volunteer Staff Training Dates TBA: Summer Camp Training will take place June 2023
