Find Your Purpose
YMCA Camp Collins is nestled within the trees in Gresham, Oregon along the Sandy River. By working at Camp, you will find more than just a summer job: you will find a community of values-driven individuals who are dedicated to making an impact in the life of a child.
Check back December 1 for a link to our applications!
Why Should I Apply?
If you wake up every morning and are looking for new opportunities to grow as a person, then you should work at Camp Collins.
If you want to help kids gain valuable life-skills by taking risks and challenging themselves, then you should work at Camp Collins.
If you want to be a part of a community that cares for each other and challenges one another to become the best version of themselves, then you really need to apply to work at Camp Collins!
What positions are available?
YMCA Camp Collins hires for a wide variety of roles. From being a Cabin Counselor, working in our kitchen, running the ropes course, and more, there is an opportunity for everyone to try something new and grow while working at Camp Collins.
- Cabin Counselors: The heart of our camp program is the cabin counselor. Cabin counselors are responsible for a group of 8-10 kids and ensuring that they have a safe and fun experience at Camp Collins. We have campers entering grades 2-12 looking for Possibility Models, like you!
- Program Counselors: At YMCA Camp Collins, we have teams of Program Specialists who provide our specialty programs, such as our Pool, Challenge Course, Equestrian Program, and more!
- Program Specialists include: Equestrian Specialists, Aquatics Specialists (lifeguards), Challenge Course Specialists, and the three Activity Specialists (Mountain Biking , Arts and Crafts Specialist, and Archery).
- Camper Support Specialists: Camp is a fun, loud, and unpredictable environment, and some of our campers need more support adjusting to camp. Our Camper Support Specialists are there to provide these campers with the extra support they need to make it through their week at camp. As a Camper Support Specialist, every day will be filled with something new. From supporting a camper who is missing home, accommodating campers with sensory needs, and working with cabin counselors and unit directors to support the diverse needs that our campers come to camp with, your days will be busy, but incredibly rewarding.
- Unit Directors: The job of a cabin counselor can be tough at times, but they always know that they have their Unit Director to count on. Unit Directors are people-leaders dedicated to creating an environment where their counselors can grow, thrive, and make each week the best it can be for our campers. As a member of our Leadership Team, Unit Directors collaborate with the other members of this team to reach our shared goal of empowering future generations through consistently developing a high-quality camp program.
- Program Directors: Our specialty program areas are overseen by a Program Director who is experienced in the specialty area and is dedicated to creating an environment where their specialists can grow in their area of focus and make each week the best it can be for our campers. As a member of our Leadership Team, Program Directors collaborate with the other members of this team to reach our shared goal of empowering future generations through consistently developing a high-quality camp program.
What is life like at Camp?
In your role at YMCA Camp Collins, you will be living onsite from Sunday to Friday (most likely in the cabins with campers) and working within a team dedicated to making an impact in the lives of children. Every role at Camp will challenge staff to grow as leaders and help develop critical skills such as time management, interpersonal communication, public speaking, conflict resolution, and more!
Camp Staff typically work from Sunday at 9 AM to Friday at about 6 PM each week and have 2 hours off each day to hangout, nap, etc. Camp provides all meals while you are working and staff are welcome to stay on-site during their day off each week. We also provide planned Fellowship opportunities weekly and organize transportation for day trips on select Saturdays for staff. In the past, we have gone to the Oregon Coast, Seattle, and more!
Important Dates
December 1, 2023: Applications go live!
December 11, 2023: Returning staff applications due; interview scheduling begins
Mid-March, 2024: Staff Virtual Meet-up
May 19, 2024: Equestrian Team Start Date
June 9-14, 2024: Leadership Team Training
June 16-21, 2024: Program Staff Training
June 23-28, 2024: All-Staff Training
June 30-August 24, 2024: Summer program dates