Two Camp Fire staff members pose with a caption "We're Hiring for Summer!"

Program Managers Sam Ward (left) and Logan Betts (right) are spreading the word: Camp Fire is hiring for summer jobs and internships!!!

Picture this: You’re outside, the Central Oregon sun is shining, and a group of campers is looking up at you, waiting for their next adventure. Maybe it’s leading a silly Camp Fire song, helping a nervous kiddo conquer their blow-up water slide worries, or ending the day covered in paint from an epic art project. Sound like your kind of summer job?

Whether you’re thinking about joining Camp Fire Central Oregon for the first time or returning for another unforgettable season, we’re here to give you the inside scoop. Talkin’ on the topic and answering common hiring questions are Camp Fire Central Oregon’s rockin’ program managers: Sam Ward (she/hers) and Logan Betts (she/hers) ! Ready to dive in? Let’s go!

Summer camp counselor poses with youth by waterslide.

EXPLORE IF WE MIGHT BE A MATCH!

Q: What qualities, interests and skills does Camp Fire Central Oregon look for in a great Camp Fire summer staff member?
A: We're looking for candidates who have skills that will enhance our mission, which is connecting youth to the outdoors, to each other, and to themselves. Specifically, we have a number of both required and desired skills and qualifications as outlined here:

Required Skills & Qualifications:
Applicants who do not meet all of the qualifications listed below but present other relevant qualifications or experience will be considered. We strongly encourage anyone who feels passionate about this work, has a strong desire to grow their skills, and believes they have what it takes to thrive in this role to apply.

    • Commitment to creating and maintaining a safe, equitable, and inclusive environment
    • Demonstrated ability to create developmental relationships and connect with youth and staff
    • Ability to proactively manage groups of youth with positive intervention strategies
    • Able to respond to situations or changes calmly and with flexibility
    • Able to communicate ideas and needs with youth and coworkers effectively and empathetically 
    • Current COVID-19 vaccination/booster required for all staff (or medical exemption).
    • First Aid/CPR certified (or ability to get certified by start date or soon after)
    • Applicant must have graduated high school by June 2025

Desired Skills and Qualifications:

    • Experience working directly with elementary-aged youth
    • Some higher education, classwork, or training in the youth development field or other related fields
    • Training and experience with best practices in teaching, group management, planning and designing activities, social-emotional learning, and trauma-informed care for elementary youth
Camp counselor stands with youth in front of a farmer's market booth.

Cadance (far right) visits a farmers' market with our youth. She has served as a staff member for prior summertime and year-round roles!

Q: Can you share an example of an applicant who stood out in the hiring process and why?
A: We’ve had so many standouts, but one example of someone who stood out in the hiring process is Cadance. Cadance arrived at the interview process with a growth mindset and a strong desire to create a safe, inclusive space for youth in Camp Fire programs. Immediately, it was clear she was keen to learn more about best practices with youth development work and that she was excited to be part of the team! 

Q: What time commitment is necessary when working as a Camp Fire summer staff member?
A: If you are interested in working at Camp Fire Central Oregon, we have several fun, flexible options for applicants. These include three, six, or nine weeks of programming that staff can sign up to work for—this means that applicants can easily plan their summer schedule around vacations! Applicants can also work only extended care hours in the mornings and evenings or work as a Summer Camp Van Driver in the mornings and evenings. We also offer several paid internships throughout the summer. Throughout the internship, several weeks have greater flexibility and are used for planning and learning opportunities. Of course, staff enjoy a 100% discount on programs for their child while they are working and 50% off if their child attends other Camp Fire programs.

A BIT ABOUT WHAT TO EXPECT...

Staff engage in a teamwork exercise during training.

Q: What kind of training and support do new hires receive before, during and even after camp season?
A: At Camp Fire, we value consistent professional development and create learning opportunities whenever possible. New hires for our summer programs attend five days of training that covers topics such as positive group development, youth safety, and behavior management. 

Q: What are some of the most valuable skills that summer staff develop during their time at Camp Fire?
A: During their time working, staff are able to further develop skills that were learned during training week, such as trauma-informed care, emotion coaching, and facilitating activities effectively. We dive deeper into professional developments each Tuesday with a targeted learning session, often tailored to what the team needs to best support the group of youth they are working with. 

Q: How does working at Camp Fire prepare staff for future careers, both with Camp Fire and even outside of the camp-related arena?
A: Camp Fire prepares staff for their future careers by creating a fun, inclusive space to learn and grow as a professional. Staff practice goal setting and implementing these goals in their day to day workflow. Our leadership team is dedicated to supporting our teams with feedback, coaching, and consistent support to help staff meet their professional goals. Through supported learning, Camp Fire staff grow their confidence, their knowledge, and their presence in the youth work field and gain valuable skills that can be applied in any work environment.

GET TO KNOW US!

A camp counselor and Counselor in Training form a heart with their hands.

Q: What kind of culture does Camp Fire strive to offer?
A: Our Commitment:Camp Fire believes in the dignity and the intrinsic worth of every human being. We welcome, affirm, and support young people and adults of all abilities and disabilities, experiences, races, ethnicities, socio-economic backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, religion and non-religion, citizenship and immigration status, and any other category people use to define themselves or others. We strive to create safe and inclusive environments that celebrate diversity and foster positive relationships.

People of color, people with disabilities, veterans, and LGBTQ2S+ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Camp Fire is committed to a diverse workplace and to supporting our applicants and employees with reasonable accommodations when requested. Camp Fire is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its employment decisions.

A lot about our mission, values and both our work and camp culture can be found by exploring Camp Fire Central Oregon's website.

MORE HIRING TIDBITS!

Camp counselor with t-shirt bearing the words "spark champion."

Q: Is prior camp experience required, or are there other types of experiences that are just as valuable?
A: While prior camp experience is welcomed, it’s not required to work with us. Our Camp Fire summer positions are a great place for folks who are looking to enter the youth work field and gain experience! 

Q: What’s one thing applicants might not realize about working at Camp Fire that they should know before applying?
A: At Camp Fire, we offer free programs for dependents! We have been here in Central Oregon since 1916 and offer afterschool and summer programs that focus on building social-emotional skills, outdoor exploration and skills development, teen service and leadership and STEAM topics like coding and robotics.

We take pride in our long-standing commitment to inclusivity and diversity, no matter the ability, background, race, sexual orientation, gender, religion, non-religion, or any other category people use to define themselves or others. We were the first multiracial, multicultural, and nonsectarian organization for girls in America when we began in 1910, and today we strive to continue in that spirit and welcome anyone and everyone (of any gender) to Camp Fire. We value mental health for both our staff and our youth! We also value personal growth and have regular professional development opportunities.

APPLYING IS EASY!
Jump online to learn more about all our amazing summer camp jobs, including summer internships, and apply for the role that’s right for you! Click here.