Work at a traditional, overnight summer camp on beautiful Lake Pokegama in Minnesota - develop as a leader, learn new life skills, and experience the incredible reward of working with children.

Current Job Openings

Waterski Instructors

Grand Rapids

$2,900.00 - $5,000.00 / season

Camp Mishawaka seeks to hire Waterski Instructors from May 30-August 6th. Under the direction of the program director, the waterski instructors oversee Camp Mishawaka’s waterskiing program, equipment, and awards, ensuring that the program is conducted in a safe manner, equipment is functional, used properly and stored correctly, and that awards and levels program are implemented in a consistent, transparent fashion.

In most cases waterski instructors will also serve as cabin counselors for cabin groups of 4-6 campers.

Qualifications:

• Availability between May 30 and August 6

• Be 18 years of age or older by time of employment

• Eligible to work in the United States

• Extensive boat-handling experience

• Extensive experience towing skiers, wake boarders, and/or tubers

Competencies:

• Enjoy working with children!

• Cultural competence and enthusiasm for working with a diverse and dynamic community

• Ability to communicate with peers, campers, and parents, including written correspondence and record keeping.

• Ability to observe and assess, by sight and sound, dangerous situations and behavior that endangers the camp community.

• Physical ability to move independently from place to place throughout a multi-acre, outdoor camp, maintain your cabin area, including routine cleaning chores and assisting campers in need.

• Capable of appropriate responses in a variety of situations that arise when working with children including regulation of emotions.

Working Conditions

• You live on the lake for 10 weeks! That means swimming, tubing, skiing, and sailing

• You get to play games and be outside everyday

• Room, board, laundry, and utilities are all covered

• On days off, counselors are free to explore the town of Grand Rapids, rest on campus, or check-out Mishawaka equipment like paddle boards, kayaks, and canoes. Staff have access to a camp vehicle on days off to help make visits off campus more accessible.




Trip Director

Grand Rapids

$7,000.00 - $10,500.00 / season

Camp Mishawaka seeks to hire a Trip Director to oversee Camp Mishawaka's wilderness tripping program for the 2027 season. Working closely with Girls and Boys Camp Directors and reporting to the Director of Operations, the Trip Director is responsible for planning, staffing, preparing, and safely executing Camp Mishawaka’s wilderness program.

The Trip Director trains, supervises, and evaluates wilderness trip leaders and oversees trip planning, preparation, safety, equipment, and logistics. The Trip Director also works with campers and staff to ensure that trips provide meaningful opportunities for challenge, independence, teamwork, and personal growth.

The 2027 wilderness program and trip schedule will be prepared in advance of the summer season. The incoming Trip Director will have the opportunity to take on increasing responsibility for off-season planning and preparation.

The Trip Director is required to live on-site at Camp Mishawaka during the camp season in rustic but comfortable facilities.

Camp Season Responsibilities:

• Oversee Camp Mishawaka's wilderness tripping program.

• Plan and coordinate day trips, overnight excursions, extended wilderness trips, and specialty adventure programs in coordination with Girls and Boys Camp Directors, Health Center, Kitchen Director, and Program Directors

• Assign, train, supervise, and evaluate wilderness trip leaders.

• Ensure trip leaders have the information, equipment, training, and support necessary to prepare and lead successful trips.

• Review trip plans, menus, equipment, transportation, permits, rosters, and health information before trips depart.

• Manage all trip food purchasing, food packaging, and food safety

• Conduct pre-trip and post-trip meetings with trip leaders and other appropriate personnel.

• Maintain primary responsibility for the safety and risk management of wilderness programming.

• Monitor weather, water levels, wildfire smoke, air quality, trail conditions, and other environmental factors, and in coordination with the leadership team, adjust trip plans when necessary.

• Provide support to trip leaders while they are in the field and respond to questions, problems, and emergencies as they arise.

• Oversee the maintenance, repair, cleaning, and restocking of wilderness equipment.

• Ensure that trip documentation and communication are complete and accurate.

• Work with trip leaders to create safe, challenging, educational, and fun experiences for campers.

• Oversee camp van pool and driver management.

• Occasionally participate directly in wilderness trips as needed.

• Maintain a positive and supportive culture among wilderness trip staff.

Off-Season Responsibilities

As the Trip Director takes on greater off-season responsibility in future seasons, responsibilities may include:

• Develop the annual wilderness trip schedule and program offerings.

• Recruit, interview, hire, and retain wilderness trip leaders.

• Plan and coordinate wilderness staff training and certifications.

• Coordinate permits, reservations, transportation, and outside program partners.

• Maintain and develop wilderness equipment and inventories.

• Assist with budgeting, parent communications, and program marketing.

• Evaluate the wilderness program and recommend improvements for future seasons.

Qualifications:

• Availability to live on-site at Camp Mishawaka from May 30 - August 6.

• Significant experience leading wilderness or outdoor adventure programs.

• Strong technical and practical outdoor skills appropriate to the activities offered by Camp Mishawaka.

• Demonstrated experience supervising and mentoring staff.

• Strong judgment and decision-making skills in dynamic outdoor environments.

• Current Wilderness First Responder and CPR certification, or ability to obtain prior to the season.

• Valid driver's license and ability to meet camp driving requirements.

• Experience working with children, young adults, and adults.

• Previous summer camp or youth outdoor education experience strongly preferred.

Competencies

• Enjoy working with children!

• Interest, knowledge, skill, and passion in a variety of outdoor and wilderness programs.

• Strong judgment and ability to remain calm and decisive in challenging situations.

• Cultural competence and enthusiasm for working with a diverse and dynamic community.

• Ability to communicate effectively with campers, parents, peers, and staff.

• Ability to provide leadership, motivation, and supervision to wilderness trip staff.

• Knowledge of health and safety practices specific to camping and wilderness situations.

• Physical ability to hike, paddle, carry equipment, work around water, and participate in outdoor activities.

• Ability and willingness to work outdoors in a variety of weather and environmental conditions.

• Excellent time management skills, including meeting deadlines and managing multiple projects simultaneously.

• Computer proficiency, at an intermediate level, of the Google Suite, including docs, sheets, calendar, and gmail; as well as Zoom. Ability to learn and adapt to new applications and software as necessary.

Working Conditions:

• Room, board, laundry, and utilities are all covered while at camp in season.

• During the summer, the position requires flexibility and availability, including evenings and weekends.

• On days off, staff are free to explore the town of Grand Rapids, rest on campus, or check-out Mishawaka equipment like paddle boards, kayaks, and canoes. Staff have access to a camp vehicle on days off to help make visits off campus more accessible.




Fishing Instructor

Grand Rapids

$2,900.00 - $5,000.00 / season

Camp Mishawaka seeks to hire fishing instructors from May 30-August 6th. Under the direction of the program director, the fishing instructors oversee Camp Mishawaka’s fishing program, equipment, and awards, ensuring that the program is conducted in a safe manner, equipment is functional, used properly and stored correctly, and that awards and levels program are implemented in a consistent, transparent fashion.

In most cases fishing instructors will also serve as cabin counselors for cabin groups of 4-6 campers.

Qualifications:

• Availability between May 30 and August 6

• Be 18 years of age or older by time of employment

• Eligible to work in the United States

• Extensive fresh water fishing experience 

• Camping/backpacking fishing experience preferred

Competencies:

• Enjoy working with children!

• Cultural competence and enthusiasm for working with a diverse and dynamic community

• Ability to communicate with peers, campers, and parents, including written correspondence and record keeping.

• Ability to observe and assess, by sight and sound, dangerous situations and behavior that endangers the camp community.

• Physical ability to move independently from place to place throughout a multi-acre, outdoor camp, maintain your cabin area, including routine cleaning chores and assisting campers in need.

• Capable of appropriate responses in a variety of situations that arise when working with children including regulation of emotions.

Working Conditions

• You live on the lake for 10 weeks! That means swimming, tubing, skiing, and sailing

• You get to play games and be outside everyday

• Room, board, laundry, and utilities are all covered

• On days off, counselors are free to explore the town of Grand Rapids, rest on campus, or check-out Mishawaka equipment like paddle boards, kayaks, and canoes. Staff have access to a camp vehicle on days off to help make visits off campus more accessible.




Riflery Instructor

Grand Rapids

$2,900.00 - $5,000.00 / season

Camp Mishawaka seeks to hire air riflery instructors from May 30-August 6th. Under the direction of the program director, the air riflery instructors oversee Camp Mishawaka’s air riflery program, equipment, and awards, ensuring that the program is conducted in a safe manner, equipment is functional, used properly and stored correctly, and that awards and levels program are implemented in a consistent, transparent fashion.

In most cases air riflery instructors will also serve as cabin counselors for cabin groups of 4-6 campers.

Qualifications:

• Availability between May 30 and August 6

• Be 18 years of age or older by time of employment

• Eligible to work in the United States

• Extensive experience in safe gun-handling and shooting

• NRA Rifle Instructor certification preferred

• Experience instructing riflery preferred

Competencies:

• Enjoy working with children!

• Cultural competence and enthusiasm for working with a diverse and dynamic community

• Ability to communicate with peers, campers, and parents, including written correspondence and record keeping.

• Ability to observe and assess, by sight and sound, dangerous situations and behavior that endangers the camp community.

• Physical ability to move independently from place to place throughout a multi-acre, outdoor camp, maintain your cabin area, including routine cleaning chores and assisting campers in need.

• Capable of appropriate responses in a variety of situations that arise when working with children including regulation of emotions.

Working Conditions

• You live on the lake for 10 weeks! That means swimming, tubing, skiing, and sailing

• You get to play games and be outside everyday

• Room, board, laundry, and utilities are all covered

• On days off, counselors are free to explore the town of Grand Rapids, rest on campus, or check-out Mishawaka equipment like paddle boards, kayaks, and canoes. Staff have access to a camp vehicle on days off to help make visits off campus more accessible.




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Nurse

Grand Rapids

$600.00 - $1,000.00 / week

Camp Mishawaka, located in Grand Rapids, MN, is seeking a Seasonal Camp Nurse/Nursing Intern for the 2027 season. Founded in 1910, Camp Mishawaka is a traditional residential summer camp and hosts campers from over 30 states and 5 different countries. We are a smaller camp, with a capacity of 80 boys and 80 girls per session, and this allows our staff and administration to know each camper by name, and to take a personal interest in the health and well-being of each child.

Upcoming graduates and 3rd year students are welcome to apply.

What: Work under our RN to manage camper health care needs, including basic first aid, assessment, interacting with local clinic professionals as needed. This is a residential position.

When: June 6th to August 6th, Half Season positions may also be available (4-5 weeks)

Benefits: Room and board are included, and there is a bonus for passing the Board Exam. The nurse is also welcome to participate in camp activities and events, and is able to be part of a team of dedicated youth development and health professionals. Time is provided to study for boards as well as hands-on experience in the field.

Testimonials:

“Camp Mishawaka was the best starting RN position I could have asked for. It helped me acquire and strengthen so many skills like leadership, communication, and organization.” - Testimonial from a 2016 College of St Scholastica graduate.

“This was the perfect way to transition from school to a full-time nursing position.” – Testimonial from 2018 College of St. Scholastica graduate.

Tennis Instructors

Grand Rapids

$2,900.00 - $5,000.00 / season

Camp Mishawaka seeks to hire tennis instructors from May 30-August 6th. Under the direction of the program director, the tennis instructors oversee Camp Mishawaka’s tennis program, equipment, and awards, ensuring that the program is conducted in a safe manner, equipment is functional, used properly and stored correctly, and that awards and levels program are implemented in a consistent, transparent fashion.

In most cases tennis instructors will also serve as cabin counselors for cabin groups of 4-6 campers.

Qualifications:

• Availability between May 30 and August 6

• Be 18 years of age or older by time of employment

• Eligible to work in the United States

• Experience playing tennis competitively (varsity high school, club, college level preferred)

• Experience instructing tennis

Competencies:

• Enjoy working with children!

• Cultural competence and enthusiasm for working with a diverse and dynamic community

• Ability to communicate with peers, campers, and parents, including written correspondence and record keeping.

• Ability to observe and assess, by sight and sound, dangerous situations and behavior that endangers the camp community.

• Physical ability to move independently from place to place throughout a multi-acre, outdoor camp, maintain your cabin area, including routine cleaning chores and assisting campers in need.

• Capable of appropriate responses in a variety of situations that arise when working with children including regulation of emotions.

Working Conditions

• You live on the lake for 10 weeks! That means swimming, tubing, skiing, and sailing

• You get to play games and be outside everyday

• Room, board, laundry, and utilities are all covered

• On days off, counselors are free to explore the town of Grand Rapids, rest on campus, or check-out Mishawaka equipment like paddle boards, kayaks, and canoes. Staff have access to a camp vehicle on days off to help make visits off campus more accessible.




Fitness Instructor

Grand Rapids

$2,900.00 - $5,000.00 / season

Camp Mishawaka seeks to a fitness instructor from May 30-August 6th. Fitness instructors oversee Camp Mishawaka's fitness and circuit training program, equipment, and awards, ensuring that program is conducted in a safe manner, equipment is functional, used properly and stored correctly and that any awards are distributed in a consistent, transparent fashion.

In most cases fitness instructors will also serve as cabin counselors for cabin groups of 4-6 campers.

Qualifications:

• Availability between May 30 and August 6

• Be 18 years of age or older by time of employment

• Eligible to work in the United States

• Previous experience working with children with gym equipment including free weights

• CPR and other activity certifications preferred

Competencies:

• Enjoy working with children!

• Cultural competence and enthusiasm for working with a diverse and dynamic community

• Ability to communicate with peers, campers, and parents, including written correspondence and record keeping.

• Ability to observe and assess, by sight and sound, dangerous situations and behavior that endangers the camp community.

• Physical ability to move independently from place to place throughout a multi-acre, outdoor camp, maintain your cabin area, including routine cleaning chores and assisting campers in need.

• Capable of appropriate responses in a variety of situations that arise when working with children including regulation of emotions.

Working Conditions

• You live on the lake for 10 weeks! That means swimming, tubing, skiing, and sailing

• You get to play games and be outside everyday

• Room, board, laundry, and utilities are all covered

• On days off, counselors are free to explore the town of Grand Rapids, rest on campus, or check-out Mishawaka equipment like paddle boards, kayaks, and canoes. Staff have access to a camp vehicle on days off to help make visits off campus more accessible.




Head High Ropes Course / Climbing

Grand Rapids

$2,900.00 - $5,000.00 / season

Camp Mishawaka seeks to high ropes course / climbing instructors from May 30-August 6th. The high ropes course / climbing instructors oversee Camp Mishawaka's climbing wall and high ropes program, equipment, and awards, ensuring that program is conducted in a safe manner, equipment is functional, used properly and stored correctly and that any awards are distributed in a consistent, transparent fashion.

In most cases high ropes course / climbing instructors will also serve as cabin counselors for cabin groups of 4-6 campers.

Qualifications:

• Availability between May 30 and August 6

• Be 18 years of age or older by time of employment

• Eligible to work in the United States

• Previous experience working with children on high ropes / challenge courses and climbing walls

• CPR, Wilderness First Aid, and other activity certifications preferred

Competencies:

• Enjoy working with children!

• Cultural competence and enthusiasm for working with a diverse and dynamic community

• Ability to communicate with peers, campers, and parents, including written correspondence and record keeping.

• Ability to observe and assess, by sight and sound, dangerous situations and behavior that endangers the camp community.

• Physical ability to move independently from place to place throughout a multi-acre, outdoor camp, maintain your cabin area, including routine cleaning chores and assisting campers in need.

• Capable of appropriate responses in a variety of situations that arise when working with children including regulation of emotions.

Working Conditions

• You live on the lake for 10 weeks! That means swimming, tubing, skiing, and sailing

• You get to play games and be outside everyday

• Room, board, laundry, and utilities are all covered

• On days off, counselors are free to explore the town of Grand Rapids, rest on campus, or check-out Mishawaka equipment like paddle boards, kayaks, and canoes. Staff have access to a camp vehicle on days off to help make visits off campus more accessible.




Wilderness Trip Leaders

Grand Rapids

$4,000.00 - $6,000.00 / season

Camp Mishawaka seeks to hire wilderness trip leaders from May 30-August 6th. Under the direction of the trip director, the trip leaders oversee Camp Mishawaka's wilderness tripping program (including all trip planning and preparations) and ensure that trips are conducted in a safe manner, equipment is functional, used properly and stored correctly, and that any awards are distributed in a consistent, transparent fashion.

Wilderness trip staff have the opportunity to lead trips at iconic Northland locations including the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Isle Royale National Park and the Superior Hiking Trail. More about the variety and extent of Mishawaka's tripping program can be found here.

Qualifications:

• Availability between May 30 and August 6

• Be 18 years of age or older by time of employment

• Eligible to work in the United States

• Previous experience planning and leading children on extended, overnight wilderness trips

• Must have or be able to attain a CPR, Wilderness First Aid, and Lifeguard or Wilderness Water Safety certification

• Must be comfortable in a wilderness environment, physically fit, and be able to lift and carry a 50 lb. backpack for a considerable time and distance.

• Be able to cook meals for ten people in a backcountry kitchen, or the willingness to learn and practice outdoor cooking.

• Extensive experience in wilderness camping or leading organized groups in the outdoors preferred

• Experience in backcountry canoeing preferred

• Climbing wall or high ropes experience preferred

Competencies:

• Enjoy working with children!

• Cultural competence and enthusiasm for working with a diverse and dynamic community

• Ability to communicate with peers, campers, and parents, including written correspondence and record keeping.

• Ability to observe and assess, by sight and sound, dangerous situations and behavior that endangers the camp community.

• Physical ability to move independently from place to place throughout a multi-acre, outdoor camp, maintain your cabin area, including routine cleaning chores and assisting campers in need.

• Capable of appropriate responses in a variety of situations that arise when working with children including regulation of emotions.

Working Conditions

• You live on the lake for 10 weeks! That means swimming, tubing, skiing, and sailing

• You get to play games and be outside everyday

• Room, board, laundry, and utilities are all covered

• On days off, counselors are free to explore the town of Grand Rapids, rest on campus, or check-out Mishawaka equipment like paddle boards, kayaks, and canoes. Staff have access to a camp vehicle on days off to help make visits off campus more accessible.




Waterfront Director

Grand Rapids

$3,500.00 - $6,500.00 / season

Camp Mishawaka seeks to hire a Waterfront Director from May 30-August 6th. Under the direction of the Program Director and Camp Director, the Waterfront Director oversees Camp Mishawaka's waterfront program including all waterfront activities, classes, equipment and awards, ensuring that waterfront activities are conducted in a safe manner, equipment is functional, used properly and stored correctly and that the levels for the waterfront programs are implemented and awarded in a consistent, transparent fashion.

The Waterfront Director may also serve as cabin counselor for cabin groups of 4-6 campers.

Qualifications:

• Availability between May 30 and August 6

• Be 18 years of age or older by time of employment

• Eligible to work in the United States

• American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (WSI) certification preferred (we are able to assist in candidates acquiring this)

• American Red Cross Lifeguard and First Aid/CPR/AED certification required (we are able to certify if necessary)

• Experience instructing beginning swimmers preferred

• Waterfront leadership experience preferred

Competencies:

• Enjoy working with children!

• Cultural competence and enthusiasm for working with a diverse and dynamic community

• Ability to communicate with peers, campers, and parents, including written correspondence and record keeping.

• Ability to observe and assess, by sight and sound, dangerous situations and behavior that endangers the camp community.

• Physical ability to move independently from place to place throughout a multi-acre, outdoor camp, maintain your cabin area, including routine cleaning chores and assisting campers in need.

• Capable of appropriate responses in a variety of situations that arise when working with children including regulation of emotions.

Working Conditions

• You live on the lake for 10 weeks! That means swimming, tubing, skiing, and sailing

• You get to play games and be outside everyday

• Room, board, laundry, and utilities are all covered

• On days off, counselors are free to explore the town of Grand Rapids, rest on campus, or check-out Mishawaka equipment like paddle boards, kayaks, and canoes. Staff have access to a camp vehicle on days off to help make visits off campus more accessible.




Sailing Instructors

Grand Rapids

$2,900.00 - $5,000.00 / season

Camp Mishawaka seeks to hire sailing instructors from May 30-August 6th. Under the direction of the head of sailing, the sailing instructors oversee Camp Mishawaka’s sailing program, equipment including a fleet of 15+ sailboats, and awards, ensuring that the program is conducted in a safe manner, equipment is functional, used properly and stored correctly, and that awards and levels program are implemented in a consistent, transparent fashion.

In most cases sailing instructors will also serve as cabin counselors for cabin groups of 4-6 campers.

Qualifications:

• Availability between May 30 and August 6

• Be 18 years of age or older by time of employment

• Eligible to work in the United States

• Experience instructing beginning sailors in small boat sailing

• Experience operating small motor boats in close proximity to other vessels

• Experience in small sailboat racing preferred

• US Sailing Level 1 Instructor Certification or higher preferred

• Safe Powerboat Handling Certification preferred

Competencies:

• Enjoy working with children!

• Cultural competence and enthusiasm for working with a diverse and dynamic community

• Ability to communicate with peers, campers, and parents, including written correspondence and record keeping.

• Ability to observe and assess, by sight and sound, dangerous situations and behavior that endangers the camp community.

• Physical ability to move independently from place to place throughout a multi-acre, outdoor camp, maintain your cabin area, including routine cleaning chores and assisting campers in need.

• Capable of appropriate responses in a variety of situations that arise when working with children including regulation of emotions.

Working Conditions

• You live on the lake for 10 weeks! That means swimming, tubing, skiing, and sailing

• You get to play games and be outside everyday

• Room, board, laundry, and utilities are all covered

• On days off, counselors are free to explore the town of Grand Rapids, rest on campus, or check-out Mishawaka equipment like paddle boards, kayaks, and canoes. Staff have access to a camp vehicle on days off to help make visits off campus more accessible.




Cabin Counselor

Grand Rapids

$2,900.00 - $5,000.00 / season

Camp Mishawaka seeks to hire cabin counselors from May 30-August 6th who share a commitment to making a positive difference in the life of a child. Living with a cabin group of campers for up to eight weeks, leading a variety of activities throughout the day, and possibly guiding extended wilderness trips for up to five days, counselors at Mishawaka are provided with true leadership opportunities. All the skills counselors learn (and hone), including critical thinking, collaboration, organization, communication, and creativity, have real world applications, and whether you are considering a career in education or another field, working effectively with people from different backgrounds and areas, as Mishawaka counselors do, provides an experience that you will be able to draw on for years to come.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Foster and atmosphere of safety and comfort for a cabin group of 4-6 campers

• Lead a variety of land and water activities

• Assist with and/or lead extended overnight trips and other general outdoor/camping activities

Qualifications:

• Availability between May 30 and August 6

• Be 18 years of age or older by time of employment

• Eligible to work in the United States

• Previous experience working with children preferred

• Have an interest in learning the special skills it takes to be a camp counselor

• CPR, Wilderness First Aid, Lifeguard, Water Safety Instructor, and other activity certifications preferred 

Competencies:

• Enjoy working with children!

• Cultural competence and enthusiasm for working with a diverse and dynamic community

• Ability to communicate with peers, campers, and parents, including written correspondence and record keeping.

• Ability to observe and assess, by sight and sound, dangerous situations and behavior that endangers the camp community.

• Physical ability to move independently from place to place throughout a multi-acre, outdoor camp, maintain your cabin area, including routine cleaning chores and assisting campers in need.

• Capable of appropriate responses in a variety of situations that arise when working with children including regulation of emotions.

Working Conditions

• You live on the lake for 10 weeks! That means swimming, tubing, skiing, and sailing

• You get to play games and be outside everyday

• Room, board, laundry, and utilities are all covered

• On days off, counselors are free to explore the town of Grand Rapids, rest on campus, or check-out Mishawaka equipment like paddle boards, kayaks, and canoes. Staff have access to a camp vehicle on days off to help make visits off campus more accessible.