Be the change the world needs at Camp Thunderbird - located in our Paradise!

Join the Thunderbird Family

80 years. Two camps. One tradition. One family. One mission.

Camp Thunderbird is more than a summer job—it’s a legacy. Nestled on the serene shores of Lake Plantagenet just outside of Bemidji, Minnesota, and surrounded by 600 acres of pristine forest with over three miles of shoreline, Thunderbird is one of the most beautiful summer camps in the country. But it’s not just our setting that makes us unique—it’s our people, our programs, and our mission.

Why Work at Thunderbird?

At Thunderbird, the power of choice drives everything we do. Campers sign up daily for the four activities they’re most excited about from a menu of 30+ options—arts, sports, adventure, and the best waterfront in the business. Staff are encouraged to make each activity their own, bringing their personality, creativity, and passion to every session.

Beyond daily camp life, Thunderbird campers (and staff!) have the chance to join incredible trips—from rock climbing, biking, sailing, and whitewater rafting to visiting wolf and bear sanctuaries. Staff can even train to co-lead these adventures, something few camps offer. For those who stay and grow with us, the opportunity to lead expeditions across the U.S. and Canada—including Alaska, Montana, Wyoming, and Oregon—awaits.

At Thunderbird, you don’t just teach skills. You help campers climb higher than they ever imagined—and discover the same in yourself. We call that Thundermagic.

What the Job Can Look Like Day to Day! 

• Cabin Counselor: Counselor positions are available to applicants who have completed at least one year of college or equivalent and have a skill to share or teach. Counselors will be responsible for a cabin group of eight to ten campers (with the help of two co-counselors). Counselor responsibilities also include teaching or assisting in one or more of our activity program areas four hours a day, five days a week. This is about more than teaching, it's about inspiring our campers to learn to love the activity and striving to progress their skillset. All campers sign up for their activities everyday, so everyone who's at your activity wants to be there! There's a lot of first: first time getting up on water skies, completing your first back hand spring, completing your first bowl at pottery, catching your first fish, building your first fire, making it up the climbing wall for the first time, making your first three-point shot, performing in your first play, riding a horse for the first time, etc. Imagine helping to make this happen every single day. In our opinion it's the greatest gift on earth to be able to give to others. 

• Activity Specialist: As an activity specialist, you will be in charge of one activity area at camp. Activity specialists have a strong background in their activity. Responsibilities include instruction and lesson planning, equipment management, and general safety and oversight of campers and staff in your activity area. Specialist positions are available in the following activity areas: Arts & Crafts, Blacksmithing, Canoeing, Horseback, Pottery, Rock Climbing, Sailing, Swimming, Videography, and Trip Planning. Activity Specialist may live in staff housing or if interested in camper cabins where your role is that of fun aunt/uncle and while helping on occasion with the campers.

What You’ll Gain

• Leadership skills you won’t develop anywhere else.

• Confidence in leading groups, solving problems, and inspiring others.

• Adventure experience—training to co-lead trips across the Midwest and beyond.

• A lifelong community of campers, staff, and alumni who feel like family.

Life Outside of Camp

We believe happy staff make the best role models. That’s why we make sure your time off is as rewarding as your time on. Just 12 minutes away, Bemidji is a vibrant town with pubs, thrift stores, coffee shops, and some of the best breakfast spots you’ll ever find. Walmart, Target, Starbucks, and more are nearby, and we provide rides to and from town daily.

Every night, camp provides staff snacks, and our community culture means you’ll always have something fun to do and great people to do it with.

Who We’re Looking For

We hire staff who want to make a difference. If you’re ready to:

• Inspire campers to tackle challenges and embrace the outdoors,

• Help them build confidence and life-long skills,

• And be part of a mission that’s about more than just summer—

…then Thunderbird might just be the place for you.