Camp Thunderbird

Current Job dates:

Currently recruiting for the season that runs from June 5th, 2025 to August 8th, 2025.

Program Director

$2,500.00 - $5,000.00 / season

Camp Thunderbird

Position Purpose

To further the mission of the camp through the planning and delivery of program activities and events.  Design and deliver program activities that are safe, fun, and appropriate to the campers’ age and abilities.  Assist in the management of the overall camp operation at the direction of the camp director.

Essential Job Functions

Deliver an adventurous and fun program to campers.

• Ensure staff prepare and implement lesson plans that meet camp outcomes and the abilities of the campers.
• Manage delivery of progressive program activities.
• Review trip/special programming requests submitted by specialists and activity heads.  
• Evaluate the success of the program and the development of the campers’ abilities and skills in various program activities.

 

Ensure that camp staff and campers know and follow safety and educational procedures in program areas. 

• Assist in the implementation of staff training.
• Provide guidelines for programs utilizing camp equipment.
• Ensure campers and staff follow safety procedures in all program areas.

 

Assist in the management and care of the physical facilities and equipment in all program areas.

• Set up and break down activities at the beginning and end of each camp season.
• Maintain opening and closing inventories for each activity.
• Organizes and oversees locks and keys for activity areas throughout camp and waterfront.
• Prepares reports, analysis, and recommendations for program area repairs and procurement so that activity areas function without interruption throughout the season.
• Oversee daily checks of area and equipment for safety, cleanliness, and good repair.
• Ensure that program areas are kept fee of hazards and debris.

 

Supervise and evaluate Program Specialists to develop and implement all facets of camp program activities.

• Create, distribute and collate information on staff activity preference sheets used to make master list for program scheduling.
• Assist in the development of Staff Training Week.
• Lead meeting of Program Specialists as needed.
• Monitor work of program specialists and provide feedback and guidance to program specialists.
• Provide recommendations and concerns to Camp Director regarding program specialists’ performances.
• Create, distribute, collect and evaluate end of season reports for each activity area.

 

Develop, implement and distribute schedules and records daily for all areas of camp program and facilities.

• Create and supervise daily camper and group program and activity schedules.
• Reschedule individual or groups of campers and staff prior to activity period(s) due to changes in health or weather.
• Maintain attendance records for all camp activities including levels as applicable.

 

Participate as a member of the camp Leadership Team.

• Attend Leadership Team meetings on a daily basis or as instructed by Director(s).
• Function as all camp “OD” (on duty) when scheduled.
• Serve as a good example to campers and staff in regard to camp procedures and practices including sanitation, schedule, behavior and sportsmanship. 
• Exhibit enthusiasm, wise judgment and maturity.

 

Equipment Used

May be asked to drive camp vans and vehicles. Use of laptop computer is essential. Knowledge of or ability to quickly learn about camp database is essential.

 

Qualifications  (Minimum Qualifications and Experience)

• Experience in administrative roles preferably in a setting similar to camp.
• Experience in the development and delivery of programs and activities for similar population.
• Documented training and experience in program direction or related experience. 
• Current certification in first aid and CPR desirable. 

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Organization, flexibility and quick problem solving skills are essential.
• Training and experience in teaching program to adults and children.
• Desire and ability to work with children outdoors.

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Trip Leader

Camp Thunderbird

Work as a team with other Trip Leaders to manage a group of 6-8 campers on multi-day trips in northern Minnesota and Canada.  Trips will be comprised of one or more of the following activities: canoeing, biking, backpacking, rafting, high ropes and/or climbing.

• WFR certification or willingness to obtain (We certify WFR in late May)
• Desire to work and live with campers and act as a caregiver and trip leader.
• Fun, caring, and motivated with a desire to work and play in the outdoors.
• Available from June 6th to August 10th (may be negotiable for certain Wilderness Programs).
• Excellent organizational and communication skills, creative problem-solving skills and resiliency.

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Expedition Trip Leader

Camp Thunderbird

Work as a team with 3 other Trip Leaders to manage a group of 10-18 teenagers on a 5-week trip across Washington state or the Western U.S. and Canada

• Co-lead in the backcountry (with one other Trip Leader) a group of 6-10 campers on various backpacking, canoeing or biking trips that range from 3 to 8 days in length.
• Manage the larger group in the front-country, including transporting campers in 15-passenger vans, purchasing and providing meals, planning trip logistics, prepping backcountry trips, communicating with Camp Directors.
• All other aspects of trip management to ensure the physical and emotional safety of all campers.
• Previous wilderness experience as a leader or a participant including: meal and route planning and group skills.
• WFR certification or willingness to obtain (We certify WFR in late May)

Note: Due to insurance restrictions, Expedition Trip Leaders are usually 21+ years of age and must have a mostly clean driving record and the ability to drive a fifteen passenger van. Under 21 year olds are welcome to apply for our Trip Leader positions.

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