Sanborn Western Camps

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Gain a well rounded experience that will help prepare you for any future job.

RATED “THE BEST OUTDOOR CAMP IN THE COUNTRY” BY OUTSIDE MAGAZINE

Who We Are

• Non Profit residential camp with 75 years of experience
• Set on 6,000 acres of land, we are the largest private camp in the country
• We combine traditional sleep-away camp with extended backcountry expeditions and adventures
• Sanborn has access to more 14,000-foot peaks than any other program in CO
• Expeditions: 3-5-day trips backpacking, mountain biking, rock climbing, horseback riding, canoeing & fishing

Location: 30 miles west of Colorado Springs

We specialize in outdoor adventures such as backpacking, mountain biking, rock climbing and horse pack trips. We also offer in-camp activities like archery, swimming, sports and camp games.

We are looking for:

Enthusiastic, resilient and flexible individuals. 

Interest in the outdoors and working with kids

This position is residential and is all about working, teaching and living with children while creating a respectful community based around living in close contact with nature.

Our benefits include: A competitive base salary plus lodging, meals and laundry, valued at over $2,000 for the summer.

Other benefits:

- Personal growth and development while being coached by great leaders

- Being part of a 75 year old high quality non-profit organization 

- Working in a community where you have a purpose and ability to change lives

- Opportunity to be a role model, mentor, teacher and friend

- Living in a spectacular location at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains

- Experience leading and participating in amazing trips and programs

- The opportunity to continue to develop a wide range of professional, social and technical skills that will last a lifetime

Bonus: Discounts on outdoor gear and clothing. Staff members are also eligible to receive a certification stipend based on current, nationally-recognized certifications.

Work for the “best outdoor camp in the country” by Outside Magazine

With 6,000 acres of on-property land to explore and more off property trip permits than any other camp in the Colorado Rockies, Working at Sanborn Western Camps is a challenging and rewarding opportunity. In one summer you will have the opportunity to influence the lives of children, explore the Colorado backcountry, work with other staff from all around the country and develop your leadership and technical skills. The days are full, the energy is high, and the fun is contagious.

Open to men and women 21 years and older. This position is residential and encompasses a variety of roles: wrangler, educator, peer supervisor, trip leader, and logistics coordinator.

 

A HIGHLY QUALIFIED WRANGLER CANDIDATE WILL:

• Have a high degree of self-motivation and the ability to work long hours

• Have experience with and be comfortable leading western-style horseback rides to all ages

• Teach basic horsemanship skills on the ground and while mounted

• Complete daily chores around the barn

• Work with and manage riding counselors

• Lead safe, fun and enriching trips and activities

• Mediate conflicts in the living units and on trips

 

Benefits: A competitive base salary

plus lodging, meals, and laundry valued at over $2,000 for the summer season.

Bonus: Pro Deals and also Stipends offered for current, nationally-recognized related certifications

Apply Here: https://www.sanbornwesterncamps.com/employment/how-to-apply

Tired of being inside? Spend your summer outdoors with a healthy, active population in a supportive community! Great job for experienced or brand new nurses--we support your growth and development.

 

Open to RNs and NPs. If you are not a Colorado RN/NP we can help you pay for your CO nursing license, if hired.

Our modern, well-equipped health care facilities include a treatment room, bathrooms, isolation room, wardrooms and the nurse’s private quarters. Colorado is a Nursing Licensure Compact state. We have good relations with doctors in Woodland Park and in Colorado Springs. This is an excellent opportunity to practice primary nursing in a camp community.

RN SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES & ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provide first aid care and MESH support for campers and staff

• Oversee the administration of medications to campers and staff

• Coordinate visits to a physician or assessment by our PA when needed

• Monitor health and cleanliness standards in the health center

• Organize paperwork and maintain online digital documentation and file organization

• Communicate and work closely with various staff as part of the Sanborn Medical Team

• Maintain clear, helpful and professional communications with parents and directors

• Assist staff with activities, work projects and other tasks as necessary.

Benefits: A competitive base salary plus lodging, meals and laundry valued at over $2,000 for the summer season. 

Bonus: Pro Deals and also Stipends offered for current, nationally-recognized related certifications

Apply Here: https://www.sanbornwesterncamps.com/employment/how-to-apply

Rock climbing at Sanborn Western Camps is all about exploring beautiful granite outcroppings, challenge yourself physically and mentally, and supporting your fellow campers. We climb mostly at single-pitch top-rope crags located both on our property and in the nearby national forest. We also have a small bouldering gym located at Big Spring, and are developing outdoor bouldering sites around camp property. Throughout each camp session we offer multiple half-day, all-day, and overnight climbing trips, as well as a week-long climbing and leadership trip for 15 year old campers. Climbing and outdoor bouldering is open to campers aged 9-17.

General Responsibilities: Must be over 21; Prior experience with institutional top-rope anchor building with fixed, artificial (traditional), and natural protection; maintaining organized and inspected equipment; organizing trip logistics; creating physically and emotionally safe climbing environments, working with and managing counseling staff as they assist you in the climbing program; providing organized, punctual and intentional leadership, creativity, direction and supervision during activities, trips and around the camp; utilizing the Sanborn mission statement as a framework for your work as a Youth Development Professional; taking ownership for your personal attitude, behavior and knowledge building; working with other staff members to provide a quality experience for all members of the camp community; and adjusting one’s personal habits to the philosophy, policies and ideals of the camp including a comprehensive understanding of and respect for our time off/alcohol policies and procedures.

Climbing Coordinator Specific Responsibilities:

• Setting up top rope sites outdoors on natural rock
• Supervising outdoor bouldering sites and activities
• Managing the indoor bouldering gym
• Organizing climbing equipment for both camps
• Documenting use of equipment
• Training staff members on belay systems and site management
• Teaching campers belay and climbing skills
• Working with campers age 9-17
• Communicating well with staff members
• Using fixed, artificial (traditional), and natural protection for anchors

Benefits: Competitive base salary plus lodging, meals and laundry valued at $2,025 

Bonus: Pro deals and also Stipends based on current, nationally-recognized certifications 

Open to men and women, 21 and older. Prior camp experience and/or arts education experience preferred. A highly qualified candidate will have: a background in art therapy, art education, makerspace concepts, and/or have a passion for artistic expression and creation; a high degree of self-motivation and have experience with and be comfortable teaching children ages 7-16 in the residential camp setting; managing and working with a specific group of staff members; modeling healthy choices and behaviors for all campers and staff; leading safe, fun and enriching trips and activities; mediating conflicts in the community and on trips; representing the goals and mission of the organization; acting with integrity and maintaining impeccable judgment; and assisting to create a respectful community.

Arts & Crafts Coordinator Specific Responsibilities:

• Organizing the arts & crafts building; preparing for arts and crafts activities; creating new program ideas and trips.
• Creating activities that result in tangible projects for campers.
• Maintaining a clean & organized environment for arts & crafts projects and creating an inviting space for campers & staff.
• Preparing the A&C area for any art-themed overnight (ordering extra supplies, assisting in organizing and packing supplies, etc.).
• Training counselors before & assisting them during their A&C projects (ensure supplies are stocked, counselors are prepared, provide extra supervision if needed, etc.).
• Making necessary shopping trips to purchase special A&C supplies (MUST HAVE A CLEAN DRIVING RECORD).
• Leading and/or assisting on and off-camp trips, activities, programs and special events. Including specific art themed trips and the art-themed Saturday Special.
• Encouraging creativity amongst staff & campers.
• Being knowledgeable & skillful in a variety of A&C activities.
• Providing cabin coverage for other counselors & staff as needed – occasionally requiring you to spend the night in a cabin.
• Participating in evening activities; including organizing programs, and walking ridges, etc.
• Being flexible in response to current & emergency situations & to shifts in responsibilities & assignments when camp is underway.

Benefits: Competitive Base salary plus lodging, meals and laundry valued at $2,025 for the summer.

Bonus: Pro Deals and also Stipends based on current, nationally-recognized certifications

Open to men (current high school seniors or college freshmen) or women (current college freshmen) who have demonstrated work experience and a desire to work in a camp community. This position is residential and is all about working, teaching and living with children and creating a respectful community.

Assistant Counselor Specific Responsibilities:

• Working within a team of unit counselors to provide leadership and care for campers.
• Assisting trip leaders and senior staff members on off-camp trips, activities, programs and special events.
• Assisting and/or leading on-camp trips, activities, programs and special events.
• Being responsible for table supervision at meals.
• Providing tent coverage for counselors as needed — requiring you to spend the night in another tent.
• Being flexible in response to current and emergency situations and to shifts in responsibilities when camp is underway.
• Preparing the kitchen/lodge for meals and cleaning up afterwards on a rotational basis.
• Deep cleaning the lodge every Saturday morning.
• Working with fellow Assistant Counselors in the dishroom and lodge during Friday night, Saturday and Sunday meals and assisting in program as assigned those same days (as determined by time off schedule).

Benefits: Competitive Base Salary plus lodging, meals, laundry, Pro Deals, and the opportunity to influence the lives of children in the out-of-doors

Bonus: Staff members are also eligible to receive a certification stipend based on current, nationally-recognized certifications earned OUTSIDE of previous Sanborn training environments. 

Open to men and women 2 years out of high school — traditionally college sophomores and older. This position is residential and is all about working, teaching and living with younger children.

Sanborn Junior Camp Counselor Specific Responsibilities:

• Living and working with and having charge of a group of our youngest campers age 7-11
• Assisting and/or leading Junior Camp trips, activities, programs and special events*
• Being responsible for table supervision at meals
• Being flexible, in response to current and emergency situations and to shifts in responsibilities when camp is underway.

Please note: The Junior Camp is a unique “camp within a camp” program consisting of four separate two week sessions. The Junior Camp program has a set of age specific activities and trips that are only for Junior campers. There are opportunities to work in the general camp program, but the majority of your responsibilities involve specific Junior Camp activities and programs on the property.

Benefits: A competitive base salary plus lodging, meals, laundry, Pro Deals, and the opportunity to influence the lives of children and staff members in the out-of-doors

Bonus: Staff members are also eligible to receive a certification stipend based on current, nationally-recognized certifications earned OUTSIDE of previous Sanborn training environments.

Open to men or women 21 years and older with kitchen and/or facilities management experience and a clean driving record. Prior Sanborn Western Camps experience is preferred.

General Responsibilities: Being a responsible role model to the campers; working with other staff members to provide a quality experience for all members of the camp community; daily punctuality; vision and organizational ability; varied communication skills; respect for and understanding of health codes; sense of humor; ability to safely lift 50 lbs; impeccable driving record; conducting oneself responsibly when not specifically assigned; utilizing the mission statement as a framework for your work as a Youth Development Professional; taking ownership for your personal attitude, behavior and knowledge building; and adjusting one’s personal habits to the philosophy, policies and ideals of the camp including a comprehensive understanding of and respect for our time off/alcohol policies and procedures.

Kitchen Coordinator Specific Responsibilities:

• Working under the guidance of the cooks and the camp director to maintain a clean and sanitary lodge
• Supervising counselors and assistant counselors in the kitchen
• Recognizing the ever-changing uses of the community facilities (lodge, performance center, science center, community building) and keeping them clean and ready for the next users
• Being responsible for delegating cleaning tasks to others and/or personally accomplishing cleaning tasks in a prompt fashion
• Coordinating camp Waste Removal efforts, including driving the trash truck and assisting other staff in collecting and removing trash to our central compactor
• Working in conjunction with the Recycling Coordinator to manage and organize the recycling trailer
• Taking pride in the overall appearance of the camp facilities, especially the dining area, kitchen, dishroom, bakery, trash and recycling areas, lodge bathrooms and office spaces
• Ability to make Community Care Duty (kitchen duty) a fun, entertaining, rewarding and enjoyable experience through solid communication, hands-on participation, and the empowerment of all staff

Benefits: Base salary plus lodging, meals, laundry, Pro Deals, and the opportunity to influence the lives of children and staff members in the out-of-doors

Bonus: Staff members are also eligible to receive a certification stipend based on current, nationally-recognized certifications earned OUTSIDE of previous Sanborn training environments.

Open to men and women 21 years and older –with a clear driving record to be able to drive camp vehicles. This position is residential and involves a majority of your time organizing and packing food for camp trips. The rest of your time is spent in the camp program working with children. Prior Sanborn Western Camps experience is preferred.

General Responsibilities: Ordering, organized, packing and managing the food for all camp trips; being a responsible, dedicated role model to the campers; working with and managing counseling staff as they assist you in the food packing process; providing organized, punctual and intentional leadership, creativity, direction and supervision during activities, trips and around the camp; utilizing the Sanborn mission statement as a framework for your work as a Youth Development Professional; taking ownership for your personal attitude, behavior and knowledge building; working with other staff members to provide a quality experience for all members of the camp community; and adjusting one’s personal habits to the philosophy, policies and ideals of the camp including a comprehensive understanding of and respect for our time off/alcohol policies and procedures.

Outcamp/Trip Logistics Coordinator Specific Responsibilities:

• Helping order food needed for trips; organizing and packing food for all-day and overnight trips
• Maintaining a clean, orderly and organized environment for food packing and trip preparation
• Prepping the “Outcamp” area before and after trips (putting out necessary food stuffs, equipment, picking up trash and recycling, cleaning up after trips depart/return, managing cook-kit cleaning area, etc.)
• Assisting counselors and trip leaders during their pre-trip departure times (distributing food, helping campers pack, etc.)
• Making necessary shopping trips to purchase specialty or bulk foodstuffs (MUST HAVE A CLEAN DRIVING RECORD)
• Assisting and/or leading on or off camp trips, activities, programs and special events
• Being responsible for table supervision at meals
• Providing tent or cabin coverage for other counselors and staff as needed–occasionally requiring you to spend the night in another cabin/tent
• Participating in evening activities (walking ridges, organizing program…)
• Being flexible in response to current and emergency situations and to shifts in responsibilities and assignments when camp is underway

Benefits: Base salary plus lodging, meals, laundry, Pro Deals, and the opportunity to influence the lives of children and staff members in the out-of-doors

Bonus: Staff members are also eligible to receive a certification stipend based on current, nationally-recognized certifications earned OUTSIDE of previous Sanborn training environments.

Our cooks are crucial to helping create the overall experience for our campers and staff. Sanborn is a fun, fast paced, energetic place to work. The camp cooks are responsible for food prep, providing meals that meet a wide variety of dietary needs, cleaning and sanitation practices, assisting with inventory, kitchen organization, and working with camp counseling staff. 

Apply here https://www.sanbornwesterncamps.com/employment/employment-opportunities-2/cook

Essential Job Functions:

• Prep, cook, and serve healthy, delicious and attractive meals for campers and staff 

• Ensure that allergy and dietary restrictions are met for each meal. This often requires several dishes for each meal to accommodate needs. 

• Maintain cleanliness and organization throughout the kitchen.

• Comply with proper sanitation and safety procedures.

• While not the primary function of the cooks, participate in dishwashing when needed

• Put away food order 

• Notify head cook when ingredients and supplies need to be ordered

Other Job Duties:

• Foster a climate of cooperation and respect between coworkers and the extended camp community

• Assist with preparation and/or packing of snacks and  cookouts  when scheduled. 

• Willing to be flexible with day to day changes.

Qualifications:  (Minimum Qualifications, Education and Experience)

• Willing to train! Previous cooking experience helpful, willingness to learn essential. 

• Ability to work with little supervision and maintain a high level of performance

• Excellent working knowledge of kitchen appliances, their operations and cooking methods.

• Knowledge of ServSafe requirements and certification if possible

• Knowledge of and adherence to Teller County Public Health food service guidelines

Physical Requirements of the Position:

• Ability to spend all day on your feet

• Ability to lift 25lbs

• Ability to navigate over uneven terrain

• Shifts may vary and some include weekends.

• 16 years old and up

Compensation

• Starting at $13-$14, depending on experience

• Free meals while working 

• Limited Optional Housing Provided

Responsibilities are not limited to this list.

Open to people 21 years and older –with a clear driving record to be able to drive camp vehicles. This position is residential and involves a majority of your time taking photos and sharing them with the camp community. The rest of your time is spent in the camp program working with children. 

General Responsibilities: Taking photos of children and staff involved in the camp program; being a responsible, dedicated role model to the campers; providing organized, punctual and intentional leadership, creativity, direction and supervision during activities, trips and around the camp; utilizing the Sanborn mission statement as a framework for your work as a Youth Development Professional; taking ownership for your personal attitude, behavior and knowledge building; working with other staff members to provide a quality experience for all members of the camp community; and adjusting one’s personal habits to the philosophy, policies and ideals of the camp including a comprehensive understanding of and respect for our time off/alcohol policies and procedures.

Photographer Specific Responsibilities:

• Taking photos that will be used to share with parents, uploaded to our website, and used for other marketing purposes the rest of year
• Connecting w/ staff headed out on trips to request photos and then gathering photos that other staff members take
• Using camp provided cameras and computers in Adobe Lightroom Software to organize the photo catalog
• Uploading photos weekly for camper parents and family members
• Being a part of camp community and knowing individual campers/staff so that you can effectively photograph life at camp
• Leading trips and programs while simultaneously photographing what you are involved in.
• Skills using a dslr camera are helpful but not required to do this job effectively (we can teach you!)

Benefits: Competitive Base salary plus lodging, meals and laundry valued at over $2,000 for the summer.

Bonus: Pro Deals and also Stipends based on current, nationally-recognized certifications