Work at Camp Winnataska
Camp Winnataska takes its role as the caretaker of children very seriously. Staff members are selected for their maturity, experience dealing with children, selflessness, and Christian outlook. A great deal of our staff members have attended Winnataska for years and went through our training programs, so staff members are known very well by camp leadership. All staff members undergo background screenings and random drug testing, as well as thorough training in emergency procedures, child development, behavior management, and how to prevent common camper issues, such as homesickness.
Email info@winnataska.org if you need more information about any of the positions below.
Summer 2027 Employment
Important Dates & Requirements
Camp Winnataska offers two opportunities to serve during the summer: Camp Life and Program Staff.
Camp Life works directly with campers in their huts, providing guidance, encouragement, and care throughout the camp experience. There are volunteer and paid positions available.
Program Staff lead and support camp activities, helping campers develop skills, build confidence, and experience new adventures. Program Staff applicants must have completed at least one year of college before beginning their summer employment.
Applications & Interviews
November 10, 2026: Applications open for all positions
December 18, 2026: Paid Leader and Program Staff applications close
December 29, 2026, or January 2, 2027: Paid position interviews (applicants must attend one)
February 8, 2027: Volunteer Leader applications close
February 28, 2027: New Leader interviews
Training & Required Commitments
February 26–28, 2027: Staff Weekend
April 9–10, 2027: Leader Training Weekend
May 7–8, 2027: Leader Training Weekend
May 26–28, 2027: Program-specific training
May 29–31, 2027: Break
June 1–5, 2027: Pre-Camp
Leaders must attend one Leader Training Weekend. Program Staff must also attend one Leader Training Weekend.
Additional training and attendance requirements may vary by position.
Summer 2027 Schedule
June 6–12: First Week
June 13–19: Second Week (Girls)
June 20–26: Third Week
June 27–July 3: Fourth Week
July 3–8: Summer Break
July 8–11: Super Chico
July 11–17: Fifth Week
July 18–24: Sixth Week
July 27–31: Post-Camp
Additional scheduled breaks: May 29–31, between program-specific training and Pre-Camp.
Applicants should review these dates carefully before applying. Specific work assignments and required attendance will be communicated during the hiring process.
Hut Leaders
Must have finished 10th grade or up. College students are welcome to apply.
Volunteer for one, two, or three weeks of the summer. Receive 80 hours of community service for each week worked.
Live in the huts with the campers and take them to their daily activities.
Applications will open in November and will close in February. Apply online.
Camp experience helpful, but not necessary. Training is provided.
Paid Hut Leaders
Must have finished 11th grade or up. College students are welcome to apply.
Paid to work for at least 3 weeks of the summer.
Live in the huts with the campers and take them to their daily activities.
Applications will open in November and will close mid December. Apply online.
Camp experience helpful, but not necessary. Training is provided.
Program Staff
Must have finished 1st year of college or commensurate life experience.
Paid to work 9 weeks of the summer (end of May - end of July/beginning of August). Must be available for the entire summer.
Work in a program area to teach campers skills (Boats, Pool, Horses, Crafts, Recreation, Shooting Sports, Ropes, Outdoors, Sustainability).
Work in other areas around camp as well: supervision in huts, cleaning crew, dining hall, office, maintenance, photography.
Applications will open in November and will close mid December. Apply online.
Camp experience helpful, but not necessary. Training is provided.
Adult Summer Positions - must be 21 to apply
Paid to plan programming and work 9 weeks of the summer (end of May - end of July).
Program Specialists oversee the staff and execution of a program area for the summer.
Email Program Director, Stephen Buckner, at stephen@winnataska.org for more information.
Camp Life Director
Seasonal leadership position with year-round responsibilities.
Oversee camper life, cabin culture, and staff support throughout the summer.
Provide leadership and direction to Weekly Directors, cabin staff, and volunteers.
Work closely with the Executive Director and Program Director to ensure a safe, supportive, and mission-driven camp experience.
Prior experience at Camp Winnataska is required.
Email Executive Director, Elin Glenn, at elin@winnataska.org for more information. Job Description linked here.
Working at Winnataska
Camp Winnataska is a residential summer camp serving approximately 230 campers per session, ranging from rising 1st-10th grade. Campers live in cabin groups organized by age and gender, with assigned leaders who remain with them throughout the day.
Camp is a highly relational, community-centered environment where Program Staff and Hut Leaders are expected to actively engage with campers at all times. Hut leaders live with campers, while Program Staff lead activities and support supervision across camp.
Camp Winnataska emphasizes:
Strong cabin community and belonging
Faith formation grounded in grace and inclusion
Outdoor living and connection to nature
Long-standing traditions and shared experiences
The daily schedule includes structured program time, cabin-based activities, meals in a shared dining environment, and evening programs.
Staff should expect:
A fast-paced, highly interactive environment
Continuous supervision responsibilities
Living and working in a group setting
Supporting campers through social, emotional, and physical challenges
Active participation in camp traditions and community life
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
Camp Winnataska respects and values diversity in its campers, staff, volunteers, and families. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, marital status, national or ethnic origin, religion, political beliefs or disability to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities in administration of its policies.