Description:

Here at Birchwood Wilderness Camp, our campers are our first concern, but our employees are a close second. We value our staff's experience at BWC and want each of our counselors to have a rewarding and fulfilling summer. Our staff become a life-long family!

At Birchwood, campers are surrounded by a vibrant team of male role models who are meticulously chosen for their unique personalities and engaging style of leadership. These college-age men are enthusiastic teachers as well as caring cabin counselors and considerate wilderness guides. All day long, they teach from the heart, encourage challenges, inspire kindness, and focus on each child’s individual strengths.


Contact Information:

PHONE:
Dan 218-259-5575
Ashley 218-256-7164
Victor 218-213-5535

EMAIL:
office@birchwoodwildernesscamp.com

First and foremost, Birchwood counselors must have a fun-loving disposition and sincere desire to be a strong and caring mentor who enriches the lives of boys. Being a camp counselor is incredibly fun and rewarding - and it demands a lot of energy, patience, and kindness!

It is essential to have a great attitude for all eight weeks of the summer and to be an excellent team player. Counselors must have the ability to take the initiative, lead groups of boys effectively in a variety of wilderness settings, communicate openly and honestly, and maintain healthy relationships with peers.

Experience caring for children is required for this position. Employees must be willing and able to promote our specific vision after extensive training and on-going support. Counselors must be able to complete all of their responsibilities each day with a positive attitude. Preference is given to applicants with proven skills in one or more of the daily activities/wilderness trips we offer, though training is available in every skill.

We hire a small team of 15 college-age men each summer. Applicants must be able to commit to the entire summer season, including our staff week that typically begins the first weekend of June. We prefer applicants who have completed at least one year of secondary education and have taught children in a hands-on, experiential setting.

Applicants interested in teaching waterfront activities require additional certification as trained lifeguards. We provide lifeguard training prior to staff week.

All staff positions require visual and listening skills sufficient to keep campers safe and the physical and emotional strength to work the long hours that are part of the camp counselor position.

As for daily life at Birchwood, counselors live in a cabin with six campers, aged seven to seventeen years old, and one other adult counselor. Counselors are expected to take groups of campers on canoe and hiking trips ranging from three to seven days.

Counselors must be in appropriate health to carry a canoe over portages, willing to cook on a campfire or camp stove, and lead in-camp activities such as; fishing, riflery, archery, rock climbing, arts and crafts, wilderness cooking, canoeing and kayaking. We don’t expect every counselor to be an expert in all of these, just be willing to learn and try new things.

Camp is located at the end of the Gunflint Trail in northeast Minnesota. We are accessible by water only. This position will require the right applicant to be comfortable in a wilderness setting. Cabins do not have electricity and the shower/bathroom is a short walk down the path.


Job Requirements:

Camp Counselor

Dates & Pay:

  • May 31st - August 4th, 2024
  • $350 - $450 per week, room and board included

Happy Counselors...

-Mat (AKA GRIZ), Counselor

-McRae (AKA Archie), Counselor

"When I think about the summer I worked at Birchwood, I can honestly say it was one of the best experiences of my life. Being that it's a little smaller than your typical summer camp really makes it feel like family. It's a chance to challenge yourself, learn new skills, and share incredible experiences with campers who may be new to the outdoors."

"'SPECIAL' IS A WORD THAT IS OFTEN THROWN AROUND HAPHAZARDLY, BUT OUGHT TO BE RESERVED FOR PLACES LIKE BIRCHWOOD. I WORKED WITH SOME OF THE GREATEST PEOPLE I'VE EVER MET IN THE mOST BEAUTIFUL PLACE I'VE EVER BEEN. WE WERE GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO INSTILL A LOVE OF THE WILDERNESS TO THE CAMPERS AND THIS LEFT A MAJOR IMPACT ON ME. I CHERISH THE MEMORIES I MADE AT BIRCHWOOD AND ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO COME MAKE MEMORIES OF THEIR OWN."

-Zach (AKA DaVinci), Former Camper, Counselor, & Climbing Specialist

"Working at Birchwood has not only given me the skills necessary to enjoy the wilderness, but the ability to grow as a leader and role-model within a supportive group of staff!"

-Frank (AKA Splinter), Former Camper, Counselor, & Assistant Director

"Living at Birchwood provided many opportunities for me to completely be myself. I developed personal interests and challenged my entire person. This was intertwined with times of utter relaxation that I have yet to reach outside of a floating canoe."

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12586 Gunflint Trail, Slip 85, Grand Marais, MN 55604 | (218) 256-7164