Work At Timber Lake West
Co-ed • Ages 7-17 • 3 + 4 Week Sessions
Roscoe, New York
*fly into New York
Timber Lake West Job Board
Job openings change daily! If a camp feels like a good match, we encourage you to apply regardless of the job listings below. Be sure to list any special skills you possess that will assist in your placement.
Timber Lake West is also hiring for:
Camps often hire for the following positions:
2026 Staff Dates
| Staff Arrival: | Thursday, June 18th |
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July Session (28 days)
| Camp Begins: | Saturday, June 27th |
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| Visiting Day: | Saturday, July 11th |
| Camp Ends: | Friday, July 24th |
August Session (25 days)
| Camp Begins: | Sunday, July 26th |
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| Visiting Day: | Saturday, August 8th |
| Camp Ends: | Tuesday, August 18th |
Timber Lake West is hiring for summer 2027!
Timber Lake West takes the responsibility of coaching and caring for children seriously. When you work at Timber Lake West, you join a team of top-tier summer camp counselors and specialty staff who are fully committed to creating an exceptional camp experience. We are dedicated to being the best, which means attracting the best summer camp staff. That is why Timber Lake West offers some of the most competitive wages in the camping industry.
Who Are Our Staff?
When you work at Timber Lake West, you become part of a close-knit, energetic, and international camp community. Our staff members come from across the United States and around the world, bringing different backgrounds, talents, and perspectives to camp life.
Last summer, we welcomed staff from Maine to California, as well as Canada, the United Kingdom, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, and Eastern Europe. This global mix gives Timber Lake West a truly international feel and helps create a welcoming environment where campers and staff learn from one another every day.
Our team includes cabin counselors, activity specialists, coaches, waterfront staff, outdoor adventure leaders, support staff, and group leaders. While every role looks a little different, each staff member shares the same goal: to help campers feel safe, supported, confident, and excited to participate.
Working at camp also gives staff the chance to form real friendships. You live, work, and grow alongside people who quickly become like family. Many staff members leave Timber Lake West with lifelong friends, meaningful memories, and a stronger sense of who they are.
Why Work at TLW?
Working at Timber Lake West is challenging, rewarding, and unforgettable. Each day gives you the chance to make a positive difference in the lives of children while building skills that matter far beyond camp.
As a camp staff member, you help campers try new activities, solve problems, build friendships, and gain confidence. You become a coach, mentor, role model, and trusted source of support. That responsibility matters, and it is one of the reasons why working at camp can be so meaningful.
Of course, camp is also a lot of fun. It is hard to have a bad day in the Catskills, surrounded by supportive coworkers, energetic campers, and a community that celebrates effort, laughter, and growth. From daily activities and evening events to days off with friends, the summer is full of moments you will remember long after camp ends.
Many campers and counselors describe Timber Lake West as one of the best experiences of their lives. Some return year after year, and many come back simply to visit. When you work at TLW, you join a summer family that pushes you, supports you, and gives you memories and friendships that last.
Frequently Asked Questions about Working at Timber Lake West
Timber Lake West pays college student staff $3,000 and Group Leaders $3,200. Staff can also earn up to $600 in performance bonuses, plus a travel allowance if eligible.
Yes. Eligible American staff who live more than 350 miles from camp can receive up to $500 toward travel. Canadian staff can receive up to $600 for travel, work visa, and SEVIS costs.
Timber Lake West emails new staff clothing lists and other prep details before summer. Staff should bring everyday clothing, toiletries, bedding, sheets, blankets, a flashlight, and other personal essentials.
Staff should plan to bring or buy their own bedding, including sheets and blankets. During Orientation, camp typically offers a shopping trip where staff can pick up bedding, toiletries, and other items they could not bring.
Staff can use the staff lounge, watch movies, and access computer facilities during time off. Timber Lake West also gives counselors daily and evening time off, along with six full days off during the summer.
Staff can drive to camp, but they should review camp directions and share travel plans with the office in advance. Timber Lake West also provides staff transportation to town most nights and helps with rides on days off when possible.
See Timber Lake Camp in Action! Watch the video, see photos and take a virtual tour of Timber Lake West in New York!
Want to Learn More About Working at Camp?
Check out our summer camp staff resources below:
More About Timber Lake West
Timber Lake West sits nestled in the picturesque New York’s Catskill Mountains, just 2 hours north of New York City. A traditional, co-ed sleepaway camp, we feature two unique 4-week sessions, a private spring-fed lake and an outstanding array of facilities on magnificently manicured grounds.
Camp Highlights
- We pay the highest salaries in the camping profession
- Some of the best staff from all over the world
- Emphasis on values and friendship
- Respected, traditional summer camp program
- 2 hours from New York City in the Catskills
