Camp Mah-Kee-Nac is hiring for summer ! Much More Than Just Another Summer Job…Camp Mah-Kee-Nac offers an unforgettable summer job experience in the Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts, just a few hours from both Boston and New York City. Staff live and work in a stunning lakeside setting, surrounded by natural beauty and a close-knit camp…
What Are Camping Jobs at Summer Camp?
Camping Jobs at Summer Camps Across the USA
Camping jobs at summer camps are a perfect fit for outdoor educators and wilderness enthusiasts who love sharing the joy of living outside with the next generation. Whether you’re teaching tent setup at a traditional sleepaway camp, leading first overnights for first-time campers, or running multi-day campouts at a residential adventure program, camping staff create some of the most formative experiences in any camper’s summer.
As a camping instructor at an overnight camp, you’ll teach campers how to pitch tents, cook outdoor meals, build safe campfires, plan trips, and practice Leave No Trace principles. You’ll lead overnights on or near camp property and often support longer backcountry trips alongside the adventure department. Many co-ed and traditional sleepaway camps build camping skills into nightly cabin overnights, group challenges, and the broader outdoor curriculum across the summer.
What does a camping instructor at summer camp do?
You’ll teach core outdoor skills — tent pitching, fire building, outdoor cooking, gear care — and lead overnight camping experiences for campers. Most sleepaway camps run regular cabin overnights and trip-based programs throughout the summer camp season.
What certifications do camping instructors need at sleepaway camps?
Wilderness First Aid (WFA) is the typical baseline; Wilderness First Responder (WFR) is preferred for trip-leading roles. Leave No Trace Trainer or Master Educator credentials are highly valued at residential camps.
Are camping jobs at summer camps full-summer roles?
Most are full-season roles spanning 7–9 weeks including staff training. Specialty wilderness camps may also hire trip-only staff who run back-to-back expeditions across the summer at their residential property.
What does the pay look like for camping jobs at summer camps?
Pay is competitive and commensurate with experience and certifications. Overnight camps include room, board, and laundry alongside salary, and many also provide gear stipends — which adds real value beyond the base summer camp pay.
Do I need my own camping gear for the job?
Camps typically provide group gear like tents, stoves, and cookware. You’re usually expected to bring personal items — sleeping bag, pack, boots, headlamp. Many residential camps offer pro deals or gear stipends to support staff at the sleepaway camp.
