Climbing Jobs at Summer Camps Across the USA
Climbing jobs at summer camps are a dream gig for climbers who love teaching, setting routes, and watching kids overcome fear on the wall. From traditional sleepaway camps with on-property towers and bouldering walls to specialty residential camps that run trips to nearby crags, climbing instructors deliver some of the most empowering experiences of the summer. Whether you climb 5.11 trad, send V8, or just love being on the wall, this role rewards both technical skill and great teaching.
As a climbing instructor at an overnight camp, you’ll teach belay skills, top-rope and lead climbing, knot work, anchor systems, and route reading. You’ll set routes, manage equipment, conduct safety inspections, and lead group sessions across age ranges. Many co-ed residential camps also offer outdoor climbing trips, where instructors guide campers on real rock at nearby sport, trad, or bouldering areas during the summer.
What does a climbing instructor at summer camp do?You’ll teach belaying, knot work, top-rope and lead climbing, anchor systems, and route reading while managing the climbing wall and equipment. Many overnight camps also run outdoor climbing trips throughout the summer camp season.
What certifications do I need for climbing jobs at sleepaway camps?CWI (Climbing Wall Instructor) is the typical baseline for indoor walls and towers. AMGA SPI (Single Pitch Instructor) is highly valued for outdoor programs. Wilderness First Aid and lifeguard certs are commonly required at residential camps.
Do summer camps run outdoor climbing trips?Many do, especially camps near established crags. Trip leaders typically need SPI or equivalent guiding credentials to take campers outside. Traditional sleepaway camps may focus instruction on the camp tower or bouldering wall.
What does the pay look like for climbing jobs at summer camps?Pay is competitive and commensurate with experience and certifications. Sleepaway camps include room, board, and laundry alongside salary, and many also offer gear stipends or pro deals — which adds real value beyond the base summer camp pay.
Do I need my own climbing gear for the job?Camps typically provide ropes, harnesses, helmets, and hardware. Personal gear like shoes, a chalk bag, and a personal harness are usually expected. Many overnight camps offer pro deals through partnerships with major outdoor brands.
Browse Summer Camp Climbing Jobs for 2027
| Salary | Job Type | Setting |
|---|
| USD Starts at $2300/summer | Full-Time Seasonal | Overnight Camp |
Start Date: June 1, 2027
End Date: August 31, 2027
Come spend your summer on beautiful Lake Ashmere in The Berkshires!Camp Danbee is currently hiring outdoor adventure and ropes instructors to spend their summer instructing our campers in Climbing Wall, High Ropes, Low Ropes, Outdoor Adventure and more. You will specialize in this activity, so you must have extensive knowledge of the area, however you work as a team! We’re looking for passionate, skilled individuals to be great roles models for our campers!
The Role:
You will serve a dual role as a counselor at Camp Danbee. Those roles include being cabin counselor and program instructor. As a cabin counselor, you and one to three other co-counselors will live in a cabin with 10-12 campers, whom you will supervise for the summer. As a program instructor, you will help prepare and lead instructional lessons in your dedicated program area.
Male instructors do not live in cabins with campers, and will have additional duties outside of program instructional time – you’re a valuable part of the camp family!
Working at camp is an opportunity to develop skills that can be used in a career outside of camp. You will enhance your leadership, collaboration, problem-solving, and communication skills. Camp Danbee has a large leadership team to learn from, from multiple college Head Coaches to experienced professionals across the education, outdoor recreation, and sports industries.
We will work with your college/university to earn paid internship credits.
The Perks:
- Salary starts at $2300 for a Freshman in college and increases from there
- Travel allowance in addition to salary
- Room, board, and staff t-shirts
- Internship credit*
- Experience The Berkshires, meet people from all over the US and the world, and have the summer of a lifetime!
*Some educational institutions require prior approval before the start of an internship. It is the responsibility of the student to check with their institution to be sure they meet any requirements before they accept a position
Camp Laurel is hiring for summer ! Camp Laurel is among the most prestigious, well-respected camps in the country. We offer quality instruction designed to allow children to participate in activities they love, while also allowing them to explore new and exciting opportunities. Why Work at Camp Laurel? At Camp Laurel, we pride ourselves on…
