Find Yourself
YMCA Hayo-Went-Ha Camps was founded as a place to escape the cities and find adventure. For more than a century, we have been transforming lives through the power of wilderness adventure.
The core of this experience is our staff.
This is the most challenging and rewarding summer you will ever have. In putting campers first and supporting each other, the staff experience is just as powerful as our campers'.
Apply online
Summer Staff Positions
It takes all of these positions to make camp run well. Each has their own responsibilities and all are responsible for a successful summer. Positions are linked to job descriptions.
Torch Lake
Boys' Camp
Hiring
Junior Counselor
Hiring
Hiring
Hiring
Hiring
Hiring
Target Sports Specialist
Hiring
Hiring
Hiring
Hiring
Hiring
Hiring
Hiring
Hiring
Hiring
Arbutus Lake
Girls' Camp
Hiring
Junior Counselor
Hiring
Hiring
Hiring
Hiring
Hiring
Hiring
Hiring
Hiring
Hiring
Hiring
Hiring
Hiring
What do we look for in staff?
Basic Qualifications
The minimum age to be on staff is 18, with the exception of Junior Counselors or Program Division Assistants, who can be as young as 17 when those positions are available.
Patience, maturity, and a desire to work with kids in the great outdoors are essential. We expect our staff to be great role models and mentors for our campers. A Hayo-Went-Ha Camps staff member’s most important job is to live the YMCA’s four core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility, as well as our motto, “Each for all, all for each,” at all times.
Hayo-Went-Ha Camps emphasize the relationships that develop between leader and camper and among the campers themselves. Staff are carefully chosen for their commitment to the camper's growth, enthusiasm, experience, interpersonal skills, and ability to engage, have fun, and forge friendships!
Wilderness experience
Every overnight program at Hayo-Went-Ha Camps includes a wilderness expedition. Expeditions range in duration and level of challenge, depending on the age group of campers. Our youngest campers camp out on-site, while our oldest campers go as far as Canada and Alaska.
All program staff should be comfortable working and living in the outdoors, including extended periods away from the comforts of our rustic camps.
Some trips require specialized gear. You should plan on bringing any personal gear like clothing, footwear, sleeping bags, and packs appropriate to your trips. Camp will provide all group gear such as tents, stoves, and water purification.
Make Summer Unforgettable
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Staff Training
All of our staff are required to participate in a pre-camp training session that covers the basics of their role, tools for behavior management, and a lot of time to turn our random assortment of young adults into a lean, mean camp program team!
Staff training also includes specific certifications depending on your position. If you are a cabin leader, you will be trained in Red Cross CPR, Wilderness First Aid, and Lifeguarding. These certifications last two years and are recognized around the world.
Key Dates
WFR Training
May 22-26
Staff Training
May 28 - June 14
international staff arrival
May 27
First Session
June 15 - July 11
Second Session
July 13 - August 8
Final Day for all Staff
August 9
Family Camp at Torch Lake
August 10-16
Benefits
We use a daily rate pay scale based on the years of seniority in your position.
The pay rate for a first-year counselor (aged 18+) in 2025 is $60/day.
All seasonal staff positions include housing and food while the camp program is in operation. Hourly pay can be arranged for some positions if staff are not living on camp.
Questions before you apply?
Contact us
Expectations of Staff
Because of our high standards and responsibility to both campers and their parents, we have specific policies regarding the maintenance of our excellent reputation for a fine camp program and superior role models.
- Staff members will be expected to exercise mature behavior, discretion, appropriate personal relationship behavior, and sensitivity that are consistent with our work as leaders and models for young people.
- Wording on clothing worn at camp must be appropriate to all ages, consistent with the values and principles of our programs, and non-offensive.
- Illegal drugs, tobacco, and alcohol are strictly prohibited.
- Good health habits, neatness, appropriate dress, and good grooming are as important at camp as any other place of employment.
- There will be no prejudice toward race, religion, or sexual orientation.
- Staff will not engage in or appear to have inappropriate relationships with fellow staff members at either camp.
- Frequent bathing, cleanliness, and hygiene are required.
- Staff must be able to speak English and understand spoken English.
- All employees must submit to a background check.
Other Important things to know
Lifeguard policy
Hayo-Went-Ha Camps counselors, boating, and all waterfront staff are expected to perform lifeguard duties both at camp and on our wilderness adventure trips.
All such staff must possess American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification or equivalent.
Your staff file must contain documentation proving certification prior to June 1st, 2025. The complete Red Cross Lifeguard course is provided at no cost during staff training. Staff members who are not certified at the start of camp will be limited in their cabin preferences.
Domestic Hiring Process
Domestic Staff (those who already have permission to work in the United States) start by completing an application online.
After you complete your application, one of our year-round staff team will reach out to schedule an interview. All staff must have an interview every year prior to starting work.
If successful, you will be offered a role this summer during or soon after your interview.
Before arriving on-site, you must have three people complete our reference form or provide a written letter of recommendation. This is a requirement of the State of Michigan and cannot be waived.
Other hiring paperwork will follow up to the start of camp.
International Hiring process
International staff (those who need a visa to work in the United States) start the process by finding a J1 Visa placement agency such as Camp America or IENA.
Staff can then identify YMCA Hayo-Went-Ha Camps to their agency for placement at our Torch Lake or Arbutus Lake sites.
After viewing your profile, we will contact you to schedule an interview. If successful, you will be offered a job at or shortly after your interview.