About Camp Akita

Camp Akita was founded in 1949. We are owned and operated by First Community Church in Columbus, Ohio. First Community's welcoming and progressive theology informs Camp Akita's inclusive beliefs.

Camp Akita is located on over 1,200 acres in the Hocking Hills of southeast Ohio. We're a one-hour drive from Columbus.

Each summer, we welcome over 1,500 campers. Overnight campers range from 3rd grade through graduated high school seniors. They come from all kinds of backgrounds, belief systems, genders, races, and nationalities—and all are beloved, just as they are!

We offer three different summer programs: a traditional summer camp, a service learning camp for high school students, and an outdoor education camping experience.

Working at camp

Play games, cover yourself in mud, have deep conversations under the stars...there's nothing more rewarding (or as fun) as working at summer camp!

A typical day at Camp Akita:

• Wake up (and wake up your campers!)
  
• Attend a morning devotion
• Breakfast: pancakes, eggs, bacon
• Small groups: lead a reflective activity with a co-Counselor
• Full-group activity: capture the flag, hike, water olympics
• Lunch: grilled cheese, tacos, chicken fingers
• Free Time: help oversee the lake, craft cabin, or high ropes course
• Dinner: spaghetti, hamburgers, stir fry
• Full-group activity: soap slide, scavenger hunt, skit night
• Campfire songs and message
• Bedtime!

Get a taste of life at Camp Akita:

Watch a camp video

Job description

Counselor

First-year Counselors lead a cabin of 7-10 campers alongside a co-Counselor. Co-Counselors are typically Returning Counselors who have worked at Camp Akita before. As a team, you and your co-Counselor maintain a fun, inclusive, and welcoming experience for all campers—and for each other!

The best Counselors are enthusiastic, engaged, and caring. They are excited to participate in camp activities, get to know campers, and help make Camp Akita an unforgettable experience for all.

The basics

• Must be one year out of high school (graduated in spring 2023 or before).
  
• Must be able to hike, climb stairs, and lift at least 25 pounds.
  

Employment dates: 2024

Counselors and staff live at Camp Akita for the duration of the summer with time off. You'll enjoy in-camp rest time, staff breaks (when all staff is out of camp), and sessions off at home.

Hiring preference is given to those who can work at least 10 out of 12 camp sessions; however, you are not disqualified if you can only work for part of the summer. Indicate your availability on the application or Contact Us.

Staff Training: May 17 - 24, 2024

This mandatory, on-site training is paid.

Camp Sessions: May 28 - August 11, 2024

Sessions vary in length depending upon camper age. Staff is paid a daily rate.

2024 Camp Schedule

Wages

First-year staff are paid $70 per day. You'll make $400 on the average week (sometimes more for longer sessions) for an average summer salary of $3,700. Actual pay depends on the number of days worked and the number of days off.

Staff can earn more by holding certifications such as Lifeguard or Wilderness First Aid. Learn about Certification Bonuses.

You may not get rich working at Camp Akita, but you will make money (unlike an unpaid internship), and you'll save what you make. Camp Akita provides lodging and all meals during sessions. Many staff members save by not spending on rent, food, laundry, daily commute, weekends out, and other real-world expenses.

The benefits of working at summer camp are immense! Visit our "Why camp?" page to learn more—and share it with your parents!

How to apply

Click the link below to start your application! Be sure to provide detailed and thoughtful answers to the long-answer questions; these carry the most weight in our hiring decisions.

Recommendations. New staff must provide two references. A recommendation form will be sent automatically to the references you provide in the application. Choose references who can speak of your leadership, responsibility, and response to stressful environments, such as mentors, teachers, supervisors, and babysitting parents.

Selection Process. A volunteer committee reviews and ranks all applications with your identifying information (name, etc.) removed. The ranked list is then passed on to Camp Directors, who review recommendations and conduct interviews. This team then re-ranks the applications and offers employment to the top ranked applicants.

Deadlines. Applications open in October 2023 and continue on a rolling basis until all positions are filled. As of March 2024, we are still accepting applications, particularly for female Counselors.

Reach out! Not sure which position(s) to apply for? Want to chat about Summer 2024 before you submit your application? Contact Sarah.