Application process 2024

A few things will look different in the application process this year. Here's the scoop:

• Earlier start. We are opening applications sooner. We typically wait until Thanksgiving but this year we’re starting in October! Yay!
  

• Rolling admission. As we receive applications we like, we’ll notify applicants that they’re hired (instead of waiting until January). This is particularly the case for First Year Counselors. If your First-Year friends hear back early but you haven’t yet, don’t panic! We want to get a head start on FYC’s, but we’ve got Returner spots saved.
  

Ready to apply? Jump to the application here:

Call your friends

You know this better than anyone: the more staff we have, the smoother camp runs. Help us recruit new and returning staff members so that Camp Akita 2024 is the best summer yet!

Here's how to help:

• Personally invite a friend. Most camp staff find their job through a friend and it often takes a personal invitation for someone to apply. Who in your life would make a good Counselor? Who is an awesome teammate, great with kids, or just fun to spend time with? Reach out and invite them to apply!

• Discuss the career benefits of camp. Communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, leadership skills...there's lots of skills you'll gain while working at Camp Akita. Tell others how camp has benefitted you!

• Share what you've gained personally. Sure, there are jobs where you would make more money this summer, but they won't allow for the personal growth, fun, and friendships you'll gain at Camp Akita. Know someone who needs this place? They're only going to get here if you ask them.

Share our New Staff page with potential candidates:

ADVENTURE TEAM

Adventure Team members provide direct leadership and supervision of Akita Backcountry, the Adventure Complex, and the Lake (Waterfront). They strive to create a safe, fun, and meaningful experience by engaging participants in activities that connect them to nature, build relationships, and grow through challenge-by-choice.

CAMPER TEAM

Camper Team members rotate between serving as Head Counselors and LIFE Guard Leaders. While Head Counselor, they act as servant leaders to the staff by creating a safe, fun, and meaningful experience. While L.I.F.E. Guard Leader, they provide direct leadership and supervision of the L.I.F.E. Guard campers, engaging participants in vibrant projects, thoughtful discussions, and a nurturing community.

OFFICE MANAGER

The Office Manager works closely with the Columbus office to coordinate campers and staff logistics, including arrival, departure, and on-site needs, as well as communication with families and others beyond the Camp Akita gates.

VIDEOGRAPHER

The Videographer produces high-quality storytelling and promotional videos and pictures that remind campers of their experience and open the doors to camp for those outside Camp Akita's gates. No previous Camp Akita employment is required; however, applicants must have experience in video editing and familiarity with camera equipment.

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.

Leadership Training: May 13 - 17, 2024

Mandatory, on-site, paid training for members of the Leadership Team (includes all positions listed above except Returning Counselors).

Staff Training: May 17 - 24, 2024

This mandatory, on-site, paid training. Note: we will have the Saturday and Sunday of Labor Day Weekend off (out of camp).

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

All positions got a raise for summer 2024—yay! Plus, we reward your experience: staff receive a higher wage each summer they return, regardless of position.

Your 2024 wage depends on your position and the number of years you have worked at camp. The daily rates for each position are below, as well as the estimated full-summer pay for each position. The actual amount you will make over the summer will depend upon the number of days worked verses sessions off. The estimated full-summer pay listed here reflects the average number of days staff worked in 2023.

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 can 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

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

Selection Process. Camp Directors will make hiring decisions based upon your 2024 application, your 2023 Peer Reviews, and may choose to conduct interviews.

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.