Summer Camp Jobs

Here’s what to expect after you’ve completed and submitted an application:

1. A member of the camp leadership team will reach out to you. If it seems like you might be a good fit for a camp position, we will schedule an interview time with you.
2. The scheduled interview takes place.
3. References listed are called. (We require communication with at least two references before moving to the next step.)
4. We call you with either an offer or notification that we can’t make you an offer and why. (We will leave a voice message if you don’t answer the phone, but will not make an offer in a voicemail.)
5. If you received an offer, hopefully you accept! (We offered you the job because we are really excited about what you will bring to the summer and want you on the team!) From here the hiring process begins.
   • You will get an email with the job offer from Penn State. Click “accept.”
   • More emails arrive! And there will be someone to help you work through it. (Phew!) And while this isn’t the last step to the hiring process, steps after this point aren’t listed here because they aren’t the same, or in the same order, for everyone. But, note that completion of all steps in the hiring process is required before training starts.

Enter your contact information to speak with someone about what the experience is really like.

Available Positions: 1 per summer

The program assistant for camp serves as a seasonal assistant director of Shaver’s Creek camp programs. This position is part of the leadership team that supports and creates the highest quality experience for everyone at camp. They will be involved in facilitating staff training, creating program materials, assisting with logistics associated with camp, developing programs, teaching if needed, and cultivating a positive, flexible atmosphere centered around learning and growth. During the camp season the majority of the program day is spent outdoors in the field with staff and campers.

All members of the leadership team float across the various day camps at Shaver’s Creek, including Wee Wonderers (ages 4–5), Discovery (ages 6–8), Explorer (ages 9–11), Investigators (ages 12–14) and Leaders-in-Training/LITs (ages 14–17). The camp week runs Monday through Saturday and this position will generally work 7:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m. during staff training and while camp is in session for six to eight weeks from June to early August. Friday has an overnight program that extends into Saturday morning. When camps are not in session, the position is generally a 40-hour work week. Full participation is required during all hours worked.

General responsibilities and requirements of this position:

• Prior camp and outdoor environmental education teaching experience; prior program administration experience preferred.
• Abiding by requirements to keep everyone safe. This includes staying within eye shot/ear shot of another adult at all times while around minors and following all camp policies/expectations.
• This position will be working with children and staff outdoors for up to 13 hours/day. Applicants must be physically able to work outdoors for long hours in all types of weather and potentially over rough terrain.

Preparing for summer camp (May):

• Obtain certification in first aid or Wilderness First Aid (preferred)
• Update or create program materials and activities
• Assist in logistical preparations for camp
• Use Google Drive and other systems shared by Summer Camp
• Aid in physical site preparations

Weekly/daily summer camp operations (June through mid-August):

• Lead training sessions
• Gather materials for training sessions
• Assist with camper sign-in and sign-out process
• Assist in running a.m. and p.m. camp community circle
• Assist with daily teaching observation and provide feedback to staff
• Set out Camp Stamp Puzzler clues and assist in other areas of program as needed
• Assist Friday during family program and as designated on Saturday mornings
• Assist in emergency situations, group management situations, and any other situations in which a staff member is in need of help from a director
• Spend time in field across all programs to the benefit/needs of staff, LITs, campers, and program
• Assist in enacting staff recognition program
• Help with other program or logistical parts required to run a smooth camp experience

A qualified candidate will have a passion for working with children, prior experience in a camp setting, patience, a plethora of flexibility, be enthusiastic, want to grow, work well with a team, and foster a desire to make the camp experience the best that it can be every single time for every single person.

I’m interested! How do I apply?

Apply for Program Assistant on the Penn State Careers site

A complete application includes a cover letter (explaining why you want to work at Shaver’s Creek summer camp and corresponding skills), résumé (containing work history or related positions/experiences), and a list of three references (their name, title, relationship to you, telephone number, and email address).

• Tip: If you upload your cover letter and résumé to start with, you don’t have to fill in the experience or school information in the Penn State application separately!
• Extra tip: You don’t need to submit references at first, but if you are selected to interview, we will need them by the date of your on-site interview. This means you can reach out to references and line them up after you apply.

Available Positions: 2 per summer

Shaver’s Creek summer camp is seeking certified lifeguards for six Fridays (June 20, June 27, July 4, July 18, July 25, August 1) this summer. Prior experience lifeguarding for children ages 6–14 is preferred. Applicants must have reliable transportation to/from the Whipple Dam State Park location.

But what if I can only work most of the dates listed?

As long as it’s at least two of the dates listed, you should still apply.

I’m interested! How do I apply?

Apply for Lifeguard on the Penn State Careers site

A complete application includes a cover letter (explaining why you want to work at Shaver’s Creek summer camp and corresponding skills), résumé (containing work history or related positions/experiences), and a list of three references (their name, title, relationship to you, telephone number, and email address).

• Tip: If you upload your cover letter and résumé to start with, you don’t have to fill in the experience or school information in the Penn State application separately!
• Extra tip: You don’t need to submit references at first, but if you are selected to interview, we will need them by the date of your on-site interview. This means you can reach out to references and line them up after you apply.

Available Positions: 10 per summer

Assistant camp naturalists will glean techniques, skills, and hands-on experiences while serving in a supportive role for the group leader (camp naturalists) during nature focused summer camp at Shaver’s Creek. This supportive role includes assisting with group management, leading games/activities, singing songs, reading stories and addressing the needs of campers. Through this experience you will learn how to work well with children outdoors, design activities/games, set goals, and grow through leadership experiences.

Gimme the details, please!

• You will work 47–50 hours each week.
  • Almost all of those hours are outdoors (regardless of weather conditions) with children and peers on/along narrow dirt trails in nature.
  • Access to bathrooms in stalls depends upon the schedule for the day, but is typically every 2 or 3 hours.
  • Gear for yourself and activities is carried on you (in your backpack or provided pack basket) and is likely to weigh 10–15 lbs.
• Pay is $10.50/hour for the first 40 hours worked per week. Hours above 40 earn time and a half. Over the course of the summer, this translates to about $4,600 before taxes.
• Housing may be available for out-of-the-area applicants. (There are a few rooms available; they are filled on need and a first-hire basis.)
• Training: Monday–Friday, typically 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., for the first two full weeks in June.
  • Training will include certification in First Aid, CPR, AED, and Epi-Pens. (Certification in advance of training is not needed.)
  • Training time includes peer bonding opportunities, techniques for working with children, example games/activities, lesson planning guidance, time on the trails, emergency procedures, and what a day of camp really looks/feels like.
• Camp week hours worked: Monday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Tuesday–Thursday, 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; Friday, 8:00 a.m.–11:30 p.m.; Saturday (having likely stayed overnight via camping on-site and only three times a summer), 6:00–9:00 a.m.
  • These hours include a staff meeting and limited prep time in the morning, as well as meetings at the end of the day.
• There is a “mid-season” week over the week of July 7, 2025. We will have off that Monday and Friday but will be on-site 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. with professional development opportunities, some social time, goal check-ins, and other sessions related to grounding/centering halfway through the program season.
• It is absolutely ideal if someone can commit to the entire June 2–August 2, 2025, time frame. While it is a lot of weeks, it is the way to get the most out of this experience. With only a subset of that time to learn, grow, try new things, and be with your new camp friends, folks miss out. In the words of a past part-summer staff member during the last week of the season, “Now I understand why you want people to work the whole summer.”
  • If you absolutely cannot commit to the entire time frame, you must at least be able to commit to the two full weeks of training and three weeks of program.
  • If you absolutely cannot commit to the combined 5 weeks listed in the bullet above, then there may still be opportunities. Reach out to Skye to have a conversation.
  • If there is a specific day or time that you have an important life event (like your graduation), we will likely be able to work with you on that. But you must share that information with us during your interview so we are aware.

What are the benefits of this position?

• Learn and/or gain experience in the following 21st-century skills that are desirable for all jobs you will ever have: critical thinking, creativity, communication, leadership, problem solving, and adaptability.
• Form connections with peers that outlast the summer.
• Professional development through sessions at the beginning and throughout the season on a variety of topics aimed at helping you to develop as a whole person
• Possible internship credit
• Spend your summer outside in nature.
• Learn techniques for how to be present and immersed in the moment.
• Obtain 2-year certifications in First Aid, AED, CPR and Epi-Pens.
• Gain confidence through growth that you should take with you everywhere.

What would I need to do for employment before the camp season begins? (Mostly remote)

• Complete the application process, interview, be given an offer, and accept that offer verbally as well as digitally.
• Before the first day of training, complete the hiring process with Penn State that includes obtaining results for all PA clearances (fingerprint check, child abuse clearance, and federal background check) and on-site onboarding.
• Complete all required/assigned online Penn State training (reporting child abuse, Cleary Act, COINS)
• Read through “pre-training” materials (links to natural history information that provide a foundation for the camp topics of this year and the staff manual).
• Create a summer wellness plan for yourself.
• Complete and return forms by the deadlines.

What would I be responsible for during the days/weeks of camp? (All on-site)

• Keep everyone safe.
• Communicate often and effectively.
• Uphold all Penn State and Shaver’s Creek policies. (Including, while in the presence of minors, remaining in ear and eye shot of another adult.)
• Be an active and participatory team member for all of the big things (like lesson planning for the week) and little things (like opening food containers) on a consistent basis.
• Lead and/or co-lead games/activities/songs/riddles/explorative exercises throughout the week with campers.
• Set goals, actively work toward them, and check-in on progress.
• Demonstrate appreciation of others (like writing the LITs in your group a thank you each week).
• Maintain energy, engagement, and patience that work for your leadership style and staff/campers.
• Provide medical treatment and maintain records.
• Assemble camper’s journals (based on input from camp naturalists) for printing.
• For, at most, 1 week of program, serve in the “LIT Assistant” role.
  • You will not be with a group of campers for this week.
  • Instead, time is spent assisting with the first year LIT program, observing and leading or co-leading sessions. Other responsibilities include assisting with behind the scenes logistics.
  • If busing is available that week, you would ride the bus to/from Shaver’s Creek each morning and lead program/engage with campers during the ride.

I’m interested! How do I apply?

Apply for Assistant Camp Naturalist on the Penn State Careers site

A complete application includes a cover letter (explaining why you want to work at Shaver’s Creek summer camp and corresponding skills), résumé (containing past work history or related positions/experiences), and a list of three references (their name, title, relationship to you, telephone number and email address).

• Tip: If you upload your cover letter and résumé to start with, you don’t have to fill in the experience or school information in the Penn State application separately!
• Extra tip: You don’t need to submit references at first, but if you are selected to interview, we will need them by the date of your on-site interview. This means you can reach out to references and line them up after you apply.

Available Positions: 10 per summer

Camp naturalists use available resources, prior knowledge, and new ideas to create a lesson plan for their group each camp week. They provide support and leadership opportunities to assistant camp naturalists and Leaders-In-Training (“LITs,” who are teenage volunteers at camp), while ensuring the safety of everyone in the group. Prior experience with children (ideally informal or outdoor education experience) and a growth-oriented mindset are crucial for camp naturalist applicants. This position is a daily blend of education, camp fun, and mentorship.

Gimme the details, please!

• You will work 47–50 hours each week.
  • Almost all of those hours are outdoors (regardless of weather conditions) with children and peers on/along narrow dirt trails in nature.
  • Access to bathrooms in stalls depends upon the schedule for the day, but is typically every 2 or 3 hours.
  • Gear for yourself and activities is carried on you (in your backpack or provided pack basket) and is likely to weigh 10–15 lbs.
• Pay is $11.50/hour for the first 40 hours worked per week. Hours above 40 earn time and a half. Over the course of the summer, this translates to about $5,100 before taxes.
  • Returning staff earn an additional $1.00/hour in this position.
• Housing may be available for out-of-the-area applicants. (There are a few rooms available; they are filled on need and a first-hire basis.)
• Training: Monday–Friday, typically 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., for the first two full weeks in June.
  • Training will include certification in First Aid, CPR, AED, and Epi-Pens. (Certification in advance of training is not needed.)
  • Training time includes peer bonding opportunities, techniques for working with children, example games/activities, lesson planning guidance, time on the trails, emergency procedures, and what a day of camp really looks/feels like.
• Camp week hours worked: Monday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Tuesday–Thursday, 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; Friday, 8:00 a.m.–11:30 p.m.; Saturday (having likely stayed overnight via camping on-site and only three times a summer), 6:00–9:00 a.m.
  • These hours include a staff meeting and limited prep time in the morning, as well as meetings at the end of the day.
• There is a “mid-season” week over the week of July 7, 2025. We will have off that Monday and Friday but will be on-site 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. with professional development opportunities, some social time, goal check-ins, and other sessions related to grounding/centering halfway through the program season.
• It is ideal if someone can commit to the entire June 2–August 2, 2025, time frame. While it is a lot of weeks, it is the way to get the most out of this experience. With only a subset of that time to learn, grow, try new things, and be with your new camp friends, folks miss out. In the words of a past part-summer staff member during the last week of the season, “Now I understand why you want people to work the whole summer.”
  • If you absolutely cannot commit to the combined 5 weeks listed in the bullet above, then there may still be opportunities. Email Skye at tso106@psu.edu to have a conversation.
  • If there is a specific day or time that you have an important life event (like you are graduating), we will likely be able to work with you on that. But you must share that information with us during your interview so we are aware.

What are the benefits of this position?

• Learn and/or gain experience in the following 21st-century skills that are desirable for all jobs you will ever have: critical thinking, creativity, communication, leadership, problem solving, and adaptability.
• Form connections with peers that outlast the summer.
• Professional development through sessions at the beginning and throughout the season on a variety of topics aimed at helping you to develop as a whole person
• Possible internship credit
• Spend your summer outside in nature.
• Learn techniques for how to be present and immersed in the moment.
• Obtain 2-year certifications in First Aid, AED, CPR and Epi-Pens.
• Gain confidence through growth that you should take with you everywhere.

What would I need to do for employment before the camp season begins? (Mostly remote)

• Complete the application process, interview, be given an offer, and accept that offer verbally as well as digitally.
• Before the first day of training, complete the hiring process with Penn State that includes obtaining results for all PA clearances (fingerprint check, child abuse clearance, and federal background check) and on-site onboarding.
• Complete all required/assigned online Penn State training (reporting child abuse, Cleary Act, COINS, and others)
• Read through “pre-training” materials (links to natural history information that provide a foundation for the camp topics of this year and the staff manual).
• Create a summer wellness plan for yourself.
• Complete and return forms by the deadlines.

What would I be responsible for during the days/weeks of camp? (All on-site)

• Keep everyone safe.
• Communicate often and effectively.
• Uphold all Penn State and Shaver’s Creek policies. (Including, while in the presence of minors, remaining in ear and eye shot of another adult.)
• Be a leader and engaged team member for all of the big things (like creating the lesson plan for the group while leaving room for LIT and assistant camp naturalist input) and little things (like opening food containers) on a consistent basis.
• Lead games/activities/songs/riddles/explorative exercises throughout the week with campers.
• Set goals, actively work toward them, and check-in on progress.
• Demonstrate appreciation of others (like writing the LITs in your group a thank you each week).
• Maintain energy, engagement, and patience that work for your leadership style and staff/campers.
• Provide medical treatment and maintain records.
• For, at most, 1 week of program, serve in the “Super Naturalist” role.
  • You will not be with a group of campers for this week.
  • Instead, time is spent assisting with behind-the-scenes logistics (like cutting lifesavers candies, watering the mushroom kits, packing the van with materials for time at Whipple Dam, and walking with children to the bathroom) and time to observe others’ teaching styles.

I’m interested! How do I apply?

Apply for Camp Naturalist on the Penn State Careers site

A complete application includes a cover letter (explaining why you want to work at Shaver’s Creek summer camp and corresponding skills), résumé (containing past work history or related positions/experiences), and a list of three references (their name, title, relationship to you, telephone number and email address).

• Tip: If you upload your cover letter and résumé to start with, you don’t have to fill in the experience or school information in the Penn State application separately!
• Extra tip: You don’t need to submit references at first, but if you are selected to interview, we will need them by the date of your on-site interview. This means you can reach out to references and line them up after you apply.

The sample schedule below is one snapshot; some pieces will rotate (like the specific professional development topic) and others will not (like choosing different parts for the week of camp that happens one week from now).

This is purely an example of what a day could look like. There are no times listed between 9:30 a.m. and 3:40 p.m. by design. While these things happen during the course of the day, and more or less as you see them below, it’s hard to choose exact times without knowing the exact “bird activity” that someone is leading.

Friday looks the same as Tuesday–Thursday up until 9:30 a.m., when groups head to a local swimming area (either by bus or foot, depending upon the age group). Time at the swimming area includes beach/water allocations, interrelationship activities, lunch, stories, and games. Groups return to Shaver’s Creek at different times, but everyone is back and ready for sign-out at 5:00 p.m. The sample schedule below picks up after sign out.