Work at Tamarack
Working at Camp Tamarack is an incredibly rewarding experience. Our staff consists of an amazing, caring, mature, personable, and fun group of people. They are committed to providing campers with a positive, well-rounded, and memorable summer experience.
We strive to create a camp environment based on mutual respect. Staff members are supervised and supported, and everyone is given the opportunity to provide input. Our goal is to help each staff member be successful and have a wonderful, memorable summer!
Each staff member has a specific role, but is involved in multiple facets of camp life, including planning activities, evening programs, trips, cabin specials, theme days, and more. Counsellors live in the cabin with the campers and assist them in developing their interests and maximizing their experience. They travel with their campers to cabin activity periods and are assigned to assist in different areas during camper individual choice periods. All counsellors facilitate friendships, cabin identity, bonding and mutual support, and unforgettable memories.
Activity instructors develop programs, themes and special events in their specialty areas (i.e. a land sport, water, or arts activity). Activity staff work on developing camper ability and passion in their specific area of expertise. Each activity staff person is assigned to a specific cabin to sit with for meals and help guide during evening programs and at other times. Depending on age/experience/fit, activity staff may either live with their group of campers or with a group of other activity staff members.
We believe that staff members continue to return year after year because they are treated with respect and have the kind of experience that allows them to continue to grow as people and professionals year after year.
If you enjoy working with people and are looking to gain experience that will assist you in your career and life, Camp Tamarack is the perfect place for you.
Camp Tamarack’s caring, committed and professional counselors and staff members are truly in a class of their own. The combination of “veterans” who have grown up at Tamarack, together with newer staff whose ideas and energy are contagious, makes for a high-quality, kid-focused group of leaders.
While our camp operates from late June until the third week of August, some staff enjoy the opportunity to work for even longer. Maintenance work is available to those who wish to help prepare the camp in the spring. Schools and other groups often use the camp at this time, meaning there are also sometimes spring employment opportunities being counsellors or teaching activities in the ropes, mountain biking, sports, arts, waterfront, leadership, and team-building areas. This work option provides a phenomenal way of getting to know new people, becoming comfortable with the setting, and of course, making extra money. There is also work available in the fall until close to the end of September.
CABIN COUNSELLORS
Counsellors must be positive role models who enjoy working with youth. Counsellors play a crucial role in facilitating a positive, meaningful experience for each camper. Counsellors live, eat and spend most of their time with their group. An involved, nurturing, and approachable counsellor will help make each camper’s summer and the overall group experience a successful one. A number of our incredible counsellors have the opportunity to work as a “combo role” where they spend half their day with a cabin and the other half working as a specialist at an activity.
ACTIVITY INSTRUCTORS
Activity staff members instruct a specific activity at camp (see a list of all our Activities) and often live with a cabin group. Either way, each activity staff will be assigned to a cabin group to help during meals, evening programs and leisure time. Activity instructors are integral members in their cabin group and section when they are not busy at their activity.
At activity areas the emphasis is on safety, skill development, encouragement, themed programs, and of course, fun. Campers that enjoy specific activities are encouraged to help the area’s staff plan programs and events. Each activity offers cabin, choice, and Super Sunday specials, clubs, themes and trips. These programs enable the campers who are passionate about the activity to focus on it and become even more involved and confident.
A number of our incredible activity staff have the opportunity to work as a “combo role” where they spend half their day at their activity and the other half working as a counsellor.
ACTIVITY HEADS
Activity heads are mature individuals who have expertise, are proficient at their activity area, and have excellent leadership, organizational and people skills. They supervise and work directly with their staff to run a safe and fun activity. Activity Heads are expected to oversee and evaluate their staff, provide constructive feedback to staff and campers alike, and create safe and well-rounded programs and experiences at their activity.
SUPPORT STAFF
Support staff work in several areas, including maintenance, driving, and administration. These jobs are often an amazing opportunity to gain experience while delving into the camping environment. In down times, such staff members are encouraged to get involved by participating in, and contributing to, activities, camper programs and staff recreation activities.
HEALTH STAFF
We hire two nursing students to be Health Providers and a consistent health presence throughout the summer at camp. We also hire nurses (R.N.s or R.P.N.s) and doctors in the summer and who typically stay with us for a period of 1-2 weeks. If nurses or doctors have spouses and/or children, they are welcome to join them at camp. The nursing job is also ideal for graduating nurses as you will receive excellent supervision and experience.
