Staff Positions

If you’re great with kids, have a lot of energy, love to sleep in a cabin, tent, and spend an occasional night in a tree house or on a soccer field, then you may have a future as a counselor at Four Winds Westward Ho!

As a counselor, you’ll be living with and caring for a group of 4-6 campers in a cabin (girls) or tent (boys). You’ll be with your kids in the evening and through the night, and you’ll also share your mealtime, rest hour, and special activities with them. During the daytime activities, you’ll go your separate ways while you teach in your activity area and the campers go to their scheduled activities. You’ll have a great opportunity to get to know each of your campers, and serve as a mentor, coach, and role model during their time at camp.

Being a camp counselor is an incredible way to spend your summer! You’ll make friends you’ll remember for a lifetime, learn songs you’ll be singing all year, and have an experience you’ll never forget. You’ll also participate in a comprehensive staff-training program that will teach skills you can use at camp and in the future, and be rewarded with the appreciation and respect of campers who sincerely enjoy spending time with you. Our pay is competitive with other similar camps, and our beautiful location will be an experience in itself. Most counselors either return or recommend others to our program.

In addition to being a live-in counselor, you’ll also be teaching in an activity area at camp, such as sailing, land sports, barn, garden or arts and crafts. See the Activities section for more details. You will be responsible for lesson planning, attending weekly meetings, delivering a creative and purposeful curriculum, and the safety of your campers at all times.

If you’re ready to apply for a position as a camp counselor, fill out a counseling application. We’ll be in touch to find out more about you and contact you for a personal interview.

To be a counselor, you need to have some experience teaching and caring for kids, be 18 or older, have completed your first year of college (or equivalent), and be ready to assume a challenging, yet rewarding position. You must also hold current CPR and First Aid certifications from an approved institution. Additionally, if you are hired to work on the waterfront, you must also hold a valid lifeguard certificate. Contact us for a list of approved courses.

Assistant Counselors are members of our Leadership Training Program. As an Assistant Counselor (AC), you will be assigned to live with a cabin group, and counselor, for each of the main summer sessions. One of your primary duties as an AC is to cover, or substitute, for neighboring counselors on their days off. You will become familiar with your assigned age group, and will have many opportunities to learn from, teach alongside, and provide support for our fabulous counseling staff. ACs are also active instructors in an activity area as our Counselors are. Assistant Counselors are employed at camp for both sessions and participate fully in our 10-day staff training before the campers arrive.

You must be graduating from high school this year, to apply for a position as an Assistant Counselor.

As the Head of Girl’s camp, you’ll coordinate the activities of 21 female counselors, up to 6 assistant counselors, 90 female campers and their living quarters. You’ll be training and mentoring the female counseling staff, managing the daily affairs of girls’ side of camp, conducting counselor evaluations, and work closely with Assistant Director and Camp Director. You should be a positive role model for both campers and staff, and be familiar with Four Winds practices and traditions. Experience with kids of different ages and supervisory experience is a must. Bloomers will be provided.

As the Head of Boy’s camp, you’ll coordinate the activities of 18 male counselors, up to 6 assistant counselors, 80 male campers and their living quarters. You’ll be training and mentoring the male counseling staff, managing the daily affairs of boys’ side of camp, conducting counselor evaluations, and work closely with Assistant Director and Camp Director. You should be a positive role model for both campers and staff, and be familiar with Four Winds practices and traditions. Experience with kids of different ages and supervisory experience is a must.

As our CT Mom or Dad, you’ll direct the training program of 12 high school juniors and seniors for two 1-month sessions. You’ll plan daily training and supervise their performance, and coordinate out of camp trips. You’ll also supervise the CT’s in the planning of several all-camp activities, coordinate ‘shadowing’ or mentor relationships between CT and Counseling staff, counselor meal coverages, and one overnight coverage for each CT when applicable. As the leader, you’ll provide verbal and written evaluations. One female and one male leader are hired each summer.

As our Helping Hands Mom or Dad you’ll direct the service learning program of 12 high school juniors and seniors for two 1-month sessions. The Helping Hands hold jobs like Dishwashers, Activity Area Hands, and Office Assistants. You’ll live with them and help them as they make their transition from camper to staff. As the leader, you’ll provide verbal and written evaluations. In addition to your duties as the Helping Hands Leader, you’ll also hold a service position in camp such as Driver, Office Assistant, or Lodgekeeper – you’ll be working alongside your Helping Hands! One female and one male leader are hired each summer.

Our waterfront program at camp is very popular, and with so many activities offered to campers, it takes a special person who can coordinate and supervise it all. We’re looking for that special someone to manage this program this summer!

The Head of Specialists position was an exciting addition to our staff team in Summer 2019. Each summer, we hire a team of at least 20 Specialist staff to work in a variety of areas at camp and they need someone to support them in making their Camp experience fantastic!

You will support and help to guide a staff of at least 20, all working in areas ranging from the Office, Barn, Trips, Logistics and many more. You will help to ensure that Specialist staff feel included and aware of the happenings at camp, organize regular Specialist group meetings and provide verbal and written feedback for each Specialist staff member. When you are not mentoring the Specialist group you will be jumping in to assist in a variety of important tasks to help Camp run smoothly as a whole. You will also provide organizational support and assistance to the Assistant Director.

If you are a people person, savvy organizer and thrive in a faced paced and varied role then this is the position for you. This job takes a high level of people skills, flexibility and problem solving, requires independence and responsibility, and an eagerness to jump in and help with just about anything. We hire one Head of Specialists each summer.

Camp Four Winds Westward Ho has an incredible Arts & Crafts program, and what makes it so incredible are the people who run it! We’re looking for the right person to help lead this program this summer.

As the Head of the Craft Courts (the Four Winds name for the Arts & Crafts area at camp), you’ll plan and execute crafts programs to include pottery, fiber arts, drama, photography, weaving, drawing and painting, woodcarving, music, poetry, and bookbinding. You’ll supervise a diverse staff of 14, and make sure we have enough activities and supplies on the shelves to keep our campers busy. As an activity head, you’ll also get to aid in all-camp program planning. To be the Arts & Crafts Head, you must be creative and have solid people management and organizational skills.

Are you great working with both kids and animals? Can you organize, supervise and support a staff of 10, and care for a wide variety of animals? Do you not mind if people call you “Barnhead”? If so, you may be the person to head our Barn program this summer!

As the Barn Head, you’ll plan and execute our riding program, and supervise a staff of 10 who will teach riding (English and Western), cart driving, horse and stable care and trail riding. You’ll be responsible for health and safety of both campers and horses, and be making sure safety is a priority in all programs. As an activity head, you’ll also get to aid in all-camp program planning

To be the Head of the Barn you must have skills and experience in the activities to be taught and have supervisory experience.

As the Waterfront Director, you’ll supervise staff of 14 sailing, rowing, canoeing and general dock instructors during 4 class periods each day, and coordinate with the Head of Trips to manage our water-based trips program. Mentor and help train other staff in instruction and safety procedures, and coordinate all dock activities. Safety is critical on the waterfront. The ability to work calmly under pressure and enjoy working with kids of all ages is also very important. As an activity head, you’ll also get to aid in all-camp program planning. To apply for this position you must hold current a Lifeguard Certification and have experience supervising a waterfront program.

Our Garden is a favorite place for many campers in camp! And for good reason… Blackberry milkshakes. Herbal tea. Fruit pies. (Just to name a few!)

As the head of the Garden Program, you’ll teach gardening skills, garden crafts projects and cooking. You’ll supervise and schedule garden a team of four instructors/counselors. As an activity head, you’ll also get to aid in all-camp program planning. To be the Head of our Garden Program you must be creative and have good organizational skills.

Soccer. Archery. Lacrosse. Ultimate. More!

As our Head of Land Sports (affectionally known as LSP), you’ll plan and execute programs in tennis, archery, soccer, basketball, ultimate frisbee, volleyball, LaCrosse, pickleball, kickball, and more. You will manage a staff of 14 instructors, and also be responsible for scheduling all-camp sports activities and staff schedules. As an activity head, you’ll also get to aid in all-camp program planning. To be our Head of LSP, you must be comfortable with a non-competitive philosophy and, naturally, you’re great with kids, too!

The Trip Coordinator, also known as the Head of Trips, supports the camp program by planning, supervising, executing, and evaluating a safe, challenging, and fun out-of-camp trip program. The Trip Coordinator helps to coordinate and carry out trip staff training; supports, manages, and evaluates the performance of a staff of 6 trip leaders; ensures that gear, food, and overall scheduling of trips are in order. This position reports directly to Camp Executive Director. They participate and assist in planning the 15-day Trip Leader training period prior to camp, and are a part of the core summer leadership team. The Trip Coordinator may or may not lead trips themselves.

To be the Head of Trips you need current Lifeguarding and Wilderness First Aid (WFA, WFR, or WEMT – we can help get you certified) certifications; experience leading trips in the outdoors; significant experience managing peers and groups; experience coordinating multi-day trip logistics and the ability to safely handle and maneuver canoes and/or kayaks (sailing a plus).

We’re proud of the overnight trips we take, and taking a trip out of camp is one of the highlights for our campers. We’re looking for trip leaders to help make this program a success!

As a trip leader, you’ll plan and lead 1-day to 6-day trips to various destinations throughout the beautiful San Juan Islands. While on land, you’ll teach outdoor skills and environmental care and encourage campers to develop self-sufficiency. Safety is a top priority.

You will lead trips in at least two of the following modes of transportation: kayak, canoe, hiking, and sailing. To be a Trip Leader you need current Lifeguard and Wilderness First Aid (such as WFA, WFR, or WEMT – we can help get you certified!) certifications. Skill and experience leading similar trips is required. We hire 6 Trip Leaders each summer.

Four Winds Westward Ho owns at 62′ yawl called Carlyn, which regularly takes kids on day and overnight trips throughout the San Juan Islands (and beyond). The centerpiece of the Carlyn Program is a 20 day trip with 14-16 year old campers to Princess Louisa Inlet in British Columbia. Critical to the success of our programs aboard Carlyn is our First Mate.

As the First Mate, you’ll assist in planning our program, maintaining the boat, and counseling youngsters while on the water. You’ll work with a USCG licensed skipper and deck hand on multi-day trips with 12 young sailors, ages 9-16. Naturally, you’re great with kids!

You must have documented big boat experience and have Lifeguarding certifications. A USCG 50 ton license and auxiliary sail endorsement are highly preferred. To apply for this position, you must also have completed at least one year of college (or the equivalent).

Four Winds Westward Ho owns at 62′ yawl called Carlyn, which regularly takes kids on day and overnight trips throughout the San Juan Islands (and beyond). The centerpiece of the Carlyn Program is a 20 day trip with 14-16 year old campers to Princess Louisa Inlet in British Columbia. Critical to the success of our programs aboard Carlyn is our Deck Hand.

As the Deck Hand, you’ll assist with all aspects of our program aboard Carlyn. You’ll assist with sailing, counselling campers, and preparing meals. You’ll work with a USCG licensed skipper and deck hand on multi-day trips with 12 young sailors, ages 9-16. Naturally, you’re great with kids!

To apply for this position, you must also have completed at least one year of college (or the equivalent).

Four Winds Westward Ho owns at 62′ yawl called Carlyn, which regularly takes kids on day and overnight trips throughout the San Juan Islands (and beyond). The centerpiece of the Carlyn Program is a 20 day trip with 14-16 year old campers to Princess Louisa Inlet in British Columbia. Critical to the success of our programs aboard the Carlyn is our Galley Coordinator.

As the Galley Coordinator, you’ll work with crew and campers to plan and prepare meals on multi-day trips throughout Northwest waters. Big Boat sailing and cooking experience is highly preferred, as well as experience working with young people, as you’ll also be assisting on other duties while on board.

To apply for this position, you must also have completed at least one year of college (or the equivalent).

At camp, we do all sorts of things. We wear uniforms. We sing songs. We eat. (that’s where you come in…)

As the Kitchen Manager, you’ll organize as well as supervise a total of 8 staff, and manage the daily routines of the kitchen/lodge area. You’ll be in charge of ordering food and supplies for the kitchen and lodge, planning the daily menu and working with the other administrative staff to run a smooth kitchen team.

To be our Kitchen Manager, food service management experience is required.

At camp, we try to provide the most positive experience possible for kids ages 9-16. They learn arts and crafts. They learn how to sail. They eat. If you’re a cook with experience feeding 300, you might be the one we’re looking for.

As Head Cook, you’re responsible for all aspects of the preparation and service of 3 meals a day for 300 people. You must help teach, direct and manage other kitchen staff, and help with some kitchen maintenance and cleanup. Additionally, you must enjoy working in a busy kitchen and working with other staff and kids. To be a Head Cook you must have excellent organizational and people management skills. We hire two Head Cooks each summer.

At camp, lots of great things happen, but without food, it all comes to a grinding halt. Can you help us prepare and serve 3 meals a day for 300 people?

As a Prep Cook, you’ll work with a team of 10 other people to get 3 wonderful meals a day to the entire camp community. You must enjoy working in a kitchen and working with others. You’ll work with Head Cooks to assist in producing the meals generated by the Kitchen Manager in the menu plan. You’ll also participate in the camp program on special days and evenings, and may teach classes in activity areas.

To be a Prep Cook you must have graduated from high school.

Our baker will need to have some serious dough experience – they will need to bake for the needs of 300 hungry people! You should have experience with large scale baking and commercial kitchen equipment. This position requires responsibility and independence, and ability to work with both staff and kids throughout the summer.

To be our Baker you must have completed one year of college (or the equivalent).

As the Lodgekeeper, you’ll work with a team of people to get 3 wonderful meals a day to the entire camp community of 300. You’ll organize and manage the mealtime procedures for the dining area, we like to call the Lodge. You’ll work with maintenance staff on Lodge repairs, and be responsible for cleaning the Lodge and setting it up for special gatherings. You’ll also participate in the camp program on special days and evenings.

To be our Lodgekeeper you must have completed one year of college (or the equivalent).

The Assistant Head of Barn was an exciting new addition to our staff team for Summer 2018. Our Barn program at camp is very popular, and with so many different components needed to make it a success, it takes a special person who can coordinate and supervise it all. We’re looking for that special someone to assist the Head of Barn to manage the program this summer!

As the Assistant Head of Barn, you’ll help to supervise a staff of 9 during 4 class periods each day. You will mentor and help train other staff in instruction and safety procedures, and help to coordinate all Barn activities. You’ll also act as the Head of Barn in their absence.

Safety is critical in the Barn so the ability to work calmly under pressure and a knowledge of working with horses is a must! Experience working with kids of all ages is also very important. To apply for this position you must have some supervisory experience and been extremely knowledgable about working with horses.

Our waterfront program at camp is very popular, and with so many activities offered to campers, it takes a special person who can coordinate and supervise it all. We’re looking for that special someone to help manage this program this summer!

As the Assistant Waterfront Director, you’ll supervise staff of 14 sailing, canoeing and general dock instructors during 4 class periods each day, and coordinate with the Head of Trips and Head of Waterfront to manage our water-based trips program. You will also mentor and help train other staff in instruction and safety procedures, and coordinate all dock activities. You’ll also act as the Head of Waterfront in their absence. Safety is critical on the waterfront. The ability to work calmly under pressure and enjoy working with kids of all ages is also very important.

To apply for this position, you must hold a current Lifeguard Certification and have experience supervising a waterfront program. You must have also completed one year of college (or the equivalent).

As a Barn Instructor, you’ll assist the Head and Assistant Head of the Barn in maintaining the barn, working with and taking care of the horses and teaching riding classes in English and/or Western disciplines.

To be successful, you’ll have experience with both horses and riding instruction. Safety is always a top priority in the Barn. To be a Barn Instructor, you must have completed one year of college (or equivalent). We hire three riding instructors each summer.

There are two year round families that live on the property and have kids ages 6-13 years old.  We hire two nannies to collaborate as a team to care for the children while we are out running camp. One nanny’s primary duty will be to work with a teenager who has special needs while the other nanny’s focus is on the younger children.

Childcare experience is required for this job.

At camp, we live without many of the modern conveniences of everyday life. We go without electricity and cell phones, and walk to where we need to go. So why do we need a driver?

Well, occasionally we run out of butter. Sometimes we need to pick a visitor up at the airport, or take a sick camper to the doctor. We also need to safely deliver 180 kids to camp, and return them home at the end of the session.

As the camp Driver, you’ll assist with picking kids up at the airport, and coordinate laundry pickup and delivery. You’ll work with nurse to assist in medical center transportation, assist with mail pickup, and run errands for just about anything, like a door hinge or butter. When not driving, you’ll be spending time with our campers, so you should be great with kids as well.

To be our driver, you must have a valid driver’s license.

“This camp is built to music, therefore built forever,” says a woodcarving outside our lodge. It outlines how important our music program is at camp.

As our Music Director, you’ll learn, teach, and lead traditional Four Winds Camp songs, folk songs, as well as introduce new music to campers and staff. You will aid in all-camp program planning, organize our weekly evening fires, and help plan special days and weekends. You should be very confident performing in front of campers and staff, have experience in leading group singing, be able to teach songs, and play guitar or a similar instrument.

Our camp also has a recording studio where kids can record their own songs. If you have experience using ProTools on a Macintosh, that is a plus! (Not required).

To be our Music Director you must have completed one year of college (or the equivalent).

At camp we emphasize safety, and over the years, we’ve had an excellent track record. As careful as we are, we still need a skilled nurse to help make our summer a success.

The Nurse will live and work in our modern infirmary (“Health House” as we call it at camp) and work with a local physician here on the island. As the Nurse, you’ll train our staff in First Aid procedures, encourage self-sufficiency and good self-care. You’ll help dispense medication to campers during meals, take care of illnesses and injuries, the occasional bee sting, and be available for any medical emergencies. Although you’ll have regular ‘Nurse Hours’ at camp, you’ll be on-call and ready to respond when needed while in camp.

To be our camp Nurse, you must be a Registered Nurse (RN) with Washington State or be able to obtain the license before arriving at Camp. You should be great with kids and barnacle scrapes.

Although our Nurse is available to dispense medication and treat campers, there’s time when they could use a little help. That’s where you come in…

As the Nurse Assistant, you’ll assist our nurse with basic first aid, medication distribution and preventative practices. You may be asked to help to transport campers to our medical clinic here on the island, help with a splinter, or provide first aid to an injured or sick camper or staff member.

To be our Nurse Assistant, you must have experience working with children and some experience in a medical setting. Advanced First Aid and CPR certifications are a plus.

Do you realize how much mail 180 campers get each day? Add to that 100 staff members and you’ll get the picture!

As our office assistant, you’ll assist in our camp office, take responsibility for the mail each day, and take on important administrative duties on our year round staff members’ days off. The job takes a high level of flexibility and problem solving, requires independence and responsibility, and an eagerness to jump in and help with just about anything. You will also have opportunity to teach and/or assist in classes, so you should be great with kids as well!

We need someone to take a whole lot of photos this summer. We need photos of every cabin group, of each activity area, of our evening activities, of kids just having fun, of staff members putting fake tattoos on a camper’s arm – get the idea?

In addition, we need someone who can help us in teaching photography to campers, someone who is comfortable with both digital and film photography, and someone who loves kids!

We know it’s a tall order, but if you have photography experience, a good eye, and a big heart, maybe that person is you. To be our Photographer you must have completed one year of college (or the equivalent).

The Special Project Assistant position was an exciting addition to our staff team in Summer 2018. Each summer, we hire three Special Project Assistants, to individually support our Head of Girls, Head of Boys and Special Project Manager in their daily duties.

If you are a savvy organizer and thrive in a faced paced and varied role then this is the position for you. This job takes a high level of flexibility and problem solving, requires independence and responsibility, and an eagerness to jump in and help with just about anything.

To be a Special Projects Assistant you must have completed one year of college (or equivalent).