Working on summer camp staff is more than a summer job; it is an investment in the lives of youth and children of Nashville and Middle Tennessee, as well as yourself. You may just be looking for a fun way to spend your summer, but you realize the memories and friendships that you make will last a lifetime. Have you considered the impact that you can have on the campers of Camp Widjiwagan? Summer camp staff members are more than just friends and teachers, they are role models that will help shape and mold the minds of the campers that they encounter.
To apply for a camp position please complete the Staff Application and mail it to: YMCA Camp Widjiwagan, Attn. Laura Johnson, 3088 Smith Springs Rd, Antioch, TN 37013 or fax to 615-360-2119. Please e-mail Laura Johnson with any questions.
Visit our Jobs Web site for current employment opportunities.
Summer Seasonal Positions
The primary responsibility of every staff member at Camp Widjiwagan is to put the needs of the campers first, make them feel part of the group, resolve conflicts, help campers make friends, anticipate problems before they happen, recognize the sick, sad or self-conscious child. All positions require being on your feet all day and out in the elements of a Tennessee summer. The following are descriptions of the summer seasonal positions. Each position is listed along with a brief description of the position. Minimum preferred requirements for each position are also listed. First Aid and CPR are required for all positions.
Camp Counselor
The Camp Counselor is the key to the overall success of the summer camp program. The Camp Counselor's duties are to maintain the safety of and supervise their "tribe" of 8-14 campers. Responsibilities include guiding campers in character development of being honest, caring, responsible and respectful. Teach skill development in all activities at camp, maintain correspondence home to the parents of campers, serve as a bus or cabin counselor, and be an appropriate role model for all campers. Counselors are also expected to represent Camp Widjiwagan and the YMCA of Middle Tennessee in a positive manner. All Camp Counselors must have experience with leadership and/or working with children. Applicants must be a high school graduate or 18 years old by the start of the summer.
Program Staff
Aquatic Staff
Aquatic Staff members at Camp Widjiwagan are more that just lifeguards, the facilitate canoeing, kayaking, banana boat, sailing and waterskiing. All aquatic staff will participate in an Ellis and Associates lifeguard class during program staff training. If you are not currently certified, you must attend all days of staff training. Your position as a lifeguard is contingent upon passing the lifeguard class.
Ropes Staff
The Ropes Staff at Camp Widjiwagan supervise and facilitate all of the challenge course elements at Camp Widjiwagan . These activities include our Alpine Tower, Giant Swing, Zip Line, High Ropes Course, Pamper Pole, Mt. Widji Team Climb, Ground Initiatives and Archery. Climbing and Archery experience is helpful, but not required. All Ropes Staff members are certified by Alpine Towers, Inc. during program staff training.
Equestrian Staff
Our Equestrian Staff provide instruction in private and in group riding. Equestrian Staff are also responsible for the maintenance of the barn, tack and herd. Previous riding experience is required, and previous teaching experience is helpful. CHA certification is helpful, but is not required. Applicants must be a high school graduate or 18 years old by the start of the summer.
Photographer
The Photographer is responsible for photographing all camp activities and compiling session slideshows and uploading for online sharing. The photographer needs to take a variety of pictures with all the age groups and capture the camp experience with photos.
Administrative Staff
Administrative staff aids the Camp Directors in the overall operation and administration of the summer camp program and leadership of the camp staff. Administrative staff must have previous camp experience and leadership experience. Applicants must be a high school graduate or 18 years old by the start of the summer.
Nation Chief
The Nation Chief provides overall leadership for campers and staff including directly supervising, evaluating, and training the counselors. They also assist with planning programs, managing tribe schedules and communicating with camper parents. They are responsible for maintaining the overall safety and welfare of the campers in their Nation including camper discipline, health and safety. Nation Chiefs must possess strong communication skills.
Program Directors
Boating, Camp Store, Crafts Assistant, Equestrian, Head Lifeguard, Ropes, Sailing
Each program director will provide leadership and supervision of their respective program area and staff. Responsibilities include supervision and implementation of the curriculum, scheduling, maintenance of facilities and equipment, and providing safe activity areas. Program Directors must fulfill the requirements of the Nation Chief, and have teaching, leadership and supervisory experience in their program area.
Land Director
The Land Director provides overall management and support to all land programs and staff including supervising the ropes, equestrian, camp store and crafts directors. The Land Director also develops and leads the evening programs and manages all land activity areas.
Water Director
The Water Director provides overall management and support to all aquatic programs and staff including supervising the Head lifeguard, boating and sailing directors. The Water Director supervises the Spirit of America program, lifeguard in-service and Canoe with a Parent program. The Water director must be 21 years of age.
Camper Services
The Camper Services staff will ensure that all aspects of each camper's experience at Camp Widjiwagan is positive! The Camper Services team is our leader in customer service for parents and campers as well as in the camp community. Camper services has two positions that divide the supervision of the Nation Chiefs, , attendance, tribe assignments and schedules, and Dog Tag award and staff recognition programs. Camper services staff must have 2-3 years of summer camp experience and preferable 1 year of that at Camp Widjiwagan.
Transportation Director
The transportation director manages all aspects of camper arrival and departure daily including the 9 bus sites, car riders and overnight camper check in and check out. The transportation Director must have excellent communication skills and be a highly organized individual who relates well with campers, staff and parents. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age.