Camp Counselors

Interested in being a summer counselor (18+) Cathedral Ridge is looking for young adults passionate about camp ministry to share in an amazing summer of camp! Applications will open February 1.

We’re hiring! Application process opens February 1, 2023.

Second semester has begun and it’s time to start planning for the summer ahead. Hoping to find meaningful work and have some awesome experiences? Consider becoming a camp counselor at Cathedral Ridge! Each year The Episcopal Church in Colorado offers  a variety of summer camps for children and youth across the state. Young adults–hard-working, nurturing, and servant-minded–are key to the success of these camps. The gifts they bring result in changed lives, both their own and the  lives of the campers they serve. Consider being part of this year’s team!

What Are the Dates of the Summer Camp Season?

This year’s camp season begins with staff training June 5th-13th. For 2023 we are offering three family camps in June and three youth camps in July.  Counselors live on site at Cathedral Ridge during camp season.

How Old Do I Have to Be?

Counselors must be at least 18 years old at the start of the camp season.

How Do I Apply?

Applications will be accepted beginning February 1, with hiring decisions made by March 31. The application process includes completion of an on-line application, an in-person or on-line interview, reference checks, and a background check.

Apply now >

What Skills Do I Need?

Working with kids is fun and demanding at the same time. It is hard, but extremely rewarding, work. We are seeking the following skills in our camp counselors:
  • Team player
  • Energetic
  • Strong sense  of fun
  • Ability  to follow through on instructions
  • Positive attitude
  • Good communication skills
  • Ability to go with flow
  • Willingness to learn and to try new things
  • Healthy work attitude
  • Self-motivation
Skills in outdoor activities, such as hiking, archery, and group games, as well as artistic skills are a plus.

Is There Training?

Mandatory staff training for all camps will take place June 5th-13that Cathedral Ridge. This is a time for team-building, counselor skills training, and review of camp schedules, themes, and activities.

In addition, all counselors must have the following certifications prior to staff training:

    • Safe Church, which can be taken on-line
    • First aid and CPR

Who Do I Contact for More Information?

Call or email Elizabeth Cervasio, Director of Children and Youth Ministries, at 720.677.9018, Elizabeth@episcopalcolorado.org.

Why Be a Camp Counselor?

Here’s what  Tom Rosenberg, President/CEO of the American Camp Association   has to say:

1. At camp, you are responsible for more than just yourself.
When you work at camp, you get to work as a mentor, role model and hero to children ages 6-15. Your campers’ parents are not there, so you must act in a parent-like role for a group of children who will rely on you for almost everything during the time they are there. You are there to ensure that your campers are happy, have their individual needs met and have the time of their life. You’ll also be a part of the staff team and will be encouraged to give of yourself to your group and to the camp staff team more than you ever thought possible. At camp, the more you invest yourself in everything you do, the more you will get out of the experience.

2. You get to work in an inspirational environment.
At an internship, you may spend more time in front of a copier or coffee machine than developing valuable skills that will truly prepare you for the workplace. That will not happen if you work at camp. Instead, you will hone your leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, all in a beautiful setting. You will manage yourself and the campers under your care. You will get to try new things and push yourself out of your comfort zone.

3. You can develop professional skills to take with you throughout your career.
The Partnership for 21st Century Learning (P21) emphasizes the following essential life and career skills: flexibility and adaptability; initiative and self-direction; social and cross-cultural skills; productivity and accountability; and leadership and responsibility.

A job at camp will help you develop these skills – and so many more. You will learn flexibility and adaptability, as you work with a variety of people ranging from children to camp directors. You will show initiative and problem-solving when any unexpected circumstances arise. You will be exposed to a multi-cultural community of both campers and counselors and understand what it means to build a caring, supportive community. You will demonstrate accountability as you work to keep children safe and happy. But more than all of this, you will gain a sense of self-fulfillment as you see your campers try new activities, reach their goals, and grow in confidence.

It’s exciting to watch camp staffers become inspired to work professionally with children and youth as social workers, teachers, outdoor educators, psychologists, and clergy. Work at summer camp prepares you for a myriad of careers. I have had the pleasure of working with camp staffers who have gone on to work in the White House, in medicine, in academia, as movie producers, as entrepreneurs, and more. Working at camp expands your career possibilities far more than you might imagine.

Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to meet with a variety of professionals, ranging from business to the nonprofit sector, education to religion. The common thread of those conversations, more often than not, is camp. And, to be honest, I’m not surprised. The skills developed and the experiences gained through a job at camp are universally in demand, regardless of your ultimate career path. So before you hit the submit button for an internship application, consider camp. I guarantee it will be the most impactful workforce development experience of your life.