Positions

2026 Applications Open in November

Join the friendly, enthusiastic, and talented staff at Camp Olson YMCA as we dedicate our summer to creating an extraordinary community of campers and staff. Competitive wages, room, and board are provided for all positions in overnight camp. Camp Olson Staff members are selected because they care. They know how to be responsible while having fun. 

If you have any questions about working for Camp Olson YMCA or the application process, feel free to contact our Camp Director by email (marget@campolson.org).

APPLY NOW!

Camp Olson is seeking a Full-Time Facilities Director.

Click HERE for more information. Email Resume & Cover Letter to john@campolson.org to apply.

Positions, Salaries, and Bonuses

Camp Olson YMCA salaries are based on responsibility, experience, and certifications. The charts below are used to determine weekly salaries for staff and your weekly pay may change throughout the summer, depending on your position and bonuses.

Note: International staff salaries may vary from the grid below, as we have to deduct program fees for VISA sponsors.

Leadership Base Pay
Leadership Development Program Director
$560/week
Unit Leader
$560/week
Program Leadership Base Pay
Horseback Riding Director
$550/week
Sailing Director
$500/week
Outbound Trips Director
$450/week
Waterfront Director
$450/week
Target Sports Director
$450/week
Art Director
$430/week
Fishing Director
$430/week
Program Specialists Base Pay
Horseback Riding Assistant Director
$420/week
Horseback Riding Program Specialist
$400/week
Sailing Program Specialist
$400/week
Outbound Trip Specialist Staff
$400/week
Camper Care and Health Specialist
$400/week
Program and Admin Specialist
$400/week
Cabin Counselors Base Pay
General Counselor
$400/week
Riding Counselor
$400/week
Sailing Counselor
$400/week
Art Counselor
$400/week
Fishing Counselor
$400/week
Leadership Development Program Counselor
$400/week
Food Service Base Pay
Food Service Director
$900/week
Food Service Assistant Manager
$650/week
Food Service Assistant
$450/week
Front of House and Dish Lead
$450/week
Facilities & Grounds Base Pay
Maintenance Assistant
$475/week
Head Groundskeeper
$500/week
Groundskeeper Assistant
$450/week
Head of Housekeeping
$500/week
Housekeeping Assistant
$450/week
Bonuses
Years of Service
$25/week
Staff who are returning to the same position (held for at least 4 weeks in a prior summer) are eligible for this bonus in addition to their years of service bonus.
Weeks of Service
$150-250
After successful completion of 6-7 Youth Camp Weeks, staff will receive a bonus of $150 paid out at the end of youth camp OR

After successful completion of ALL 8 Youth Camp Weeks, staff will receive a bonus of $250 paid out at the end of youth camp
Certifications
$10/week
Staff with valid proof of Lifeguard Certification, Wilderness First Aid Certification, and/or Successful Completion of the Sailing, Horseback Riding, Archery, Riflery, or Mountain Biking Clinic will receive a bonus of $10/week per certification.
LDP Leader
$15-30/week
LDP Leaders will receive the following bonus for their weeks as leaders: LITI – $15/week, LITII – $20/week, LITIII $25/week, CIT -$30/week
Family Camp
$100/week
Staff receive an additional $100 for each week of family camp worked.
Staff Referral
$100-200
Staff Referrals who are 17-20 years old will be paid out at $100 per referral; Referrals who are 21 or older (by start of session) will be paid out at $200 per referral. Referral must successfully complete their contract of at least 6 weeks. Referral bonus will be paid out at end of summer.
*Weekly counts and bonuses only apply to primary camp weeks (Youth & Family Camp). Staff training and pre or post-season pay is base rate only.

All positions are seasonal unless otherwise specified.

Paid Internships are also available for Summer, Fall, and Spring Semesters. Contact margret@campolson.org for more info.

Training & Program Dates

The primary Camp Olson season is 8 weeks of Youth Camp, and 2 weeks of Family Camp. 

Staff and volunteers prepare camp for the summer season—cleaning, organizing, and setting up program areas, cabins, and equipment. This is also the time that horses arrive and boats get prepped and ready for the season.

A tradition where alumni, camper families, and volunteers come together over Memorial Day weekend to help ready camp for summer while enjoying fellowship and the Northwoods.

Leadership team members arrive early to prepare for the summer, develop supervision and program skills, and help plan all-staff training.

Specialized training sessions for staff to earn or renew certifications in areas such as Wilderness First Aid, Lifeguarding, CPR/First Aid, Archery, Riflery, Horseback Riding, Sailing, and Mountain Biking.

*While not mandatory, successful completion of these certifications make you eligible for additional certification bonuses and are required to lead some programs.

A comprehensive week of orientation, team-building, and hands-on program practice to ensure all staff are prepared, confident, and ready to lead campers safely and effectively.

Eight, back to back sessions of weekly overnight camp (Sunday-Saturday) and day camp (Monday-Friday) programs for youth ages 8–16, filled with adventure, friendship, skill-building, and the magic of summer at Camp Olson. Staff have 24 hours between sessions.

Relaxing, memory-filled sessions where families enjoy a classic Northwoods getaway with shared meals, activities, and time together at camp. Staff facilitate programs and morning kid clubs.

“Northwoods” is a 5-day camp for a School in Duluth, MN. Camp Olson provides staff to facilitate horseback riding, while Northwoods provides all other staff and programming for their own campers. Additional Camp Olson Staff help begin the take-down of camp such as cleaning boats, storing equipment, and preparing for fall rental groups.