Camp Carysbrook provides staff with a holistic model of camper care where staff not only live with campers “in loco parentis”, but also have the opportunity to work with campers at one of our many activities. Each staff position offers a wide range of activity specialization during morning and afternoon activity periods in addition the role of cabin counselor throughout the rest of the day. Whether you work at the waterfront, the barn, outdoor adventure, in the arts, target sports or the many other specialized sports, Camp Carysbrook is a unique setting to provide a fun, engaging, and life-changing professional experience. The summer camp jobs/positions offered are subject to change at the discretion of the Director or Program Coordinator.
Paid Internships
Media Specialist Outdoor and Environmental Education Specialist Education Specialist Business Specialist Behavioral Science Specialist Health/Wellness Specialist Food Services Specialist Customer Service Specialist
2025 Paid Internships Are Available!
Contact the Director, Erika Schlichter, for more details or other opportunities erika@campcarysbrook.com
Why Work at Camp?
Don’t just take our word for it!
The Camp Counselor vs. the Intern, The New York Times
Why Being a Camp Counselor is a Real Job, Linkedin
The Healthcare Manager/Camp Nurse is responsible for overseeing daily operations of the camp infirmary and infirmary staff. She maintains camper and staff health documents and health log, performs regular health screenings of campers and staff, and manages system for record-keeping and dispensing of medication. In an emergency or when off-site medical care is necessary, she will organize and transport the patient to care. MEDICAL CERTIFICATION (EMT/LPN/CNA/RN/NP/MD) REQUIRED.
Fencing
Position Available
The Fencing Instructor gets to introduce campers to the sport of fencing through games and activities that teach skill-building. positioning, equipment safety and maintenance, tournament play, as well as the rules and terminology of the sport! These elements are the basis for the lesson plans each activity period. Fencing develops campersโ agility, awareness, and courage to try something new under the guidance and support of the Fencing Instructor.
Horseback Riding
Position Available
Horseback Riding Instructors get to share their passion for horses and English riding, teaching daily lessons grouped by level at the barn, riding arena, eventing course, trails, and river. Riding lessons comprise the basics of equitation, including tack and groom skills, walk-trot-canter and jumping skills, equine nutrition, and basic equine first aid. Riding Instructors are responsible for risk management while maintaining a positive, fun learning environment. Riding is an optional activity and only those campers who choose to ride signed up at registration for either 3 or 6 times per week. Riding Instructors evaluate camper skill levels and group campers in lessons for instruction. Riding Instructors are also responsible for feedings and barn management tasks. MUST HAVE OR BE WILLING TO OBTAIN INSTRUCTION EXPERIENCE AND INDUSTRY-RECOGNIZED CERTIFICATION OR EQUIVALENT.
Target Shooting/Riflery
Position Available
Learn more about target shooting sports with skill and safety training to join operations at the rifle range. Riflery Instructors operate the rifle range during activity periods teaching campers safety and coaching proper shooting technique, aim and breathing, scoring, tournament play, and equipment maintenance like gun cleaning and sighting. Riflery Instructors coach a variety of ages and skill levels and contribute to the campersโ sense of accomplishment as well as the instructor’s. MUST HAVE OR BE WILLING TO OBTAIN INDUSTRY RECOGNIZED CERTIFICATION/TRAINING COORDINATED AND PAID FOR BY CAMP CARYSBROOK.
Swimming
Positions Available
Swim Instructors/Lifeguards report to the Head of the Waterfront, operating under her direction and meeting with her on a regular basis. Camp Carysbrook has a small lake on the property and is situated on the Little River, both of which are used daily for camper and staff swimming, canoeing, and synchronized swimming. Lifeguard responsibilities include guarding at afternoon free swim and any water-related activity (including tubing) as needed, in addition to assisting with the planning and instruction of daily swim lessons. Guards perform and meet the expectations for necessary lifeguarding skills verification in compliance with current standards and perform routine inservice training. MUST HAVE OR BE WILLING TO OBTAIN RED CROSS LIFEGUARD CERTIFICATION. HEAD OF WATERFRONT MUST HAVE OR BE WILLING TO OBTAIN RED CROSS WATER SAFETY INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATION IN ADDITION TO RED CROSS LIFEGUARD CERTIFICATION.
Wilderness Trip Leader
Position Available
The Wilderness Trip Coordinator takes the lead in planning and coordinating out of camp trips, including caving, climbing and rappelling activities, hiking, canoeing, and occasional overnights off camp grounds to some of the most beautiful corners of the New River Valley. The Wilderness Trip Leader is responsible for planning and logistics of daily out of camp trips to sites scouted and selected prior to orientation. The Wilderness Trip Coordinator liaises with the Health Care Staff, Kitchen Supervisor, Leadership Staff, and Activity specialists to manage risk and provide a rewarding off-site experience. The ability to manage time and to effectively communicate with both campers and other staff is especially important. This position requires the ability to operate a 12-passenger van, a clean driving record and a background in outdoor education/recreation or industry equivalent.
Canoeing
Position Filled
The Canoe Instructor has the opportunity to teach canoeing skills to a variety of ages and levels starting on the lake and progressing to the river all on camp property. Campers who have demonstrated the necessary skills are eligible to participate in a weekly canoe trip outside of camp to some of the most scenic river routes in the New River Valley coordinated by the Canoe Instructor and the Wilderness Trip Coordinator. Canoe Instructors also offer instruction in basic rescue and safety maneuvers. MUST HAVE OR BE WILLING TO OBTAIN AMERICAN CANOE ASSOCIATION CERTIFICATION AND RED CROSS LIFEGUARD CERTIFICATION OR EQUIVALENT COORDINATED AND PAID FOR BY CAMP CARYSBROOK.
Outdoor Living Skills
Position Filled
The Head of OLS has the opportunity to mentor campers in outdoor ethics like leave no trace, basic wilderness first aid, fire building and basic camping skills, hiking including navigation and mapping, as well as basic woodworking (whittling), all while enjoying the natural beauty of the many trails and campsites at camp Carysbrook and the New River Valley. The Head of OLS also gets to coordinate and lead weekly hiking/camping trips to a variety of predetermined destinations offsite. OLS fosters important camper outcomes such as teamwork, problem solving, appreciation for nature and competence in outdoor living. EXPERIENCE HIKING AND CAMPING IS REQUIRED. WILDERNESS FIRST AID CERTIFICATION OR EQUIVALENT IS PREFERRED OR WILLINGNESS TO OBTAIN CERTIFICATION COORDINATED AND PAID FOR BY CAMP CARYSBROOK.
Synchronized Swimming
Position available
Synchronized Swimming is an excellent opportunity for campers to try something new by discovering the beauty of โwater balletโ. The Synchronized Swimming Instructor teaches basic concepts according to predetermined levels and organizes a performance, including routine building, twice per summer where campers and staff can showcase their skills and passion. MUST HAVE OR BE WILLING TO OBTAIN RED CROSS RED CROSS LIFEGUARD CERTIFICATION.
Tumbling
Position available
The tumbling program at Camp Carysbrook is designed so that campers learn and practice the essential techniques of tumbling, yoga, and cheerleading, whereby campers practice these skills and upon assessment move on to more complex skills in a level-based matrix. Tumbling is a fun activity for campers to practice concentration, persistence, and resilience. The Tumbling Instructor coaches campers in skills and, once per session, helps campers coordinate routines for performances of various styles and skill levels.
Dance
Position available
The Dance Instructor teaches a variety of dance styles including ballet, jazz, modern, hip hop, and tap. Daily lesson plans include practice of a variety of concepts within each style,ย games that practice the individual concepts, and routine building. The Dance Instructor assists campers in preparing routines for performance nights once per session as well as other more intensive dance routines in the form of Camp Carysbrook Quest and/or a collaboration with a drama performance at the end of camp.
Arts & Crafts
Position available
The Arts & Crafts Instructor actively engages campers in a wide variety of arts & crafts styles, methods and media, taking care to incorporate camper ideas and interests into program planning and daily activities. Additionally, the Instructor is responsible for planning and implementing camper art shows for established camp Visiting Day and other events. Given the nature of the activity, strong organizational skills and tidiness are a necessity.
Archery
Position available
An Archery Instructor operates the archery range during activity periods to teach campers safety, aim and focus, proper shooting technique, scoring, tournament play, and equipment maintenance like arrow fletching. In this position, you will get the opportunity to showcase your creativity in developing lesson plans to coach a variety of ages and skill levels to contribute to the campersโ confidence in addition to your own. MUST HAVE OR BE WILLING TO OBTAIN INDUSTRY RECOGNIZED CERTIFICATION/TRAINING IN COORDINATION WITH CAMP CARYSBROOK.
Climbing
Position available
The Climbing program is a favorite activity of many campers as it offers a unique opportunity to try something new and, with the guidance of the Climbing instructor, challenges campers to overcome their fears and push their personal limits. The program includes climbing and rappelling activities, both on and off camp grounds as well as the skills necessary to be successful in these activities, including basic knowledge of equipment and safety and climbing techniques. The Climbing Instructor is responsible for: planning weekly out of camp trips at sites scouted and selected prior to orientation; setting up the climbing wall; checking, maintaining, and repairing/arranging for repair, as necessary, all climbing equipment; and keeping accurate records of rope use. Ability to manage time and to effectively coordinate with other staff is especially important. A passion for outdoor adventure and experience climbing and/or caving is required. THIS POSITION REQUIRES UP TO DATE TRAINING IN COMPLIANCE WITH INDUSTRY STANDARDS OR A WILLINGNESS TO COMPLETE SUCH TRAINING PROVIDED BY CAMP CARYSBROOK.
Nature
Position available
Nature is at the core of everything we do at Camp Carysbrook. Following the lead of the Nature Instructor, campers explore the natural world and develop an appreciation for the environment on almost 200 acres of camp property in the New River Valley. Campers develop skills and knowledge in animal and plant identification, weather, basic astronomy, habitats and ecosystems, and sustainability and gardening practices. The Nature Instructor may lead a nature hike or supervise a stargazing overnight once per session to allow campers the opportunity to put their skills and knowledge into practice. Experience in Biology or Environmental Science and a passion for the natural world required.
Recreational Sports
Position available
The Rec Sports Instructor is a passionate fitness enthusiast with experience in a variety of organized sports, recreational sports, conditioning, stretching, and equipment maintenance and safety. Responsible for maintaining a fun and active atmosphere for learning and improving skills, the Rec Sports Instructor coaches campers in not only individual skill concepts of a variety of sports but also how to put those skills together as a team in a game setting. Camp Carysbrook provides a sand volleyball court, tennis courts, playing fields, as well as ping pong tables, badminton, and corn hole. There are no limits to your creativity in organizing and developing games and activities at Rec Sports.
Drama
Position available
The Drama Instructor shares her passion for theater, instructing in costuming, set design, improv, stage management, and play writing. Daily lessons include interactive games and activities to engage campers as they improve their knowledge and have fun with concepts of the stage. Drama is an excellent activity to facilitate creativity, collaboration, overcoming fear of failure, and having fun. The Drama Instructor supervises campers in performing short skits/plays once per session and one final play showcasing all the activity skills and including as many campers and levels of proficiency as possible. The Drama Instructor has previous theater experience and/or experience managing performances.
Music
Position available
The Music Instructor shares her knowledge of and enthusiasm for the basics of voice, tone, pitch, diction and a variety of singing styles and genres. Teaching campers and staff Carysbrook-specific songs is an important tool for creating a sense of fun and belonging at camp. In addition to daily lessons fine-tuning camp songs and creating new ones, the Music Instructor collaborates with the Director to prepare a weekly Campfire Chorus to showcase camper and staff music skills, as they sing a song of choice at Saturday campfire with instrumental accompaniment.
Camp Carysbrook Newspaper
Position available
The Editor of the Little River Record Newspaper compiles a variety of camper-generated articles, creative writing pieces, artwork, puzzles, etc. in the form of a camp newspaper produced once per session. The Editor assists campers with subject matter, grammar and style, and appropriateness for a camp-wide audience. The Editor is responsible for print layout and production of the newspaper, meeting deadlines and showcasing camper skills and talents. The Little River Record is an excellent opportunity for campers to practice writing skills and develop confidence in written communication skills in a fun, creative environment.
Food Services Manager
Position available
The Food Services Manager helps plan, order, and prepare healthy and nutritious meals served in the camp kitchen. She understands health and safety and collaborates with the Director and the Infirmary staff to control and manage food allergies and dietary restrictions (vegan, dairy-free, vegetarian, gluten-free, etc.).
Kitchen Support Staff
Position available
The Kitchen Support Staff assist in facilitating operation of mealtimes, including but not limited to: kitchen and dining hall setup; meal preparation; food storage and safe handling; dish-washing; and sweeping/mopping. Kitchen Support Staff report to the kitchen at 7:30am for breakfast, 12:00 noon for lunch, and 5:00pm for dinner, and they may leave the kitchen when notified by the Kitchen Supervisor. Kitchen Staff members may use free time as they choose. We encourage Kitchen Staff to participate in activities when they are open (though you must give campers space and opportunity to participate first) and to participate in all-camp Evening Programs each night.
For more information on any of our available positions, please contact the Camp Director by phone at 540-382-1670 or by email at erika@campcarysbrook.com.
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3500 Camp Carysbrook Road
Riner, VA 24149
540-382-1670
info@campcarysbrook.com