Camp Wa-Ya Leadership Programs

Including Paid Outdoor Internships for High School Students

For Summer 2025, Camp Wa-Ya will be offering two Leadership Programs:

Leaders in Training

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Youth ages 14-16 can join our week-long Leaders In Training (LIT) program. We've created the LIT program for youth who have an interest in working at Wa-Ya in the future or just want to gain related experience.  Participants will practice leadership and teamwork skills, and learn how to manage a group of younger children safely.  They'll also lead some of Wa-Ya's activities with campers, including kayaking, tidepooling, hiking, crafts, and games.

The Leaders In Training Program runs June 23-27 and costs $200. Upon completing the LIT week, participants will be invited to volunteer as camp helpers later in the summer. An application is required.



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Paid Outdoor Leadership Internship

Youth ages 16-18 are invited to apply for our Outdoor Leadership Internship program. Wa-Ya Interns will receive hands-on job training skills in an integrated and outdoor environment. Interns attend a one-day training and then join Wa-Ya’s Day Camp program for two weeks as an assistant instructor, where they will gain experience in environmental education, group management, and technical skills training.

Interns will attend a one-day training in June (date TBA) and then select two weeks during the summer to work at Wa-Ya. Interns are paid $250 per week. An application is required.



qualifications

  • A passion for inspiring and educating youth and connecting them to their authentic selves, their environment, science, and Native perspectives.

  • Demonstrated leadership abilities.

  • Comfortable working outdoors all day in all summer weather conditions.

  • Interest and/or experience in at least two of the following areas: local flora and fauna, environmental education, outdoor adventure activities (including kayaking, rock climbing, hiking, and outdoor survival skills), ecological science/research, Native cultures.  

  • Curiosity, patience, and reliability.


Application process

  1. Read all the information on this page.

  2. Fill out our online application here: Camp Wa-Ya 2025 Leadership Program Application.

  3. Camp Wa-Ya staff will contact you to arrange an interview (in person, by phone, or video call).

Application Due: April 1st, 2025

It is important to note that the leadership program is competitive, with a limited number of slots, and that while Wa-Ya strives to provide opportunities for all who are interested, not all applicants will be selected.

 

Our program is centered around a science-based curriculum, in combination with Indigenous practices and arts, outdoor adventure, and environmental stewardship, and provide an environment that fosters a sense of wonder for Wa-Ya campers.

Camp Wa-Ya staff and campers spend most of their day outdoors, engaged in regular activity. Our programs include hiking, kayaking, and outdoor skills, and Interns should be prepared to work outside in any weather. All Wa-Ya staff engage in a culturally integrated environment, where Wa-Ya’s values of respect, diversity, equity, and inclusion are practiced.