Camp Wa-Ya Intern Program
Paid Outdoor Leadership Internship for High School Students
Thanks for your interest in our Internship Program. We are no longer accepting applications for 2024, but we hope you’ll consider applying next year.
If you are interested in attending Wa-Ya as a camper, we still have space available in our overnight Adventure Camp Trips for youth ages 12-17. These trips are a great way to build leadership skills!
Hands-on Learning
Wa-Ya Interns will gain invaluable leadership & hands-on job training skills in an integrated and outdoor environment. They will learn the management structures of summer camp operations and the logistics that are necessary for the support and delivery of science & adventure-based activities. Interns will be trained in developing and teaching lessons centered around a science-based curriculum, in combination with Indigenous practices and arts, outdoor adventure, and environmental stewardship. Interns will also gain experience in environmental education, group management, and technical skills training.
Wa-Ya runs a 10-week summer camp program with Day Camp offerings for ages 6-13 and Adventure Camp trips for ages 12-17. 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.
Intern responsibilities
Wa-Ya Interns are an integral part of our summer program and work closely with the Lead/Assistant Instructor team to manage a group of 9-13 campers. While the Outdoor Leadership Internship is designed to be a learning experience, Interns are expected to deliver on the following responsibilities:
Support Instructors in delivery of lessons and curriculum.
Assist with creating and implementing activities, with ample opportunities for taking on more responsibility as desired.
Provide instructional support in outdoor pursuits such as hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, survival skills, yoga, Indigenous culture, and art projects.
Assist with the supervision of camper activities (e.g. lessons, games, lunch, downtime).
Participate in day-to-day camp operations, including but not limited to, set-up, clean-up, and managing supplies and equipment.
Engage with parents, guest speakers, board members, and other camp staff.
Follow camp policies and procedures and ensure the safety and well-being of all participants at camp.
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.
(Preferred) familiarity and 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.
First Aid/CPR certification (Wa-Ya can help you get this!).
At least 14 years of age by the first day of your session.
Available to work 8:00 am -4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, and commit to minimum of 2 weeks, up to a maximum of 9 weeks.
compensation
Wa-Ya Summer Interns will be compensated with a weekly $250 stipend.
Application process
Read all the information on this page.
Fill out our online application here: Camp Wa-Ya Internship Application.
Camp Wa-Ya staff will contact you to arrange an interview (in person, by phone, or video call).
Application Due: May 1st, 2024
It is important to note that the internship 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.