Choosing Camp Lakota for your summer experience is all about the people. Our camp thrives not just on great facilities and a prime location, but on the dedication and passion of our campers and staff. Our counselors, who are genuinely devoted to children, bring patience and commitment to their roles, making every day rewarding. At Lakota, you don’t just work at a camp; you become part of a family, creating lasting bonds and memories with both campers and fellow counselors.
Working at Camp Lakota is unlike any job you’ve ever had, and that’s exactly the point. Here’s an honest look at what this summer has in store for you.
Every staff member goes through a careful screening process, including an application, extensive reference checks, and a criminal background check. Many of our counselors are returning staff or former campers themselves, and we recruit from college campuses across the U.S. as well as internationally. Past staff have joined us from Great Britain, Scotland, and Australia.
Staff arrive about a week before camp starts for a full week of orientation. Every counselor is required to be there from start to finish. Orientation is structured around team building, get-to-know-you activities, and hands-on training. You’ll learn your way around camp, get familiar with our programs, and pick up the most important skills of being a counselor, all before a single camper arrives.
Meet Our Leadership TeamCounselors live in the bunks alongside campers for the summer, supervising and guiding them throughout the session.
You’ll get one day off each week (except the first and last weeks), for five days off total across the summer; days off aren’t cumulative, so plan to use them as they come.
Staff are provided six shirts to wear daily, with casual clothing permitted after dinner. You can always purchase more Lakota apparel through our partner AmeraSport.
See the full list of open roles on our Staff Positions page, or check our Work at Camp Lakota page to read our staff philosophy and FAQs.