Join Team Northern Lights
Summer Opportunities
Join Us at Camp Northern Lights for the Summer of a Lifetime!
Ready for a summer full of ice cream, camp songs, lake life, camping, s’mores, and more? At Camp Northern Lights, you’ll join a family camp community rooted in joy, play, and belonging. Whether you’re taking campers on a sunset paddle, performing skits at Bear Island Stage, or crafting in the Family Art Barn, you’ll grow, lead, and make a lasting impact.
As a member of our summer staff, you will:
- Make a positive impact on our family camp community, from campers aged 0 to 100 years old
- Build lifelong connections and friendships within our camp community
- Grow your leadership skills by serving as a mentor and guide
- Learn to manage risk in a wilderness setting
- Strengthen your group management, conflict resolution, and facilitation skills
If you’re excited to challenge yourself, support others, and be part of something meaningful, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today using the links below, or contact our summer program director with questions!
Contact our Summer Program Director: jenessa.carlisle@ymcanorth.org
Summer 2026 Hiring Timeline
- December 1st – Applications Open
- February 15th – Applications for Return Staff Due
- March 1st – Applications for New Staff Due
We will be conducting interviews on a rolling basis beginning January 1st.
Summer 2026 Positions
Program Staff (Overnight Camp Counselors)
Duration: May 26 – September 7*
*Staff may leave earlier depending on scheduling conflicts
Minimum Age: 18
Benefits and Pay:
- Free Seasonal YMCA Membership
- YMCA Program Discounts
- $80/Day (Depending on Qualifications) + Free Room & Board
- Subsidized Lifeguarding Certifications
Description: Program Staff (Overnight Camp Counselors) are responsible for planning, leading, coordinating, and implementing core and non-core programs and experiences for children and/or adults in a small group setting in daily family camp setting. They will also be responsible for the general safety and development, growth, and skill achievement of the participants in their group. Program Staff provide high quality outdoor educational and recreational experiences for campers.
Program/Support Staff Leads (Overnight Camp Leads)
Duration: May 26 – September 7*
*Staff may leave earlier depending on scheduling conflicts
Minimum Age: 18
Benefits and Pay:
- Free Seasonal YMCA Membership
- YMCA Program Discounts
- $90/Day (Depending on Qualifications) + Free Room & Board
- Subsidized Lifeguarding Certifications
Description: Program/Support Staff Leads (Overnight Camp Lead) are responsible for leading a designated program or activity, acting as a unit lead and/or providing program support at camp.
Please apply for this position if you are interested in being:
- Leadership Development Program Lead
- Naturalist
- Family Art Barn Leads
- Center for Outdoor Ventures & Exploration (COVE) Lead
- Nursery Lead
- Bike Lead
- Anna Marie’s (Store) Lead/Coordinators
- Garden Lead
- Yoga Lead
- Program Lead
- Office Coordinator
Program/Support Leads may support Program Staff as a unit or activity lead, as well as direct service to campers.
Kitchen Staff
Duration: May 26 – September 7*
*Staff may leave earlier depending on scheduling conflicts
Minimum Age: 18
Benefits and Pay:
- Free Seasonal YMCA Membership
- YMCA Program Discounts
- $16/Hour (Depending on Qualifications) + Free Room & Board
Description: The Northern Lights Camp Kitchen Staff play a key role in creating a positive dining experience at Camp Northern Lights by preparing, serving, and cleaning up after nutritious meals. Under the direction of the Kitchen Manager, Kitchen Staff assist with meal preparation, maintain appropriate health and safety standards, ensure cleanliness in all kitchen and dining areas, and help manage food supplies and inventory. For more information, please refer to the job posting on YMCA of the North, Job Opportunities page, by searching “Northern Lights”.
Maintenance Technician Staff
Duration: May 26 – September 7*
*Staff may leave earlier depending on scheduling conflicts
Minimum Age: 18
Benefits and Pay:
- Free Seasonal YMCA Membership
- YMCA Program Discounts
- $16/Hour (Depending on Qualifications) + Free Room & Board
Description: The Camp Maintenance Technician supports the Property Manager in maintaining camp facilities and grounds, completing daily checklists, and preventive maintenance. Duties can include but are not limited to trail and grounds maintenance, equipment cleaning, minor electrical and plumbing repairs, operating and maintaining outboard motorboats, and basic carpentry skills. This role ensures the camp remains safe, clean, and well-maintained while contributing to an efficient and welcoming environment. For more information, please refer to the job posting on YMCA of the North, Job Opportunities page, by searching “Northern Lights”.
Questions?
Please reach out to Jenessa Carlisle, Summer Program Director, at Jenessa.carlisle@ymcanorth.org.