Explore Being A Camp Team Member

If you’re passionate about changing the world and positively impacting a child’s life, aren’t afraid of hard work, and want a job that is fun, exciting and energizing then there’s no better way to spend your summer than working as a Girl Scouts of Alaska camp team member!

We hold our staff to extremely high standards because our goal is to bring together a team who can change the world. If you work at a Girl Scouts of Alaska camp, you will work together with others who are passionate about positively impacting children’s lives and making the world a better place.

Explore the Extraordinary Adventure of being a camp team member below!

The Application Process

Are you excited by the possibility of joining a team committed to excellence and focused on a mission of “building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place”? Take the next step now:

Steps

Read through the sections of the website that relate to summer camp so you know what camp is all about and what to expect.
Complete the online application, including a few short-answer questions and 3 professional reference contacts.
After applying, you will receive an email confirming that we received your application. In that or a follow-up one, you will find directions to schedule a phone interview. Again, there is only one interview regardless of the camp you are interested in working at. After the interview, we’ll let you know within two weeks whether we’d like you to join our camp team.
If offered a position, sign and return the hiring paperwork. We take this commitment very seriously. For the protection of our camps and our campers, we run background checks on every person we offer a job to. If we receive negative results on the background check or from a job reference after we receive your signed contract, we reserve the right to rescind the job offer.

The Application toggle arrow

Camp Togowoods

Camp Singing Hills

Professional Development Opportunities

What you can gain from working a summer at camp.

It’s not just campers who grow from going to camp. Working at summer camp is one of the best ways to gain real-life experience that will serve you for the rest of your life. Here are some of the critical professional skills you’ll gain:

Development of Character Traits toggle arrow

We define character traits as the ways an individual acts, thinks, and feels that benefit them and the world as a whole. All programming with campers works on different character traits while doing fun activities. Working at camp also provides staff with opportunities to develop different character traits. Character traits such as courage, willpower, kindness, and creativity are not only essential to develop as camp staff but also life skills that all prospective employers seek. These life skills will serve you no matter your life goals!

Direct, Honest, Effective Communication toggle arrow

At camp, we expect staff to work with their peers, supervisors, and campers and have direct, honest, and effective communication. This is a skill that, while working at camp, you will continue to learn and develop. Direct, honest, and effective communication means that drama, gossip, and cliques are not tolerated. Talking about others behind their backs and engaging in passive-aggressive behavior are not tolerated among campers or staff. During staff training, you will learn how to address peers who exhibit this behavior and how to help campers resolve conflicts and communicate effectively. You’ll handle problems directly and help campers do the same.

Leadership toggle arrow

Through the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE) girls discover, connect and take action to make the world a better place. They do this through programming that is girl-led, focuses on learning by doing, and is based on cooperative learning. At camp, we use the ideas of the GSLE to help guide our actions to build the leadership skills of our campers. Doing this, you will also get the opportunity to build your own leadership skills. Each day you will get the chance to develop different aspects of being a leader, from how you interact with your peers and supervisors, your attitude when things get tough, your ability to be kind and compassionate, and see things from other people’s perspectives.

Conflict Resolution toggle arrow

Conflict resolution occurs frequently at camp, among campers, between campers and staff, and among staff members. It is impossible to avoid all conflicts; at times, avoiding them means you aren’t standing up for what you know is right. Working at camp, you will resolve issues by talking, compromising, and being empathetic, kind, and compassionate. You will get some training on how to do this, and you will work with your coworkers to continue to develop your skills. You will also help girls develop conflict-resolution skills by modeling behaviors, facilitating conversations, and creating an environment in which girls can negotiate the complexities of relationships.

Problem Solving and Decision Making toggle arrow

Working at camp, you are part of a larger team that serves Girl Scouts of Alaska members. Each choice you make will impact your co-workers, the campers, and Girl Scouts. Over the summer, you will have opportunities to solve problems and make decisions that will have a lasting impact. You will get training to help you make these choices and chances for feedback as you develop.

Becoming Confident and Capable Employees toggle arrow

For some staff, this is their first job, while others have had many before this. For all jobs, there are things that we all need to do to be successful. At this job, you will have the opportunity to work on these skills in a supportive environment. These skills include: show up on time, dress for the role, do what is ask of you and do it well, get comfortable with conflict, be accountable, respect your coworkers, keep and open mind, be resilient, put the client first, take moments in stride, take initiative, communicate effectively, understand workplace and HR etiquette, and identify stressors and engaging in self-care.

A Camp Staff's Tasks

What does it take to be a camp staff member?

Below are some of the key tasks you’ll do this summer. They aren’t all your responsibilities, but the list will give you a good idea of what you will be doing.

Change Lives toggle arrow

Everything you say and do has the potential to change a child’s life, so:

You’ll help campers build real relationships with each other and model this by working in partnership with the whole staff team.
You’ll help your campers to develop their character traits.
You’ll take primary responsibility for your campers' emotional, physical, and mental well-being.
You’ll empower girls to try things for themselves and be courageous and confident.
You’ll challenge your campers to learn from failure and help them experience success.
You’ll recognize problems before they occur and problem-solve them when they do.
You’ll put the needs of your campers ahead of your own wants.
You’ll think outside the box and always look for a new approach to connect with campers.
You’ll step up and embrace challenges.

Create Program toggle arrow

verything we do at camp, from walking down the road or cleaning the latrines to canoeing or tie-dying, is programming for girls, so:

You’ll create and lead age-appropriate activities that engage your campers.
You’ll supervise all aspects of your campers’ day, including wake-up, meals, rest hours, getting ready for bed, and nighttime.
You’ll guide your campers in fully and successfully participating in camp programming.
You’ll enforce camp health and safety policies and procedures.
You’ll work with your assigned group of campers for the entire time they are at camp.
You’ll maintain appropriate boundaries with campers, keeping your personal life personal.
You’ll actively communicate with your staff partner and camp director about impending and ongoing camper issues.
You may work with the camp director and partner with parents to discuss what their child has learned and how they have grown during their time at camp.

Handle Logistics toggle arrow

There is always a lot going on at camp so:

You’ll prepare for, and actively participate in pre-camp training and staff meetings.
You’ll meet regularly with your camp director to let her know how things are going with your campers and your staff partner and to make plans to move forward.
You’ll turn in all paperwork on time.
You’ll follow all camp rules and policies.

Your Life as a Staff Person toggle arrow

While you are at camp, many of the comforts of home are gone, but you’ll gain so much:

You’ll be surrounded by a team of co-workers and supervisors, all working towards a shared, life-changing goal.
You’ll impact every girl who attends camp, whether you know it or not.
You’ll create memories that will last a lifetime (for yourself and your campers).
You’ll gain valuable, marketable life skills that will help you succeed in any future endeavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

These are some of the most common questions we get asked before staff arrive and during camp training. If you have additional questions not addressed below, please contact camp@girlscoutsalaska.org. We want to make sure expectations are clear.

How long is the camp season? toggle arrow

The length of the camp season depends on the camp's location and position.

Camp Togowoods:
- Arrival Date: Tuesday, June 9. We will coordinate transportation to Camp Togowoods as needed.
- Required Training Dates: June 10-19
- End of Season Dates: Depart Togowoods on July 3 or depart Juneau on August 9
Camp Singing Hills:
- Required Training Dates: Tuesday, May 26- Saturday, May 30
- Camp Dates: Monday-Friday, June 1-July 3
- Last Day of Work (clean-up day): Monday, July 5

Note for all camps: All staff are expected to participate in training and fulfill their job duties through the end of the camp, unless otherwise agreed upon prior to hiring.

Can I have visitors during the summer? toggle arrow

Having family or friends visit you at camp can be a lot of fun! There are a couple of things you need to do BEFORE you have a visitor. You will need to talk with the camp director to get approval for the visitor. Visitors will often not be approved while campers are on site. When you have a visitor at camp, you are responsible for ensuring that they follow all the camp rules and policies.

Will I have time off? toggle arrow

Camp Singing Hills staff will get 1 hour off each workday. you will also have weekends off and your evenings free after you finish up your day at camp.

At Camp Togowoods, you will have two hours off each full day of camp. You will have time off from after dinner on the day campers leave (Friday) until the morning when the campers arrive (Sunday); there is a full day (Saturday) between when campers leave and when they arrive for the next session.

When can I make phone calls or use the internet? toggle arrow

Personal phone calls and technology use are limited to time off only. Cell phones and the internet may be used only during time off (unless your job duties require it) and only in the staff lounge/break room out of sight and sound of campers.

The camp has a phone and internet connection for camp business purposes only. You can give your family and friends the camp phone number if they need to reach you in an emergency.

Can I bring my pets to camp? toggle arrow

We do not allow staff to bring or keep pets of any kind at camp. We are committed to providing a safe place for all girls to attend camp. Not only do many girls have health issues related to animals, but many girls are also afraid of one animal or another.

How can I manage my healthcare needs during the summer? toggle arrow

At Camp Singing Hills, our camp directors hold advanced first-aid certification and serve as our healthcare staff. At Camp Togowoods, there is a healthcare director on staff. All our camps work with local clinics to ensure our campers and staff have access to the healthcare services they need during camp.

During the summer, you may be away from your regular healthcare providers and pharmacy. We suggest talking to your regular healthcare providers to learn how to contact them during the summer if needed, and discuss any care you may need. It is worth checking with your insurance company and pharmacy to see if you can get a 3-month supply of any prescription medication(s) to avoid refilling them during the summer. If you have regular appointments that can be conducted online, speak with the camp director to determine how we can best support your attendance.

How do I do my laundry? toggle arrow

At Camp Togowoods, there is a washer and dryer available for free; we provide detergent. Camper laundry has priority, and you’ll share the machines with your co-workers, so you’ll want to bring enough clothes for one to two weeks.

How do I get mail during the summer? toggle arrow

Writing old-fashioned letters is a great way to keep in contact with friends and family (and a wonderful surprise to receive during your week). Mail needs to be sent to our Anchorage office, which will then be delivered to your camp location. Mail will be delivered to Togowoods and Singing Hills weekly.

Address:
First Name, Last Name
Camp Name Staff (Ex. Camp Togowoods Staff)
2000 W International Airport Rd, Suite C1
Anchorage AK, 99502

Is there free time at night? toggle arrow

At Camp Togowoods, your supervisory responsibilities continue overnight. If you are not on your designated time off, you are expected to be in your unit with campers from the start of nighttime procedures through the end of morning procedures. Staff are expected to remain in their units with campers after lights out.

Are there requirements for physical appearance (i.e., piercings, tattoos, etc.)? toggle arrow

Girl Scouts of Alaska welcomes all invaluable staff members regardless of physical appearance. If you have an inappropriate tattoo or other markings, they must be covered at camp. During staff training, we will talk about how we approach talking about physical appearance, tattoos, and piercings as role models for campers.

What are the policies about drugs, alcohol, and tobacco? toggle arrow

Girl Scouts of Alaska does not tolerate the possession, use, or distribution of any illegal drugs, tobacco, or alcohol at any time on Girl Scouts of Alaska property, in the conduct of Girl Scouts of Alaska business, off property (during work hours), or during non-working hours if it affects job performance. Violating this policy will result in immediate action up to and including termination.

How does food work? toggle arrow

At Camp Singing Hills, you’ll bring your own lunch and eat it with campers each day. At times, there may be restrictions due to staff or camper food allergies.

At Camp Togowoods, meals are included. Camp serves a well-rounded, kid-friendly menu. Staff are expected to sit with girls and eat the same food as campers. Staff with dietary needs (e.g., food allergies, vegetarianism, gluten-free) will be offered options that accommodate their needs.

Is there a dress code? toggle arrow

Camp staff are expected to present a clean, professional camp staff appearance. Inappropriate (revealing, low cut, excessively tight or short, profane, etc.) clothing is prohibited. If the camp director deems your choice of clothing to be inappropriate, they will ask you to change. Camp will provide you with a staff shirt to wear on opening and closing days and on other occasions as assigned by your camp director.

Camp Togowoods

Camp Singing Hills

Questions? Contact camp@girlscoutsalaska.org or 907-248-2250