Birchwood Wilderness Camp

Hiring:

Commitment: 8 weeks + staff training
Compensation: Competitive camp salary ($400-$450 per week) + room and board included

Birchwood Wilderness Camp is seeking dedicated Summer Camp Counselors and Guides to join our team. Located in the heart of northern Minnesota, Birchwood offers campers the chance to experience canoeing in the Boundary Waters, hiking along Lake Superior, and fishing some of the state’s finest waters. Counselors live in rustic cabins with 5–7 boys (ages 7–17) and a co-counselor, leading engaging, safe, and meaningful experiences. Responsibilities include guiding multi-day canoeing, climbing, and hiking trips, as well as running traditional camp activities on weekends.

We’re looking for enthusiastic, responsible leaders who are passionate about the outdoors and about helping boys grow through challenge and adventure. Ideal candidates will have a blend of technical wilderness skills and strong mentoring abilities.

What We’re Looking For:

• Experience or strong interest in canoeing, backpacking, and wilderness living

• Solid understanding of backcountry camping skills — fire building, outdoor cooking, navigation, and Leave No Trace practices

• Ability to lead and support multi-day canoe or hiking trips in remote wilderness settings

• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills

• Genuine interest in mentoring youth, fostering confidence, teamwork, and self-discovery

• Positive attitude, patience, and adaptability in a rustic camp environment

• Comfortable working long days outdoors in a close-knit, community-based setting

• Willingness to embrace all aspects of camp life — from trip leading to cabin life to camp traditions

Preferred (but not required):

• Previous camp counseling or outdoor education experience

• Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification

• CPR/First Aid certification

• Lifeguard certification (optional but valuable)

What You’ll Gain: 

• Lifelong friendships and mentorship experience

• Growth as a teacher, leader, and outdoor professional

• Deep connection to nature and the BWCA wilderness

• A supportive, family-like camp community

• Access to the outdoor industry ProDeals

Commitment: 8 weeks + staff training
Compensation: Competitive camp salary ($800 per week) + room and board included

Our kitchen staff are highly respected here at Birchwood and worshiped by our campers. Friday through Wednesday, our kitchen staff serves three meals each day. Breakfast is served at 8 am, lunch at 12:30 pm, and dinner at 5:30 pm. Wednesday after breakfast until dinner prep begins on Friday is our kitchen staff’s time to enjoy the Northwoods, with one interruption on Thursday afternoon to receive the weekly food order.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee kitchen staff and report directly to Camp Directors

• Plan nutritionally balanced meals (in accordance with state regulations and food licensing), leveraging our years of menus already documented.

• Prepare and submit a weekly food order based on planned menus and food budget.

• Prepare three meals per day for 60 campers and staff with the help of a cook and assistant.

• Work with the Camp Director to respond to special dietary needs of participants

• Clean and prepare food service areas for use and inspection

• Makes use of leftover food in meal preparations as appropriate and safe to minimize waste.

Minimum Requirements:

• Proven experience managing a commercial or institutional kitchen (camp, school, or restaurant setting preferred)

• Strong leadership and teamwork skills — able to supervise, train, and inspire kitchen staff and campers.

• Thorough understanding of food safety and sanitation standards (ServSafe certification or equivalent required)

• Skilled in menu planning, meal preparation, and accommodating dietary needs (including allergies and vegetarian options)

• Experience with inventory control, ordering, and budget management

• Ability to create a positive, efficient, and welcoming kitchen environment

• Comfortable working in a rustic, fast-paced camp setting with flexible hours and changing priorities.

• Physically able to lift and carry up to 40 lbs, stand for extended periods, and maintain energy through long camp days.

• Commitment to sustainability, community, and the camp’s mission of fostering outdoor adventure and connection.

• Access to the outdoor industry ProDeals

Commitment: 8 weeks + staff training
Compensation: Competitive camp salary ($400-$450 per week) + room and board included

Position Overview:
We’re seeking an enthusiastic, experienced Rock Climbing Specialist to join our counselor team. This role combines traditional camp counseling with leading climbing trips throughout the Boundary Waters and along Lake Superior’s North Shore. You’ll mentor campers, set and manage routes, teach climbing safety and technique, and help create a supportive, adventurous, and fun camp culture.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Lead and instruct groups of boys (ages 7–17) in rock climbing activities and trips

• Set routes and maintain safe climbing systems at multiple outdoor locations

• Live in a cabin with 5–7 campers and one co-counselor

• Guide canoeing, hiking, and wilderness expeditions (3–7 days)

• Support daily camp life and activities such as fishing, archery, riflery, arts & crafts, and wilderness cooking

• Foster personal growth, confidence, and teamwork among campers

• Model Birchwood’s values of kindness, curiosity, and resilience

Qualifications: 

• Required: Experience setting up and managing climbing routes

• Preferred: Experience teaching or instructing rock climbing

• Fun-loving, energetic, and patient personality

• Excellent communication and leadership skills

• Ability to thrive in a rustic wilderness environment 

• Willingness to learn new outdoor skills

• Must be in good physical condition (able to portage canoes, hike, and lead trips)

• Commitment to the full camp season, including staff training (beginning June 3rd)

What You’ll Gain: 

• Lifelong friendships and mentorship experience

• Growth as a teacher, leader, and outdoor professional

• Deep connection to nature and the BWCA wilderness

• A supportive, family-like camp community

• Access to the outdoor industry ProDeals