Keystone Camp

Hiring:

Our Counselor staff will provide a strong foundation in our campers lives by living in a tight-knit community, and through teaching them a variety of skills. Activity instructors teach children valuable lessons by showing campers a new skill, helping them gain more confidence in a familiar activity, and leading by example. Our instructors also serve as cabin counselors. Living in a cabin with eight girls and another co-counselor is also an opportunity for you to be a role model, friend, and leader. Our campers are with us for two, three, or four weeks at a time, so you will get to know them quite well. Working at Keystone will be the most fun and fulfilling summer job you will ever have! Come join us and make lifelong friends and have the best summer ever. Must be available for Staff Development from May 30-June 6 with a commitment to work two sessions minimum.

Principal Duties:

• Responsible for the campers in your cabin and in your activities.

• Participate in and facilitate programs and activities with campers providing the necessary guidance and leadership.

• Serve as a role model and guide campers in appropriate behaviors, language, attitudes, and activities.

• Help campers live and work together as an inclusive cabin unit.

• Facilitate communication, conflict resolution and problem solving between campers.

• Be aware of the ongoing medical needs of campers.

Cabin counselors are also eligible to apply as Heads of Activities. This means you would be responsible for overseeing activity planning and staff performance. Previous experience teaching/coaching an activity is necessary to apply as the head of an activity. Some activities offered at Keystone-

• Kayaking

• Canoeing

• Archery

• Dance

• Ceramics

• Tennis

• Swimming

• Outdoor Education

• Yoga

• Drama/Musical Theater

• Horseback Riding

• Rock Climbing

• Team Sports

• Jewelry Making

• Textiles

• High Ropes/Zip Line

The primary responsibility of the camp photographer is to take pictures of campers and staff throughout each day as well as organising, editing, and uploading photos. The photographer will be responsible for uploading photos at least twice a day to our camp management application for parents to access. The photographer will be responsible for capturing photos of a wide range of activities which requires them to be physically active throughout camp. These photos are also used for marketing and social media which the photographer may also be responsible for during the summer

Knowledge in and experience with photographic skills, editing software and different cameras is desirable for this position. Essential skills include time management, organisation and an interest in working with children. Must be available for Staf Development from May 30-June 6 with a commitment to work the full summer (May 30- August 8).

This is a non-cabin staff position meaning you would not be required to live in a cabin with campers but you may be asked to assist in teaching activities during the day and to participate in camp-wide events. The salary for this position is dependent on qualifications and previous experience.

We are looking for outdoor adventure specialists, who will serve as staff on our off-camp trips and in our outdoor activities on site. The ideal candidates are experienced and proficient in rock climbing, canoeing, whitewater kayaking, backpacking, hiking, or high adventure activities and are enthusiastic about sharing the love of the outdoors with campers. The ideal candidates should be confident in planning and leading trips in wilderness areas. Must be available for Staf Development from May 30-June 6 with a commitment to work two sessions minimum. Additionally, Adventure Staff may be asked to serve as cabin counselors.

Desirable Skills & Abilities:

• A passion for one or more of the following activities- rock climbing, whitewater kayaking, hiking, backpacking, high ropes, zip-lining.

• Enthusiasm and experience working with youth.

• Strong group facilitation, risk management, and decision making skills are necessary.

• Ability to work competently and confidently, both independently and as part of a team.

• Ability to manage a dynamic environment while executing all safety and operational processes involved in planning and leading an adventure based trip.

• WFA/WFR (we are able to subsidise relevant training for the right candidate)

• 21 or over with the ability to drive a 15 passenger van

• Swift Water Rescue certification (we are able to subsidise relevant training for the right candidate)

The Head of Paddling at Keystone is responsible for the on-location Canoeing and Kayaking programs. They will be responsible for facilitating educational lessons and safety at our Canoe Lake. In addition to managing the Paddling program on camp, the Head of Paddling will be responsible for leading whitewater paddling trips (kayaking and/or canoeing) on up to Class III water. We typically have paddling trips head out on section 0 of the French Broad, the Tuckasegee, and the Lower Green if possible.

The ideal candidate has experience whitewater paddling and feels comfortable and confident leading campers on paddling trips. We can provide additional training as needed (Swiftwater Rescue training, ACA courses) but require candidates to have a solid base of knowledge before onboarding.

Qualifications:

• Experience whitewater kayaking on Class II-III water

• Ability to teach Canoeing and Kayaking to many ages and abilities

• Preferred ability to perform and teach a roll in a kayak

• 21+ ideal (not required) with the ability to drive 15 passenger vans, previous trailer towing experience or willingness to learn

• Enthusiasm and experience working with youth.

• Strong group facilitation, risk management, and decision making skills are necessary.

• Ability to work competently and confidently, both independently and as part of a team.

• Ability to manage a dynamic environment while executing all safety and operational processes involved in planning and leading an adventure based trip.

• WFA/WFR (we are able to subsidise relevant training for the right candidate)

• Swift Water Rescue certification (we are able to subsidise relevant training for the right candidate)

Must be available for Staf Development from May 30-June 6 with a commitment to work the full summer (May 30- August 8)

The videographer will be responsible for capturing footage of both campers and staff during daily activities and camp-wide events. They will be responsible for using the footage to edit and create short videos for each session (3 per summer minimum) to be shown to campers and staff and then uploaded for public viewing on social media. The videographer will also create a video showcasing our staff at the end of the summer. This role may also involve creating short videos to use on our social media including staff interviews, clips of trips or special events and marketing footage.

Ideally, applicants for this role would have experience in and a passion for videography. Desirable skills include knowledge of different cameras, video editing software and a level of formal training in videography and or/photography. Applicants for this role must have interests in working with children, working outside and video content creation. Must be available for Staf Development from May 30-June 6 with a commitment to work the full summer (May 30- August 8).

This is a non-cabin staff position meaning you would not be required to live in a cabin with campers but you may be asked to assist in teaching activities during the day and to participate in camp-wide events. The salary for this position is dependent on qualifications and previous experience.

Additional Information About Keystone Camp

Keystone Camp is an all-girls, residential summer camp in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina. Established in 1916, Keystone provides campers with the opportunity to build lifelong friendships and gain new skills. We are looking for staff members that love kids, the outdoors, and creating magical moments that last a lifetime!

We offer a wide range of activities including kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing, outdoor adventure, arts & crafts, horseback riding and many others. We empower our campers to be their best selves in a safe and supportive environment.

Keystone Camp is the perfect home base for adventures in Pisgah National Forest, DuPont State Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Our season officially starts May 30th, 2026 and lasts through August 8th, 2026, with opportunities for training before the season starts.