Spend an Unforgettable Summer at Red Arrow Camp For Boys Overview Are you looking for rewarding summer jobs for teachers or college students? Red Arrow Camp is hiring enthusiastic Summer Camp Counselors for the upcoming season. Join us for a 7-week overnight camp session in Wisconsin's beautiful Northwoods, where you'll mentor boys ages 8-16, enjoy free room and board, earn a comfortable salary, and even become lifeguard certified. This is not just any summer job
- it's an immersive experience that lets you make a difference in young lives while having a blast outdoors.
See why we are nothing like other summer camp counselor jobs. Our staff go on to accomplish great things. "As I've advanced in my career and moved into higher levels of management, there is no doubt in my mind that I learned how to lead during my time at Red Arrow. Holding myself to the highest standard and holding my department accountable came from camp. Dynamic problem-solving and relationship management came from camp. Navigating conflict and collaboration came from camp." Ryan Princer Director Of Development For A Non-Profit "Red Arrow Camp changed my life...What Red Arrow does is give young men the confidence to persevere through adversity, reach outside of their comfort zone, experience new things, and develop new skill sets through hard work and determination. Red Arrow is a magical place with classic traditions and a strong legacy. THE best place on earth!" Max Nimmo Territory Manager at Frito-Lay "My time as a Red Arrow camp counselor was incredibly formative and continues to influence my professional career more than a decade later. It was one of my first real jobs and the first environment where I was given meaningful responsibility. Leading, teaching, and supporting a group of ten-year-olds came with a steep learning curve, but it pushed me to develop skills that have become core to my career success." Matthew Williams Manager In Private Equity Consulting "Being a Counselor at RAC has shaped my career, and life, in many many ways. Testing and refining my core values every day, from learning how to lead, being responsible, communicating effectively, and problem solveing in the moment. Counseling also requires patience, adaptability, and collaboration, all skills that have definitely helped me in the professional world. Doing this has also instilled a strong sense of confidence that I otherwise wouldn't have. Not to mention doing all this while giving the boys (and myself) the best summer of their lives, while tough is extremely rewarding!" Karl Norris Territory Manager "Red Arrow Camp for boys helped me as a young adult become the person I am today. Even though my career has just begun the lessons I learned are crucial in helping me succeed in my current role. The three main attributes I take away from the institution are patience, commitment, and follow through. Red Arrow Camp for boys is a fantastic place to learn how to be responsible and adapt to what ever challenges life may throw your way." George Mayher Teachers Assistant "As an attorney and new father, I find myself grateful for the days I spent growing up at Red Arrow Camp. RAC taught me confidence, leadership, compassion, and brotherhood. I learned how to make meaningful connections with others. Now I have a global web of friends that would all be by my side in a moments notice. As a counselor, I learned how to be a leader and how to care for those that depend on you. Every summer the counselors and campers become a family, creating a brotherhood where I created lifelong memories." Jesse Logan Assistant District Attorney & Civil Attorney Why Work At Red Arrow Camp? You'll live and work on the scenic shores of Trout Lake, surrounded by pine forests and clear water. 80% of our lake's shoreline is protected wilderness, making it an idyllic summer escape. Forget the cubicle
- your "office" will be a sandy beach, a canoe on the lake, or a campfire under the stars! The Red Arrow culture emphasizes positivity, inclusiveness, and "Yes, I Can" attitude in everything we do. We stand out from other camps with our strong backbone of traditions and our "Red Arrow way"
- a focus on character, camaraderie, and pushing past comfort zones.
As a counselor, you'll quickly become part of our camp family and see firsthand why Red Arrow Camp has been called "the best place on earth" by past staff. Why Camp Counseling Is Great For Teachers If you're an educator or aspiring teacher, this is one of the best summer jobs for teachers. Rather than taking on a mundane summer gig, you can keep teaching in a fun, informal environment
- and return to school in the fall with new skills and inspiring stories.
Camp counseling lets you connect with youth in a different setting than the classroom , which can broaden your teaching perspective. In fact, many of our past counselors have gone on to successful careers in education. One long-time teacher started as a Red Arrow counselor; he says "working with kids at Red Arrow Camp provided the start to a 45-year teaching career."  Whether you're a seasoned teacher or a substitute, you'll find camp is a refreshing way to use your talents (and get paid) over the summer. Plus, nothing beats spending July on a lake instead of in a stuffy summer school room! Why Camp counseling Is Great For College Students For college and university students, especially those pursuing fields like education, psychology, recreation, or leadership, being a camp counselor is an ideal summer internship-like experience. It's often said that "working at summer camp is a great summer job for college students" 
- you get to have fun while also building your resume. Future employers and grad programs love to see candidates with demonstrated leadership and teamwork. As a Red Arrow counselor, you'll prove you can handle responsibility, solve problems on the fly, and manage group dynamics
- skills that will serve you in any career .
And if your college offers academic credit for internships, we can work with you to help make your summer at camp count toward credit or service hours. Even if you're not specifically pursuing a child-related career, the confidence and work ethic you develop here will benefit you in any field. Not to mention, you'll forge friendships with peers from other schools and make incredible memories during your college break. Your Experience As A Camp Counselor Being a cabin counselor at Red Arrow is a 24/7 adventure
- similar to being a big brother or parent to your campers.
You will live in a cabin with a small group of boys and a co-counselor, guiding them through each day's routine. From wake-up to lights-out, you're there to keep campers safe, healthy, and happy. Here are some of the rewarding responsibilities you'll take on: Mentor & Role Model Be a positive role model who inspires and motivates children , whether they're learning a new skill or facing a challenge. You'll teach boys important life lessons in teamwork, respect, and perseverance by leading by example every day. Daily Supervision & Care Help campers with daily routines like wake-ups, meals, hygiene, and bedtime. Ensure they brush their teeth, apply sunscreen, stay hydrated and get enough rest. You'll monitor their well-being and step in to support any emotional or physical needs, just like a caring parent would. Lead & Teach Activities During the day, you'll instruct or assist with camp activities in your areas of expertise. Whether you're coaching soccer, teaching a craft, lifeguarding at the swim dock, or leading a wilderness hike, you'll make activities fun, engaging, and safe for all campers. Counselors help each boy try new things and make every camper's summer the most memorable yet . Ensure Safety Camp safety is always a top priority. You'll receive training to respond to first aid situations and will enforce safety guidelines (from waterfront rules to wilderness protocols) to keep everyone secure. As part of our waterfront program, you'll become lifeguard certified if not already
- ensuring you can confidently supervise swimming and boating activities.
Camper Support & Growth Perhaps most importantly, you will act as a mentor and friend . You'll cheer on your campers' successes and help them overcome frustrations. By the end of camp, you'll have formed deep bonds as you watch each boy grow in confidence and achieve things he never thought possible. (One counselor observed campers making "enormous mental and physical achievements beyond what they thought they could do" by summer's end.) In short, this role calls for heart, humor, and leadership . It's hard work — but absolutely the most fulfilling job you'll ever have. Many of our counselors say "there isn't a day that goes by" that they don't think about the impact of their Red Arrow summer! "The first day at camp I laughed at the giant "Yes, I Can" sign on the building. It looked cheesy and tacky. By the end of the summer I was watching 8, 9, 10 year olds be inspired by that phrase and make enormous mental and physical achievements beyond what they were comfortable with and what they thought they could do. A picture of that building and sign now hang in my office. It and all the campers and 4 counselors I worked with inspire me daily." Tony Cordona Former Counselor During and after my five summers at RAC I wholly shifted my professional focus from engineering to education & coaching. I am a better person after working at RAC. It's where I learned how to be a coach and how I can be an effective leader. Rich Pruszynski Former Counselor "There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about my experiences at Red Arrow. My entire adult life has been, and will continue to be, influenced by the values and traditions I learned from all the men I worked with at camp in the 70's." Ed Beierlein Former Counselor Activities and Community At Red Arrow Camp, no two days are the same. Counselors and campers dive into a wide range of activities, embracing a spirit of adventure, camaraderie, and tradition. From team sports on the field to water sports on the lake, you'll have a chance to share your passions and maybe discover new ones alongside the boys. Our activity program is extensive
- we offer everything from swimming, sailing, waterskiing, and canoeing to basketball, lacrosse, archery, and horseback riding.
We also have creative and enrichment activities like woodworking, drama, nature study, and even PADI-certified scuba diving for the truly adventurous. As a counselor, you might spend your morning teaching a camper how to shoot an arrow, and your afternoon cheering on your cabin in a kickball tournament. Every evening brings campfires, skits, or stories under the stars. Life at camp is active, engaging, and filled with laughter. Our program truly sets us apart from other summer camp counselor jobs in Wisconsin. One thing that sets Red Arrow apart is our strong sense of community and tradition. We start each day as a whole camp, and across 7 weeks together we become like family. You'll take part in beloved camp traditions
- from spirited competitions to wilderness trips
- that build confidence and character in our boys. In the photo above, for example, our counselors literally lift up their campers, forming a human pyramid beneath the iconic "Yes, I Can" sign. This motto isn't just a slogan on a wall
- it's woven into everyday camp life.
Counselors encourage boys to tackle new challenges with a "Yes, I can" attitude, whether it's swimming their first lap across the lake or performing on stage for the first time. By summer's end, you'll witness shy campers transformed into brave, curious young men. "By the end of the summer I was watching 8, 9, 10-year-olds be inspired by that phrase and make enormous achievements beyond what they thought they could do," recalls one Red Arrow counselor of the Yes I Can spirit. As a counselor, you play a huge part in this transformation
- guiding, cheering, and celebrating each boy's growth. And it's not just the campers who grow
- our counselors do too.
You'll find yourself challenged to step up as a leader and try new things as well. But you won't be alone: you'll have the support of camp directors and veteran staff who mentor newer counselors. By living and working together, our staff form their own tight-knit community. Past counselors often say they make lifelong friends with their co-workers during this journey. Working at Red Arrow is as much about personal growth for you as it is for the campers. How to Become A Summer Camp Counselor At Red Arrow Camp Does the idea of spending your summer outdoors, making a positive impact on kids, and gaining unbeatable experience excite you? If so, we want to hear from you! Red Arrow Camp is currently accepting applications for Summer Camp Counselor positions. Spaces are limited
- we purposefully keep our staff small to maintain our 3:1 camper-to-counselor ratio
- so we encourage you to apply early. Join us and become part of a legacy over 100 years in the making. If you've been searching for "summer camp counselor jobs" or the perfect "summer job for teachers", this is your opportunity to do something truly meaningful. At Red Arrow Camp, you won't just spend a summer
- you'll change lives, including your own.
Don't wait—take the next step toward an unforgettable summer. to become a Red Arrow Camp Counselor and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!
QUALIFICATIONS
Gender:
Must be male.
Age & Education:
Must be 18 or older and have completed at least one year of college (or equivalent). (Our counselors are generally ages 19+.)
Availability:
Able to commit to the full camp season, approximately mid-June through early August.
Character:
Passion for working with kids is a must! You should be patient, compassionate, and have a sense of humor. We look for role models who can uphold high standards of behavior and exercise good judgment when caring for children.
Skills :
Strong teamwork and communication skills. You'll be living and working closely with fellow staff. Being adaptable and positive in a fast-paced, outdoor environment is important. Specific talents like sports, music, arts, or outdoor skills are a plus since you'll be teaching activities
- let us know what you love to do!
Background Check:
Must pass standard background checks and drug screening, as required by camp policy and law
- the safety of our campers is non-negotiable. Benefits Stipend
- Earn $4,000+ for the summer, based on a 7-week season.
(
Note:
Opportunities for additional pay may be available for certain certifications or extra duties.) This salary is among the higher end for camp counselor jobs, and you won't be incurring many expenses during camp. Free Room & Board
- All counselors receive free housing and meals for the entire summer. Enjoy delicious camp food (and yes, s'mores by the campfire!) and no rent or grocery costs while you're here. Your lodging is a rustic cabin under the pines, steps away from beautiful Trout Lake. Room and board are included at no cost. Lifeguard Certification
- We provide American Red Cross lifeguard training to our staff at camp. You'll have the opportunity to get certified (or renew your certification) in lifesaving skills. This not only prepares you for supervising waterfront activities, but it's also a valuable resume booster for future jobs (and could qualify you for other high-paying summer gigs, like pool lifeguarding). Professional Development
- A summer at Red Arrow will supercharge your leadership and teamwork skills. Many business executives note that experience working at a summer camp translates into excellent management abilities. In a recent survey of our own former counselors, 100% said their Red Arrow experience influenced their career path and made them a better professional. Networking & References
- You'll work alongside a diverse staff of college students, educators, and professionals from across the country. The friendships and connections you form here often last a lifetime (both personally and professionally). Future employers and grad schools are impressed by applicants who have spent a summer giving back as a camp counselor. Outdoor Fun & Fitness
- Say goodbye to a sedentary summer job. At camp you'll stay active, spending your days swimming, running, hiking, and playing sports. It's a perfect way to stay in shape and soak up vitamin D all summer long. You'll return home healthy, energized, and with countless stories of adventure. Memories & Impact
- The intangible benefits might be the biggest perk of all. You'll make lifelong memories with campers and fellow staff
- singing camp songs, paddling at sunset, conquering hikes, and sharing laughs.
You'll also go home knowing that you truly made a difference in the lives of young people.
