Job Quick Guide
Here is a quick reference for our main staff positions and minimum job requirements. We strive to create a staff community with diverse perspectives and life experiences. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. For full details, visit our main website at the link below.
Qualifications
General qualifications required for all Positions
Work in a team environment supporting child enrichment in the outdoors
Function well in a community living environment with little personal space
Able to work non-traditional hours befitting a residential summer camp
Hike approximately five miles each day on varied terrain and steep inclines
Work several days in a row, sometimes with little rest
Be comfortable and work effectively in an outdoor or natural setting
Demonstrate mature judgement in high-stress situations
Maintain confidentiality when faced with sensitive issues
Effectively communicate in both verbal and written communications
Lift and carry up to fifty (50) pounds, specifically during a 2-night 3-day backpacking course
Maintain good personal hygiene, health, and well-being without assistance of others
Minimum of 19+ (Exception for 18 years olds who have completed our LIT program)
Base Camp Staff
Mentor (24+)
Join a small cohort of experienced naturalists and educators who are dedicated to learning, exploring, and sharing knowledge about the natural world. Live in staff-only housing, lead morning hikes and afternoon activities, plan and facilitate full-day programs, lead Evening Programs and support Counselors.
Counselor (19+)
Live and work outdoors with children ages 6-15. Assist on hikes, assist and lead classic camp activities, and participate in a vibrant and fun community that values music, theatre, and adventure. Gain teaching and leadership skills in a challenging and nurturing environment with a strong network of guidance and support.
Coordinator
Work with our small, close-knit administrative team as a seasonal leader. Coordinators have specific areas of expertise at Base Camp or on Expeditions and help to manage interns. Put together schedules, provide direct support throughout programs, and help maintain a high-quality experience for campers and staff.
Activity Coordinator
Resident or commuter position. Teach one of our core activities such as Pottery, Archery, Theatre, or Crafts each afternoon. If commuting, participate in community events and activities as desired.
Medical Staff
Resident position. Along with a partner, dispense medication, respond to emergencies, and provide care for campers and staff as needed. Participate in community events and activities as desired.
Kitchen Staff
Resident or commuter positions, Manager or Assistant. Provide three meals and three snacks per day for close to 200 people. Work with a team of 4, understand and accommodate special diets. Participate in community events and activities as desired.
For more information about our Support Staff positions listed above, please reach out to
Executive Director, Catherine Schenck.
Expedition Leaders (21+)
Our teen campers are ready to hit the trails outta Base Camp and YOU are leading the way! Plan advanced backpacking adventures, lead climbing excursions, and fill down time out in the backwoods with meaningful personal challenges for the youth in your care. Requires a high level of independence AND teamwork.
We hire teams of 2-3 leaders for all of our programs including Blue Ridge, Leadership in Training, and Base Camp Expeditions (Mountain Biking, Rock Climbing, Backpacking).
Please reach out to Adventure Director, Josh Rood, with Expeditions-specific questions!
Blue Ridge (BRX)
Resident position, primitive setting. As a team, lead up to 10 high school campers on backpacking trips, river days, and climbing adventures in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Spend most nights at a camp site about a mile away from GRP Base Camp.
Leadership in Training (LIT)
Resident position at GRP Base Camp. Plan program for several weeks at the start of summer, and implement it for four weeks starting in late June. Lead up to 10 rising high school seniors or college freshmen in leadership training, backpacking, and trail work.
Environmental Education (Fall/Spring)
During the spring and fall, GRP hosts visiting school groups for 3- to 5-day overnight explorations. This program is called our School of Environmental Education (SEE). Summer Camp staff may wish to expand their summer season to spring, fall, or both for a multi-season contract. Our SEE team is much smaller than our Summer Camp crew, and all lend a hand during fall and spring to take care of operations like washing dishes, cabin cleaning, and Free Time duties. Thanks to teachers and chaperones, no staff are required to live directly with campers during SEE programs.
There are two program staff positions during SEE:
SEE Hike Leader
Hike Leaders are the primary environmental educators and facilitators for SEE. Most program days require two hikes per day, before and after lunch, in which we connect concepts from students’ classrooms to our 3,400 acres.
This position tends to be the best fit for our summer Mentors, Expedition Leaders, & Coordinators.
SEE Support Staff
Support Staff work directly in programs across many areas such as at the Climbing tower, at Homestead crafts, and on some hikes, strengthening their teaching skills under the guidance of experienced environmental educators. They also complete odds-and-ends projects and serve as GRP liaisons to our visiting school groups.
This position tends to be the best fit for our summer Counselors & Interns.