Adventure Specialist - Overnight Camp

About Girl Scouts of Western Washington

Girl Scouts of Western Washington is consistently and unapologetically committed to providing safe spaces for all girls* to belong. We build Girl Scouts of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. Founded in 1912, our organization has been committed to meeting the needs of our youth members for over a century. We uplift all Girl Scouts in a supportive environment where they can discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges—whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their very first best friends. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. They are the future leaders paving the way toward a brighter tomorrow. To learn more, visit www.girlscoutsww.org.

Girl Scouts of Western Washington values diversity, equity, and inclusion and we foster a welcoming, inclusive work environment. We are an equal opportunity employer, and we do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, age, national origin, gender, veteran status, sexual orientation (heterosexuality, homosexuality, bisexuality, and gender expression of identity), marital status, or the presence of any physical, sensory, or mental disability, or any other protected classification under applicable laws. 

*Girl Scouts of Western Washington uses the term girl inclusively to speak to everyone who identifies with the Girl Scout experience, which includes cisgender girls, gender-expansive youth, transgender youth, non-binary youth, gender nonconforming youth, genderqueer youth, and any girl-identifying human.

About the Position 

The Adventure Specialist plans and executes quality, age-appropriate adventure programming for all campers including archery, backpacking, outdoor skills, and/or team-building activities. The Adventure Specialist sleeps in camper units and helps in various aspects of camp life with that unit, providing support to Unit Counselors when not teaching or preparing lessons. 

Compensation for this position is $115 - $125 per day, with the starting rate dependent on previous employment at GSWW camps.

For the 2026 season, overnight camp staff will divide their summer between Camp Robbinswold (located in Lilliwaup, WA) and Camp St. Albans (located in Allyn, WA). They will begin at St. Albans for the first week of training, then transition to Robbinswold for the second week. Staff will work three one-week camper sessions at Robbinswold, take a short break, and then complete three sessions at St. Albans. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities  

• Develop curriculum and facilitate archery, outdoor skills and/or team-building activities suitable for the age, ability, and interests of youth 6-17 years old 
• Ensure campers and staff understand and follow safety policies and procedures 
• Oversee opening and closing of the archery range daily, maintaining an accurate inventory of supplies and ensure they are in good working order 
• Assist in the direction, supervision, and organization of campers in their tripping group, including collaborating with unit staff on plan itineraries and submitting final plans to the Program Director 
• Teach appropriate skills for backpacking trips including personal and group health, safety, outdoor cooking, camping skills, comfortable travel methods, maintenance and care of equipment, emergency procedures etc. 
• Maintain the integrity of the tripping equipment and supplies, including clear inventory and planning for replacement of supplies in a timely manner within assigned budget 
• Responsible for appropriately using council credit cards for purchases on trips and maintaining all required documentation for purchases on council credit cards and accounts 
• Collaborate with other program specialists and Program Director to plan and facilitate special camp events 
• Support and participate in implementing all camp activities such as meals, camp games, campfires, etc. 
• Carry out established duties for general camp operations including check-in and check-out, bus supervision, camp cleaning, season opening and closing tasks, and completion of necessary paperwork 

This is a general description of the essential responsibilities of the position and is not inclusive of all job duties; other associated duties may be assigned 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• Knowledge of and commitment to fostering environments that prioritize diversity, equity, inclusion, racial justice, and belonging  
• Comfortable working in a camp setting with a variable work week and hours, including overnight and weekend responsibilities  
• Excellent interpersonal skills to ensure effective interactions with individuals at all levels and backgrounds, with the ability to work under pressure  
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize project tasks and deadlines, work independently and collaboratively, take initiative, and maintain confidentiality  
• Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards 

Supervisory Responsibilities 

• This position has no supervisory responsibilities of camp staff members 

Education and Experience Required 

• At least 18 years of age 
• High School Diploma or equivalent 
• Experience working with youth 6-17 years old 
• Experience in archery, backpacking, outdoor skills, and/or teambuilding 
• Experience leading youth in programmatic activities 

Preferred Skills and Experience 

• Experience with Girl Scout Program 
• Experience in day or overnight camp setting 
• Experience with leading backpacking trips 

Other Qualifications 

• Current certification in USA Archery Level 1 Instructor or above, or similar certification (or willingness to obtain) 
• Current certification in Wilderness & Remote First Aid or Wilderness First Responder or willingness to obtain  
• Current certification of CPR and First Aid or willingness to obtain 
• Current certification of Youth Mental Health First Aid or willingness to obtain 
• Satisfactory results from a criminal background check 

Work Environment  
Summer camp is a fast-paced outdoor working environment with 24-hour a day responsibility. Employees are frequently exposed to loud noises, sensory stimulating situations, and physically demanding activities. Employees should feel comfortable with: 

• Working outside in all weather conditions including heat, inclement weather, and specific environmental realities (humidity, wind, bugs, lake water) 
• Residing in non-air-conditioned rustic open air living quarters, with pit toilets as primary restroom facilities 
• Living in communal living conditions with limited privacy and infrequent, minimal access to technology 
• Demonstrating emotional resiliency and regulation to handle extended, repeated stressful situations appropriately 
• Walking over unpaved, uneven, hilly terrain multiple times a day 
• Lifting and carrying supplies and equipment up to 35lbs 
• Responding to emergencies including utilizing skills to administer first aid/CPR when necessary, including overnight 
• Maintaining constant supervision and observation of program participants while assessing risk and participant safety