Join us this summer

We are hiring for summer 2025!

Camp Whirlygig is excited to enter into its third year at the Wenham Museum in partnership with the Wenham Village Improvement Society (WVIS). Our counselors and staff are the heartbeat of our child-centered camp experience. We employ individuals who: love spending time with young children, are creative, imaginative and energetic, have a growth mindset, and can commit to the full camp season.

2025 Dates of Employment

Staff Orientation:
Saturday, June 21 is a full day all staff training and orientation.
Sunday, June 22 is a full day for any staff who require CPR/First Aid training or renewal. Staff who will be cross trained for health coverage and are already CPR/First Aid certified may need to attend a shorter afternoon training.
Monday, June 23 through Thursday, June 26 are afternoon only trainings. Some staff may not need to attend Wednesday and Thursday. These days are tentatively reserved for activity leads to co-plan with the director.

Camp Whirlygig Day Camp Dates: Mon. – Fri., July 7th – August 15th, 8:15 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Extended Day opportunities are available. Pre-camp morning program opportunities are available Mon. – Thu., June 23rd – July 3rd.

general requirements

General Requirements

• Camp staff should be available to work all six weeks of camp and the staff orientation week. Some flexibility may be granted to staff who cannot work all six weeks if other staff are able to work opposite their schedule. For example, one person works 3 weeks, and another works the other 3 weeks.
• Camp staff must have high energy and want to grow professionally.
• Activity Directors must have proven experience in leading groups of children and documented experience in the activity area.
• Camp staff are at least 15 years of age (see position-specific requirements).
• Camp staff must attend a comprehensive staff orientation before camp begins to embrace the Camp Whirlygig core program and values and build a cohesive staff team who work in the best interest of the campers at all times. Orientation includes health and safety protocols, risk management, behavior management, intentional program design, emergency procedures, use of resources, care of equipment, and overall knowledge of camp procedures.
• A background check, including a Massachusetts CORI, SORI, and National Sex Offender Public Registry is required.
• Must be able to lift at least 40 lbs.
• Preferred: CPR/First Aid/AED certification.
• Experience in a similar role preferred, but not required.
• Citizenship, residency or work visa.

employment benefits

Employment Benefits

• Develop and strengthen your skills while working in a collaborative environment.
• Experience the joy of seeing the world through the eyes of children.
• Competitive compensation (see each position for specific details).
• 3 staff shirts provided to new staff.
• Camp staff children attend camp at a reduced rate of 80% off tuition.

available positions

Job Title: Health Supervisor

A person on the staff of a recreational camp for children who is 18 years of age or older and who is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the health program or component. The Health Care Supervisor shall be a Massachusetts licensed physician, physician assistant, certified nurse practitioner, registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, or another person specially trained in first aid.

Compensation: $22 – $30/hour

Role: The health supervisor is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the health office at camp and for the overall well-being of campers and staff.

Job Duties:

• Oversee the health and well-being of campers and staff.
• Assist with clothing changes related to bathroom accidents.
• Provide support with social emotional intervention as needed.
• Communicate with parents or caregivers.
• Prepare and maintain first aid kits and other health related resources.
• Assist in the set-up of the health office.
• Maintain accurate and detailed health records according to state standards under the supervision of a physician’s office.
• Know and understand all emergency procedures associated with the camp program.
• Additional tasks as needed to support the camp.

Qualifications:

• Experience working with children in a school or camp setting (preferred)
• Citizenship, residency or work visa

Job Title: Activity Lead

Compensation: $18 – $22/hour

Role: Activity directors have proven expertise in the activities they lead. They are passionate about sharing what they know with others, especially children. They have patience and the ability to instruct even the most reluctant learner.

Camp Whirlygig is seeking activity leads in the following specializations:

• Athletics, specifically tennis, pickleball and soccer: The campers will utilize nearby tennis courts and fields. The ideal candidate will have recent experience playing or coaching a sport. College students majoring in physical education, or a related field, are encouraged to apply.
• Mindfulness/Yoga: The ideal candidate will have a background in yoga and meditation.
• Science: The ideal candidate will have a passion for science experiments, including designing their own, while also maintaining necessary safety precautions when performing these experiments with children. A background in education or experience working with children is preferred.

Job Duties:

• Design and lead a specialized activity.
• Differentiate instruction for a variety of ages and abilities.
• Communicate supply needs for their activity.
• Communicate with and provide guidance to counselors and campers.
• Assist with other camp duties, such as lunch coverage and special Friday events, if needed to maintain staff/camper ratios and safety.

Qualifications:

• Relevant teaching or camp experience
• Strong organizational skills, ability to collaborate effectively, and an appreciation for teaching the whole child
• Demonstrated expertise in the activity they lead
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to communicate with children, families, and staff
• Bachelor’s degree (or currently enrolled in a degree granting program) preferred
• Citizenship, residency or work visa

Job Title: Lead Counselor

Compensation: $18 – $20/hour

Role: Lead counselors oversee an assigned group of campers for the duration of each week of summer camp. Lead counselors also collaborate with co-counselors, assistant counselors or volunteers to design and lead some camp activities with their groups. Counselors are the most important role models for campers and greatly contribute to the overall camper experience.

Job Duties:

• Plan, coordinate and guide campers in their personal development, life skills, and daily activities.
• Collaborate in the development and implementation of games and activities.
• Always supervise campers to ensure their safety and wellbeing.
• Communicate any concerns with the camp director or assistant camp director.
• Represent the camp in a positive way when interacting with families and campers.
• Maintain the standards of the camp environment.
• Provide guidance to assistant counselors and volunteers.
• Know and understand all emergency procedures associated with the camp program.

Qualifications:

• Age 18+
• Experience working with children
• Relevant teaching or camp experience (preferred)
• Strong organizational skills, ability to collaborate effectively, and an appreciation for teaching the whole child
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to communicate with children, families, and staff
• Citizenship, residency or work visa

Job Title:  Assistant Counselor

Compensation: $15/hour

Role: Assistant counselors work collaboratively with lead counselors and other camp staff to ensure the best possible camp experience for all campers. Counselors are the most important role models for campers and greatly contribute to the overall camper experience. Highschool and college students are encouraged to apply.

Job Duties:

• Assist in the planning, coordination and guidance campers in their personal development, life skills, and daily activities.
• Collaborate in the development and implementation of games and activities.
• Always supervise campers to ensure their safety and wellbeing.
• Communicate any camper concerns with the lead counselor.
• Represent the camp in a positive way when interacting with families and campers.
• Maintain the standards of the camp environment.
• Know and understand all emergency procedures associated with the camp program.

Qualifications:

• Age 15+
• Experience working with children preferred, but not required
• Citizenship, residency or work visa

Job Title: Float Counselor

Compensation: $18 – $20/hour

Role: This unique position supports the camp by assisting the camp leadership staff, filling in for counselors, activity leads or the health supervisor in the event of an absence, and helps with general maintenance of the camp as needed. This role may be per diem and would be a good option for someone who would like more hours beyond leading an activity.

Job Duties:

• Support the director with administrative tasks as needed.
• Help with parent and camper communications and engagement.
• Provide lunch coverage as needed to maintain staff/camper ratios.
• Assist with drop-off and pick-up.
• Assist with crossing guard duties.
• Assist with overall camp set up and break down.
• Fill-in as needed to cover for unplanned staff absences.
• Represent the camp in a positive way when interacting with families and campers.
• Maintain the standards of the camp environment, through light cleaning and trash removal as needed.
• Know and understand all emergency procedures associated with the camp program.
• Any other camp related duties as needed.

Qualifications:

• Age 18+
• Relevant teaching, administrative or camp experience
• Experience working with children
• Strong organizational skills, ability to collaborate effectively, and an appreciation for teaching the whole child
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to communicate with children, families, and staff
• Citizenship, residency or work visa

Camp Whirlygig is in regulatory compliance with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health regulations for recreational camps 105 CMR 430.00.