Counselor Roles

Ranch Staff Roles

Program Support Roles

Support Staff Roles

Leadership Roles

Internships

While we have some positions that are already designed as internships, at camp we have the flexibility to work with you to meet your internship needs.  We have helped college students complete internships in food service, camp and outdoor recreation, education, psychology and more.  Please contact Megan. if you are interested in an internship that is not listed as a current role.

International Staff

If you live outside of the United States, you still can have the opportunity to work at Camp Ernst during the summer under a J-1 visa.

If you know Camp Ernst is where you want to work, you can apply directly to Camp Ernts first.  If you are offered a role, you will apply through one of the following international placement organizations we work with.  They will help you through the visa process and ensure you have all the proper documentation to work at camp.

International Exchange of North America (IENA) – www.iena.org

Camp Leaders – www.campleaders.com

CCUSA– www.ccusa.com

We understand that spending a whole summer at camp is a big time commitment.  When you apply to work at camp, you will be able to select the sessions that work with your schedule, so you can enjoy time at camp and be able to attend other commitments throughout the summer.

We ask cabin counselors commit to our staff training week plus a minimum of four camper weeks.  We encourage leadership and program staff to commit to the whole summer, but some positions have flexibility in the scheduling.  Staff go home Saturday mornings and come back Sunday afternoons of each session they’re scheduled for.

Training Session Dates:

Overnight Session Dates:

Day Camp Session Dates:

1. Complete An Online Application: 

• Log in to an existing account or create a new account using your own email address and select the Staff (Rising Freshman in college and older) Application.
• While there is not a set due date for applications, candidates can use the following dates as a guide:
  • Early Action Decision: Apply and interview by November 30, 2025
  • Priority Decision: Apply and interview by January 15, 2026
  • Rolling applications accepted based on availability after January 16, 2026

FOR NEW STAFF APPLICANTS:

2. Submit References Through Checkster:

• If you are selected to continue with the interview process, you will receive an email through Checkster requesting the names and emails of your references.
  • You must submit at least 5 references (2 relatives and 3 non-relatives), but you are allowed to submit more.
  • Plesase inform your selected references that they will be receiving an email from Checkster
  • Checkster will email your references and the form will be completed electronically.

3. Attend Your Interview

• Those who are invited to interview will receive an email with the date, time, and link/location for your interview appointment approximately two weeks from completion of your application and references.

4. Await a Response: 

• All applicants will receive an email with a decision according to the following timeline:
  • Applicants who apply for early action can expect a response by December 15, 2025.
  • Applicants who apply for Priority can expect a response by February 1, 2026.
  • Applicants who apply during the Rolling Application period can expect a response two weeks after their completed interview.

FOR RETURNING STAFF APPLICANTS

2. Check your Email for the Next Steps:

• If you are selected to continue with the interview process, you can expect an email within two weeks of receiving your application with next steps, which may include a virtual interview invitation, requested written response to additional questions, reference checks, etc.

3. Await a Response: 

• All applicants will receive an email with a decision according to the following timeline:
  • Applicants who apply for early action can expect a response by December 15, 2025.
  • Applicants who apply for Priority can expect a response by February 1, 2026.
  • Applicants who apply during the Rolling Application period can expect a response two weeks after their completed interview.

1. Sign your Letter of Intent

• To accept your position, please sign and return the letter of intent by the deadline provided in your offer email.

2. Check your email weekly

• Email is our main communication with staff.  Please make sure you check the email you provided on your application at least once a week for important updates.

3. Complete the onboarding process

• Beginning February 1st, you will receive an email with information on how to complete the onboarding process.
  • For new staff, you will need to have the following items prepared:
    • A copy of a photo ID (passport, school ID, driver’s permit)
    • A copy of your birth certificate or social security card
    • A direct deposit enrollment form or voided check (it must have your name, account number, and routing number listed.  Handwritten information will not be accepted)
• All staff must also complete a series of online trainings prior to starting their work at camp.  This information will also be sent out starting February 1st.
• Beginning March 1, complete the background check process

4. Prepare for your time at camp

• Make sure you have your scheduled training and sessions on your calendar.  We are counting on you for the session you are scheduled for.  If something comes up and you can no longer work, please let us know by email as early as possible.
• There is a lot you can do to prepare for working at camp.  Here are some helpful recources to get you started:
  • Learn some new games and songs
  • Check out this free camp resource page