Birch Trail Camp for Girls

UPDATES: Hiring for Summer 2025!

Hiring:

One of the hallmarks of a Birch Trail experience is our extensive wilderness trip program.  All Birch Trail campers go on trips ranging from overnight to eight day camping trips in the upper-Midwest and Canada, including the Boundary Waters Canoe Area and Isle Royale National Park.  

If you are a fun, patient, caring, and responsible person who wants to spend time in the outdoors with kids, then working at Birch Trail is for you!  If you have the basic experience, we’ll provide you with all the additional training that you will need.  After a summer at camp, you'll have memories, friendships, skills, and experiences to last a lifetime!

Job Responsibilities: Under the guidance of the Trip Director, Wilderness Trip Leaders guide basic camping, backpacking, flat-water and white-water canoeing, sea kayaking, horseback riding, and rock climbing trips depending on their own experiences and backgrounds.  Additional responsibilities include:

• Serving as guides and educators to both campers and counselors participating in the program;

• Arranging the logistics, routes, and equipment selection for each trip;

• Overseeing all risk assessment and safety components prior to and during the trip;

• Educating participants in Leave No Trace philosophies and outdoor skills;

• Providing basic maintenance of camping equipment; and

• Assisting in other areas of the camp program when needed.

All staff members of Birch Trail Camp must be able to:

1. Be capable of appropriate and sustained mental, emotional and social interactions in our constantly changing, youth-centered and community living camp setting

2. Think clearly at all times.

3. Work cooperatively with staff and campers.

4. Exercise good judgment.

5. Operate tools, equipment, vehicles, boats and appliances as applicable to job duties.

6. Assist staff and campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, injury or natural disaster).

7. Maintain supervision of assigned area(s) while on duty.

8. Possess the mental, visual and auditory ability to respond to environmental hazards and internal and external threats to the camp community.

Preferred Experience: Applicants should have experience and interest in camping and working with children for extended periods of time.  As the group leader or co-leader on trips, Wilderness Trip Leaders should be level-headed, responsible, and safety-minded.  All applicants must be at least 18 years old, hold a current driver’s license, and have a good driving record.  CPR and LGT (or equivalent) are required.  WFR is a plus.  If you do not already have WFR certification, we will help you get certified and subsidize part of the cost. 

We provide extensive training at camp in both camping and counseling skills so that the entire Trip Staff is ready to work with campers.  We also facilitate the process for Wilderness Trip Leaders to earn certifications, including American Red Cross Life Guard Certification (LGT) and Wilderness First Responder (WFR).

Compensation: Wilderness Trip Leaders must be available from June 1st- August 12th, 2025.  (Start date depends on the need for WFR certification. The WFR course will begin around May 24th, 2025.)  Salaries are very competitive with other camps and based on the individual applicant’s experience.  Compensation packages include room & board plus a tax-free travel stipend.  Additional salary bonuses are available for certain certifications and for additional weeks worked either before or after the camping season.

How to Apply: Both men and women who are at least 20 are encouraged to apply. For more information about Birch Trail and to find an online application, please visit www.birchtrail.com. 

How to Apply: Both men and women who are at least 18 years old are encouraged to apply. For more information about Birch Trail and to find an online application, please visit www.birchtrail.com. Applications, letters of interest,and/or resumes can also be faxed or emailed to the winter office. If you have additional questions, please email directors@birchtrail.com or call the winter office.

One of our most popular activities is climbing. Almost every camper in camp will spend time climbing or rappelling on our one of a kind 67 foot high, 43 foot around leadable wall. It is full of features such as horizontal and vertical traverses, bouldering problems, a 67 foot off-width vertical crack route and much, much more! If you are interested in helping children gain self-confidence by learning how to climb while enjoying the outdoors, a summer at Birch Trail is for you! All staff members have the opportunity to use the camp facilities and enjoy all that camp has to offer. Our staff members regularly describe their experiences working at Birch Trail as “the summer of a lifetime.”

Job Responsibilities: As a team of 3, climbing staff members oversee the entire in-camp climbing program. Particular

job responsibilities include:

• Managing all safety aspects of the climbing program;

• Supervising and training other staff on belaying techniques;

• Instructing campers on climbing skills;

• Providing encouragement and support to campers while they climb;

• Accompanying campers on three-day rock climbing trips led by a certified climbing outfitter;

• Working with others to set up the climbing wall at the beginning of the season;

• Providing basic maintenance of equipment; and

• Assisting in other areas of the camp program when needed.

All staff members of Birch Trail Camp must be able to:

1. Be capable of appropriate and sustained mental, emotional and social interactions in our constantly changing,

youth-centered and community living camp setting

2. Think clearly at all times.

3. Work cooperatively with staff and campers.

4. Exercise good judgment.

5. Operate tools, equipment, vehicles, boats and appliances as applicable to job duties.

6. Assist staff and campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, injury or natural disaster).

7. Maintain supervision of assigned area(s) while on duty.

8. Possess the mental, visual and auditory ability to respond to environmental hazards and internal and external

threats to the camp community.

Preferred Experience: We are looking for fun, enthusiastic applicants who understand the value and challenge in learning how to climb. All applicants should have an interest in working with children and experience climbing,preferably both on a wall and in the outdoors. Ideal applicants will also have experience in lead climbing, setting up top rope climbs, and wall set-up and safety. All staff members are required to be CPR certified.

Compensation: Birch Trail staff must be available from June 8th - August 10th, 2025, which includes a climbing instructor class. Salaries are very competitive with other camps and based on the individual applicant’s experience. Compensation packages include room & board plus a tax-free travel stipend. Additional salary bonuses are available for certain certifications and for additional weeks worked either before or after the camping season.

Birch Trail is a traditional summer camp for girls aged 7-15 located in Minong, Wisconsin. We provide a safe, fun, and non-competitive summer camp environment for 220 campers and 140 staff. While in camp, the girls have the opportunity to do a wide variety of activities, including canoeing, sailing, swimming, tennis, water skiing, climbing, land sports, horseback riding, arts & crafts, dance, yoga, and drama.

If you want to work with children in the outdoors, gain valuable leadership experience, and share your skills with others, then a summer at Birch Trail is for you! All staff members have the opportunity to use the camp facilities and enjoy all that camp has to offer. Our staff members regularly describe their experiences working at Birch Trail as “the summer of a lifetime.”

GAIN THESE LIFE SKILLS FROM BEING A CAMP COUNSELOR:

LEADERSHIP ** COMMUNICATION ** PROBLEM-SOLVING ** TEAMWORK ** ADAPTABILITY ** TIME-MANAGEMENT **

RESILIENCE ** CONFLICT RESOLUTION ** CREATIVITY ** MENTORING ** ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS ** EMPATHY

Job Responsibilities: Under the guidance of the Directors, a Cabin Counselor’s goal is to provide a safe and healthy environment for all campers and staff; live in a cabin with and co-supervise campers; lead and assist in teaching one or more activities.

Additional responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Assuming responsibility for the emotional and physical well-being of campers 24 hours a day;

• Acting as a leader and positive role model for campers;

• Being professional in all job tasks by taking the job seriously, showing up on time, and being ready to work;

• Using utmost care and judgment when making decisions affecting the well-being of campers;

• Sharing with camp any special skills and talents that you possess;

• Assisting with or planning programs and activities;

• Instructing campers in one or more project areas;

• Reporting any problems or concerns to an administrative staff member;

• Corresponding with parents about their child’s growth and accomplishments;

• Living in a cabin with 8-12 campers.

Preferred Experience: Applicants should have experience and/or interest in working with children for extended periods of time. A cabin counselor should be a fun, patient, honest, caring, and responsible person who wants to spend time in the outdoors with kids. We provide extensive training in counseling skills so that the entire staff is ready to work with our campers when they arrive. All employees are expected to come to camp with current CPR certification or higher.

Compensation: Birch Trail staff must be available from June 8th - August 10th, 2025. Salaries are very competitive and based on the individual applicant’s experience. Great paid internship opportunities are also available. Compensation packages include room & board. Additional salary bonuses are available for certain certifications and for additional weeks worked either before or after the camping season.

If you want to work with children in the outdoors, gain valuable leadership experience, and share your skills with others, then a summer at Birch Trail is for you!  All staff members have the opportunity to use the camp facilities and enjoy all that camp has to offer.  Our staff members regularly describe their experiences working at Birch Trail as “the summer of a lifetime.”

Job Responsibilities:  Under the guidance of the Directors and Camp Doctor, a Camp Nurse’s goal is to provide a safe and healthy environment for all campers and staff.  Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Performing entrance and exit physicals on all campers; 

• Administrating daily medications to campers and staff;

• Accompanying campers to the Emergency Room, Pharmacy, Orthodontist or Dentist when necessary;

• Attending to and advising campers and staff, at specified and not specified times throughout the day;

• Keeping a clean and safe facility and adhering to health and safety practices and standards;

• Keeping up-to-date records/logs of camper and staff treatment;

• Being on call overnight 2-3 times per week;

• Replenishing first aid kits;

• Ordering supplies;

• Acting as a leader and positive role model for campers;

• Using utmost care and judgment when making decisions affecting the well-being of campers;

• Reporting any problems or concerns to an administrative staff member; and

• Communicating with parents as necessary.

All staff members of Birch Trail Camp must be able to:

• Be capable of appropriate and sustained mental, emotional, and social interactions in our constantly changing,              youth-centered and community-living camp setting

• Think clearly at all times.

• Work cooperatively with staff and campers.

• Exercise good judgment.

• Operate tools, equipment, vehicles, boats, and appliances as applicable to job duties.

• Assist staff and campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, injury, or natural disaster).

• Maintain supervision of assigned area(s) while on duty.

• Possess the mental, visual, and auditory ability to respond to environmental hazards and internal and external threats to the camp community.

Preferred Experience: Applicants should have experience and/or interest in working with children for extended periods of time.   All applicants should hold a current driver’s license and have a good driving record.  RN, LPN, NP, Grad Nurse, or EMT certification required.  We provide compensation for reciprocity.  A Camp Nurse should be a fun, patient, honest, flexible, caring, and responsible person who wants to spend time in the outdoors with kids.  

Compensation: Salaries are based on the individual applicant’s experience.  Birch Trail staff must be available from June 6th - August 8th, 2025.    Compensation packages include room & board plus a tax-free travel stipend from 10K-12K for the summer (salary is dependent on experience).

If you want to work with children in the outdoors, gain valuable leadership experience, and share your skills with others, then a summer at Birch Trail is for you!  All staff members have the opportunity to use the camp facilities and enjoy all that camp has to offer.  Our staff members regularly describe their experiences working at Birch Trail as “the summer of a lifetime.”

Job Responsibilities The Office Staff will supervise all aspects of the office at camp. You will spend most of your days working in the office, but there is some flexibility as there will be numerous office staff members. 

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Collect and organize camper and staff forms    

• Track and assist with canteen orders  

• Distribute and balance petty cash

• Assist with parent postcards

• Update and mail final camper invoices

• Act as a leader and positive role model for campers and staff

• Keep first aid kit stocked and manage any non-emergency health concerns

• Use photocopier for people in need of copies

• Answer phone calls from parents and direct calls

• Check phone messages

• Direct office traffic 

All staff members of Birch Trail Camp must be able to:

1. Be capable of appropriate and sustained mental, emotional and social interactions in our constantly changing, youth-centered and community living camp setting

2. Think clearly at all times.

3. Work cooperatively with staff and campers.

4. Exercise good judgment.

5. Operate tools, equipment, vehicles, boats and appliances as applicable to job duties.

6. Assist staff and campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, injury or natural disaster).

7. Maintain supervision of assigned area(s) while on duty.

8. Possess the mental, visual and auditory ability to respond to environmental hazards and internal and external threats to the camp community.

Preferred Experience: Applicants should have experience and/or interest in working in an office. All applicants should hold current driver’s license and have a good driving record. All applicants should be a fun, patient, honest, flexible, caring and responsible person who wants to spend time with kids.  

Compensation: Birch Trail staff must be available from June 8th - August 10th, 2025.   Salaries are very competitive and based on the individual applicant’s experience.  Great paid internship opportunities are also available.  Compensation packages include room & board, plus a travel stipend.  Additional salary bonuses are available for certain certifications and for additional weeks worked either before or after the camping season.  

Although most activities at Birch Trail are led by cabin counselors, each year we hire a few people as Activity Specialists to direct the more-specialized activities at camp. Depending on the applicant’s background, these positions may include cabin counseling responsibilities as well. If you want to work with children in the outdoors, gain valuable leadership experience, and share your skills with others, then a summer at Birch Trail is for you! All staff members have the opportunity to use the camp facilities and enjoy all that camp has to offer. Our staff members regularly describe their experiences working at Birch Trail as “the summer of a lifetime.”

Job Responsibilities: Under the guidance of the Waterfront Director, a Waterfront Assistant’s goal is to provide a safe and enjoyable waterfront program.  Additional responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• To disseminate personal knowledge and skills related to all aspects of waterfront programming, including but not limited to: swimming, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, and diving;

• Maintain a clean beachfront;

• Care for and maintain equipment on the beach and water, including but not limited to: the water toy, PDFs, sail boats, and the rescue boat;

• Act as a leader and positive role model for campers;

• Be professional in all job tasks by taking the job seriously, being at work and ready to work on time;

• Using utmost care and judgment when making decisions affecting the well-being of campers; and

• Reporting any problems or concerns to an administrative staff member.

All staff members of Birch Trail Camp must be able to:

1. Be capable of appropriate and sustained mental, emotional and social interactions in our constantly changing, youth-centered and community living camp setting

2. Think clearly at all times.

3. Work cooperatively with staff and campers.

4. Exercise good judgment.

5. Operate tools, equipment, vehicles, boats and appliances as applicable to job duties.

6. Assist staff and campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, injury or natural disaster).

7. Maintain supervision of assigned area(s) while on duty.

8. Possess the mental, visual and auditory ability to respond to environmental hazards and internal and external threats to the camp community.

Preferred Experience: Applicants should have experience and/or interest in working with children for extended periods of time. A Waterfront Assistant should be a fun, patient, honest, caring and responsible person who wants to spend time in the outdoors with kids; and they should have experience with all forms of watercraft and water activities and be comfortable teaching these skills to others.  We provide extensive training in counseling skills, so that the entire staff is ready to work with our campers when they arrive.  All employees are expected to come to camp with current CPR certification or higher and those working on the waterfront with a current Life Guarding certification and experience. 

Compensation: Birch Trail staff must be available June 8th - August 10th, 2025.  . Salaries are very competitive with other camps and based on the individual applicant’s experience. Compensation packages include room & board.  Additional salary bonuses are available for certain certifications and for additional weeks worked either before or after the camping season.

Additional Information About Birch Trail Camp for Girls

Birch Trail is a traditional summer camp for girls aged 7-15 located in Minong, Wisconsin. We  provide a safe, fun, and non-competitive summer camp environment for 225 campers and 115 staff. While in camp, the girls  have the opportunity to do a wide variety of activities, including canoeing, sailing, swimming, tennis, water skiing, climbing,  land sports, horseback riding, arts & crafts, dance, yoga, and drama. 

Salaries are very competitive with other camps and based on the individual applicant’s experience.  Compensation packages include room & board plus a tax-free travel stipend. Additional salary bonuses are available for  certain certifications and for additional weeks worked either before or after the camping season.