Colvig Silver Camps

Hiring:

Each counselor is assigned to a specific age group or “camp,” each of which is housed in a distinct group of  cabins. Head Counselors live in a cabin with 4-6 campers and are responsible for these campers at specific  times such as rest hour after lunch, getting them to bed at night, getting them up and ready in the morning,  bringing them to and from meals, making sure they are clean and healthy, etc. During in-camp activity  periods, counselors plan and lead activities that are offered to campers in their age group. It is essential to  understand that the camp does not pre-schedule activities for the campers. Instead, the counseling staff of  each age group is responsible for creating and maintaining a diversified offering of activities. It is essential  that every counselor be prepared to brainstorm, plan, schedule, and implement their age group’s program  with input both from campers and other staff. Creativity and enthusiasm are a must! 

About half of the time (time varies slightly with age group) will be spent leading 3-5 day out-of-camp  backcountry wilderness trips. Counselors must be physically capable of leading challenging trips in the  wilderness and must be interested in or knowledgeable about basic outdoor skills such as topographic map  reading, outdoor cooking, backpacking techniques, minimum impact camping, etc. While counselors do not  need to be knowledgeable in all areas of our wilderness program, some experience is essential. Staff training  will fill in the gaps. Head Counselors must hold a current driver’s license and have current certifications in  recognized first aid and CPR courses. 

Head Counselors are asked to consistently provide positive, creative, and meaningful direction to the young  lives with which they are entrusted, within the philosophies of Colvig Silver Camps. It is imperative that they  be able to support established camp policies and promoted programs. Counseling is a 24-hour per day job with  rewards proportionate to what is given. Be prepared to have more fun than you have ever had and to provide  more of yourself than you could ever imagine!

Minimum Age: 21 years of age, preferably a college junior 

Terms of Employment: Head Counselors are hired for 10 weeks unless contracted otherwise

Compensation: $4,000 -, plus lodging, meals, travel reimbursement, and end-of-summer bonus ($500), Head  Counselors will also receive a Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification through NOLS Wilderness Medicine or a pay  bonus if they already hold a WFA or higher certification. 

Time Off: Scheduled time off about once per week, plus three days between sessions

Number Hired: 15-20 males and 15-20 females, depending on enrollment 

Responsibilities: The primary responsibility of a Head Counselor is to ensure the physical safety and emotional well-being of campers in their care. Specific duties can be broken down into three categories: living in a cabin with 4-6 campers; planning and leading traditional in-camp activities; co-leading 3-5 day out-of camp wilderness trips. The following is a brief description of each.

ACs are primarily responsible for dishwashing, monitoring dishwasher temperatures, lodge/kitchen clean-up,  regular garbage runs, laundry delivery, and administrative office tasks, all on a scheduled, rotating basis.  Approximately one half of their time is spent in scheduled programming with campers, and about half is spent  doing the “grunt work.” Whenever possible, ACs assist Head Counselors and Coordinators in planning and  leading in-camp activities. 

The Assistant Counselors are the “backbone” of the camp, filling holes when needed in almost every area of  camp operation. Flexibility is an ACs greatest asset. ACs must be physically capable of lifting and carrying  heavy loads and assisting in the leadership of 3-5 day backcountry wilderness trips. Again, the rewards for this  position are proportionate to the effort, energy, and enthusiasm invested. Being an AC is a great way to  become familiar with camp and the responsibility of being a Head Counselor.  

AC’s must have current certifications in recognized first aid and CPR courses.

Minimum Age: 18 years of age, completed freshman year of college or equivalent experience

Terms of Employment: Assistant Counselors are hired for 10 weeks, unless contracted otherwise

Compensation: $3,800 -, plus lodging, meals, travel reimbursement, and end-of-summer bonus ($500)

Time Off: Scheduled time off about once per week, plus three days between sessions

Number Hired: 4-6 males, 4-6 females, depending on enrollment 

Responsibilities: Assistant Counselors (ACs) live in a cabin with one Head Counselor and 4-6 campers. Each cabin unit (two cabins together) is generally comprised of two Head Counselors, one Assistant Counselor, and 8-12 campers. The AC provides supplemental leadership along with and in the absence of either Head Counselor.

Pathfinding Instructors must be physically capable of leading challenging trips in the wilderness and must be  interested in and knowledgeable about outdoor skills such as topographic map reading, outdoor cooking,  backpacking techniques, minimum impact camping, etc. Knowledge of the environment and nature's  processes is beneficial. Trip leading and personal wilderness travel experience is essential, as the trip itinerary  consists of 25 straight nights in the wilderness with three re-supply drops along the way. Instructors must  hold a current driver's license and have current Wilderness First Responder and CPR certifications through a  recognized first aid provider. 

CSC staff are asked to consistently provide positive, creative, and meaningful direction to the young lives with  which we entrust them. It is imperative that they be able to support established camp policies and promoted  programs. This job is emotionally and physically demanding, as you will work 24 hours a day, seven days a  week out in the field. However, the rewards of such an experience for both camper and staff are exceptional.  Be prepared to have more fun than you have ever had and to give more of yourself than you could ever  imagine!

Minimum Age: 21 years of age, preferably a college junior 

Terms of Employment: Pathfinding Instructors are hired for 11 weeks unless contracted otherwise

Compensation: $5,200 -, plus lodging, meals, travel reimbursement, and end-of-summer bonus ($500)

Time Off: Three days between sessions 

Number Hired: 1-2 males and 1-2 females, depending on enrollment 

Responsibilities: Pathfinding Instructors are responsible for a group of 6-12 campers, grades 9-11, on a four week wilderness expedition through alpine terrain in the San Juan Mountains of Southwest Colorado. Responsibilities include being aware of and tending to physical and emotional safety and wellbeing of campers, teaching basic outdoor skills (e.g. low-impact camping, map and compass), preparing trip menus and working with Expedition Coordinators, working with Program Directors to communicate needs and discussing problems that may arise within the group, and facilitating leadership roles and continuously working on group dynamics.

The main role and responsibility of an Activity Specialist at camp will be to serve as  additional members of the support staff team, assist with random projects and tasks around camp, provide  back up to counseling staff and other support staff, and per their individual interest, experience, and skill sets,  Activity Specialist can be trained in leading specialized camp activities such as target sports, mountain biking,  climbing, and natural history to name a few. 

Activity Specialist must be available to lead specialized programming they have been trained and verified to  lead and following the written protocols and procedures for those specialized activities. Outside of specialized  programming they must be available to assist counseling staff in other programming areas, or help fellow  support staff (i.e. Arts and Crafts Coordinator) in their programming areas. Activity Specialist will also be  required to have or obtain a Lifeguarding certification to help with lake activities. Activity Specialist may also  be trained in trip procedures and receive a Wilderness First Aid certification in order to serve as an  additional/substitute trip leader if necessary. 

Activity Specialist must also be available to assist with random tasks and projects around camp as needed and  will be scheduled in some cases such as trip drops/pick-ups and dish duty at the lodge. Activity Specialist must  always be prepared to help out the camp community, which will also include assisting with camper  supervision and setting up for movie nights, doing trip drop-offs and pick-ups, providing additional camper  supervision, and helping out at the lodge.

Terms of Employment: Activity Specialist are hired for 11 weeks, unless contracted otherwise

Compensation: $4,000 -, plus lodging, meals, travel reimbursement, and end-of-summer bonus ($500)

Time Off: Scheduled time off about once per week, plus three days between sessions

Number Hired: Two to Six

The "Art Barn" Coordinator develops arts & crafts programs for all age levels (7-17) and  supervises the Art Barn while campers are involved in projects. Supervising the "Art barn" includes setting up  work areas for specific crafts, coordinating materials and supplies, scheduling groups and projects with input  from other staff, giving creative direction to campers and staff, and making sure that everything is put away  and organized after each project. The Art Barn Coordinator will take on varying roles with each group as  necessary. Some groups will need direction through every aspect of a project, while others may only need  materials and supplies to be ready for counseling staff to lead the activity. Some groups may need initial  instruction from the Coordinator for the counseling staff to lead the activity. The number of groups using the  art barn during any given activity period will depend on the level of leadership needed, the types of projects,  the number of participants, and limits set by the Coordinator. Ultimately, the Art Barn Coordinator has  discretion regarding the scheduling and leading of any group or project. 

The counseling staff is responsible for working with the Coordinator to schedule activities, assisting and  managing campers during projects, and for cleanup. The Art Barn Coordinator sets up for activities, leads  activities when necessary, and oversees the cleanup. The Art Barn Coordinator is also responsible for keeping  a running inventory of supplies, keeping craft materials and equipment operative, and noting items to  reorder. The Art Barn Coordinator will be required to have current First Aid and CPR Certifications. 

The Art Barn Coordinator should be knowledgeable and skillful in a wide variety of crafts, including pottery,  leatherwork, beading, collages, lapidary, nature crafts, wood crafts, candle making, batiking, tie-dying, silk  screening, painting, photography, etc. There is a standard set of activities offered each summer, for which we  pre-order equipment and supplies, and for which we have detailed plans. The Coordinator is encouraged to  supplement these standard activities with a wide variety of other crafts projects, so long as they fit within the  Colvig Silver Camps philosophy and budget. The abilities to visually supervise campers' safety and to  creatively motivate others are essential. As with our other support staff, the Art Barn Coordinator will be  asked to assist with various other aspects of camp, including supervising movie nights, helping with other  activities, washing dishes, etc

Minimum Age: 21 years of age, preferably college junior 

Terms of Employment: The Arts and Crafts Coordinator is hired for 11 weeks, unless contracted otherwise

Compensation: $4,200 -, plus lodging, meals, travel reimbursement, and end-of-summer bonus ($500)

Time Off: Scheduled time off about once per week, plus three days between sessions

Number Hired: One

Wranglers are responsible for planning and teaching western-style riding and tack care based on a progression  as follows: safety/equipment/basics > arena riding > trail riding. Our philosophy is that campers should not  ride until they have first mastered the basics of tack care and grooming (hoof cleaning, brushing, saddling,  bridling, etc.) Typically the first activity session with a group of campers will begin with an in-depth  discussion of horse safety, then basic tack care/grooming, and if there is time, some arena riding to introduce  basic horse control. Ideally, groups progress to half- and full-day trail rides in & around camp (throughout several activity periods). Both wranglers should expect to be leading groups of  campers nearly every morning and afternoon. 

Wranglers are also responsible for the care of 10-12 horses and related tack. Horse care includes conditioning  horses that have not been ridden during the winter/spring months and working with a farrier and a  veterinarian. The ability to detect illness and injury in horses is essential. Wranglers must be physically  capable of lifting saddles, controlling strong horses, lifting bales of hay, etc. Wranglers will be required to  have current First Aid and CPR Certifications. 

Wranglers will also be asked to assist in other areas of camp when not involved in horse activities. Other  responsibilities may include supervising movie nights, washing dishes, assisting staff with other activities, or  running errands.

Minimum Age: Wrangler: 21 years of age, preferably a college junior; Assistant Wrangler: 18 years of age,  college freshman or equivalent 

Terms of Employment: Wranglers are hired for 12 weeks unless contracted otherwise

Compensation: Wrangler: $4,900 -; Assistant Wrangler: $4,900 -; plus lodging, meals, travel reimbursement, and end-of-summer bonus ($500)

Time Off: Scheduled time off about once per week, plus three days between sessions

Number Hired: One Wrangler; One Assistant Wrangler 

Responsibilities: The wranglers’ primary responsibility is for the safety and welfare of our overnight and day  camp campers (ages 5-15) taking part in our Western riding program. Riding groups will typically include 6-10  campers and at least one counselor. Counselors will be responsible for managing camper behavior, enabling  the wranglers to focus on instruction in the ring and on the trail. 

 The Climbing Instructor is responsible for planning and leading all aspects of our rock  climbing and ropes/challenge course program for both our overnight and day camp campers (ages 5-15). This  includes an in-camp climbing wall, several initiatives activities, a variety of in-camp natural rock climbs, day  trips to a local climbing area, and overnight trips to more extensive climbing areas. All natural rock that we  currently use is sandstone. 

Campers range in age from 7-17 and arrive with all levels of rock climbing experience (including none). Rock  climbing instruction begins with safety, then theory, and progresses from there. Counseling staff will be  present at every activity and will be responsible for camper management, allowing the climbing instructor to  focus on leading and instruction. Head and assistant counselors also arrive with varying levels of experience.  The climbing instructor is responsible for evaluating and training staff in belaying. Knowledge of equipment  inspection and “retiring” is also beneficial. Our program includes only top-rope climbing – it does not include  lead climbing or technical mountaineering. As with our other support staff, the climbing instructor will be  asked to assist with various other aspects of camp, including supervising movie nights, helping with other  activities, washing dishes, etc.

Minimum Age: 21 years of age, preferably college junior 

Terms of Employment: The Climbing Instructor is hired for 11 weeks, unless contracted otherwise

Compensation: $4,200 -, plus lodging, meals, travel reimbursement, and end-of-summer bonus ($500)

Time Off: Scheduled time off about once per week, plus three days between sessions

Number Hired: One 

The Expedition Coordinators are responsible for planning menus and packing food and  equipment for all expedition trips leaving camp. Expedition staff pack food following prescribed menu  guidelines and equipment includes standard camping gear (packs, stoves, fuel, cooking utensils, tents, etc.) as  well as specialized equipment (bicycles, canoes, life jackets, paddles, etc.) We offer a wide variety of trips for  all age levels (7-17). 

The Expo Coordinators also keep a running inventory of food and supplies, coordinates food needs with the  central kitchen, and prepares orders. He/she must be able to lift heavy boxes overhead, read inventory sheets,  make mathematical conversions, and work independently. Expo Coordinators will be required to have current  First Aid, CPR, and Food Safety Certifications. 

Expedition Coordinator is a very time-consuming job and does not include going on trips or working directly  with campers. It involves working alone much of the time, although Assistant Counselors and “gophers” are  available to help when necessary. CSC is a wilderness-oriented camp, so most days will involve trips departing  or returning. On a typical departure day, three to four groups of 8-11 people each will be leaving camp.

Minimum Age: 21 years of age, preferably college junior 

Terms of Employment: The “Expo” Coordinator is hired for 12 weeks, unless contracted otherwise

Compensation: $4,900 -, plus lodging, meals, travel reimbursement, and end-of-summer bonus ($500)

Time Off: Scheduled time off about once per week, plus three days between sessions

Number Hired: Two

 The Photographer’s primary responsibility is to take pictures of both campers and staff  throughout the day; manage, edit, and upload the photos onto the internet; label and organize photos for  future use; and to produce various slide shows both during the summer and in the fall. The Photographer  must be very mobile and thorough each day to get as many quality pictures of our camp’s activities as  

possible. During the summer, pictures are uploaded every evening for parents and friends to enjoy. Then,  photos are used for marketing and gifts later in the year. 

The Photographer should have experience using various types of cameras, photo editing software, basic  computer software, as well as some formal training in photographic arts. It is essential that the Photographer  is very well organized and able to label and sort photos correctly as well as manage the photography  equipment inventory. The Photographer will be required to have current First Aid and CPR Certifications. 

As with all support staff members, the Photographer will be asked to assist with various other aspects of camp,  including supervising movie nights, helping with other activities, washing dishes, etc.

Minimum Age: 18 years of age 

Terms of Employment: The Photographer is hired for 11 weeks, unless contracted otherwise

Compensation: $4,000 -, plus lodging, meals, travel reimbursement, and end-of-summer bonus ($500) ; $200 equipment bonus (if personal equipment is used)

Time Off: Scheduled time off about once per week, plus three days between sessions

Number Hired: One 

The primary responsibilities of the chef include: 

∙ Assist in planning and preparing three meals per day 

∙ Assist in planning and preparing special meals and treats for special occasions and events ∙ Assist in menu planning 

∙ Food ordering and receiving 

∙ Food storage organization and cleanliness 

∙ Monitoring kitchen sanitation practices 

∙ Knowledge of state regulations and accreditation standards 

∙ Knowledge of meal schedule and camp schedule 

∙ Adhering to camper and staff food allergy and dietary needs requirements 

∙ Occasionally leading cooking programming and activities with campers 

This position provides an opportunity to spend a summer in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado cooking for a  fun, family-like community. Working in a camp kitchen is different than typical cook positions. It is not a  shift-based position; it is instead a daily commitment for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Think of it as a home  where your family is enormous. You will be cooking for the camp community (campers and staff) but will have  freedom as well during the day. This position is a job for someone who can manage themselves professionally  and commit to a rigorous seasonal schedule in a fun environment. As with all camp positions, you are  welcome to get involved in the camp community outside of your time in the kitchen.

Minimum Age: 21 years of age 

Terms of Employment: Cooks are hired for 11 weeks, unless contracted otherwise

Compensation: Cooks: $10,500 -, plus lodging, meals, travel reimbursement, and end-of-summer bonus ($500); Prep Cooks: $3,800 -, plus lodging, meals, travel reimbursement, and end-of-summer bonus ($500)

Time Off: One full day per week, plus two days between sessions 

Number Hired: 1 

Qualifications: Professional kitchen experience or relative experience 

Responsibilities: Each summer, we hire one cook to assist in our camp kitchen for the summer. We serve  three meals a day in our main lodge, and our kitchen staff is responsible for all three meals. There are other  exceptional cases and responsibilities outside of the meals at the lodge, as well. We take great pride in the  quality of our camp food. Due to our small community, we have a lot more freedom in what we can offer. Our  menus offer a lot of classics, but give our kitchen staff room to explore as well. 

The Nanny’s primary responsibility is the supervision and caretaking of year-round and  seasonal staff’s children not yet of age to attend camp. This likely includes children ages 1 to 7, and maybe  older children in individual cases. The Nanny will be responsible for the supervision and caretaking of these  children from the time they wake up to bedtime while their parent(s) are on-duty at camp. The Nanny will  have downtime during the children’s naptime in the afternoon. This schedule will vary per child and their  specific needs and parental expectations (these expectations and variances will be shared during staff  training/orientation). The Nanny will be off-duty once the children are put to bed for the evening and have  adequate supervision nearby. 

The Nanny will be responsible for feeding the children, keeping them safe, entertained, and occupied  throughout the day. The Nanny will be permitted to travel with the kids around camp and participate in  activities alongside camp programming as long as they are not interfering with or distracting from camp  programming and outcome goals. There are many places around camp that the children will find entertaining  (i.e., animals, horses, art barn, lodge basement, playfields, etc.). In rare and special instances, the Nanny may  be permitted to drive the children to the city of Durango to participate in activities there (i.e., rec center,  children’s museum, playgrounds, etc.). 

Nanny candidates must be comfortable with the caretaking of very young children and toddlers. They must be  able to calm and care for a crying child, change a diaper, engage with and interact with young children in fun  and positive ways, engage in the proper and appropriate discipline, and ensure the child’s daily needs are  taken care of (i.e., eating, sleeping, and playing). 

The Nanny will also be a member of Support staff, and outside of their Nanny responsibilities and hours will  be able to participate in camp activities and programming. They will also have secondary responsibilities like  helping supervise movie nights, supervising campers during staff meetings, and maybe dropping trips and  picking up trips.

Minimum Age: 18 years of age 

Terms of Employment: Nannies are hired for 11 weeks, unless contracted otherwise

Compensation: $4,200 -, plus lodging, meals, travel reimbursement, and end-of-summer bonus ($500)

Time Off: One full day off about once per week, plus two days between sessions 

Number Hired: 1-2 

Additional Information About Colvig Silver Camps

Colvig Silver Camps lies in the Red Creek Valley at the foot of the rugged San Juan Mountains of southwest Colorado. Our 600-acre site ranges from 7,200 to 8,000 in elevation and consists of a Cottonwood valley, open hay fields, and Ponderosa forest. With an average high of 85 and almost 300 sunny days a year, our cool, clear, dry climate is ideal for a summer adventure.

Our summer staff is comprised of caring, thoughtful, and responsible young professionals who are dedicated to youth development.

CSC draws applicants who are outdoor oriented and have unique, engaging programming ideas to offer. The CSC staff encourage campers to learn new skills and stretch their imagination in a safe, challenge-by-choice environment. With a 3:1 camper to staff ratio, counselors are able to make strong connections with their cabins while they foster each camper’s leadership skills and unique personal strengths. 

Important Dates:

Staff Training

Coordinator Week: May 20 – May 23
Staff Week: May 26 - June 8

Camp Dates

First Term: June 9 – July 7
Mid-Summer Break: July 7 – July 10

Second Term: July 12 – August 9
Last Staff Day: August 11