Sweyolakan Home
Overview
Summer Schedule & Fees
Registration/Refund Info

Living Units &
Programming

Sweyo Day Camp

Extra Spicy Options

Women's Retreat

You Bet I Can (special needs)
Other Events

Online Registration
Downloadable Brochure and Forms
Photo Tour

Letter From the Director

Dear 2007 Prospective Camp Sweyolakan Staff Applicant:

We are thrilled that you have taken an interest in a position on our summer staff.  Enclosed are the necessary application forms and information about the summer camp experience.  Employment at Camp Sweyolakan is far more than just a job. It’s a way of life for the summer and an opportunity to positively affect the lives of our campers, and have fun in the process!

The Camp Fire USA mission is to build caring, confident youth and future leaders.  The Sweyolakan experience will help both kids and adults reach this goal as well as focusing on more specific goals:

• HAVE FUN:  Our Staff need to know how to have FUN! We all come to camp to have fun so let’s make it happen!

• GROUP LIVING:  When you come to live at camp for the summer you commit to living very closely with an exceptional group of people, campers as well as staff. Living closely in a group is a very challenging and rewarding experience. Camp Sweyolakan programming focuses on building and enhancing these group living relationships in a positive and meaningful way. Staff may sleep in same shelters as campers, but change and store their belongings in counselor’s shelters.

• ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS:  Camp Sweyolakan is located on Mica Bay on Lake Coeur d’Alene.  Whispering trees, splashing waves, singing birds and breathtaking sunsets.  We help campers learn to appreciate the environment and take responsibility in protecting its future.

• INDIVIDUAL GROWTH:  Sweyolakan programming helps campers and staff gain independence and a positive attitude, while they learn to push their own limits and learn new and exciting skills. We work to provide each individual with the opportunity to grow in a safe emotional, and physical environment.

• TEAMBUILDING:  A big part of group living and individual development is team building. We work towards this goal on our ropes course as well as in a variety of camp activities such as canoeing, small group activities and outdoor cooking.

The success of Camp Sweyolakan depends largely on the quality of its staff.  Staff’s primary objective should be to PUT THE KIDS FIRST.  We strive to hire a staff with a variety of backgrounds realizing the potential for growth and development both in the campers and staff. It is our mandate to find enthusiastic men and women who have a desire to work with kids in an outdoor environment. 

If you love to work with kids and can be enthusiastic in everything you do, you’re the kind of Sweyolakan staffer we want. If you want to work in an atmosphere in which you’re helping kids, working in the outdoors and having one of the best summers possible this is the application for you.  Read over the following information, fill out your application and return it to the address listed on page four of this information packet.  If you have any questions, call 800-386-2324 Miss Casey, ext 13 or Miss Tigger, ext 14.

You may qualify for summer work-study even if you don’t regularly qualify so go ahead and apply. If you qualify for Work Study, compensation is based on your Work Study AWARD!   If an internship program is of interest, please let us know.

Interviews are being scheduled NOW! Positions fill quickly! APPLY NOW!!!! We look forward to receiving your application.

Wo-He-Lo,

Return to top of Page

About Camp Sweyolakan

Camp Sweyolakan is a summer resident and day camp located on Lake Coeur d'Alene in its 85th season. Owned and operated by the Camp Fire USA Inland Northwest Council. Camp occupies 300 wooded acres bordered by sandy beaches and rock outcroppings.  Campers enjoy a chartered boat ride to camp. Camp is not accessible by road.

CAMPERS

Campers are boys and girls, grades 1-12. Some campers are also part of Camp Fire's traditional club program, but we do not require membership to attend camp. Two sessions over the summer include campers with special needs campers.  Camp capacity is 220 campers per session. 

PROGRAM

Campers enjoy a progression-based program strong in outdoor skills, waterfront activities (swimming, row boating, canoeing, sailing, and kayaking), overnights, handcrafts, archery, hiking, singing, ropes course, etc. Adventure and specialty programs are offered in a variety of areas including canoe tripping, horseback riding, rock climbing, whitewater rafting and more.

Many spring and fall events at camp require the assistance of summer staff. Staff will lead hikes, songs, boating, archery, evening program, help with meals, and other activities. See calendar for dates, and please consider lending a hand.

FACILITIES/LIVING ACCOMMODATIONS

Campers live in co-ed grade level units.  Each unit has its own Director and Unit Counselors who live in that uni.  Staff may sleep in same shelters as campers, but change and store their belongings in counselor’s shelters, and are responsible for helping campers plan their program. Specialists and Waterfront staff also live in units and may sleep in campers’ shelters and assisting in camper supervision as needed. Living quarters vary, but most are open-air shelters.  Each unit has a restroom located nearby with flush toilets and hot showers.  Camp has a fairly rugged terrain with many hills and beautiful sunrises and sunsets.

ACCREDITATION AND STANDARDS

Camp Sweyolakan is a member of the American Camp Association (ACA) and our program and facilities are accredited by this organization.  This accreditation is the most widely known and accepted standard to the industry and signifies compliance with rigorous standards in administration, personnel, program, trips, transportation, health, safety, and food service. Camp Sweyolakan also adheres to standards developed by Camp Fire USA as well as our local council Board of Directors. We expect staff to abide by ACA and Camp Fire USA standard requirements.

2007 Camp Calendar

General Information for All Applicants

QUALIFICATIONS FOR ALL STAFF: 

Current First Aid and CPR certifications, belief in the values of camping and willingness to uphold Camp Sweyolakan’s goals, policies and standards.  Must be at least 18 years old with preference given to those with one-year experience after high school.  Employment contingent upon satisfactory completion of the following:

• Criminal background check
• I-9 form, which verifies eligibility to work in the United States.
• Current health history that has been signed by the staff member is required annually.
• Becoming a member of Camp Fire.

TIME-OFF: 

Staff will receive approximately 48 hours off every 2 weeks of camp during the regular camping season.Some staff will be asked to work or attend special events based on need. Other staff will have the time off. Make-up time off or additional compensation will be arranged depending on schedule. Staff contracts will include pre- and post- season participation. There may be some additional events not listed on the schedule that have not been booked. Updates will be made as needed. A staff lodge is available for time-off use.  All staff must sign up for at least 3 bus and 3 boat duties to/from Spokane, which may result in less time-off.

CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT:

Staff is required to wear blue shorts or pants and white shirts for dinner each night and special occasions, the remaining uniform parts will be provided. Staff also must wear sturdy shoes with socks.  Staff is responsible for their own bedding and/or sleeping bags. A more detailed list will be provided upon employment.

SALARIES: 

Listed at the end of each description, salaries are for the full season including pre-camp training and camp closing.  Room and board and limited medical/accident insurance are provided.  Salaries are payable at the middle and at the end of the season.  All salaries are subject to Federal Withholding Tax, Idaho State Income Tax and Social Security.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS

1. Before applying, please read the preceding material.  It provides information about Camp Sweyolakan program and employment responsibilities.

2. Complete the application form.  Include photocopies of any current certifications and licenses you may have.  Please send it to:   Camp Fire USA Inland Northwest Council, 524 N Mullan Road, Spokane Valley, WA  99206   E-mail:   sweyolakan@campfireinc.org          
3. Please give the Reference Forms to three people (not friends or relatives) who can comment on your qualifications.  They are to be returned to the address above.  Please follow up with your people to be sure they send in the forms.  Additionally, a phone contact is made with one of the references or with another reference of the camp director’s choice.
4. After reviewing your application and references, an interview may be scheduled.  Interviews are conducted in person except in cases when distance or circumstances require a phone interview.
5. If hired, work agreement, job description, and membership form will be mailed, or e-mailed.
6. After receipt of a signed work agreement, additional information about arrival, what to bring, etc. will be mailed, or e-mailed.
   

APPLY TODAY! POSITIONS FILL QUICKLY!!!!
Applications for all positions will be received and reviewed in accordance with standards set by Camp Fire USA and the American Camp Association.    An Equal Opportunity Employer

Return to top of Page

2007 CAMP SWEYOLAKAN STAFF OPENINGS

The job responsibilities below are abbreviated descriptions.  Job descriptions and personnel policies will be provided. Camp reserves the right to not fill or combine any position.  Minimum age is 18 years.

ARCHERY, HANDCRAFTS, AND NATURE/OUTDOOR SPECIALISTS (3) -

Provide program to campers in specialty area. QUALIFICATIONS: Archery must have NAA level 1 minimum. All others must have experience in specialty area, and experience teaching specialized skills to children helpful.  $1175+DOE

ASSISTANT COOK (3) –

Assist in preparing and serving of camp meals, maintaining inventory, rotating through pack-out and dining hall counselor, and cleaning kitchen area.  QUALIFICATIONS: Prefer kitchen experience.  $1175+DOE (half season positions also available)

BUS/BOAT COUNSELOR (2) –

Ride bus/boat each session to supervise transportation procedures; have good crowd control and people skills.  Combined with another staff position.  $225

BUSINESS DIRECTOR / DRIVER (1) –

Staff the camp office, answer the phone, perform clerical duties as requested, and assist administratively as needed.  Supervise camp store and drive for camp program and emergencies as needed.  QUALIFICATIONS: Good supervisory, communication and typing skills, computer experience preferred.  $1350+DOE

CAMP NURSE (1) –

Supervise health care for campers and staff.  QUALIFICATIONS: Must be RN with current CPR certifications.  $1700-$2500 or $180/session (May be combined w/ Health Care Manager position)

CIT DIRECTOR (1) -

Supervise, support unit staff, work with and train campers in leadership program.   QUALIFICATIONS: Twenty-one years old or equivalent experience, previous camp experience including CIT leadership program or an equivalent program.  Supervisory experience is helpful.  $1350+DOE

DAY CAMP UNIT DIRECTOR (1) -

Supervise, support and guide unit staff, work with campers as needed. Drive campers to and from camp or ride bus. Insure implementation of program.  QUALIFICATIONS: Twenty-one years old or equivalent experience, valid drivers license and previous camp staff and/or supervisory experience helpful.  $1350+DOE

FOOD SERVICE DIRECTOR (1) -

Manage, supervise and participate in operation of camp kitchen including meal preparation, food orders, and inventory. QUALIFICATIONS: Previous camp experience, cooking, and supervisory skills or equivalent required. Twenty-one years old or equivalent experience $2500+DOE

HEALTH CARE MANAGER (1) – Manage operation of health care facility.  QUALIFICATIONS:  Experience in health care field preferable.  First Aid and CPR required.  $1350+DOE

PROGRAM DIRECTOR (1) –

Manage special programs including supervision of specialists, specialist areas and assist administratively as needed.  QUALIFICATIONS: Previous supervisory and camp experience or equivalent required. Twenty-one years old or equivalent experience. $1600+DOE

ROPES FACILITATOR (1-2) -

Provide program to youth on low and high elements of Ropes/Challenge Course.  QUALIFICATIONS: Must be twenty-one years old, previous camp and supervisory experience, and must have ropes course facilitation training.  $1350+DOE

STORE MANAGER / DRIVER (1) – Operate and maintain camp store and camp store inventories.  Drive for camp program and emergencies.  QUALIFICATIONS: Twenty-one and valid drivers license.  Must have good money handling and organizational skills.  $1350+DOE

STAFF DIRECTOR (1) – Manage and supervise regular camp staff and assist with camper relations. Assist the Camp Director , and drive for camp program and emergencies, as needed. QUALIFICATIONS: Previous supervisory and camp experience or equivalent required. Twenty-one years old or equivalent experience $1600+DOE

TRIP DIRECTOR (1) - Organize and lead scheduled out-of-camp teen High Adventure Programs, which may include backpacking, rock climbing, biking, horseback riding, canoeing, and kayaking.  QUALIFICATIONS: Twenty-one years old, be physically able to participate in strenuous outdoor activities, First Responder training is preferred and Lifeguard certification are required, previous experience leading trips strongly preferred.  $1460+DOE.

WEEKLY UNIT COUNSELORS/SPECIALIST –

Same responsibilities and requirements as full season employees, participation in some pre-camp training preferred.  $100 per full week session, $50 per week for mini-session.

WATERFRONT COUNSELOR (8) -

Provide waterfront program for two waterfront areas. QUALIFICATIONS: Must have current Lifeguard Training certification (prefer WSI).  Swimming, sailing, canoeing and fishing are waterfront specialties.  $1185+DOE

WATERFRONT DIRECTOR (1) -

Supervise two waterfront programs and up to eight waterfront staff. QUALIFICATIONS: Twenty-one years old or equivalent experience and have waterfront/pool experience.  Must have current WSI and Lifeguard Training certifications.  $1350+DOE

UNIT COUNSELOR (31) -

Work directly with 6-10 campers for a session at a time. Four positions are for day camp with rover duties after day camp hours and on non-day camp days/sessions.  QUALIFICATIONS: Must enjoy working with children.  $1175+ DOE.

UNIT DIRECTOR (6) -

Supervise, support and guide unit staff, work with campers as needed.  Insure implementation of program, and times-off.  QUALIFICATIONS: Twenty-one years old or equivalent experience.  Previous camp staff and/or supervisory experience.  $1350+DOE

Return to top of Page

All forms are in PDF format. (Get a Free download of Acrobat Reader.)

• Sweyolakan Staff Application Info Packet & Openings
• RETURNING Sweyolakan Staff Application
• NEW (First Time) Sweyolakan Staff Application
• Sweyolakan Reference
• Consent for Background Check

If you have any problems loading these forms, please contact the Inland Northwest Council by e-mailing sweyolakan@campfireinc.org or calling (509) 747-6191 ext. 13 or ext. 14. Information will be mailed or e-mailed to you.

Please contact Camp Fire USA Inland Northwest Council for more information.