Overview
Camp Mishawaka seeks to hire wilderness trip leaders from May 31st-August 7th for the 2026 summer season. Under the direction of the trip director, the trip leaders oversee Camp Mishawaka’s wilderness tripping program (including all trip planning and preparations) and ensure that trips are conducted in a safe manner, equipment is functional, used properly and stored correctly, and that any awards are distributed in a consistent, transparent fashion.
Wilderness trip staff have the opportunity to lead trips at iconic Northland locations including the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Isle Royale National Park and the Apostle Islands. More about the variety and extent of Mishawaka’s tripping program can be found at our website – www.campmishawaka.com
Qualifications:
Availability between May 31 and August 7
Be 18 years of age or older by time of employment
Eligible to work in the United States
Previous experience planning and leading children on extended, overnight wilderness trips
Must have or be able to attain a CPR, Wilderness First Aid, and Lifeguard or Wilderness Water Safety certification
Must be comfortable in a wilderness environment, physically fit, and be able to lift and carry a 50 lb. backpack for a considerable time and distance.
Required Skills:
Enjoy working with children!
Cultural competence and enthusiasm for working with a diverse and dynamic community
Ability to communicate with peers, campers, and parents, including written correspondence and record keeping.
Ability to observe and assess, by sight and sound, dangerous situations and behavior that endangers the camp community.
Physical ability to move independently from place to place and navigate difficult terrain.
Preferred Skills:
Wilderness First Responder
About Camp Mishawaka
Camp Mishawaka is located in Grand Rapids, Minnesota and was founded in 1910. With more than 100 years in the business, Mishawaka is a traditional, overnight outdoor camp serving children ages 8-16. Located on Lake Pokegama, campers stay for 2, 4, 6, or 8 weeks at a time. Our campers come from all over the country and world, representing 31 different states and 10 different countries.
Camp Mishawaka is located on the shores of Lake Pokegama in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Lake Pokegama is a beautiful 5,000 acre lake that offers natural access to the Mississippi River. It is cool, clean, and the sandy shore and gently sloping beach offer great access to everything the waterfront offers.
