Work for Camp Widjiwagan
Work at Widjiwagan for a life-changing job that makes a positive impact in the lives of young people. You will:
- Build lifelong relationships
- Practice wilderness risk management
- Gain experience mentoring young people
- Live, work and play in a beautiful outdoor setting
- Learn group development and conflict mediation techniques
- Develop your leadership skills
- Be part of a passionate, committed, growth-oriented and supportive community
Outdoor Learning Program Positions
Applications for Widjiwagan's Outdoor Learning Program are now open for the 2026-2027 school year! We are hiring Instructors as well as a Program Coordinator. Priority will be given to applications received before June 28, 2026. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. Please email Abby Mans (abby.mans@ymcanorth.org) for more information.
Since 1974, OLP at Widji has been serving schools and community groups from all over Minnesota, with a focus on local and underserved communities. From September – May, nearly over 1000 students spend a week at Widji, participating in classes such as Freshwater Studies, Fur Trade, Glacial Geology, Sustainable Living, and many more. OLP Instructors will hone their skills at facilitating numerous classes while building supportive relationships with small groups of 6-10 students and managing risk in the backcountry on Widji’s extensive Ely, MN property. We work predominantly with 4th-8th graders, though we have the occasional high school group as well! On the weekends, Instructors support retreat programming such as family camp, women’s weekends, and volunteer programs at camp.
Outdoor Learning Program Instructor
We are seeking leaders and educators passionate about connecting youth from diverse backgrounds with the outdoors via play, exploration, and a small-group mentorship model. We need instructors who are adaptable: who can work with different age groups, in various environmental conditions, and with different coworkers, students, and chaperones. Instructors must be attuned to student group dynamics and able to support students as they experience being away from home, navigate conflict with peers, and step outside of their comfort zones at camp. Instructors must have or be willing to obtain a First Aid/CPR certification at minimum (WFA or WFR preferred).
Program Coordinator
We are now hiring a Fall, Winter, and Spring Program Coordinator (PC) to support the delivery of Outdoor Learning and Retreat Programming at Widji! We need a driven, organized leader who is passionate about delivering the best possible programming to students, adults, and families. The PC will communicate regularly with teachers and guests, supervise retreat programming, participate in ongoing risk management and emergency response at camp, and support the Program Director with tasks such as staff scheduling, program marketing..
Summer Wilderness Tripping Positions
We are no longer accepting applications for Summer 2026. Please check back in the fall for information about Summer 2027!
Trail Counselor
Widjiwagan Trail Counselors are involved in all aspects of our summer wilderness tripping program. Their primary responsibility is to lead summer campers on wilderness canoe and backpack trips, ranging in length from 5 to 14 nights (for first-year staff). Widjiwagan introductory and intermediate level canoe trips travel through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) and Quetico Provincial Park in Canada. Introductory and intermediate backpacking trips travel all across the US including the Porcupine Mountains in Michigan, the Big Horn Mountains in Wyoming and the Spanish Peaks in Montana.
Widjiwagan offers a trip progression for campers and staff where the challenge, length and remoteness of our trips increases each successive summer. Senior staff who return for 5 to 6 years may have the opportunity to cap their Widji experience by leading a 40-day canoe trip through the Canadian tundra on the Dubawnt, Kazan and/or Thelon rivers or backpack through the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge or the Brooks Range in Alaska.
Widjiwagan trips are either co-led and solo led depending on the trip. Participation in mealtime activities, light maintenance, completion of session paperwork and attending staff meetings are required. Other duties may also be assigned. Periodic involvement as a support staff member will be scheduled. Staff are compensated with a daily rate, room and board, subsidized Wilderness First Responder and Lifeguarding/Wilderness Water Safety Certifications as well as the opportunity to travel though some of the most beautiful places in the world, gain leadership skills and impact the lives of some awesome young people. Individuals interested in applying for this position need to complete an online application. Must be 19 years old before September to be considered.
Assistant Trail Counselor
This position is open to prospective staff ages 18 and over. This is a great opportunity to find out what leading trips at Widjiwagan is all about without making a full summer commitment. Assistant Trail Guides will start their experience with a 5-day training session. After completing their training, Assistant Trail Guides can expect to co-lead 1-2 overnight canoe or backpack trips for groups of 3-5 11–13-year-old campers. They will also be asked to assist in general camp maintenance between leading groups. In addition to a daily pay rate of $80/day, Assistant Trail Guides will receive lodging and food. They will also be paid for every day that they work whether they are leading a group of campers or working around Widji proper. The priority deadline for Assistant Trail Guide applications is February 1 with additional candidates reviewed on a rolling basis after this deadline. Applicants will be required to complete a First Aid and CPR certification prior to arrival.
Support Staff Positions
Widjiwagan also hires seasonal support staff for our summer season. These folks are the "grease" of our program machinery and truly make camp happen. We offer a variety of support staff positions. Our support staff work on everything from purchasing, repairing and distributing gear to cooking, maintaining our vehicle fleet and supporting our Health Professionals. Individuals need exposure to the general skills associated with their role but should expect a variety of responsibilities associated with supporting our campers and trail counselors as they prepare for and return from wilderness trips. Permanent housing and food are provided for on-site staff throughout the summer. Our support staff are also compensated with an hourly pay rate. Individuals interested in applying for these positions need to complete an online application. Candidates must be 18 to be considered.
Support Positions:
- Trail Building Associate - apply as Camp Lead
- Office Staff - apply as Camp Lead
- Cook or Kitchen Assistant - apply as Camp Kitchen Staff
- Summer Maintenance Assistant - apply as Camp Maintenance Staff
Boy and Girls Outdoor Leadership Development Program (BOLD & GOLD) Wilderness Intern
The YMCA's BOLD & GOLD program, operating at YMCA Camp Widjiwagan, hires 16-18 year old Wilderness Interns. The Internship Program offers young leaders the opportunity to develop their wilderness, leadership, interpersonal and intercultural skills. Interns will participate in a 10 day training session where they will receive group management, experiential education and wilderness skills instruction. Following their training trip, Interns will spend a 12 day session working in conjunction with a Widji Trail Staff member to lead a 5-8 day long canoe trip for campers ages 12-15. Preference is given to BOLD & GOLD graduates but all are welcome to apply. Individuals interested in applying for this position need to complete an online application.
Internship Program Description
Application materials available here.
Applications must be received by March 19th. Please email Audrey Jerome, Summer Program Director, with questions.