Summer Camp Activities Counselor

Activities Counselor

Join us in our mission to provide life‑changing experiences that enhance independence and self‑esteem for children and adults with disabilities! As a True Friends Activities Counselor, you'll guide campers through exciting challenges while helping plan, prepare, and lead a variety of activities. You'll create safe, engaging, and memorable experiences that build confidence, teamwork, and adventure for campers of all abilities—making every day at camp both fun and meaningful.

Seasonal, Late May - Mid August 2026

Camp Friendship Annandale, MN

$313-$357 per week based on tenure with True Friends, plus opportunity for end of summer bonus

• 6-7 weeks worked | additional $60 per week worked
• 8-9 weeks worked | additional $70 per week worked
• 10-11 weeks worked | additional $80 per week worked
• 12-14 weeks worked | additional $90 per week worked
• Requirements: Resident or citizen of the USA, in ‘good standing’ with the organization and a live‑in summer camp staff member (excludes support staff)

• Opportunities to gain and strengthen leadership skills
• Meals and lodging provided during employment
• Gain hands‑on, career‑relevant experience
• Build your portfolio with diverse work examples
• Work in a scenic and inspiring work environment
• …and more!

• Facilitate activities and ensure proper maintenance of all equipment
• Use and develop skills to lead a wide range of activities – from high ropes to arts and crafts, from large group games to adaptive archery, and so much more
• Learn how to adapt all activities to meet the needs of campers of all ages and abilities
• Create opportunities that promote empowerment, independence, and confidence
• Facilitate team building, social skill development, and plenty of fun
• Share your unique skills and hobbies as a specialized counselor (waterfront, recreation, or creative) or serve as a well‑rounded counselor leading a variety of activities

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Prior experience facilitating high ropes activities and maintaining ropes equipment
• Willing to step outside your comfort zone and try new challenges
• Comfortable coaching and leading both small and large groups
• Passionate about making a difference in the world
• Comfortable supporting others with daily living skills (training provided)
• Open to living and working in a communal setting
• Eager to take initiative and demonstrate strong work ethic
• Flexible and adaptable in an ever‑changing environment
• Highly valued, but not required: CPR/First Aid certification, Lifeguard certification, camping experience, prior experience working with individuals with disabilities

• Ability to see, hear, and communicate verbally
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to walk, sit, stand, bend, reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and move continually during working hours
• Ability to feel objects and use fingers to operate tools and controls
• May be required to wear a seat harness for up to 8 hours per day, hanging in harness up to 45 minutes at a time

True Friends is a nonprofit organization providing life‑changing experiences that enhance independence and self‑esteem for children and adults with disabilities. True Friends' programs include camp, respite, retreats, team building, therapy and adaptive riding, and travel; serving over 25,000 individuals annually.