Ready for an Unforgettable Summer

Job Opportunities

Aquatics Program Director at Camp Joy.

Equestrian Program Director at Camp Joy.

Lifeguard/Counselor at Camp Joy.

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We're recruiting our summer staff now! All positions are live-in unless otherwise noted. For counselors and lifeguards, our employment season runs 12 weeks, from June 1 to August 23rd. For Area Directors, the employment season runs from May 27th to August 24th.

Disabilities experience is great but not essential: we will teach and coach you. Our training is extensive and ongoing supervision provides supportive help throughout the summer.

While working at Camp Joy is fun, it's not easy. The personal rewards, however, are powerful and enduring:

Greater confidence and self-awareness from helping people whose needs are greater than your own.
Unsurpassed experience: the interpersonal skills that you learn will transfer to your future. Also, working at an intensive special needs program like Camp Joy is highly valued by employers (including those outside of the disabilities field).
Making a positive difference in the lives of people with lifelong disabilities.
Lasting friendships with coworkers from around world.
Compensation In addition to room and board, first year counselors receive a stipend of $2400 for a full season. First year program directors receive $2640 for a full season.

Too Good to be True?

The rewards are real because they are earned: the camp fun is balanced with a strong commitment to active camper care and supervision. Our staff work long hours and respond to continual challenges. We provide lots of support for them because our quality standards are high. We expect every member of our team to be responsible, positive, and committed to the best interests of our campers. We also expect new staff members to experience a natural learning curve: our veteran staff will help you (they remember what it was like during their first summer...).

What Staff Have Said...

"I am a special education teacher now: looking back, the personal and professional challenges at Camp Joy were perfect training. I grew so much!"
"In some ways, I live a selfish life. Working at Camp Joy gave me an opportunity to put myself second... the challenges led to deeply personal rewards."
"An amazing experience for those who are strong and compassionate enough to handle it."
"Awesome --now I know that I want a career in the disabilities field!"
"I came to Camp Joy thinking that I was a responsible person, but now I know it."
"Camp Joy pushed all of my boundaries. I learned that I have a great capacity for compassion..."
"I learned that I am a patient and understanding person even during difficult times."
"I learned to cope with personal conflict so that it doesn't affect my performance."

Who We Hire

Our international staff team consists of responsible young men and women (ages 18+). They take good care of our campers while helping them have a great time. While some of our staff members have college or job experience in the disabilities field, many do not. International agencies assist with visa applications, insurance, travel costs, etc.

We are selective in our hiring. We look for character strengths: dependability, a generous and upbeat attitude, excellent interpersonal skills, the ability to provide good personal care, as well as flexibility and stamina. Since the work is emotionally and physically challenging, strong coping skills are essential.

Interested? Check out Typical Camp Day, then take look at available jobs. On that page, you will be directed to an on-line job application. After you complete and submit it, we'll call you!