Wilderness Canoe Base Employment – Overview

Join the Wilderness Canoe Base staff and spend a summer in the beautiful Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW).  If you are someone who loves the outdoors, leading adventure programming and working with others all while firmly rooted in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s (ELCA) traditions, consider working for Wilderness Canoe Base!  From guiding canoe trips, to supporting the day-to-day work that happens on-site, there are so many incredible opportunities to learn, grow, and participate in a truly transformative summer.

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Summer Details

The  summer staff work schedule is eleven weeks which includes two weeks of staff training, eight weeks of camp, and a fourth of July break.

Staff Training – May 24/26 – June 13

Summer Program – June 14 – August 11

Extended Summer Program – August 12-26

Summer Wage – Pay scale starts at $360 a week (in 2024)

Time Off – On average, staff receive one and one half days off per week throughout the summer.

Additional benefits and compensation – Staff will be receive 3 days PTO, and an additional 2 days PTO for anyone who applies and signs contract by February 25. Furthermore, all certifications (CPR/AED, Wilderness First Aid, and Wilderness Water Safety) are provided at no cost, housing and meals are provided throughout summer, and there are plenty of opportunities to create an internship to receive credit from colleges and universities.

Staff training begins Memorial Day weekend and continues for a period of two and a half weeks. During that time you will be given opportunities to complete certain certifications such as; CPR/AED, Wilderness First Aid, and Wilderness Water Safety.

All LWLBC employees are subject to a background check. LWLBC is an equal-opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, creed, gender, sexual orientation, disability, national origin, age, or ancestry. Read our full non-discrimination policy here.

Summer Seasonal Staff

Working at camp is one of the most meaningful and impactful jobs you will ever have. Your leadership skills will soar high, your conflict resolution understanding will deepen, your opportunity to grow in faith will be wide, and you will gain life-long friends.  At camp, we are looking for young adults who want to serve in a role that will care and support others, while learning so much about themselves along the way. Being a part of camp staff creates opportunities to build valuable tools for life: communication skills, problem solving, creative thinking, teamwork, leadership, and many more!

Most importantly, we are looking for summer staff that are willing to walk with kids and adults during their time at camp. Our staff keeps the physical, emotional, and spiritual safety of all campers a top priority in every moment.  This is a place for all to belong—come and join us!

Below is a list of all summer jobs at Wilderness Canoe Base.

Position: Canoe Guide Counselor (Up to 20 positions)

Minimum age: 18 (by June 1st of year applying)

Program: Wilderness Site, Canoe Trip Program

Job Description: Canoe Guide Counselors lead groups of up to nine people (including themselves) on Boundary Waters canoe trips, Island Camp program, Work-Service program and Family Camp program. Guides must be committed to a safe and positive experience for all campers, teach minimum impact camping and travel skills, and be comfortable leading faith conversations throughout the week. On trail, guides are responsible for establishing healthy group dynamics, cooking, first-aid, leading daily devotions, and team building initiatives.

Benefits: Covered in Seasonal Employee Manual, which can be seen when offered a position

Health Insurance: Is not provided by Camp and is expected to be covered by Employee

Worker’s Compensation Insurance: Provided by Camp at no cost to Employee

Food and Lodging: Is provided.

Essential Job Functions:

  • CPR/AED*, Wilderness First Aid*, and Wilderness Water Safety*
  • Ability to ambulate rocky terrain at all times
  • Ability and willingness to facilitate faith conversation with youth and adults
  • Ability to carry a 75 pound canoe over a 100+ yard distance
  • Ability to sleep on the ground
  • Ability to maturely supervise, encourage and lead a group of eight people over a seven day period

*     You will receive training for Essential Job Functions during Staff Training. Successful completion of these requirements is mandatory.

Position: Director of Health & Safety (2 positions)

Minimum age: 18 (by June 1st of year applying)

Program: Wilderness Site, Base Staff

Job Description: The Director of Health and Safety is responsible for monitoring the health and safety practices of WCB. Specific job details include group orientations to campers and guests about first aid expectations, knowledge of safety and emergency procedures, maintaining accurate records of treatment given to campers, inventory of all medical supplies, contacting parents related to medical questions on health forms, and ordering supplies. The DHS team is responsible for overseeing and assessing healthcare for/by staff (guide counselors, etc.) while adhering to WCB policies, procedures and standing orders.

Benefits: Covered in Seasonal Employee Manual, which can be seen when offered a position

Health Insurance: Is not provided by Camp and is expected to be covered by Employee

Worker’s Compensation Insurance: Provided by Camp at no cost to Employee

Food and Lodging: Is provided.

Essential Job Functions:

  • Background in health and medical care strongly preferred
  • CPR/AED*, Wilderness First Aid*, and Wilderness Water Safety*
  • Ability to ambulate rocky terrain at all times
  • Ability and willingness to facilitate faith conversation with youth and adults
  • Current Driver’s License

*     You will receive training for these Essential Job Functions during Staff Training. Successful completion of these requirements is mandatory.

Position: Camp Chaplain (1 position)

Minimum age: 21 (by June 1st of year applying)

Program: Wilderness Site, Base Staff

Job Description: The Camp Chaplain provides spiritual, emotional and theological resources for staff and campers. The Chaplain leads and organizes Sunday morning worship, helps provide resources for bible study and other worship activities, manages devotions, and checks in with staff members throughout the summer. The Camp Chaplain will provide Bible Study and programming resources for the guide counselors, and all staff to facilitate engagement with the summer’s theme in vespers, Bible studies, first and last word, etc.

Benefits: Covered in Seasonal Employee Manual, which can be seen when offered a position

Health Insurance: Is not provided by Camp and is expected to be covered by Employee

Worker’s Compensation Insurance: Provided by Camp at no cost to Employee

Food and Lodging: Is provided.

Essential Job Functions:

  • Wilderness First Aid*, Wilderness Water Safety*, and CPR/AED*
  • Ability to ambulate rocky terrain at all times
  • Ability and willingness to facilitate faith conversation with youth and adults
  • Familiarity with worship process and planning
  • Musical skills (i.e. leading songs, playing guitar, etc.) strongly preferred
  • Current Driver’s License

*     You will receive training for these Essential Job Functions during Staff Training. Successful completion of these requirements is mandatory.

Position: Program Coordinator (1 position)

Minimum age: 18 (by June 1st of year applying)

Program: Wilderness Site, Base Staff

Job Description: The Program Coordinator is responsible for the daily programmatic needs of camp, campers and guests, and directs staff accordingly. They must have a general mastery of all WCB programs, and be willing to see the big picture as they problem solve and make plans. Strong relational, organizational and communication skills are necessary.

Benefits: Covered in Seasonal Employee Manual, which can be seen when offered a position

Health Insurance: Is not provided by Camp and is expected to be covered by Employee

Worker’s Compensation Insurance: Provided by Camp at no cost to Employee

Food and Lodging: Is provided on site for this position.

Essential Job Functions:

  • CPR/AED*, Wilderness First Aid*, and Wilderness Water Safety*
  • Ability to ambulate rocky terrain at all times
  • Excellent organization and management skills
  • Ability and willingness to facilitate faith conversation with youth and adults
  • Current Driver’s License preferred

*     You will receive training for these Essential Job Functions during Staff Training. Successful completion of these requirements is mandatory.

Position: Trail Shack Coordinator (2 positions)

Minimum age: 18 (by June 1st of year applying)

Program: Wilderness Site, Base Staff

Job Description: This person is responsible for the entire Trail Shack operation; organizing and distributing equipment and food for the tripping program. The Trailshack Coordinator must be organized, a natural self-starter, good at record keeping, able to work on one’s own, and able to respond to change and/or new information adeptly. Prior to canoe trips, the Trailshack Coordinator is responsible for packing all food for all trips (taking into consideration dietary needs for each group). When canoe trips return the Trailshack Coordinator is responsible for repairs and replacements of gear as needed. The Trailshack Coordinator is responsible for training guides and staff on care and safety protocols for gear, and must hold them to high standards throughout the summer.

Benefits: Covered in Seasonal Employee Manual, which can be seen when offered a position

Health Insurance: Is not provided by Camp and is expected to be covered by Employee

Worker’s Compensation Insurance: Provided by Camp at no cost to Employee

Food and Lodging: Is provided.

Essential Job Functions:

  • CPR/AED*, Wilderness First Aid*, and Wilderness Water Safety*
  • Ability to ambulate rocky terrain at all times
  • Ability and willingness to facilitate faith conversation with youth and adults
  • Current Driver’s License
  • Ability to be incredibly organized, manage time effectively, and provide leadership

*     You will receive training for these Essential Job Functions during Staff Training. Successful completion of these requirements is mandatory.

Position: Head Cook (1 position)

Minimum age: 20 (by June 1st of year applying)

Program: Wilderness Site, Base Staff

Job Description: The Head Cook is responsible for the kitchen and food service, which is known for great from-scratch meals. This person must have an eye for hospitality and food health & safety needs. Besides food preparation and oversight of kitchen and dining hall, the head cook will be responsible for creating weekly menus, kitchen staff management, ordering food, recording temps, and managing the food budget. This person needs to have management and administrative gifts besides the innovation and creativity of a chef.

Benefits: Covered in Seasonal Employee Manual, which can be seen when offered a position

Health Insurance: Is not provided by Camp and is expected to be covered by Employee

Worker’s Compensation Insurance: Provided by Camp at no cost to Employee

Food and Lodging: Is provided.

Essential Job Functions:

  • CPR/AED* and Serve Safe training*
  • Ability to ambulate rocky terrain at all times
  • Experience in food service industry preferred

*     You will receive training for these Essential Job Functions during Staff Training. Successful completion of these requirements is mandatory.

Position: Kitchen Assistant (3 positions)

Minimum age: 18 (by June 1st of year applying)

Program: Wilderness Site, Base Staff

Job Description: The Kitchen Assistants provide regular, healthy food service for groups of 20 to 130. Cleanliness and proper food preparation is essential. Kitchen Assistants also help organize and maintain food storage areas and the dining area in a hygienic manner. While on duty Kitchen Assistants also supervise the dishwashing process at meal times. Because meals are served three times a day and seven days per week, the Head Cook will work with Kitchen Assistants to set up an appropriate work schedule.

Benefits: Covered in Seasonal Employee Manual, which can be seen when offered a position

Health Insurance: Is not provided by Camp and is expected to be covered by Employee

Worker’s Compensation Insurance: Provided by Camp at no cost to Employee

Food and Lodging: Is provided

Essential Job Functions:

  • CPR/AED* and Serve Safe Training*
  • Ability to ambulate rocky terrain at all times
  • Experience in food service industry preferred.

*     You will receive training for these Essential Job Functions during Staff Training. Successful completion of these requirements is mandatory.

Position: Pontoonist (1 positions)

Minimum age: 18 (by June 1st of year applying)

Program: Wilderness Site Base Staff

Job Description: The Pontoonist is the initial face of hospitality for all guests of camp, as they transport people and things to and from the islands. The job requires a commitment to serve and an excitement for a physically demanding outdoor job. Familiarity with driving boats, and boat motors is a plus, as well as an ability to adhere to and enforce MN boating regulations. A person with a hard-working and flexible attitude is important. When not working on pontoonist duties, this person is part of the maintenance team. This role is often paired with a Maintenance position.

Benefits: Covered in Seasonal Employee Manual, which can be seen when offered a position

Health Insurance: Is not provided by Camp and is expected to be covered by Employee

Worker’s Compensation Insurance: Provided by Camp at no cost to Employee

Food and Lodging: Is provided.

Essential Job Functions:

  • CPR/AED*, Wilderness First Aid*, and Wilderness Water Safety*
  • Ability to ambulate rocky terrain at all times
  • Ability and willingness to facilitate faith conversation with youth and adults
  • Current Driver’s License
  • Familiarity with boats and boat motors preferred

*     You will receive training for these Essential Job Functions during Staff Training. Successful completion of these requirements is mandatory.

Position: Maintenance Assistant (2 positions)

Minimum age: 18 (by June 1st of year applying)

Program: Wilderness Site Base Staff

Job Description: Maintenance Assistants will work closely with the Camp Manager to complete maintenance tasks, and manage upkeep of facilities. Another core component of the job is directing staff and work-service crews in their completion of work projects. Additional duties include assisting with vehicle upkeep, fire suppression, working in the shop and taking care of equipment and tools, special building projects and assisting with canoe upkeep and maintenance. It is essential that Maintenance Assistants are able to ask thorough questions and learn quickly. This role often does pontooning as well.

Benefits: Covered in Seasonal Employee Manual, which can be seen when offered a position

Health Insurance: Is not provided by Camp and is expected to be covered by Employee

Worker’s Compensation Insurance: Provided by Camp at no cost to Employee

Food and Lodging: Is provided.

Essential Job Functions:

  • CPR/AED*, Wilderness First Aid*, and Wilderness Water Safety*
  • Maintenance experience preferred; such as woodworking, carpentry, electrical, plumbing and/or moto repair
  • Ability to ambulate rocky terrain at all times
  • Ability and willingness to facilitate faith conversation with youth and adults
  • Current Driver’s License

*     You will receive training for these Essential Job Functions during Staff Training. Successful completion of these requirements is mandatory.

Position:  Rock Climbing Technician (1 position)

Minimum age: 18 (by June 1st of year applying)

Program: Wilderness Site, Base Staff

Job Description: The Rock Tech is responsible for the safe conduct of all climbing activities. The Rock Tech manages the climbing sites, sets up climbs, secures safety harnesses on participants, teaches climbing safety and techniques, supervises the program in accordance with the climbing standards, maintains the equipment, checks for safety concerns, and adapts sessions to the skill level and needs of the group. This staff member must be able to manage both top-rope and bottom belay climbs. The Rock Tech is often out at the Rock Site for many hours of the day, and spends time guiding groups through the rock climbing adventure and then waiting for the next group to arrive. This position is often paired with another position.

Benefits: Covered in Seasonal Employee Manual, which can be seen when offered a position

Health Insurance: Is not provided by Camp and is expected to be covered by Employee

Worker’s Compensation Insurance: Provided by Camp at no cost to Employee

Food and Lodging: Is provided on site for this position.

Essential Job Functions:

  • Appropriate rock climbing certification*, CPR/AED*, Wilderness First Aid*, and Wilderness Water Safety*
  • Ability to ambulate rocky terrain at all times
  • Ability and willingness to facilitate faith conversation with youth and adults
  • Ability to manage both top-rope and bottom belay climbs.
  • Experience in institutional rock climbing program
  • Climbing resume must demonstrate a diversity of experience, especially at outdoor sites.
  • Current Driver’s License

*     You will receive training for these Essential Job Functions during Staff Training. Successful completion of these requirements is mandatory.

Position: Waterfront Coordinator (1 position)

Minimum age: 18 (by June 1st of year applying)

Program: Wilderness Site, Base Staff

Job Description:

The Waterfront Coordinator’s duties include group orientations for “swim and swamp” and swim tests, lifeguarding at the beach for Island Campers, and keeping all waterfronts clean and organized. The Waterfront Coordinator also works closely with the Camp Manager in the organization and upkeep of the camp’s fleet of canoes. This position is usually paired with at least one other position.

Benefits: Covered in Seasonal Employee Manual, which can be seen when offered a position

Health Insurance: Is not provided by Camp and is expected to be covered by Employee

Worker’s Compensation Insurance: Provided by Camp at no cost to Employee

Food and Lodging: Is provided.

Essential Job Functions:

  • CPR/AED*, Wilderness First Aid*, and Wilderness Water Safety*
  • Ability to ambulate rocky terrain at all times
  • Ability and willingness to facilitate faith conversation with youth and adults
  • Experienced swimmer necessary, previous lifeguard or swim teacher preferred

*     You will receive training for these Essential Job Functions during Staff Training. Successful completion of these requirements is mandatory.

Position: Hospitality Coordinator (1 position)

Minimum age: 18 (by June 1st of year applying)

Program: Wilderness Site, Base Staff

Job Description: The Hospitality Coordinator must be organized, a natural self-starter, good at record keeping, and able to work on one’s own. The Hospitality Coordinator will work to systematize the hospitality work that is required throughout the summer.  They will work to assign cleaning tasks, keep track of hospitality needs, and ensure that the site always looks great! This position is often paired with another position.

Benefits: Covered in Seasonal Employee Manual, which can be seen when offered a position

Health Insurance: Is not provided by Camp and is expected to be covered by Employee

Worker’s Compensation Insurance: Provided by Camp at no cost to Employee

Food and Lodging: Is provided.

Essential Job Functions:

  • CPR/AED*, Wilderness First Aid*, and Wilderness Water Safety*
  • Ability to ambulate rocky terrain at all times
  • Ability and willingness to facilitate faith conversation with youth and adults
  • Current Driver’s License
  • Ability to be incredibly organized, manage time effectively, and provide leadership

*     You will receive training for these Essential Job Functions during Staff Training. Successful completion of these requirements is mandatory.

Position: Blockhouse Coordinator (1 position)

Minimum age: 18 (by June 1st of year applying)

Program: Wilderness Site, Base Staff

Job Description: The Blockhouse Coordinator runs the camp store and assists with office work throughout the summer. They will work closely with the Site Manager to handle the organization and administration needs for the store. Items sold at the store include t-shirts, candy, maps, etc. Canoe groups have the opportunity to purchase items at the end of their trip, while island campers, and work crews will have a daily opportunity to stop by the camp store. Must have a knack for organization, flexibility, and hospitality. Experience with POS systems is a plus. The office work will primarily be assisting in printing permits, organizing evaluations, and entering information into our database. This position is often paired with another.

Benefits: Covered in Seasonal Employee Manual, which can be seen when offered a position

Health Insurance: Is not provided by Camp and is expected to be covered by Employee

Worker’s Compensation Insurance: Provided by Camp at no cost to Employee

Food and Lodging: Is provided.

Essential Job Functions:

  • CPR/AED*, Wilderness First Aid*, and Wilderness Water Safety*
  • Ability to ambulate rocky terrain at all times
  • Computer competency and Point of Sales experience preferred
  • Ability and willingness to facilitate faith conversation with youth and adults

*     You will receive training for these Essential Job Functions during Staff Training. Successful completion of these requirements is mandatory.

Position: Music Coordinator (1 position)

Minimum age: 18 (by June 1st of year applying)

Program: Wilderness Site, Base Staff

Job Description: The Music Coordinator works closely with the Chaplain, and other staff in coordinating music on Sundays, at vespers, campfires and special music throughout the summer.  They must be creative and willing to delegate responsibilities as well as take the lead role when necessary.  The ideal candidate will be willing to lead in singing, and the ability to play an instrument would be an added bonus. This position will often be paired with another position.

Benefits: Covered in Seasonal Employee Manual, which can be seen when offered a position

Health Insurance: Is not provided by Camp and is expected to be covered by Employee

Worker’s Compensation Insurance: Provided by Camp at no cost to Employee

Food and Lodging: Is provided.

Essential Job Functions:

  • CPR/AED*, Wilderness First Aid*, and Wilderness Water Safety*
  • Ability to ambulate rocky terrain at all times
  • Excellent organization and creative music facilitation skills
  • Familiarity with worship process and planning
  • Musical skills (i.e. leading songs, playing guitar, etc.) strongly preferred
  • Ability and willingness to facilitate faith conversation with youth and adults

*     You will receive training for these Essential Job Functions during Staff Training. Successful completion of these requirements is mandatory.

Position: Island and Family Camp Coordinator (1 position)

Minimum age: 18 (by June 1st of year applying)

Program: Wilderness Site, Base Staff

Job Description: The Island and Family Camp Coordinator leads and supports the island camp activities throughout the summer.  They must be organized, able to lead and delegate, and willing to creatively consider program and activities best suited for the people on site.  This position requires an ability to communicate and plan ahead, and does best when the person is flexible and able to adapt depending on the needs of the camp in the moment.  This position may be paired with another position.

Benefits: Covered in Seasonal Employee Manual, which can be seen when offered a position

Health Insurance: Is not provided by Camp and is expected to be covered by Employee

Worker’s Compensation Insurance: Provided by Camp at no cost to Employee

Food and Lodging: Is provided.

Essential Job Functions:

  • CPR/AED*, Wilderness First Aid*, and Wilderness Water Safety*
  • Ability to ambulate rocky terrain at all times
  • Excellent organization and creative facilitation skills
  • Ability and willingness to facilitate faith conversation with youth and adults

*     You will receive training for these Essential Job Functions during Staff Training. Successful completion of these requirements is mandatory.

Position: Media Coordinator (1 position)

Minimum age: 18 (by June 1st of year applying)

Program: Wilderness Site, Base Staff

Job Description: The Media Coordinator takes the lead on communications and social media strategy for the summer.  They will work to keep the social media sites updated, work on a monthly newsletter, and work on promoting various parts of camp throughout the summer season.  Additionally, the Media Coordinator will assist in taking photos and videos, and editing video clips into movies that can be used for promotion, development, and information in moments during and after the summer season.

Benefits: Covered in Seasonal Employee Manual, which can be seen when offered a position

Health Insurance: Is not provided by Camp and is expected to be covered by Employee

Worker’s Compensation Insurance: Provided by Camp at no cost to Employee

Food and Lodging: Is provided.

Essential Job Functions:

  • CPR/AED*, Wilderness First Aid*, and Wilderness Water Safety*
  • Ability to ambulate rocky terrain at all times
  • Excellent organization and creative facilitation skills
  • Experience in social media strategy, photography, and/or video editing strongly preferred
  • Ability and willingness to facilitate faith conversation with youth and adults

*     You will receive training for these Essential Job Functions during Staff Training. Successful completion of these requirements is mandatory.

Position: Naturalist (1 position)

Minimum age: 18 (by June 1st of year applying)

Program: Wilderness Site, Base Staff

Job Description: The Naturalist is responsible for developing environmental education for staff and campers throughout the summer. The Naturalist provides orientations for canoe groups as to the nature and history of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. The Naturalist also takes Island Camp and Family Camp groups on guided nature hikes during their time at camp and maintains the nature center on Fishhook Island.  This position is often paired with another job.

Benefits: Covered in Seasonal Employee Manual, which can be seen when offered a position

Health Insurance: Is not provided by Camp and is expected to be covered by Employee

Worker’s Compensation Insurance: Provided by Camp at no cost to Employee

Food and Lodging: Is provided.

Essential Job Functions:

  • CPR/AED*, Wilderness First Aid*, and Wilderness Water Safety*
  • Ability to ambulate rocky terrain at all times
  • Excellent organization and creative facilitation skills
  • Knowledge of various plants, animals, and environmental concepts (in particular within the BWCAW) and an ability to teach and share about them with guests and staff
  • Ability and willingness to facilitate faith conversation with youth and adults

*     You will receive training for these Essential Job Functions during Staff Training. Successful completion of these requirements is mandatory.

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