Summer Camp Counselor and Activity Leader
Calling all adventurers, athletes, coaches, creators, performers, and future role models - far and wide! Independent Lake Camp is on a mission to create the best summer ever for our campers, and we need you on board!
If you’re looking for a role where you can share your skills, teach and mentor kids, be surrounded by a unique and diverse team of young adults, and spend your summer in a high-energy environment filled with sports, creativity, friendship, leadership, and nonstop fun… look no further.
We’re currently working to build a balanced and diverse staff team, including increasing male representation among counselors.
About ILC:
Independent Lake Camp is a co-ed, non-traditional sleepaway camp located in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. ILC is dedicated to celebrating diversity, promoting creativity, and empowering individual growth through camper-chosen individualized scheduling. Independent Lake Camp attracts campers and counselors from across the U.S. and internationally, serving kids ages 6–17 in 2- to 8-week sessions. ILC is located 2.5 hours north of New York City and 2.5 hours from Philadelphia in the small town of Orson, PA.
What We’re Looking For:
We are looking for counselors with expertise in any of the following — and a genuine passion for mentoring kids, building confidence, and sharing their talents with campers:
Circus
Gymnastics
Horseback Riding
Swimming
Sailing
Kayaking
Water-skiing/Wakeboarding
Boat-driving
Lifeguarding
Go-Karting
BMX
Skateboarding
Rollerblading
Music
Guitar
Bass
Drums
Music Recording & Mixing
Cinematography
Video Editing
Basketball
Soccer
Volleyball
Tennis
Pickleball
Golf
Yoga
Fitness
Theatre
Dance
Tech Theatre
Magic
Rocketry
Climbing Wall/High Ropes Course
Nature
Role Playing Games
Acapella Singing
Fine Arts
Ceramics
Photography
Stained Glass
Archery
Cooking
…and more!
To Be Successful In This Role You Will Need:
- A positive outlook and ability to energize those around you
- Great communication skills with children and colleagues
- A focus on safety and mental well-being for the campers
- You will need to be a team player
- A passion for teaching/coaching/leading
- You will need Initiative, problem solving skills and be responsible
- To live and breathe the mission of ILC - Please take a moment to read our mission statement to understand how we operate.
What The Role Involves:
Day to day, our counselors are responsible for the following key tasks -
- Teach your specialty activity for 5 periods each day
- Live in a bunk with 6-12 campers and co counselors
- Support social and emotional wellbeing of your campers
- Inspire and empower all campers to be the best version of themselves
- Supervise and mentor campers during meals, downtime and bunk activities.
- Engage and participate in daily group evening activities and camp events ie: bring the fun
What We Will Provide:
Independent Lake Camp will provide you with a summer of exponential professional growth, irreplaceable friendships, lifelong memories, and untold fun within the beauty of our natural mountainous setting. Our staff are the most important aspect of running a quality camp. We offer plenty of time off, one period every day and 4 nights per week. You will also receive one day off per week, not including the first and last week of your contract. This is a live-in position, which includes lodging and food.
For more information check out our website at www.independentlake.com and watch our Video.
Explore our socials - Vimeo, Facebook, Soundcloud, Instagram and Youtube accounts.
Position Dates:
June 13th, 2026 - August 1st OR August 17th, 2026, depending on your availability.
Pre and Post camp work available upon request.
Apply online at www.independentlake.com/staff/