Camp Counselor at Nature Day Camp

Spend your summer outside in beautiful Olympia, WA! Camp Wa-Ya's programs intertwine outdoor adventure, science education, and Indigenous knowledge. This position will provide an opportunity for a person connected to the Indigenous community to develop leadership and outdoor instructor skills. Fellows will be trained in developing and teaching curriculum, coordinating with tribal communities and teachers, and sharing cultural knowledge in a way that is consistent with cultural teachings.

TO APPLY: Visit our website at https://wayaoutdoorschool.com/job-openings

Lead Day Camp Instructors are responsible for managing a group of 9-13 campers with the support of an Assistant Day Camp Instructor.  This position creates and teaches lessons, runs activities, and organizes games for their group of campers.

Wa-Ya runs a 10-week summer camp program with Day Camp offerings for ages 6-13 and Adventure Camp trips for ages 12-17.  Camp Wa-Ya staff and campers spend most of their day outdoors, engaged in regular activity.  Our programs include hiking, kayaking, and outdoor skills, and Instructors should be prepared to work outside in any weather.  We visit sites in and around Olympia and Instructors are responsible for transporting campers in 12- and 15-passenger vans.  All Wa-Ya staff engage in a culturally integrated environment, where Wa-Ya’s values of respect, diversity, equity, and inclusion are practiced.  

Our program is centered around a science-based curriculum, in combination with Indigenous practices and arts, outdoor adventure, and environmental stewardship, and provides an environment that fosters a sense of wonder for Wa-Ya campers.

Staff should be available to attend training June 14th-19th.  All of our programs run Monday-Friday - no weekends!

Visit our website to see job descriptions and more information.  We are also hiring Trip Leaders (backpacking and kayaking) and Substitute Instructors.

Our summer season runs from June 15–August 28, 2026.  Please see our website for other job postings, including trip leaders and substitute instructors.

Applications are accepted until the position is filled; we will begin interviews the week of February 16th.

Compensation Information

Compensation for this position is $690-770/week We will also cover First Aid & CPR and other related trainings for the right candidate. Wa-Ya has local connections to help you find affordable housing during your summer contract.