Summer 2027 Adaptive Recreation and Camp Programming Staff

Summer 2027 Adaptive Recreation and Programming Staff

Spend Your Summer Doing Something That Matters

Looking for the best summer job you’ve ever had? Want to make a difference while gaining hands-on experience in your field? Come spend your summer at Shady Oaks Camp!

Shady Oaks is a summer camp designed specifically for children and adults with disabilities, and we believe every camper deserves a summer filled with friendship, adventure, laughter, independence, and unforgettable memories.

Our campers are incredible. Our staff comes from across the United States and around the world. And our programming staff are at the heart of making each day at camp exciting, meaningful, and inclusive.

For Summer 2027, we are looking for three enthusiastic, creative, responsible, and energetic Programming Staff members to work together to lead our activity and aquatics programs.

This is much more than a typical summer camp job. You will have the opportunity to develop skills in recreation programming, therapeutic recreation, disability services, adaptive activities, leadership, event planning, teamwork, and working directly with people with disabilities.

Whether you are studying Recreation Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation, Social Work, Special Education, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Physical Education, Adapted Physical Education, or a related field—or you're simply someone who loves working with people and creating amazing experiences—we want to meet you!

What You'll Do

As a member of our Programming Team, you will help create and run the activities that make Shady Oaks such a special place.

Activity & Recreation Programming

• Plan and coordinate the camp's daily activity schedule.
• Develop activities that are fun, engaging, inclusive, and adapted to the individual abilities and interests of our campers.
• Learn how to modify activities and equipment so campers with a wide range of disabilities can participate.
• Encourage campers and counselors to become actively involved in every program.
• Work with counselors to ensure campers receive the assistance they need to participate successfully.
• Maintain and organize our activity center, Ford Hall.
• Manage activity supplies and equipment, including inventory, ordering, organization, and end-of-season inventory.
• Work within the established activity-program budget.
• Research and coordinate special programs, performers, groups, and community partnerships.
• Communicate with outside performers and organizations and send appropriate thank-you correspondence.

Special Events

Help create some of the most memorable moments of the summer, including:

• Open House — including decorations and a performance involving campers and staff.
• 4th of July celebrations
• Camp Banquet
• Campfires
• Talent shows
• Holiday-themed summer celebrations
• Other special events and programs throughout the summer

Aquatics & Pool

Our pool is one of the most important activity areas at Shady Oaks.

Programming staff are responsible for:

• Daily operation and cleaning of the pool area.
• Maintaining a safe, clean, and organized aquatics environment.
• Monitoring the well-being of campers and staff using the pool.
• Helping campers participate safely in aquatic activities.
• Assisting with transfers of campers between wheelchairs and the pool when appropriate.

Because many of our campers have significant physical disabilities, this position requires the ability to safely assist with lifting and transferring individuals, including transfers into and out of the pool and wheelchairs. Appropriate training and procedures will be provided.

Leadership & Teamwork

• Report directly to the Camp Director.
• Provide the Director with the following day's activity schedule at least 24 hours in advance.
• Communicate schedule changes promptly.
• Work closely with counselors, HDCs, and other camp leadership.
• Help create a positive, respectful, inclusive environment for campers and staff.
• Take on other responsibilities as assigned by the Camp Director.

What You'll Gain

This position is an excellent opportunity for students who want to build practical experience that complements their education.

You will gain hands-on experience with:

Adaptive Recreation • Therapeutic Recreation • Disability Services • Inclusive Programming • Activity Modification • Leadership • Event Planning • Aquatics • Team Management • Communication • Community Partnerships • Working With Individuals With Disabilities

You'll also develop the ability to think creatively, adapt quickly, solve problems, and work as part of a diverse team in a fast-paced environment.

And, of course, you'll have the opportunity to make a genuine difference in someone's summer.

We are looking for people who are:

• Energetic and enthusiastic
• Creative and willing to try new things
• Dependable and responsible
• Comfortable working as part of a team
• Patient, compassionate, and respectful
• Comfortable working with people with a wide range of disabilities
• Able to adapt activities to meet individual needs
• Willing to jump in and help wherever needed
• Comfortable working in a busy summer-camp environment
• Able to safely assist with physical transfers as required by the position

Previous experience working with people with disabilities is helpful but not required.

Students and recent graduates in Recreation Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation, Social Work, Special Education, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Physical Education, Adapted Physical Education, Camp Administration, and related fields are especially encouraged to apply.

Three Positions. One Programming Team.

We will hire three Programming Staff members for the Summer of 2027.

The three members of the team will work closely together, so we are looking for individuals who are willing to communicate, cooperate, share responsibilities, and support one another.

You won't just be joining a staff.

You'll become part of the Shady Oaks family.

Come See What Shady Oaks Is All About!

We could tell you about camp all day—but it's much better to see it for yourself!

 Watch our Camp Video:
https://youtu.be/lijRvIgDzWE?si=ZNVXBdWlYnukOk-

 Take a Tour of Shady Oaks:
https://youtu.be/b0Xg1LKWk3c?si=PHQvi5OpkaADp-by

Interested?

If you're looking for a summer experience that combines fun, purpose, leadership, and professional experience, we'd love to hear from you.

For more information about the position, please contact:

Karen
Camp Director
karen@shadyoakscamp.org

Shady Oaks Camp

Come for the summer. Leave with memories that last a lifetime.