Staff Dining Hall (Scouts do Patrol Cooking)
About Goshen Staff
Want the coolest summer job?
Every year, the camps and programs which make up the Goshen Scout Reservation employ close to 250 highly motivated individuals to participate in the experience of a lifetime! At Goshen, you’ll learn new skills, make lifelong friends, and experience an unforgettable summer.
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Learn more below or apply now!
How to Apply
Interviews for 2027 Camp Staff will begin in January 2027. We will begin contacting applications in mid-December, so be on the lookout for emails! Interviews for key leadership positions will start this fall.
Please email Camping Specialist Sarah Moses at Sarah.Moses@scouting.org with any questions.
What does it mean to be Staff?
Why Camp Staff?
At Goshen Scout Reservation, we are committed to providing youth and adult campers with an exciting, engaging, and educational camping experience. Our staff teach essential Scouting skills, including knot tying, fire building, outdoor cooking, and identifying local plants and wildlife. Beyond teaching these valuable skills, we strive to create unforgettable experiences and lifelong memories for every camper.
As a member of the camp staff, you will have the unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of campers. Whether you are leading activities, teaching new skills, or sharing your passion for the outdoors, you will help inspire the next generation of Scouts while creating memories of your own. Camp staff members build leadership skills, form lifelong friendships, and experience the adventure and wonder of the outdoors every day.
What are the benefits of serving on Camp Staff?
- Live at camp and become a part of a close-knot community while enjoying the outdoors all summer long. Room and board provided.
- Gain valuable credentials and hands-on experience related to your role.
- Work alongside dedicated staff from diverse backgrounds, forming friendships and connections that extend well beyond the summer.
- Spend your summer teaching, exploring, and creating moments that campers and staff will remember for years to come.
What is the program at Goshen?
Goshen Scout Reservation serves as an immersive outdoor classroom for the Scouting Program. Camp staff teach campers Scouting skills by leading them through outdoor adventure and advancement opportunities.
Goshen Scout Reservation offers three different summer camp experiences:
- Webelos and AOL Summer Camp: For Cub Scout youth ages 8 – 10
- Scouts BSA Summer Camp: For Scouts BSA youth ages 11 – 17
- Lenhok’sin High Adventure: For Scouts BSA and Venturing youth ages 13 – 20
Qualifications:
- At least 15 years old. 16+ for Lenhok’sin, 18+ for many leadership positions (14 for CITs). Some positions may have higher minimum age requirements.
- Scouting background preferred but not required
- Great attitude towards learning and teaching
- Flexible in schedule, position, and responsibilities
- Willingness to have FUN!
- For most positions, certifications and training are not required. Position-specific training is paid for or provided by the camp.
- Some positions at Camp Post and Lenhok’sin High Adventure may require either certifications or previous experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work a partial summer?
Hiring preference is given to staff members who can work the full summer and in order to be paid staff applicants must be able to work 4 weeks minimum. CITs and volunteers are always welcome.
Where will I be living all summer?
Staff members are provided with a canvas wall tent on a platform to store their personal equipment and to sleep in. These tents are also equipped with electricity.
What sort of amenities are provided at camp?
There are laundry facilities on site and each camp has a shower house equipped with individual showers. Days off are a great time to rest and wash your clothes.
What would my job responsibilities be?
Depending on what position you are hired for will determine what your responsibilities are. For most positions, the primary focus is delivering program (I.E teaching merit badges, conducting weekly activities for campers and ensuring your area is ready for program). Additionally, all positions are expected to help with setup, maintenance, and tear down of the camp in addition to other general duties based on the operations of the camp.
Counselors-in-Training
How old are CITs?
Counselors-in-Training (CITs) need to be at least 14 years old by the time they start.
Do I need to pay to be a CIT?
CITs are neither paid nor charged. Room and board is provided.
What do CITs do?
CITs help teach in their program area, sometimes getting to teach by themselves once they have had enough practice. Outside of program, they would help the other staff with necessary tasks around camp – like cleaning shared spaces, being part of a Site Guide team for a unit, or just having free time.
How do I apply?
The application process is the same process as it is for staff. Use the online form above!
What is the time commitment?
For most camps, we recommend CITs come for a minimum of 2 weeks so that they get to experience multiple program areas and have a chance to get their feet under them. CITs are encouraged to stay for longer than 2 weeks.
Can CITs earn merit badges?
Some CITs work on and earn merit badges while they assist in teaching them. Other badges, they can work on in their free time by arranging it with the relevant Area Director. A word of caution to parents: don’t pressure your CIT to come back with a ton of badges. Badges are a nice extra and many CITs earn a couple, but the primary reason they are there is to learn about being a camp staff member. CITs will also need some time for relaxation and hanging out with the friends they make.
Staff Openings
Scouting America National Capital Area Council is an equal opportunity employer. The National Capital Area Council does not discriminate in employment on accounts of race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, physical disability, military status, or unfavorable discharge from military service.
Below are many of the seasonal camp staff positions that are hired annually:
- Camp Leadership: Camp Director, Program Director, Camper Experience Director
- Specialty Area Directors: Aquatics Director, Range and Target Activities Director, COPE & Climbing Director, ATV Director
- Area Directors: Scoutcraft, Ecology / Nature, Culture Craft, Handicraft, Tech Center, The Guild
- Outpost Directors at Lenhok’sin High Adventure
- Outpost Assistants at Lenhok’sin High Adventure
- Lifeguards
- Facilities Staff: Asst. Ranger, Facilities Director, and Commissioners
- Medical Staff: Health Lodge Director, Health Lodge Assistant, First Aider
- Retail Staff: Retail Director, Trading Post Managers
- Food Service Staff: Food Service Leadership, Kitchen Managers, Cooks, Prep-Cooks, Dishwashers
- Instructors
- Counselors in Training
Instructor (minimum age 15) positions start at $150/week. Director positions start at $300/week.
2027 Summer Schedule
Leadership Week of select staff begins Saturday, June 12th.
Staff Week, for all staff members, begins Saturday, June 19th. Summer Camp ends of a rolling basis on the Wednesday following the final program day of camp (Bowman, Marriott, and Lenhok’sin: July 28th, Olmsted: August 4th, Ross and Post: August 11th.)
There will be a pre-camp training opportunity for staff that are not able to attend Staff Week.
Area Directors and other designated staff will be required to be available beginning June 12th for position-specific training and/or for advance set up.
CITs should coordinate with their Camp Director regarding scheduling and availability.
