Big Elk Creek Camp
Your Best Summer Ever!
Big Elk Creek Camp Staff
Here you will make a difference! Come enrich lives & leave a legacy with us!
Best Summer • Best People • Best Memories
Camp Counselor
Bonuses:
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Season completion bonus
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July 14 – 18: Camp 3
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July 21 – 25: Camp 4
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July 28 – Aug 1: Camp 5
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Aug 4 – 8: Camp 6
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Aug 11 – 15: Camp 7
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Aug 18 – 22: Camp 8
About Big Elk Creek Camp
At Big Elk Creek Camp, we’re more than just a summer destination — we’re a place where friendships are forged, lives are enriched, and memories last a lifetime. Since 2004, generations of campers have returned year after year, building a legacy of laughter, growth, and community that still burns strong today.
Our camp may be rustic, but the spirit is powerful. Campers often return for multiple sessions each summer — and alumni from over a decade ago still share lifelong bonds made under the pines at Big Elk Creek. This is a camp where you’ll make a difference, belong to something meaningful, and help create moments that matter.
Be the heart of Big Elk Creek Camp! We're looking for positive, energetic, kind, patient, and fun-loving leaders to help create unforgettable experiences for youth in the Idaho wilderness. Camp Counselors and Program Staff live in cabins with campers, lead awesome adventures, and bring the magic of summer to life. If you're caring, a little silly, and love working with kids, we want you on our team!
General Description
Counselors provide leadership and guidance to cabin groups of 8–12 campers, while also helping to plan and deliver exciting daily activities. Staff should model strong character, embrace responsibility, and maintain a safe, fun, and respectful camp environment. Some staff may lead specific program areas throughout the season. Lifeguard certification is a plus (Red Cross Lifeguard Certification offered during staff training).
Minimum Requirements
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Minimum age: 18+ (Counselors)
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Love working with children
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Strong communication and teamwork skills
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Ability to live and work in an outdoor environment
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Willingness to lead activities and model camp spirit
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Physically able to hike camp trails and lift 50+ lbs if needed
Job Specifications
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Live in a cabin with 8–12 campers
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Be a positive role model and create a supportive, fun environment
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Plan, lead, and support daily camp programs and cabin activities
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Teach skills and encourage camper participation
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Complete assigned paperwork and evaluations on time
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Maintain cleanliness and safety of cabin, gear, and program areas
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Communicate effectively with camp leadership
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Uphold and enforce all camp rules and safety procedures
Responsibilities
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Put camper safety and well-being first at all times
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Be enthusiastic, dependable, and supportive of the camp mission
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Build healthy relationships with campers and staff
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Guide campers in group activities and promote positive social development
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Teach and model emergency procedures and camp traditions
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Assist in planning and executing all-camp activities
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Maintain and care for camp equipment and supplies
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Participate fully in all staff meetings, trainings, and evaluations
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Take initiative, solve problems, and bring the camp spirit every day!
Weekly pay: $500-$600
Staff Training (Required):
🗓️ June 9 – June 13
Summer Camp Sessions:
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June 16 – 20: CIT/LIT Camp
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June 18 – 20: Mini Camp
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June 23 – 27: Camp 1
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June 30 – July 3: Extreme Camp
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July 7 – 11: Camp 2
Camp Counselor Job Description
Camp Cook / Head Kitchen Manager
Bonuses:
-
Season completion bonus
-
July 14 – 18: Camp 3
-
July 21 – 25: Camp 4
-
July 28 – Aug 1: Camp 5
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Aug 4 – 8: Camp 6
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Aug 11 – 15: Camp 7
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Aug 18 – 22: Camp 8
About Big Elk Creek Camp
At Big Elk Creek Camp, we’re more than just a summer destination — we’re a place where friendships are forged, lives are enriched, and memories last a lifetime. Since 2004, generations of campers have returned year after year, building a legacy of laughter, growth, and community that still burns strong today.
Our camp may be rustic, but the spirit is powerful. Campers often return for multiple sessions each summer — and alumni from over a decade ago still share lifelong bonds made under the pines at Big Elk Creek. This is a camp where you’ll make a difference, belong to something meaningful, and help create moments that matter.
When all else falls apart at camp—if there’s good food, everything is fabulous!
Big Elk Creek isn’t just a camp—it’s an unforgettable wilderness experience in the scenic mountains of Idaho, and at its heart is the Camp Cook, fueling adventures with delicious meals. We’re looking for a skilled, organized, and creative cook to lead our culinary operations and prepare three daily meals for up to 80 campers and staff. This role involves planning menus, cooking, ordering supplies, maintaining inventory, and keeping the kitchen in compliance with District 7 health standards. The Camp Cook collaborates with maintenance and counselor staff to create a fun, safe environment, and should be ready to join in on skits, songs, and games while keeping the kitchen running smoothly.
Weekly pay: $700-$1000/week
Includes room & board Mon-Fri
Staff Training (Required):
🗓️ June 9 – June 13
Summer Camp Sessions:
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June 16 – 20: CIT/LIT Camp
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June 18 – 20: Mini Camp
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June 23 – 27: Camp 1
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June 30 – July 3: Extreme Camp
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July 7 – 11: Camp 2
Job Description
What You’ll Be Doing
As the Head Camp Cook, you’ll manage all things food and kitchen—from planning menus and prepping ingredients to ensuring every plate is served with love (and up to health code). You'll also supervise a small team of kitchen assistants and help campers pack tasty meals for off-site adventures. Whether you're whipping up fluffy pancakes at dawn or grilling burgers by the firepit, you'll play a huge role in making camp magical.
Minimum Requirements
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At least 18 years old
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Experience preparing nutritious meals for large groups (or a serious passion for cooking!)
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Ability to work in a rustic camp environment with limited resources
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Comfort lifting 50 lbs and being on your feet all day
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Ability to read and understand Public Health Code guidelines
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Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and love for kids, camp, and good food
Compensation & Perks
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Competitive Weekly Pay: $700–$900/week depending on experience
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Completion Bonus for finishing the full season
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Free Housing & Meals (taste your own amazing food!)
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Free wilderness air and daily mountain views
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A summer you’ll never forget—and a team that feels like family
Meet the Camp Directors
A shared passion. A lasting legacy.
Big Elk Creek Camp has always been more than just a summer program to us — it’s home. From 2002 to 2007, we (Brandy & Jonathan aka "Pops") had the incredible privilege of helping lead this special place, building the foundation of fun, friendship, and personal growth that so many campers still remember today.
Now, as Co-Directors, we’re beyond excited to return and lead Big Elk Creek into a new chapter — one that honors the traditions of the past while creating fresh, unforgettable experiences for today’s campers.
Together, we bring decades of combined experience in youth development, leadership, education, and camp programming. But most importantly, we bring our hearts. We’ve seen how powerful camp can be — how it shapes lives, builds confidence, and creates bonds that last a lifetime. In fact, we’re still connected with campers and staff from nearly 20 years ago!
Big Elk Creek is a rustic treasure, its magic is undeniable. Campers come back year after year because this is a place where they belong — and we’re honored to help make that happen. Whether you’re joining us for the first time or returning for another summer of adventure, welcome to the Big Elk Creek family.
With camp spirit,
Brandy & Jonathan Young
Co-Directors, Big Elk Creek Camp
