Counselor & Outdoor Educator
ABOUT THE TRAINING PROGRAM
The Counselor & Outdoor Educator Training Program is Eagle Bluff’s immersive summer experience for aspiring educators, outdoor leaders, and camp professionals. Designed for individuals who want to build confidence leading youth in outdoor settings, the program combines hands-on instruction, mentorship, and real-world teaching experience.
Working alongside Eagle Bluff’s year-long Outdoor Education Fellows and experienced education staff, participants develop practical skills in outdoor leadership, environmental education, risk management, youth development, and adventure programming while helping create meaningful camp experiences for hundreds of campers.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
The program includes:
- Three weeks of comprehensive staff training
- Four to five weeks of overnight summer camp
- One week of day camp programming
- One to two weeks supporting additional Eagle Bluff guest groups
a typical week
Counselor & Outdoor Educators (COEs) rotate between two leadership experiences throughout the summer:
1. Instructional Experiences
When in the Instructional role, most days follow an 8:15 a.m.–5:00 p.m. rhythm, with a mid-day break from 12:00–1:00 p.m. The exception is the first day of each camp week, which runs from approximately 12:30 – 9:30 p.m. to support camper arrival and evening programming (with a 5:00–6:00 p.m. break).
Instructional staff spend their days preparing activity spaces and leading or co-leading small groups of 12 to 24 campers. The day wraps up by resetting spaces for the next round of activities.
2. Counselor Experiences
When in the Counselor role, the workday follows a more varied rhythm to support campers throughout their full camp experience. Counselor schedules rotate between two shifts: either 7:30–9:00 a.m. and 4:30–10:00 p.m. or 12:15–5:00 p.m. and 5:45–10:00 p.m., and includes being on-call overnight approximately twice per week.
Counselor staff supervise campers during meals, downtime, and overnight hours, helping create a sense of community and continuity throughout the week. They also co-facilitate small and large group activities (typically 24 to 80 campers) in the afternoons and evenings.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for individuals interested in careers in:
- Environmental education
- Outdoor recreation
- Teaching
- Parks and recreation
- Camp leadership
- Adventure education
- Youth development
- Natural resources
- Education or nonprofit work
No previous outdoor education experience is required. We look for enthusiastic, dependable individuals who enjoy working with children, learning new skills, and spending the summer outdoors.
what you’ll gain
Outdoor Educator Experience
As an Outdoor Educator, you’ll lead small groups through hands-on outdoor activities while building skills in facilitation, group management, and outdoor education. Programs may include:
- High ropes course
- Rock climbing
- Canoeing
- Archery
- Team-building initiatives
- Nature exploration
- Environmental education activities
Camp Counselor Experience
As a Camp Counselor, you’ll guide campers through the full residential camp experience. You’ll mentor campers during meals, free time, evening programs, and overnight stays while helping foster an inclusive, supportive camp community.
Counselors also co-lead recreation, campfire programs, crafts, water activities, and other traditional camp experiences while developing leadership, communication, and youth development skills.
Practical Experience
By the end of the summer, participants will have experience in:
- Youth leadership and mentorship
- Outdoor education instruction
- Adventure programming
- Group facilitation
- Risk management and participant safety
- Team collaboration
- Behavior management
- Communication and public speaking
- Professional workplace skills
- Problem solving and adaptability
How to Apply
1. Submit your completed application by email or mail to our Summer Camps Manager.
Email: camps@eaglebluffmn.org
Mail:
Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center
Attn: Summer Camps Manager
28097 Goodview Drive
Lanesboro, MN 55949
2. Contact two personal references and direct them to our Online Reference Form (found on our website).
It is your responsibility to make sure the references are completed in a timely manner.
When we have received the materials above, we will contact you about continuing the hiring process.
Please contact us with any questions. Thank you for your interest in spending your summer with us!
benefits
- Weekly stipend
- On-site housing
- Meals during resident camp sessions
- Staff kitchen with food staples
- Wi-Fi and laundry access
- Professional mentorship
- Potential internship or practicum credit (depending on your college or university)
- Access to Eagle Bluff recreation equipment
- Staff discounts on Eagle Bluff programs and merchandise
