Meaningful Camp Jobs and Employment at Skyland Camp
Join our dedicated team in Clyde, NC, and help create unforgettable experiences for campers, retreat guests, and event groups at a historic mountain camp.
Working at Skyland Camp: Employment That Matters
Employment at Skyland Camp & Retreats is more than just a seasonal job. It is a chance to become part of a living legacy in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Our team is the heart of our 100-year tradition, supporting youth programs, adult retreats, equine services, and private events on our 75-acre campus near Asheville and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Whether you are guiding campers through tech-free adventures, leading women's wellness sessions, or helping with special events, you will find meaningful work, genuine connection, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. We offer a supportive, safety-focused environment where every staff member is valued for their contribution to our mission of inspiring wonder, joy, connection, and growth in every person who visits Skyland Hill.
Why Work Here
The Skyland Difference: Employment With Purpose
Skyland Camp & Retreats stands apart as a small, family-owned institution with a century-long commitment to staff well-being and professional excellence. Our 3 to 1 camper-to-staff ratio at our girls' camps means every team member plays a vital role in providing personalized attention. From the historic Victorian lodge to screened-in cabin porches, you will work in a setting unlike any other in Western North Carolina. Our staff experience is shaped by tradition, such as leading team competitions, song nights, and 'mail call,' but also by modern standards, including ACA accreditation and comprehensive training. Whether you join us for a summer or return year after year, you will help uphold rituals that have defined strong leadership and mentorship for generations. Many former staff have built lifelong friendships and advanced to leadership positions within our organization or in youth development fields.
Opportunities
Employment Roles at Skyland Camp and Retreats
Employment at Skyland includes a range of seasonal and year-round roles designed to support our diverse programs. Summer positions include cabin counselors, activity leaders, equine specialists, kitchen and dining staff, and health services staff. Each role is important to the camper and guest experience, from coaching archery and arts to maintaining our tech-free, nurturing environment at Girls Camp. For adult and wellness retreats, we hire facilitators and support staff who can help lead sessions focused on personal growth and connection. Our equine programs require skilled handlers and instructors for both youth and adult offerings. Staff for special events and facility rentals assist with guest services, housekeeping, and logistics during weddings, reunions, and corporate retreats. All positions are based on our campus in Clyde, NC, with housing and meals provided for most summer roles. Training, mentorship, and ongoing support are standard for every staff member, reflecting our belief that employment at Skyland is a pathway to growth and leadership.
Counselor Positions
As a Girls Camp Counselor, you will be a friend, teacher, big sister, maker of magic, soother of boo-boos, and brave bug wrangler! Setting the tone for the entire summer, and in some cases, for life, the Girls Camp Counselor’s job is not to be taken lightly. You will grow and gain confidence over the summer in ways you cannot imagine.
Girls Camp Counselors serve as a cabin and activities counselor. Counselors manage multiple priorities, create fun in an instant, maintain high energy, and serve as a positive role model in campers’ lives. She is the most important person in a camper’s life.
The overall responsibility of a Skyland Girls Camp Counselor is to ensure the safety of campers and act as the caregiver for each camper, guiding their personal growth and development of daily living skills. In addition, Counselors are responsible for planning, coordinating, and teaching camp activities.
Essential duties include, but are not limited to:
Assist in the direction, supervision, and organization of campers in their living unit, within activities, and throughout camp.
- Assure campers are properly supervised at all times.
- Be aware of and implement safety guidelines.
- Provide the daily care of each camper within your supervision including recognition of personal health needs.
Develop and lead activity programs that align with Skyland’s mission.
- Responsible for leading and/or assisting with the teaching of activities to campers of various ages and skill level.
- Assist in any program areas as needed
- Be alert to equipment and facilities to ensure proper use, care, and maintenance is adhered to; report repairs promptly to the Camp Director
Be a positive role model to campers and staff.
- Ensure positive attitude, behavior, and interaction with campers and staff at all times.
- Follow and uphold all safety and security rules and procedures.
Adult Camps include Mother-Daughter Camps, Grown-Up Girls Camps, and Golf Camp. Campers range in age from 6-86 and come to camp for all the same reasons a Girls Camp camper does – for the wonder, joy, and connection that Skyland provides. And the key to all that magic is YOU!
As an Adult Camp Counselor, you will be a friendly face, a teacher, and a maker of magic! Counselors serve as activity counselors and hospitality team. You will guide campers of all ages through your activity and assist in preparing camp for each incoming session, including cleaning cabins and making beds.
Adult Camp Counselors live together in a staff cabin. The hours and duty-of-care is less intense than during Girls Camp, and you will gain skills in leadership, communication, and service. You will leave with magical memories, hilarious camp stories, and will grow in unimaginable ways throughout the summer.
The overall responsibility of a Skyland Adult Camps Counselor is to ensure the safety of campers, plan and teach camp activities, and assist in hospitality and service-oriented tasks.
Essential duties include, but are not limited to:
Develop and lead activity programs that align with Skyland’s mission.
- Responsible for leading and/or assisting with the teaching of activities to campers of various ages and skill level.
- Assist in any program areas as needed.
- Be alert to equipment and facilities to ensure safe use, care, and maintenance.
Assist in hospitality and service needs for camp and campers.
- Assist in cleaning, bed-making, organizing, and making other preparations for camp in between sessions.
- Assist with serving food during mealtimes as needed.
- Maintain a welcoming and service-oriented attitude toward campers and staff.
Be a positive role model to campers and staff.
- Ensure positive attitude, behavior, and interaction with campers and staff at all times.
- Follow and uphold all safety and security rules and procedures.
Skyland’s LEAD program is more than a typical Counselor-in-Training program. It is designed for Rising 11th graders who are interested in developing leadership skills, communication techniques, and professional growth while working in a camp environment. Skyland’s Leadership Team meets daily with LEAD counselors during regular activity days to further deepen the skills that are necessary to be a wonderful camp counselor AND to develop empowering techniques that can be used in life outside of camp.
LEAD Counselors serve during Girls Camp as a cabin counselor and activity counselor. LEADs are supported by Skyland’s Leadership Team through daily workshops during regular activity days, one-on-one mentoring, and frequent check-ins.
LEADs are typically former Skyland campers who are ready to immerse themselves in the “behind the scenes” of camp and make magic for current campers. While the hours are long and the transition from camper to counselor is challenging, it is an incredibly rewarding summer job, filled with growth opportunities and wonderful moments.
The overall responsibility of a LEAD Counselor is to work alongside Counselors to ensure the safety of campers and act as the caregiver for each camper, guiding their personal growth and development of daily living skills. In addition, LEADs are responsible for planning, coordinating, and teaching camp activities.
Essential duties include, but are not limited to:
Assist in the direction, supervision, and organization of campers in their living unit, within activities, and throughout camp.
- Assure campers are properly supervised at all times.
- Be aware of and implement safety guidelines.
- Provide the daily care of each camper within your supervision including recognition of personal health needs.
Develop and lead activity programs that align with Skyland’s mission.
- Responsible for leading and/or assisting with the teaching of activities to campers of various ages and skill level.
- Assist in any program areas as needed
Be a positive role model to campers and staff.
- Ensure positive attitude, behavior, and interaction with campers and staff at all times.
- Follow and uphold all safety and security rules and procedures.
Counselor Activities
As an Archery Counselor at Skyland, you will help campers develop a passion for this adventurous sport, which many don’t get to experience back home! Archers need focus, determination, strength, hand-eye coordination, confidence, and concentration – all skills that you’ll be developing while working on the range, and helping to bring out in the campers you teach.
The overall responsibility of the Skyland Archery team is to help ensure the smooth and effective operation of all aspects of the Archery Program. Archery duties include, but are not limited to:
Develop and deliver an archery program that is appropriate for the age and ability of the campers.
- Write lesson plans that meet camp outcomes and the abilities of the campers.
- Evaluate the abilities of campers and staff.
- Deliver progressive archery activities.
- Evaluate the success of the archery program.
Ensure that camp staff and campers know and follow safety and educational procedures.
- Assist in the implementation of staff training for archery.
- Train other staff in their responsibilities at the archery range.
- Ensure campers and staff follow safety procedures.
Assist in the management and care of the physical facilities and equipment for the archery program.
- Maintain the archery equipment including bows, arrows, strings, and targets.
- Ensure the security of the archery equipment and range when not in use and ensure the range is off-limits to bystanders when in use.
- Conduct daily check of area and equipment for safety, cleanliness, and good repair.
- Clean archery range daily, keeping it free of hazards and debris.
Crafts Counselors at Skyland embrace imagination, expression, and fun! They’re not afraid to get a little messy in the name of art, and they love to inspire the spark of creativity in others. Favorite projects at Skyland include tie-dye, building fairy houses, textile arts, friendship bracelets, and more! We encourage Crafts Counselors to propose projects and lesson plans based on their skills and passions.
The overall responsibility of the Skyland Crafts team is to help ensure the smooth and effective operation of all aspects of the Crafts Program. Crafts duties include, but are not limited to:
Develop and deliver a Crafts program that is appropriate for the ages and abilities of the campers.
- Write lesson plans that meet camp outcomes and the abilities of the campers.
- Design and deliver crafts activities that make use of different art mediums, make use of the camp’s natural environment, and use the crafts resources most efficiently.
- Evaluate the success of the crafts program.
Ensure that camp staff and campers know and follow safety and educational procedures.
- Ensure campers and staff follow safety procedures.
- Train assisting staff in their responsibilities in the craft space.
- Assist counselors with the development of art kits for use by cabins and for special events.
Assist in the management and care of the physical facilities and equipment in the crafts area.
- Maintain the crafts materials, including hot glue guns, irons, and repurposed materials.
- Ensure the security of the crafts equipment and supplies, including clear inventory and planning for replacement of supplies in a timely manner.
- Conduct a daily check of the crafts area and equipment for safety, cleanliness, and good repair.
- Clean the craft area, keeping it free of hazards and debris.
Description Title
The Culinary Arts program is a favorite among campers! Create cake pops, carve a watermelon, decorate cookies… the fun is limitless! A Culinary Arts Counselor enjoys passing along their love of food and creativity to campers.
Culinary Arts classes work around the kitchen and mealtimes schedule, so is often offered only once or twice a day. For the remainder of the day, Culinary Arts Counselors typically assist or lead other areas or assist in the kitchen.
The overall responsibility of the Skyland Culinary Arts team is to help ensure the smooth and effective operation of all aspects of the Culinary Arts Program. Culinary Arts duties include, but are not limited to:
Develop and deliver a Culinary Arts program that is appropriate for the ages and abilities of the campers.
- Write lesson plans that meet camp outcomes and the abilities of the campers.
- Design and deliver Culinary Arts activities that develop campers’ skills in cooking and baking.
- Evaluate the success of the culinary arts program.
Ensure that camp staff and campers know and follow safety and educational procedures.
- Ensure campers and staff follow food safety procedures.
- Train assisting staff in their responsibilities in the culinary arts space.
- Assist in the kitchen for camp meal times OR in other activity areas as needed.
Assist in the management and care of the physical facilities and equipment in the Culinary Arts area.
- Maintain the culinary arts materials, including ingredients and equipment.
- Maintain an organized inventory of supplies and plan for replacements in a timely manner.
- Ensure the culinary arts area (including supplies and equipment) is safe, clean, and in good repair
Description Title
The Digital Media Specialist is a photographer, videographer, content creator, and master organizer! She is responsible for taking photos and videos of daily life at camp, then sorting, editing, and uploading photos through the online portal available to parents/ campers. Videos and images will also be used for marketing and promotional purposes, including social media posts, throughout the year.
If you’re majoring in marketing or photography, being a Digital Media Specialist will help you develop skills and portfolio material for your future career path. If you are in need of an internship, this role provides excellent opportunities for internship work. Let us know if you are interested!
You may bring your own digital camera/lenses and laptop, or use ones provided by camp. Prior experience with Adobe Lightroom is a plus, but not required.
Key responsibilities of the Digital Media Specialist include, but are not limited to:
Plan, capture, organize, edit, and produce the camp’s photo and video projects.
- Capture daily candid shots around camp during activity periods, all-camp activities, and special activities
- Take photos for yearbook/ scrapbook needs, including cabin photos, staff portraits, etc.
- Capture high-quality images for marketing materials, including website and social media use.
- Capture short videos for TikTok/ Reels use.
- Upload photos to the online portal daily (during Girls Camp) or after each session (during Adult Camps).
- Edit, organize, and label photos and videos so year-round staff can find marketing content during the off-season.
- Coordinate use of camp media equipment and train assisting staff in careful and proper use.
Some would argue that the world is best viewed from the back of a horse! As a Riding & Horsemanship Counselor, you’ll be riding and working with the Skyland herd while instructing lessons in the ring and teaching campers the basics of horsemanship.
Skyland’s Equine program incorporates riding skills and ground-based exercises to teach campers of all ages patience, perseverance, trust, communication, and confidence. We value the human-horse connection and believe that our horse companions should be treated with the same love and care we show to our campers.
The overall responsibility of the Skyland Equine team is to help ensure the smooth and effective operation of all aspects of the Equine Program. Equine duties include, but are not limited to:
Assist in the development and delivery of an Equine program that is appropriate for the ages and abilities of the campers.
- Write lesson plans that meet desired camp outcomes and the abilities of the campers.
- Evaluate the abilities of campers and pair campers and horses for safety and compatibility.
- Deliver progressive horsemanship activities, including riding, grooming, and ground-based equine activities.
- Teach and monitor the proper use of equipment.
- Assist in the evaluation of the success of the Equine program.
Ensure that camp staff and campers know and follow safety and educational procedures.
- Ensure campers and staff follow safety procedures.
- Be knowledgeable about the equine arena and trails available for horseback riding.
- Ensure campers and staff are wearing the proper clothing and shoes, and are interacting with the horses in a safe manner.
Assist in the management and care of the physical facilities and equipment in the barn and riding area.
- Maintain the horse equipment including all tack, stalls, etc.
- Conduct daily check of area and equipment for safety, cleanliness, and good repair.
Games Counselors at Skyland encourage good sportsmanship, friendly competition, and having a silly goofy time on the games court! They’re coaches and cheerleaders for campers of all ages, and they know above all else that playing games at camp is about having fun while building confidence and team skills.
Games Counselors teach volleyball, newcomb, and ring tennis for weekly all-camp competitions, and they are encouraged to come up with their own games to teach campers! Past favorites include quidditch, hula hoop hopscotch, ultimate frisbee, dinosaur scavenger hunt, and all-camp relay races.
During Girls Camp and Grown-Up Girls Camp, Games Counselors take the lead on T&T traditions (read more about T&T), including faciliating weekly competitions, tracking points, sorting new campers into their team, and leading Sorting Night activities.
The overall responsibility of the Skyland Games team is to help ensure the smooth and effective operation of all aspects of the Games Program. Games duties include, but are not limited to:
Develop and deliver a Games program that is appropriate for the ages and abilities of the campers.
- Write lesson plans that meet camp outcomes and the abilities of the campers.
- Deliver progressive court and field activities including but not limited to volleyball, Newcomb, and ring tennis.
- Teach and monitor the proper use of equipment.
- Assist in the evaluation of the success of the Games program.
Ensure that camp staff and campers know and follow safety and educational procedures.
- Train other staff in their responsibilities when assisting in games.
- Ensure campers and staff follow safety procedures.
- Be knowledgeable about the games courts and related equipment.
Assist in the management and care of the physical facilities and equipment for the games program.
- Maintain games equipment including all courts, nets, balls, etc.
- Conduct regular check of area and equipment for safety, cleanliness, and good repair.
- Clean the games court regularly to keep it clear of debris and safety hazards.
As a Musical Theatre Counselor at Skyland, you will help campers develop confidence, self-esteem, and the courage to play! All campers are encouraged to take the stage at camp during Skyland’s famous Talentpalooza shows and the Girls Camp musical production. You will be an instrumental player in creating a safe, supportive, and silly atmosphere where campers and staff can shine.
The overall responsibility of the Skyland Musical Theatre team is to help ensure the smooth and effective operation of all aspects of the Musical Theatre Program. Musical Theatre duties include, but are not limited to:
Assist with the development and delivery of a Musical Theatre program that is appropriate for the ages and abilities of the campers.
- Write lesson plans that meet desired camp outcomes and the abilities of the campers.
- Design and deliver musical theatre activities that help campers develop acting, vocal, dance, choreography, stage management, improvisation, movement, music, and other related skills.
- Assist with the production of talent shows and the musical production.
- Evaluate the success of the ongoing musical theatre program.
Ensure that camp staff and campers know and follow safety and educational procedures.
- Assist in the implementation of any necessary staff training for musical theatre.
- Train other staff in their responsibilities in the Clubhouse.
- Ensure campers and staff follow safety procedures.
- Assist counselors and campers with the development of skits and acts for the talent show and other activities, including supervision and/or management of lighting and sound equipment.
Assist in the management and care of the physical facilities and equipment in the Clubhouse and program area.
- Maintain the musical theatre materials, including lighting and sound technology, stage curtains, props, and costumes.
- Ensure the security of the musical theatre equipment and supplies, including clear inventory and planning for replacement of supplies in a timely manner.
- Conduct a daily check of the area and equipment for safety, cleanliness, and good repair.
As a Nature Counselor, you’ll play an important role in helping campers gain a better understanding of the environment that surrounds them, and how they can be better stewards of the earth. You will explore Skyland’s nature trail and creeks, teach campers about the flora and fauna native to the Blue Ridge Mountains, and have fun getting muddy, wet, and dirty, while educating campers about the habitats of animals that live near camp. Through the Nature program, our goal is to strengthen the connection campers have with the outdoors.
Nature is an elective during Girls Camp and often runs once or twice per day. For the remainder of the day, Nature Counselors typically assist or lead other activity areas.
The overall responsibility of the Skyland Nature team is to help ensure the smooth and effective operation of all aspects of the Nature Program. Nature duties include, but are not limited to:
Develop and deliver a nature skills program that is appropriate for the ages and abilities of the campers.
● Write lesson plans that meet desired camp outcomes and the abilities of the campers.
● Design and deliver nature education activities that make use of the camp’s natural environment and encompasses skills in safety outdoors, orienteering, nature exploration, fire building, and/ or other camp craft skills.
● Evaluate the success of the nature skills program.
Ensure that camp staff and campers know and follow safety and educational procedures.
● Train other staff in their responsibilities around the program areas, including campfire and trail safety.
● Ensure campers and staff follow safety procedures.
● Be knowledgeable about fire safety, the camp’s trails available for hiking, and the camp’s natural environment, such as plants and animals.
Assist in the management and care of the physical facilities and equipment in the nature skills program area.
● Maintain nature skills materials, including tents, compasses, maps, book, and fire rings.
● Ensure the security of the nature skills equipment and supplies, including clear inventory and planning for replacement of supplies in a timely manner.
● Conduct a regular check of the program area and equipment for safety, cleanliness, and good repair.
● Clean the program area, keeping it free of hazards and debris.
Support Staff
Skyland Food Service workers perform a variety of duties on a daily basis with the goal of creating nutritionally balanced and delicious meals for Skyland campers, staff, and clients.
Hours are flexible and can vary week by week, depending on the programs running at camp. We are happy to discuss part-time to full-time hours and work within your schedule.
The overall responsibility of the Skyland Food Services staff is to provide meals, snacks, and beverages to Skyland Camp while maintaining a safe and clean kitchen and dining areas. Food Service duties include, but are not limited to:
Preparation and production of all food items
● Use safe, sanitary, and cost-effective methods.
● Accommodate special dietary needs and allergies.
● Preparation of foods may include cutting, measuring, cooking, and baking.
● Operate standard food service equipment such as:
○ Knives
○ Warmers
○ Gas stovetop
○ Convection oven
○ Griddle
○ Dish Machine
● Receiving and stocking food deliveries; assist in storage and rotation of food, leftovers, and supplies.
Assisting with setting up dining hall and other food service areas
● Present and serve food at mealtimes, replenishing as needed.
● Restock condiments and other table-top items.
● Replenish salad bar as needed.
● Clear and clean tables, clean floors, and set tables for the next meal.
Maintain clean and safe meals and dining environments
● Assure proper temperature of foods.
● Wrap/package and date foods according to established procedures.
● Maintain and follow established health, safety, and sanitation principles applicable to food serving and kitchen maintenance including:
○ Cleaning/sanitizing work areas and equipment
○ Dishwashing
○ Sweeping/mopping of kitchen and dining areas
○ Cleaning tables/chairs/bathrooms in dining area
○ Cleaning pantry, coolers, and freezers
○ General clean-up.
● Ensure that your work space and equipment is clean, orderly, well-supplied, and in good working order.
● Report any maintenance needs/equipment issues.
Maintaining a positive and supportive working environment
● Maintain a friendly and kind attitude towards campers, co-workers, and staff.
● Arrive to shifts, meetings, and other duties on time.
● Ask for help if/when needed.
Housekeeping staff know the importance of a clean and safe environment, and they are committed to maintaining positive spaces for campers to thrive. The Housekeeping staff has a significant and valuable impact on the Skyland community.
Hours are flexible and can vary week by week, depending on the programs running at camp. We are happy to discuss part-time to full-time hours and work within your schedule.
The overall responsibility of the Skyland Housekeeping staff is to help ensure a clean and safe environment for campers and staff. Housekeeping duties include, but are not limited to:
● Maintaining clean camper and staff living spaces, including taking out trash, cleaning bathrooms, and mopping floors.
● Maintaining clean dining spaces, including clearing and cleaning tables, and mopping floors.
● Assisting in the kitchen to clean pots, pans, trays, and dishes.
● Assisting with making beds, including bunk beds, for retreats and rentals.
● Assisting in bringing laundry to washing facilities and sorting laundry upon its return to camp.
● Helping to maintain the camp property and facilities.
● Maintaining a positive and supportive environment at Skyland.
The Health Services team is a valued component of the Girls Camp community and staff. Responsibilities include promoting and monitoring the health of both campers and staff, providing basic health care services, keeping accurate records, medication administration, maintenance of first aid kits, parent communication, stocking and cleaning the Health Center, and caring for campers overnight as needed.
Health Services serve during Girls Camp, for either one week or two weeks.
The overall responsibility of the Skyland Health Services team is to ensure the health and safety of campers and staff. Health Services duties include, but are not limited to:
● Organizing and distributing camper and staff medications.
● Staffing, stocking, and cleaning the Health Center.
● Responding to and treating health and wellness-related needs as they arise.
● Managing camper and staff health records.
● Serving as on-call professional medical help, including occasionally as an overnight designate.
● Parent communication