WHAT’S it really Like to Work HERE?
We’re biased, but we think working at Ogichi Daa Kwe is the best summer job in the world. There are not too many places where you can put the screens away, join a multi-generational community of inspiring women, and spend your days outside playing and working with kids in the Northwoods!
Want to know a bit more about what spending the summer at Ogichi is like? Here’s the “need to know.”
WORK HARD AND HAVE FUN DOING IT
Working at a summer camp is not the typical 9-5 job, but that’s part of what makes it so fun. From starting your day on the dock before breakfast with the Polar Bear Club to ending it line dancing on the ball field, this is an action-packed job. Once the campers show up, you’ll spend about a week in camp teaching classes and preparing for your trip before heading to the woods for 3, 8, 10, 12, or 14 days.
Leading a trip is a 24/7 job. Days start with campfire coffee in hand and are filled with miles of paddling, portaging, or backpacking, navigating challenges, and likely singing a lot of songs with everyone to pass the time. To be sure, you get to enjoy the natural beauty along with everyone else, but when there is a decision to be made, you’re the one in charge.
Once you return to International Falls and all your dirty trip gear has been washed up, you’ll spend approximately another week in camp before campers go home.
YOU WILL WEAR MANY HATS
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Colleague
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Problem Solver
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Cheerleader
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Decision Maker
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DJ
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Teacher
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Dance Party Leader
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Mentor
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Role Model
• Colleague • Problem Solver • Cheerleader • Decision Maker • DJ • Teacher • Dance Party Leader • Mentor • Role Model
TIME OFF & FINDING BALANCE
Cabin and trip staff members have extended time off (from after lunch to breakfast the next day) at least once per week while in camp. In addition to this larger block of time, staff members can expect to have hour-long periods of time off a few times a day, almost every day. Why “almost?” Because some days, especially right before your trip goes out, you might feel better taking this time to pack your personal gear or review the meal plan for your trip. Or, perhaps a colleague has asked you to help teach a class during what might have been your free period. In sum, staff members work with their peers and unit heads to ensure everyone gets personal time while also ensuring sufficient camper supervision.
This job demands a lot but is also likely the most rewarding job you’ll ever have. With a strong work ethic and a community of women supporting you, you’ll thrive at Ogichi Daa Kwe.
PAY
We know no one expects to become a millionaire working at a summer camp, but we also know that valuable life experiences don’t pay the bills. We conducted a benchmarking survey in 2022 to ensure that our trip leader and cabin staff salaries are competitive with other summer camps in the midwest. We are constantly seeking ways to increase staff compensation for the life-changing work you do. Every few years, we compare our pay with other summer camps in the midwest in order to remain a leader in compensation. In the years in between these reviews, we implement an annual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) increase.
The base pay for a Trip Assistant is between $2,150 and $2,775 while the range for a Trip Head is between $3,275 and $4,100, depending on years of work experience. This is considered the “base pay” and where your pay ends up is driven by years as a counselor, certifications, and in-camp responsibilities. Many camp jobs and leadership roles come with additional pay, ranging from $50 - $500 per role. Are you an expert DIYer and want to lead the arts and crafts department? There’s an extra $250 for you. Build your compensation using the skills and passions you already have!
OTHER BENEFITS
TRAVEL
We’ve taken all the stress out of getting to and from camp. Instead of putting a pricey flight on a personal credit card, you can book your air travel to and from camp on us through TravelPerk, Ogichi’s travel platform. If you choose to drive, there’s plenty of parking space and we’ll provide you with a $400 travel stipend on your final paycheck.
Training
Ogichi trip and cabin staff members receive valuable, industry-leading certifications during the pre-season staff training session. Get your Wilderness First Responder and CPR certification ($1,000 value) while on the staff-only 7-day canoe trip. You can become an American Red Cross Lifeguard ($250 value) and perfect your whitewater paddle skills with the University of Minnesota-Duluth. Plus, if you attend the entire 2.5-week pre-camp staff training session, you’ll receive an additional $300.
SAVE MONEY
Did you know the average college student spends between $1,000 and $2,000 during their summer break? With room and board included in your compensation, you’ll find your spending drops drastically while at camp. While you can still get anything you might need delivered to camp, there isn’t a lot of time for scrolling TikTok Shop and online shopping, making you a more mindful consumer as well.
BUILD YOUR RESUME
What will you be able to add to your resume at the end of the summer? Many skills and real-life stories to bring them to life in a job interview. Alumnae of Ogichi Daa Kwe go on to be attorneys, small business owners, artists, educators, human resources professionals, investment bankers, engineers, entrepreneurs, physician assistants and nurses, tech leaders, and more. There are very few alumnae who do not cite their experiences as a counselor as one of the most influential factors in the success in their professional careers.
Leadership
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Logistics
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Conflict Resolution
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Resource Management
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Attention to Detail
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Problem Solving
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Risk Management
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Decision Making
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Time Management
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Group Management
Leadership • Logistics • Conflict Resolution • Resource Management • Attention to Detail • Problem Solving • Risk Management • Decision Making • Time Management • Group Management
Choose your SUMMER
A summer at Ogichi Daa Kwe
Paddled an awesome river, saw a moose and the Northern Lights, helped a girl overcome her fear of swimming. Came home with a 2-year WFR certification and a 2-year Lifeguard and CPR certificate. Added $3,775 to my bank account at the end of the summer.
First year trip head: $3,275
Department head: $300
Training stipend: $300
Travel stipend: $400
Total: $4,275
Gas: $-200
Rent: $0
Food: $0
Spending money: -$300
Net: $3,775
A Marketing Internship
Sat in a cubicle, bored many days, watched way too much TV at night, and hated my commute. Found out I want to work at a smaller company. Added $3,900 to my bank account at the end of the summer.
Pay: $10,000
Gas: $-200
Rent: $-3,000
Food: $-1,400
Spending money: -$1,500
Net: $3,900
What’s Next?
Get in touch with Grace Gardner to learn more or sign up for a fantastic summer.