Cabin Counselors
Cabin Counselors live in small, rustic, one-room cabins with 4, 6, or 10 campers, acting as their primary caregiver, mentor, and advocate. Cabin Counselors are also responsible for planning, teaching, coordinating, and carrying out activities each day. Cabin Counselors guide campers in their personal growth and daily living skills during the summer months.
Cabin Counselor Job DescriptionNon-Cabin Counselors
Non-Cabin Counselors are staff members with advanced training and/or specialized skills who concentrate on teaching activities to campers. The Non-Cabin Counselors are responsible for planning, teaching, coordinating, and carrying out activities and guiding campers in their personal growth during the summer months. Due to their additional responsibilities related to activities, Non-Cabin Counselors live in accommodations with other Non-Cabin Counselors or alone and work on activity planning and preparation during non-teaching time. Many of our Horseback Riding, technical Theater, and Mountaineering staff members serve as Non-Cabin Counselors.
Non-Cabin Counselor Job DescriptionTraditional Camp Activity Positions
Arts Instructors
Arts instructors are responsible for planning, preparing, and teaching arts activities during the camp day. Arts instructors should have some experience with drawing, painting, and collage. Many Arts instructors may teach in more specialized areas and should have experience in DSLR photography, pottery (ceramics), jewelry making, knitting, weaving, sewing, or stained glass.
Nature Instructors
Nature instructors are responsible for planning, preparing, and teaching nature activities during the camp day. Nature instructors must have some knowledge and experience with conservation, ecology, bird/insect/plant identification, gardening, composting, and nature craft making.
Tennis Instructors
Tennis instructors are responsible for planning, preparing, and teaching tennis classes during the camp day. Each class period is organized by age and skill level, allowing tennis instructors to tailor each lesson to the group being taught. Tennis instructors should be familiar with basic teaching techniques and USTA guidelines. Our tennis program emphasizes individual skill building rather than competition.
Archery Instructors
Archery instructors are responsible for planning, preparing, and teaching archery classes during the camp day. Archery instructors should be experienced in shooting, instruction, and safety guidelines. Our archery program emphasizes individual skill building rather than competition.
Landsports (Team Sports) Instructors
Landsports instructors are responsible for planning, preparing, and teaching landsports classes during the camp day. Landsports instructors should have basic knowledge and experience in popular team sports, including soccer, capture the flag, kick-ball, and lacrosse. We also love when landsports instructors bring new games and skills to the landsports field, such as cricket and netball! Our landsports program emphasizes skill building rather than competition.
Adventure Programming Positions
Waterfront Boating Staff
CMW Waterfront Boating Staff play a crucial role in the success of the Boating Program. Responsible for teaching up to 5 boating class periods daily, these staff members work hands-on with campers to improve their skills in canoeing, kayaking, and sailing. The level of instruction varies from novice to advanced. As technical abilities and scheduling permit, these staff members also act as “Support Staff” in the whitewater component of the Boating Program. Applicants are encouraged to have a solid background in one or more of the above boating disciplines, have some teaching experience, and hold a current certification in Wilderness First Aid and CPR.
River Staff
CMW has a long history of quality whitewater paddling instruction in both kayaks and open canoes. River trip venues include many of the Southeast’s rivers, such as the Nantahala, Pigeon, and Ocoee River. River Staff act as the primary trip leaders for the whitewater component of the Boating Program. Group and risk management, delivery of the River Curriculum, transportation, and logistics are all part of the River Staff’s role. While this job can be demanding at times, this is the ideal position for a river professional wanting to hone their skills as a paddling instructor. River Staff are most frequently non-cabin staff. Applicants must be capable of paddling, teaching, and rescuing in Class III+ whitewater. Applicants are encouraged to have some teaching experience, hold a current certification as an Advanced Wilderness First Aid provider (or higher), and CPR. Minimum age is 21.
Lead River Specialist
The CMW Lead River Specialist has the responsibility of overseeing all aspects of River Program facilitation. This person works with the Head of the Waterfront to integrate the flat-water and river components of the comprehensive CMW Boating Program. The position requires excellent time management skills, a high level of technical proficiency in whitewater canoeing and kayaking, and the ability to be dynamic and adapt to changes in programmatic needs. This person is responsible for supervising all river trip personnel, river trip logistics, curriculums, risk management, program equipment, and will be directly involved in whitewater instruction. Applicants must hold an ACA L4: Whitewater Kayak Instructor certification and be capable of paddling, teaching, and rescuing in Class III+ whitewater. Applicants are encouraged to have a solid teaching background and hold a current certification as a Wilderness First Responder. Minimum age is 21.
Mountaineering Instructors
The staff of the Mountaineering Program facilitate a broad range of experiences for our campers, including rock climbing, high and low ropes challenge courses, hiking and backpacking, caving, and many other outdoor living skills. With a 500 foot-tall granite rock face right on campus and over 1 million acres of Nantahala and Pisgah National Forrest in our backyard, CMW is an ideal location for all of these outdoor activities. Applicants are expected to have a solid understanding of the technical components of one or more of the above skill areas, work well with people in a collaborative atmosphere, have some teaching experience, and hold a current certification as an Advanced Wilderness First Aid provider (or higher) and CPR. Mountaineering Staff are non-cabin staff. Minimum age is 18, but applicants 21 years or older are strongly preferred.
Lead and Assistant Riding Instructors
CMW’s Horseback Riding Program is accredited by the Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) and focuses on hunt seat riding, from arena and trail riding, to drill team and jumping. With up to 20 horses on-site for the season, open and covered arenas to attend, and up to 5 classes to teach daily, CMW relies on the hard work of committed equine professionals to lead the charge. Activity lessons range from novice instruction of first time riders to advanced instruction to year-round equine enthusiasts. Both Assistant and Lead Riding Instructors are a key part of every lesson taught. Applicants must be at least 18 years old with adequate horse knowledge and riding experience. Certifications in Advanced Wilderness First Aid and CPR are highly recommended. Applicants with teaching experience and/or CHA certified instructorship is also a plus.
Lifeguards and Swimming Instructors
Swimming has been a fixture of the CMW summer camp experience since its inception in 1919. The continued success of the swimming program depends on lifeguards and swimming instructors who are passionate about helping young people overcome obstacles and achieve new levels of swimming ability and confidence. Synchronized swimming, water games, and technical stroke instruction are all part of a day’s work at the swim docks. Swimming and diving are also required parts of advanced levels in the boating program. Applicants must be 18 years or older and hold a current certification as a Red Cross Lifeguard and CPR Provider. Water Safety Instructor (WSI) certification is a plus.
Performing Arts Positions
Dance Instructors
Dance instructors are responsible for planning, preparing, and teaching dance classes during the camp day. Dance instructors should have basic knowledge and experience in dance styles, including jazz, tap, ballet, hip hop, contemporary and/or Zumba. The Head of our dance program often serves as the Lead Choreographer for our theatre program’s Main Session musical production.
Music Instructors
Music instructors are responsible for planning, preparing, and teaching a variety of music classes including the camp Glee Club, guitar, and ukulele classes. Music instructors should have basic knowledge and experience in their specific specialty, including vocal instruction, guitar, and various instruments.
Music Director
CMW’s Music Director directs the Glee Club and organizes, plans, and leads all music in camp including campfire singing, evening programs, and morning assembly songs. One of this position’s primary responsibilities is also to serve as Music Director & Accompanist for our theatre program’s musical production as an audition, rehearsal, and production pianist-conductor. The Music Director also provides appropriate piano accompaniments for musical theatre classes, dance recitals, and other necessary programs and performances. Previous experience as an accompanist and Music Director, excellent sight-reading skills, and ability to teach vocal scores is required. Experience in a variety of musical styles is preferred.
Theatre Staff
The CMW Theatre Program offers campers classes in acting and scene study, stagecraft, costuming, musical theatre, improv, and directing. Theatre staff members will work on production staffs, teach four classes a day, and participate in camp activities. Each summer, CMW produces one full length musical, two one-act plays, and various showcase performances and recitals. Recent productions have included Into the Woods, 1776, Pippin, and Little Shop of Horrors.
Technical Director/Master Carpenter
CMW’s Theatre Program hires a Technical Director/Master Carpenter each summer. This position is responsible for working on our production staff, leading both set and running crews, teaching stagecraft classes, and all technical aspects of each production including scenery, lights, sound, and props. Applicants must have strong carpentry and drafting skills, as well as outstanding leadership and communication skills. Experience with wireless mics, sound mixers, and hanging and connecting lights is preferred. We are looking to hire qualified technical theatre students who have a passion for the theatre and a desire to share that passion with young people.
Costumer
CMW’s Costumer works closely with the Theatre Director to create costume and make-up designs for all camp productions. The position is responsible for the building and/or acquisition of all costumes for classes and productions. The Costumer will lead a small costuming crew while teaching costuming and sewing classes.
Other Camp Positions
Camp Photographer & Media Specialist
The Camp Photographer & Media Specialist takes photos throughout the camp day and is responsible for writing the camp blog. Responsibilities also include completing daily photo uploads, tagging photos, designing a slideshow and/or video for the end of each session, capturing photos and video for off-season marketing, and updating camp’s social media. Applicants are preferred who have experience with Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Premiere and must be proficient in operating a DSLR camera. This position may also include assisting in the program office, serving as a counselor in a cabin, and/or other areas related to camp media as needed.
Nurse Positions
Camp Merrie-Woode has part-time, seasonal positions available for Registered Nurses who wish to spend part of their summer at Merrie-Woode. Nurses are responsible for administering camper and staff medications and operating the infirmary. Ideally a camp nurse can commit to 1-5 weeks of the summer and have an interest in working with children. Camp nurses live in the infirmary and eat meals in the Dining Hall with the camp community.
Support Staff
Camp Merrie-Woode has summer positions available in facilities/maintenance, laundry, housekeeping, and barn work. All positions are approximately 40 hour per week and do not include housing.