Summer Jobs:
Scottsdale / Paradise Valley

Join the Cactus Day Camp Team

Thanks for your interest in a summer position at Cactus Day Camp. This will be the hardest job you will ever love!  At Cactus Day Camp, you will work hard and play hard! The more you put in, the more you will get out. You will be challenged and expected to take safe risks and push yourself to do and be your best. The outcome; is one of the greatest experiences of your life!



Group Counselors: (must be at least 18 with one year of college/post-high school experience completed by June 6th) Responsible for the daily care of 8-15 campers between the ages of 4 and 13 (campers will be grouped by grade level & gender). You will be assisted by a Co-Counselor or Junior Counselor with the possibility of more assistance from a Counselor-In-Training (CIT). Responsible for facilitating, participating, and leading campers through the daily schedule of activities. Must be able to lead campers through pre-planned special event days, participate in group dress-up days, and be able to create and help develop camper relationships in your group.

Activity Leader (Cooking, Crafts, Sports, Movie Making, Archery, Climbing, Creative Creations, Etc.): (must be at least 18 with one year of college/post-high school experience completed by June 6th) Responsible for instructing multiple classes throughout the week. Collaborate with Leadership Staff to create fun and exciting activity plans and modify them to address different camper ages and abilities. Interact with and get to know lots of different campers throughout the summer season. Participate in special event days, dress-up days, and daily pep rallies. On Fridays, work with the Program Director to organize and implement the special event for the day. Existing certifications are a plus, required training will take place at the end of May if needed.

Junior Counselor (JC): (must be a previous camper or CIT and 17 by June 6th) Junior Counselors will assist Lead Counselors and Activity Staff with their daily activities and duties. Assist in facilitating the daily schedule and participate in activities with campers. Must be friendly and outgoing and participate in special event days, dress-up days, and daily pep rallies. This position consists of anywhere between 1 & 4 sessions based on the needs of the camp. Hours may be limited.

Lifeguard: (must be at least 18 with one year of college/post-high school experience completed by June 6th) Lifeguards are responsible for overall safety in the pool, preventing accidents and injuries, and treating injuries with first-aid. Strong swimming skills are required for lifeguards. Must be able to maintain constant supervision of campers/staff in the pool facility; act immediately and appropriately in the event of an emergency. Certification is not necessary at the time of application. The camp can arrange future training.

Pool Lead: (must be at least 21 by June 6th) The Pool Lead is responsible for the safe implementation of the swim programs. Some swim instruction will be provided, but our program is mostly recreational.  Water Safety Instructor certification is preferred.  If not a certified lifeguard or WSI, we can help you coordinate training. Oversee swim staff and all staff when at the pool.  Moderate camp-wide games and activities in the pool. The Pool Lead will direct other staff in an emergency in the pool area and will ensure that staff is prepared to act according to Emergency Action Plans. Maintain a clean, and safe pool area.  Pool maintenance is outsourced but basic testing, cleaning, and chemical application may be required with guidance. This position reports to and works closely with the Camp Director & Aquatics Director.

Healthcare Provider: (EMTs, Registered Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, and/or Nursing Students) Responsible to follow appropriate medical routines including record keeping in the daily health log, disposal of medical waste, managing and safeguarding medications, and utilizing appropriate standing orders to administer medications and treatments, keep first aid kits appropriately stocked, complete accident/incident reports that can be used for risk management purposes. First aid care to staff and campers is provided under the direct supervision of the Camp Director and any consulting health professionals. Some office administrative tasks will be required when available.

Canteen: (must be at least 18 with one year of college/post-high school experience completed by June 6th) This can be a part-time position Monday-Friday 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM. Actively participates in all aspects of food service throughout the day. Purchase and prepare snacks, organize, set up, prep, and serve pre-prepared lunches. Run errands, do some laundry, and do odd jobs as needed. This does NOT require cooking.

Photographer: (must be at least 18 with one year of college/post-high school experience completed by June 6th)  Responsible for capturing the essence of camp through photos. Must be able to photograph, edit, and post weekly photos to our online portal for parents to see. Must be able to collaborate with Leadership Staff to create fun and exciting content for our social media outlets. Interact with and get to know lots of different campers throughout the summer season. Participate in special event days, dress-up days, and daily pep rallies. On Fridays, work with the Program Director to organize and implement the special event for the day. Videography experience is preferred but not required.

Office: (must be at least 18 with one year of college/post-high school experience completed by June 6th) This position would begin April 4th with a 9 am to 5 pm, Monday – Friday schedule.  On May 30th, the schedule will change to Monday – Friday from 7:45 AM – 4:15 PM and Tuesdays until 5:45 pm. The Office Assistant answers phones takes messages, talks to prospective and current camper’s parents, sends calendar reminders and push notifications, and assists the director, programming, and healthcare staff when needed. MUST have a friendly and outgoing demeanor, this person is the face of the office.

Maintenance: (must be at least 18 by June 6th) Store equipment for safety, follow a schedule for checking facility, grounds, equipment and camp vehicles for safety, cleanliness, and good repair. Run errands, gas vehicles, refill water coolers, operate necessary equipment such as a drill, power washer, and leaf blower,  make minor repairs as needed, and perform some janitorial and general maintenance duties. Carpentry skills are a plus but not required.

Housekeeping/Germinator: (must be at least 18 by June 6th) Responsible for a combination of cleaning activities to maintain a clean and healthy environment.

Summer Camp Employee Testimonials

Having a job at camp is more than having a paycheck through the summer. It's an experience that brings friendships and positivity into your life. It's a job that gives your inner kid freedom while still being a role model and gaining leadership skills you will use in other aspects of your life

Bryan SalleyStaff 2015, 2016, 2017

CDC is more than just a summer job. The relationships you build with the kids and staff will stick with you for a lifetime. The kids will love coming to camp for the tons of amazing activities available but the kids keep coming to camp because of their counselors. As counselors we had the tremendous responsibility in making our kids feel safe enough to step out of their comfort zone and into the magic of CDC. I wouldn't trade the time spent and memories made with the kids and staff of CDC for anything!

Kyle PedersonStaff 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

Working at camp completely changed my life. It was my first job that led to many more incredible opportunities for my future after college. Camp was the best possible way to spend my summers with like minded, amazing people while learning how to be a leader, quick thinker, and problem solver. My camp experiences and friendships are something I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Marteen ClearyStaff 2014, 2015, 2016