Working at Go West isn’t just a summer job…it’s a way of life.
Outdoor summer day camp and teen adventure programs for kids ages 5-15.
Go West Camps is located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. We spend our time in Garden of the Gods, North Cheyenne Canyon, Ute Valley Park and Red Rock Canyon.
About Go West Camps
We know that a great camp experience starts with caring, mature staff members, and our staff is made up of adults who are committed to providing guidance, encouragement and an unforgettable summer of fun. At Go West, we hire the cream of the crop. Our counselors go through a rigorous hiring process and are selected based on their experience, knowledge, and skills in specific camp activity areas, and their ability to create positive relationships with campers and fellow staff members. Every individual contributes to the spirit and culture of camp, and we highly value including counselors from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Preparation is everything. All of our staff members complete a thorough training before summer begins, continually attend in-service trainings and are evaluated throughout the summer. Our series of trainings include, at a minimum, First Aid, CPR and certifications in specific program activities. Staff members also go through state and federal criminal background checks.
To ensure the safety of our campers, Go West maintains a 1:6 staff to camper ratio. While at camp you’ll experience lots of fun and adventurous activities, but it is the community of understanding, friendship, and encouragement that keeps campers and staff coming back year after year.
Go West staff work Monday through Friday, 35-40 hours per week, May 20th through August 2nd.
The Employee Experience
The camp is an exciting, exhausting, demanding, rewarding opportunity. A successful camp counselor is truly committed to providing their campers with a great experience, helping them to grow, build skills and create meaningful relationships. Great camp counselors are unique in their ability to put the needs of others before their own, and work on behalf of the Go West team. A passion for youth development and experience working with kids is a must! Camp staff will work 40 hours per week for 10 weeks. If you're looking for a traditional camp experience but value your evenings and weekends free Go West might be the right fit for you!
Ideal Candidate
Grew up in 4-H or spent some time WWOOFing? We are looking for staff with experience in farming or gardening. If you've ever had a job where you've bike commuted, Go West Camps might be a perfect fit for you. We use pedal-powered transportation, and basic riding and bike maintenance skills are a real plus. Adventure programs are an important part of Go West Camps and require some of our staff members to have a greater level of certification and education. We are looking for people who have education and certification through nationally and internationally recognized organizations such as Red Cross, American Mountain Guide Association, the American Canoe Association, National Outdoor Leadership School, International Mountain Biking Association and League of American Bicyclists. An interest in teaching, leading and working with youth is key for all of our staff members. When it's time to get riled up or wind down at camp, music can be the key. We're always looking for staff who are excited to sing or play a few licks on the guitar. We hope to use photos and video to document our campers experience at camp. If you're a photographer or GoPro wiz we need your skills.
Room and Board
If you're looking for a traditional camp experience but value your evenings and weekends free Go West might be the right fit for you! Because we are a summer day camp, all staff must provide their own housing and transportation to and from camp every day. We are conveniently located close to Colorado College and University of Colorado, Colorado Springs offering lots of summer sublet opportunities. If you don't have local housing and would like information on where to look, please email us we have many resources available to you.
Employee Perks
- ROCKY MOUNTAIN SETTING Location, location, location! While our focus is on youth development, it doesn’t hurt that we’re surrounded by the scenic Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Not a bad place to play and explore during the summer!
- PROFESSIONAL TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE Get a head start! Thinking about a career in education or outdoor recreation? Get real-life experience working at camp and honing your skills.
- CERTIFICATIONS Take it with you when you go! All of the Go West Camps staff have First Aid and CPR. These certifications can be an asset in your job search after the summer.
- REFERENCES Boost your resume! We love telling everybody how great our staff is. Camp is the perfect opportunity to create relationships with people who want you to succeed at camp and beyond.
- PRO-DEALS Our staff have the opportunity to purchase all kinds of outdoor gear at a discount.
Getting Here and Getting Around
Colorado Springs is easy to navigate both by car and by bike. We encourage staff to commute by bike if possible. Using active transportation reiterates our camp's mission. Our camp locations are located on the north end of Colorado Springs, a short commute from anywhere within the city.
For Fun
The opportunities for fun while you are on staff at Go West Camps are boundless. We will hike, climb, mountain bike, standup paddle board, shoot archery, fish, create art, among many, many other great activities. For your nights and weekends off, Colorado Springs is undoubtedly one of the most breathtaking cities in the U.S. From majestic mountains, beautiful weather, downtown’s city life, and the historic streets of Old Colorado City, Colorado Springs is truly a gem of a city with a lot to offer. With no shortage of bars, restaurants, and cafes, there is always something to do in the area, whether it's art festivals, farmers' markets or music events. Whatever your interests are, there is truly never a dull moment in El Paso County.
How to Apply
If you think Go West is a fit for you just apply online via the link below. We would love to talk to you on the phone before you take the time to fill out our online application. You will be asked to create a new account and provide some biographical information.