Arts Camp Counselor - Creative Writing (Summer) Job at Interlochen Center for th

Experience an unforgettable summer at Interlochen, where creativity thrives in the heart of nature! Join our vibrant community for Interlochen Arts Camp 2025, where passionate individuals come together to make art, make friends, and make lifelong memories. In the serene and rustic setting of northern Michigan, you'll inspire the next generation of artists while embracing the beauty and challenges of wilderness living. Embrace the magic and make a lasting impact!

Position Overview

Join the Writing House crew this summer! Help us continue the legacy of fostering creativity, nurturing talent, and celebrating the individual artistic journey at Interlochen. We are seeking an organized and diligent Arts Camp Counselor - Creative Writing who embodies our core values and are committed to nurturing young artists. As an Arts Camp Counselor - Creative Writing, you'll play a major role in providing front-desk administrative support to the Creative Writing department during both sessions of Interlochen Arts Camp, while fully immersing yourself in the unique environment that only a summer camp can offer. . You will also be responsible for ensuring the well-being, safety, and personal growth of your group of campers while assisting our Arts program. This unique role combines mentoring, leadership, and creativity, making it an exciting opportunity for individuals who are passionate about both youth mentorship and development and the arts.

What You Get To Do

• Assist Creative Writing director, faculty, and students with daily clerical and technical needs including photocopying, making/putting up posters, answering phones, running audio/video equipment, updating the shared calendar, running various on-campus errands, helping students troubleshoot technical issues, and answering questions in a public-facing role.
• Attend weekly Creative Writing Faculty/Staff Meeting
• Help assemble student submissions for anthologies published at the end of each session
• Assist with organizing and hosting student readings at the end of each session
• Participate in one faculty reading per session (5-10 minute reading of your own work)
• Participate in one “Writing Life Q&A” per session (i.e. a panel discussion with all Writing House faculty/staff answering student questions about writing, publishing, educational journeys, editorial work, professionalization, and what it means/takes to become a working writer/artist/educator)
• Design/facilitate a single 50 min master class suitable for a large group of rising 6th - 12th grade writers (e.g. craft talk, generative writing exercise, educational game, interdisciplinary activity, or something involving literary professionalization) per session for Creative Writing Forum
• Attend special events and performances such as Collage, Les Préludes, open mic, dinners/readings with visiting writers
• Respect the culture, diversity and rights of all students, their families, and the community.
• Supervise and care for a group of campers, ensuring their safety and well-being throughout the camp session
• Create a positive and inclusive cabin environment that fosters a sense of belonging, encourages teamwork, communication, and personal growth
• Plan and facilitate age-appropriate, engaging activities and games for campers within the cabin group
• Share a living environment with campers ranging in age from 8-18 years old
• Assist with facility preparations and maintain a clean cabin throughout the summer

What You Get

• Compensation: $3,000
• Meals and on-campus lodging
• 10% tuition discount for Discovery Camp or 50% Interlochen Arts Camp for dependents
• 20% discount for tickets to most summer concerts.
• 15% discount on merchandise from Scholarshop and food/beverages from Melody Freeze

Camp Counselor Info Session - Join Us for a Webinar!
We're hosting a live webinar on Monday, February 17, from 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. EST to provide all the details about working as a Camp Counselor this summer at Interlochen Arts Camp. This session will answer your questions and give you an inside look at life as part of our camp community.

To join the webinar on February 17, click HERE
To add this event to your calendar, click HERE

We can't wait to connect with you!

What You Need

• Availability 06/10/2025 - 08/04/2025
• Prepared to live in a nature cabin setting. While we offer accessible housing accommodations, please note that due to the rustic nature of our camp, these options are limited.
• Education: a completed BA or current/completed MFA in English or Creative Writing preferred, but relevant experience mixed with some college is acceptable.
• Experience with youth arts mentorship, residential advising, and/or camp counseling required
• Magazine publications preferred
• Experience working at summer camp(s) preferred
• Candidates with diverse voices and interdisciplinary arts practices particularly encouraged to apply
• Current CPR and First Aid certifications (or willingness to obtain them before the camp starts)
• Perform your duties both inside and outside, rain or shine
• Work cooperatively with your peers and divisional leadership
• Manage self-care and maintain personal physical and emotional stamina, so you can take care of others (adequate sleep, activity, nutrition, mental acuity, managing emotions)
• Maintain physical and emotional stamina
• Commit to inclusion and acceptance of others
• Possess the ability to think on your feet and manage emergent situations should they arise

Required Items to Upload on Your Application

• CV/Resume
• Cover Letter: Be yourself in your letter! Tell us about your own writing and literary interests (if applicable). Tell us about any experience working in camp environments or educational settings. Tell us about any jobs you've had which required multi-tasking, organizational ability, and/or patience in a public-facing role. Tell us why you're interested in working with young writers! In the event that you would like to be considered for more than one position, please make that clear.

What to Expect about Camp Life

• Rustic Living: You'll be living in a nature cabin setting, surrounded by the beauty of northern Michigan. Wi-Fi and air conditioning are not provided in the nature cabins, encouraging a true disconnect from the digital world and a deeper connection with nature and those around you.
• Embrace the Outdoors: The camp is nestled in a wilderness area, so expect to encounter wildlife and insects as part of the experience. Embracing the natural environment is key to enjoying your time here.
• Outdoor Work Environment: Many of your duties will involve working outdoors, often for extended periods, so being comfortable in various weather conditions is important.
• Community and Camaraderie: You'll be part of a tight-knit community where collaboration, creativity, and support are at the forefront. The connections you make here will be lifelong.

About Interlochen

Interlochen Arts Camp has been a haven for creative talent for nearly a century. Our summer camp is a vibrant, transformative experience where young artists from diverse backgrounds come together to explore, learn, and grow. We offer a range of programs spanning music, visual arts, theatre, dance, creative writing, film & new media, and interdisciplinary arts, providing a platform for every artist to thrive.