A Unique Place to Work
Written by: Carleigh Mitchell, Program Manager
Are you looking for a summer job that’s different from anything else you can find back home? Are you searching for a community of people who value each other just as much as they value their work? Are you looking to have friendships and stories that will last a lifetime? Are you interested in being part of an organization that fosters investment, curiosity, and knowledge of our environment? Have you been looking for an opportunity that really makes a difference in the world? If you’re shouting “yes” to all these questions, read the four things that make Camp Aranzazu a unique place to work for our summer activity leaders!
Our Partner Model
You may (or may not) know that Camp Aranzazu operates under a partner model which may not be what you typically think of when thinking of summer camp. Our partners bring the campers, in-cabin counselors, and medical staff. We provide meals, lodging, adaptive activities, and the staff to lead those activities! We customize each session to meet our partners’ goals, and our activity leaders and program staff facilitate all activities. This model really helps our team provide the best, high-quality experience for our campers. Because our partners have all the expertise and skills to take care of our campers, our team of activity leaders can focus on adapting each of our activities and helping our campers find ways to achieve their goals, all while having tons of fun.
Our Location
You just can’t beat spending the summer on the Texas Gulf Coast. Camp Aranzazu is located on 105 acres in Rockport, TX, with 28 of those acres being directly on the water. When camp is in session, you might be spending your mornings sailing with campers (and DOLPHINS) or fishing along the bay. When you get free time between camps, you can recharge on the beach; I’m biased because I love this place, but I really can’t think of anything better than a sunset on Copano Bay!
Our Full-Time Staff Support
As much as we carefully choose each one of our activity leaders for the summer, I want you to know that you’re joining a team that not only values the work you do but is looking for ways to invest in you. You’ll not only build relationships with and receive mentorship from our program team (Amelia, Gillian, Hannah, and myself), but you’ll also feel the support of the other seven members of our full-time staff. Our team not only understands the tremendous amount of hard work activity leaders put into creating a one-of-a-kind experience for our campers, but they all care about you walking away with a holistically positive experience from working at Camp Aranzazu!
Takeaways from Time at Camp
I love being able to welcome new and returning activity leaders to Camp Aranzazu every summer! They’re the people who fulfill our mission every day and help us create the type of inclusive, accepting and loving community that our campers deserve. As an activity leader, you’re doing much more than watching kids have fun at summer camp. Our activity leaders leave camp with hard skills that they can take beyond this position — CPR, lifeguarding, sailing, challenge course operation, and more! And there are tons of other skills that our activity leaders develop: public speaking, relationship building, teaching, lesson planning, and really the list just keeps going! Our seasonal staff also have the opportunity to build their own professional networks with our partners and full-time staff members. Above all else, we hope our activity leaders take what they learn at camp and leave here as an advocate for people with special needs and chronic illnesses in their own community.
Our team knows what it takes to be successful at camp, take care of yourself during our busy summer season, and get the most out of your time at Camp Aranzazu. Each member of our program team (myself included) has worked as an activity leader at Camp Aranzazu, and we can’t wait for you to fall in love with Camp just like we did! Visit our website to apply today and learn more about the position!
