accessibility mode:
Camp Images

2015 Theme Weeks

  • Session 1 - Harry Potter
  • Session 2 - Jurassic Park
  • Session 3 - Frozen
  • Session 4 - Rodeo Roundup
  • Mini Camp 1 - Neverland
  • Session 5 - Pirates vs. Ninjas
  • Session 6 - Big Hero Week
  • Session 7 - Spy Week
  • Session 8 - Shark Week
  • Session 9 - Hunger Games Week

 

Work At Camp

Camp Chief Ouray / About Camp / Work At Camp

ROLE MODEL TODAY. SKILLS FOR THE FUTURE. 

Our staff team makes the biggest impact on our campers, and we are looking for the best to work at CCO. Making a difference in the life of a young person, learning skills that will help you throughout future jobs, and gaining lifelong friends in the process is a wonderful way to spend your summer. Become a part of something bigger than yourself and join our staff team today!

Summer 2022

  • Returning staff applications open Nov 1, 2021
  • New staff application open Dec 1, 2021

Overview_of_Positions_2022

Apply to Work 

 

Why work at Camp Chief Ouray?

Working at Camp Chief Ouray will help you develop and fine tune skills that all employers look for; communication, collaboration, creativity, problem solving and critical thinking to name just a few. Hiring consists of us learning about your prior experiences and how you have put another’s needs before your own. Once hired, your success is our success. We are in this together and want to help you realize your best self. Check out these helpful tools from the American Camp Association on how camp can translate to out-of-summer and future work.

Working at Camp IS a Real Job EN/SP

Translate Your Experience EN/SP

CCO staff are expected to create a safe space for all campers, families, and staff while allowing development and growth for all. They should possess the social and emotional skills necessary to build rapport and positive relationships, putting camper needs first. Responding to camper and customer requests for service, troubleshooting problems and developing solutions in a patient and respectful manner is an important aspect of our work. All staff should contribute to a cooperative and positive camp community, take responsibility for the upkeep of the camp facility and cleanliness of camp. Assist with other departments as needed.

  • Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, have previous experience working with youth, and be able to mentally handle caring for yourself and others.
  • International applicants will need to work with an agency prior to applying to CCO unless you hold duel citizenship and the USA is one of those two countries. This does not guarantee a position on staff. We do not handle work sponsorship through the camp office.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the culture at CCO?: When you work at Camp Chief Ouray, you become part of something bigger than yourself. You become a key player in helping cultivate an environment of healthy living, youth development, and community impact. As an employee, you will meet people representing all dimensions of diversity, and will live each day with a greater sense of purpose. You’ll learn to lead with heart and measure success by the impactful moments you’re able to create for campers, families, and fellow staff. This is a place where nature inspires and quality time happens naturally. Our serene surroundings of Rocky Mountain National Park provide moments of tranquility throughout our days and remind us how lucky we are to grow our careers in such a beautiful and supportive workplace.

Do I have to work the entire summer in order to be on staff at CCO?: It is extremely important for all of our CCO staff to attend Staff Training in order to learn about our program, build rapport with the CCO staff team, and gain valuable certifications/trainings. Though we prefer staff to be present for the entirety of our summer schedule, we are flexible with staff schedules throughout the summer and this should not be a deterrent to applying.

Do you have to be Christian to work for CCO and the YMCA of the Rockies?: No! YMCA of the Rockies is an organization founded on Christian principles, meaning we serve our mission through caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and faith. You do not need to be Christian to work for CCO or the Y.

 

This is what our past staff had to say:

“I don’t get homesick, I get campsick. I love camp and all the people here.”
Matt, 1st year counselor in 2015

“My cabin cared for each other with all the love they had and that’s why this was my best week of camp ever.”
Cameron, 3rd year counselor in 2017

“Though one week at camp may seem fast, it isn’t for a child and the experience they can gain in that one week can shape them forever. It is always something they will remember.”
Jacob, 4th year counselor in 2018

“Camp Magic is about laughter, pure joy, fresh air, shooting stars, deep forests, friends, love, hidden places and the smell of pine. Above all, camp is about finding who you really are. If you do it right, it never leaves you.”
Aku, Former Counselor and Current Camper Dad

 

Our Diversity, Inclusion and Global Innovation Statement 
The YMCA of the Rockies will reach out to and welcome all people and organizations of good will and ensure that the rich gifts of diversity are reflected and respected at all levels.

Our Commitment to All People:
We will serve a diverse population, inclusive of all people of good will.  Reflecting our Christian Mission, we will be inclusive and welcoming of all people of good will.  Our activities and facilities will be inclusive, accessible, and available to the diverse worldwide community we serve.

Mission: YMCA of the Rockies puts Christian principles into practice through programs, staff and facilities in an environment that builds a healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

Our goal is to offer challenging experiences to build leaders through life-long skill development in a safe, imaginative, natural setting. We instill confidence through independence and interpersonal skills. We challenge our campers to discover their true selves.

 

CARING | HONESTY | RESPECT | RESPONSIBILITY | FAITH