Camp Homeward Bound Staff Experience

To be a staff member at Camp Homeward Bound is to be a part of an incredible community of people from all over the country and the world who work together to impact the lives of 360 children each summer. The Camp Homeward Bound staff takes on the mission of the Coalition for the Homeless in a unique way by providing homeless children with an experience they will never forget, an experience that could help to influence the course of each of their young lives.

Who works at Camp Homeward Bound?

Most of the counselors are college/university students or graduates. Some are from the New York City area and majority come from various states and countries around the world. Counselors also include former campers who have completed our Leaders-in-Training Program.

What is camp like for staff?

Working at Camp Homeward Bound is demanding but it is also most rewarding. Our camp is beautiful and rustic. Staff members lead and supervise campers closely 24 hours a day, sharing a platform tent nestled in the woods with their fellow counselors, and an average of six campers.

Click here to see our beautiful site at Harriman State Park in Upstate New York.

Summer 2025 Schedule

Monday, June 2nd: Admin staff arrive
Tuesday June 3rd: Workcrew & chef arrive
Wednesday June 4th: Camp set up begins
Thursday, June 12th: Lifeguards arrive
Friday, June 13th: Lifeguard training
Saturday, June 15th: Unit leaders, new kitchen staff and maintenance staff arrive
Tuesday, June 17th: Program staff arrive
Friday, June 20st: General counselors arrive

Session 1: Saturday June 28th — Friday July 11th

Session 2: Tuesday July 15th — Thursday July 31st

Session 3: Monday August 4th — Wednesday August 20th

Thursday August 21st: Staff depart
Monday August 25th : Work crew ends
Tuesday August 26th: All work crew departs

Positions Available

Counselors are the core of camp life. Counselors live with the campers, participate in activities with them, and ensure that each child’s daily needs are met.

Activity Specialists lead a variety of different activities: sports and fitness, biking, arts and crafts, dance, nature and outdoor living skills, music, computers, video production, photography, and cooking and nutrition. Activity Specialists also work directly with assigned camper groups when not leading their specific activities.

Lifeguards spend their days on the waterfront. They must have up-to-date lifeguard certification, including CPR and First Aid. Camp Homeward Bound can arrange for staff to be certified or re-certified in the beginning of the summer. Also, like Activity Specialists, Lifeguards work directly with assigned camper groups when on the waterfront.

Support Staff do not work directly with children but ensure that camp runs smoothly. These positions are also essential and include Maintenance Staff and Laundry/Housekeeping Staff.