cAMP oRR cAMP sTAFF
Each summer, the Westark Area Council employs adults and youth (15 & older) and as members of the Camp Orr staff. In addition to several weekend meetings in the spring, the staff work for a full week prior to camp opening to make sure campers have a top-quality summer camp experience. Scouts that are 14 years old by Summer Camp, can apply to be a Counselor-In-Training (CIT).
Who is Eligible?
- be a registered member of the Boy Scouts of America by the start of camp
- be at least 15 years of age before arriving at camp
- have an interest in instructing youth and adults in Scouting skills and Merit Badges
- must be able to work in a high-stress environment
- be in good physical condition (a current physical is required)
What to Expect:
Camp Staff work for several weeks during the summer and room and board are provided. Staff work and live closely with other staff members throughout the summer. Staff will be housed in large canvas wall tents in a staff area separate from campers. Depending on position, staff will deliver programming to youth or adults throughout the summer. A salary is provided based on the position responsibilities and the applicant's experience. Staff are required to attend two weekend trainings prior to summer camp and a full week of Staff Training prior to the first session of camp.
Counselor In Training (CIT)
For Scouts or Venturers at least 14 years old, Camp Orr High Adventure Base offers a Counselor In Training (CIT) program. Youth must have permission from their unit leader and submit an application form with references. Scouts in the CIT program will be at camp for the summer serve without compensation, similar to an unpaid internship. Scouts will learn about various areas of camp and skills necessary to be employed on staff.
Staff Application & Interviews
The 2024 Staff Application are available for download at the bottom of this page. Interviews will be scheduled as Staff Applications are received. In Person or Zoom interviews are available.
The primary staff interview dates are November 4, 2023 (9am-4pm) and January 27, 2024 (9am-4pm) at the Shewmaker Center for Scouting, 3409 Elm Springs Road, Springdale, AR 72762. Interviewing will occur by appointment only.
Email completed applications to: Christian Swaim at christian.swaim@Scouting.org or Mike Boness at mfbScouter@yahoo.com.
OR
Mail completed applications to:
Mike Boness, Camp Director
Camp Orr High Adventure Base
Shewmaker Center for Scouting
3409 Elm Springs Road
Springdale, AR 772762
Should you require a different interview day or format, please let the Camp Director know when submitting your Staff Application.
Complete the application and return it to the council.
Camp Orr Staff 2020
Photo by Jonathon Malagon
Camp orr Staff Positions
The following positions are open for application. The numbers indicate the age requirement along with indicating a National Camp School Certification requirement.
Program Staff
- Aquatics Director (21, NCS)
- Aquatics Counselor (16)
- Buffalo Trail Director (18)
- Buffalo Trail Instructor (15)
- Climbing Director (21, NCS or Level 2 Instructor)
- Climbing Instructor (16)
- Ecology Director (18)
- Ecology Instructor (15)
- Handicrafts Director (18)
- Handicrafts Instructor (15)
- Program Director (21, NCS)
- Scoutcraft Director (18)
- Scoutcraft Instructor (15)
- Shooting Sports Director (21, NCS)
- Shooting Sports Instructor (18)
High Adventure
- High Adventure Director (21, NCS)
- Trek Guides (18)
Support Staff
- Food Services Director (21)
- Assistant Cook (18)
- Kitchen Staff (16)
- Health Lodge Officer (18; EMT Certification or higher)
- Camp Commissioner (18)
- Dining Hall Steward (16)
- Trading Post Manager (21)
- Trading Post Staff (16)