Outdoor Education Staff

Create impactful and educational field trip experiences

Lead and facilitate the experience of school groups as they immerse themselves in the outdoor world.

What is Outdoor Education?

Outdoor Education at Camp Tecumseh consists of fun, educational, immersive, outdoor experiences for school groups. Each program is designed to seamlessly integrate with curriculum by meeting state educational standards for every grade level we serve.

Our Outdoor Education staff get to facilitate and lead these unforgettable experiences in our natural, outdoor classroom to bring the schools’ curriculum to life.

Learn more about the program

Living and Working at Tecumseh

Working as a seasonal Outdoor Education Instructor means that you will live on-site at Camp Tecumseh in our new support staff housing. These spacious, dorm-style units have lots of privacy, and large common rooms with full kitchens. They are a great place to call home for the months you live at Camp.

Join the Outdoor Education Team

Now hiring for Spring 2024!

We need passionate and curious difference makers to join our OE team for two different seasons each year. Help us provide unique, outdoor field trips. Contact Lauren McCleary for more information.

Apply for the Spring 2024 season

Weekend Retreats Job Application

Looking for Weekend Retreats Staff

Retreats Department staff members work weekends during the retreats season, which runs from mid-August to early June. They assist with several program areas, including archery, riflery, canoeing, horseback riding, candle making, and nature experiences.

The ideal candidate has experience working with youth, relates well with children and adults, enjoys working outdoors, and demonstrates enthusiasm and initiative. This position involves lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs. For more information, send an email to retreatsstaffing@camptecumseh.org.

Apply Now

General Staff Application

See all open positions at the link below

See open positions

Summer Staff

Changing the World Starts Here

Get ready to embark on a summer that will alter the trajectory of your life. Few experiences are as profound or impactful as a summer spent working at Camp Tecumseh.

“Being a counselor at Camp Tecumseh was the most significant formative experience of my college career. The four summers I spent on staff helped me grow into the person and teacher I am today like no other experience.”

Camp Tecumseh doesn’t just change our campers’ lives. It can change yours.

Camp Tecumseh recently conducted a survey of over 100 past Tecumseh counselors to gauge the impact of a Tecumseh experience on their lives.

Faith Development

94%

My time working at Tecumseh strengthened my personal faith development

86%

Because of my experience, I’m more comfortable talking about my faith

Love

94%

I felt loved at Tecumseh

98%

Camp Tecumseh taught me how to better love others.

Friendship

78%

I consider my Tecumseh friends some of my best friends

89%

I still keep in touch with the friends I made at Tecumseh

Leadership

96%

My time at Tecumseh helped me grow in self confidence.

100%

My time working at Tecumseh helped make me a better leader in my work and life.

Career Preparation

88%

My Tecumseh experience helped prepare me for my career.

90%

I still use the skills I learned at Tecumseh in my every day work.

“When I interview for jobs, it’s hard for me to not talk exclusively about Tecumseh, simply because it was the most valuable source of personal, spiritual, and leadership growth I’ve ever experienced.”

Summer Staff Positions

Find your perfect fit

All staff positions require a positive attitude, commitment to safety, integrity, commitment to Christian values, and a determination to give 100% to the children and the job.

Position	Min. Age	Full Summer Salary	Qualifications
Day Camp Counselor	17	$250/week	All applicants must be available to attend the mandatory staff training week of June 10-15. At the time of their first week of work beyond staff training, applicants MUST: Be at least 17 years of age (for the summer of 2024 applicants must be 17 by July 21, 2024 and their weeks of work will be limited to weeks after their 17th birthday) AND Have completed their Junior year of High School Applicants for this job must have a positive attitude and desire to be an excellent role model.
Cabin Counselor	18	$4,400 - $4,600	A positive attitude and desire to be an excellent role model.
Equestrian Cabin Counselor	18	$4,440 - $4,600	A positive attitude and desire to be an excellent role model. Teaching experience and/or CHA Certification a plus.
Program Support Specialist	19	$4,750-$5,450	Program Support Specialists work in at least one specific area in support of all camp programs which supports counselors and campers. Specializations could include Aquatics, High Adventure, Activity specialist, Camp Store, or Arts & Crafts. All Program Support specialists are considered fill-in cabin counselors and will be assigned auxiliary responsibilities considered other duties as needed in support of camp programs.
Barn Specialist	18	$4,750 - $4,950	A positive attitude, willingness and ability to work hard, and comfortable around horses and other animals.
Administrative Assistant	18	$4,440 - $5,000	Must have excellent written and phone communication skills, and ability to work independently.
Leadership Center Program Staff	21	$4,850 - $5,000	Can be structured as an internship. Works directly with groups served through the Tecumseh Leadership Center. Responsibilities include facilitating team building activities, running program areas, and hosting groups that are on site.
Multimedia Specialist	18	$4,750 - $4,950	Digital photography, videography, computer media, or other media creation experience. Other IT experience needed as well.
Adventure Trip Counselor	21	$4,440 - $4,600	Lead campers on off-site adventure trips. Ability to drive 15 passenger vehicle, clean driving record, Lifeguard Certification.

Overnight Camp Salary Information:

All salaries include a $75/week bonus paid at completion of contract.

Example: Counselor weekly salary = $440/week (paid at $365/week + $75/week bonus at the completion of contract)

Overnight Camp Additional Salary Potential:

Returning Bonus = $10/week/year of experience (max of additional $20/week)
Lifeguards = $75/week
Horsemanship = $25/week
High ropes = $25/week
Full summer bonus = $350 (for staff that work staff training + all 9 weeks)

“I learned how to love myself and discovered what it means to be confident. I learned that it was okay to make mistakes. I learned how to be a strong leader, how to communicate, and how to problem solve constructively. I learned how to be a good friend and role model. I use many of the skills I learned at Tecumseh at work every single day. It’s impossible for me to imagine who or what I would be had I not worked at Tecumseh.”

2024 Summer Staff Schedule

Subject to Change

Item	Dates	Additions for Training / Certification
Leadership Staff Training Unit coordinators, Village leaders	May 17-18	Regular salary paid during this time
CILT Leader Training Mandatory for CILT program leaders	TBD
Lifeguard Recertification For those whose American Red Cross Lifeguarding certification has expired, or is just about to expire.	TBD	Additional $75.00 per week of camp to anyone possessing a current lifeguard certification.
Lifeguard Training Upon successful completion of this training participants will receive certification through the American Red Cross as a Lifeguard which includes First Aid, CPR, and AED.	May 23-28	Additional $75.00 per week of camp to anyone possessing a current lifeguard certification.
Support Staff Training Required for all non-cabin counselor support staff positions.	TBD	Regular salary paid during this time
Horsemanship Training Participants will learn the skills and techniques necessary to develop and teach lessons in our Horsemanship Program at Camp Tecumseh. Experience with horses is preferred but not required.	May 19-22	Additional $25 per week of camp.
Equestrian Staff Training (Equestrian Staff Only) Become familiar with Camp Tecumseh Equestrian Program, horses, lesson format and guidelines, and staff. Required for all Equestrian Staff	May 19-24	Regular salary paid during this time
High Ropes Training Learn the skills needed to instruct/facilitate camp program areas such as the rock climbing wall, Skywalkers High Ropes Course, and the zip line.	May 19-22	Additional $25 per week of camp.
Media Team Training Become familiar with Camp Tecumseh's media equipment and philosophy. Learn the in's and out's of what it takes to tell the story of summer at Tecumseh. Required for all Media Staff.	May 28-30	Regular salary paid during this time
All Overnight Camp Staff Training	May 30 - June 7	Regular salary paid during this time
Overnight Camp	June 9-August 10	Regular salary paid during this time
All Day Camp Staff Training	June 10-15	Regular salary paid during this time
Day Camp	June 17 -Aug 2	Regular salary paid during weeks worked

“Even though I considered taking an internship one summer that I thought was more relevant to my college major, I made the best decision for my career to work another summer at Camp Tecumseh. Tecumseh prepared me for life in ways I couldn’t have possibly imagined.”

Apply

Overnight Camp

Overnight and Equestrian Camp staff opportunities include the position of camp counselor, along with a number of support and administrative roles. Overnight staff members must be 18 years old, and must have completed their first year of college. All potential staff must pass a background check, including nationwide criminal and sex offender registry checks. Staff commit to live at camp for staff training and the nine weeks of the camp season. For more information, contact Meg Piechocki.

Apply for Overnight Camp

Day Camp

Day Camp staff members work between 3 to 8 weeks during the summer, depending on their availability. These weeks aren’t necessarily consecutive. Day Camp staff members must be available to attend the mandatory staff training week of June 10-15. At the time of their first week of work beyond staff training, applicants MUST: Be at least 17 years of age (for the summer of 2024 applicants must be 17 by July 21, 2024 and their weeks of work will be limited to weeks after their 17th birthday) AND have completed their junior year of high school. They live on site with an overnight camp cabin group during their employment and hold a range of positions, from counselor to assistant director. For more information, contact Jordan Seeger.

Apply for Day Camp

“Working at Camp was one of the most enriching experiences of my life. I’ve been a best man twice because of Camp. I’ve made my best friends here.”

International Staff

Role models come from everywhere

If you live outside of the United States, we ask that you apply through one of the following international placement organizations. Since face-to-face interviews and police background checks are required, we cannot place you directly. When you contact the organization you can tell them you would like your application sent to Camp Tecumseh YMCA first. If we don’t have a position to fit your skills and talents, you would then have the opportunity to be placed at another camp.

These organizations will be able to tell you where to contact them in your home country and what process you must go through. If you are a student in the United States, you may be able to go through the International office at your university so check with them first.

International Exchange of North America (IENA) – www.iena.org

Camp Leaders – www.campleaders.com

More Opportunities

We’re so much more than a Summer Camp.

Camp Tecumseh has programs that operate all year long. From weekend retreats to field trips for school groups we never stop working to make the world a better place. If you’re interested in non-summer seasonal positions; kitchen, housekeeping, or maintenance positions; or full-time positions, we’ve got you covered.

More Opportunities

Jobs

Find your place at Camp Tecumseh.

At Camp Tecumseh, we’re idealists. We believe that a world that looks more like Camp would be a much better world. We strive to improve continuously. We’re not afraid of hard-work, long-hours, or tough conversations. We obsess over safety. We work to build deep relationships and maintain a strong community. We commit to living out our values. If you’re ready to join the crew, check out the opportunities we have available.

The Right Fit

Role models wanted

At Camp Tecumseh we’re looking to hire people who believe that our children are the keys to a better world.

We want role model staff members who hold themselves to a high standard both on and off duty, and strive to positively impact not only the guests they serve, but the staff they work beside.

We want staff who understand that every task undertaken at Camp leads to instilling key principles like faith, joy, initiative, respect, trust, and friendship.

We want staff who are committed to continuous learning and constant improvement.

We want staff who strive to do things the right way and aren’t looking to cut corners.

We want staff who aren’t afraid of getting their hands dirty, and don’t shy away from hard work.

We want staff who can accept and love others, even in disagreement.

We want Christian leaders who follow the I’m Third Motto: God is first, the other person is second, and I’m third.

We want staff who understand that it’s not our goal to convert kids to Christianity while they are at Camp. Instead, it’s our goal to plant the seeds of faith through role model behavior, open discussion, and fulfilling relationships.

We want staff who want to be part of a community that stands for good health, good decisions, caring relationships, mutual understanding, and acceptance of others.

Summer Positions

Spend the summer making a difference

Get ready to embark on a summer that will alter the trajectory of your life. Few experiences are as profound or impactful as a summer spent working at Camp Tecumseh.

Summer Positions

Outdoor Education Staff

Be part of the best field trips ever

Outdoor education (OE) staff members work with teachers and parents, facilitating each school group’s experience by guiding them through the different programs we offer at Camp Tecumseh. This is a paid position, plus room and board (when meals are being served). It could also serve as an Internship or Practicum experience for college credit.

OE staff members must be college age or older. The ideal candidate has experience working with youth and leading groups, and has a love for the outdoors and education.

We are currently hiring for our Spring 2024 OE season. Learn more about working and living at Camp, and apply today!

Join the OE Team

Retreats staff

Create experiences that keep guests coming back year after year

Weekend Retreats Application

Food service, housekeeping, maintenance staff

Keep Camp running smoothly

Our food service, housekeeping, and maintenance staff keep the Camp experience running smoothly. Responsible for preparing meals for thousands of guests, keeping our facilities clean, and repairing and building new facilities, these teams set up our program staff to do their best work.

The ideal candidate has some relevant working experience, enjoys working with kids and adults, is comfortable lifting and carrying heavy objects, can operate in warm (non air-conditioned) environments, and can work on their feet for extended periods of time.

See Positions and Apply

Full-time Staff

A fulfilling career for those wanting to make a difference

Camp Tecumseh is not currently hiring at this time.

Summer and Seasonal Staff

Meet our world-changing summer staff

The secret sauce of the Tecumseh experience is our world-changing summer staff. The cream of the crop, they are recruited from all over the world for their character, their ability to serve as role models, and their commitment to helping kids become the best versions of themselves.

Overnight Counselors

Directly responsible for facilitating the Tecumseh experience for all of our campers, our overnight counselors teach core values, facilitate friendships, and help build tomorrow’s leaders.

Overnight Camp Support Staff

Camp doesn’t run without some help behind the scenes. From running meals, to preparing program areas, to assisting campers and counselors with anything and everything, our support staff frees up our counselors to do what they do best: love those kids.

Driving Directions

Directions to Camp Tecumseh

12635 W Tecumseh Bend Road

Brookston, IN 47923

From the North/Northwest

Take I-65 South to exit 188 (the Brookston exit). Head east. When you arrive in Brookston, turn right on State Road 18. Turn left at the light to stay on State Road 18. Travel five miles on 18 until you come to an intersection with a flashing light and a brown highway sign that reads “Camp Tecumseh / Springboro.” Turn left up the hill. Travel past the pastures and the Equestrian center until you reach a large Camp Tecumseh sign (Tecumseh Bend Road). Turn right on Tecumseh Bend Road.

From the South/Southwest

Take I-65 North to exit 178 (West Lafayette/Brookston) to State Road 43 North. . Turn right off of exit ramp. Take State Road 43 North to Brookston and turn right (east) on to State Road 18 at the light.Travel five miles on 18 until you come to an intersection with a flashing light and a brown highway sign that reads “Camp Tecumseh / Springboro.” Turn left up the hill. Travel past the pastures and the Equestrian Center until you reach a large Camp Tecumseh sign (Tecumseh Bend Road). Turn right on Tecumseh Bend Road.

From the East

From Delphi, which is accessible by State Roads 25 and 18, follow State Road 18 west until you reach the bridge crossing the Tippecanoe River. Cross the bridge and turn right at the intersection with a flashing light and a brown highway sign that reads “Camp Tecumseh / Springboro.” Travel past the pastures and the Equestrian Center until you reach a large Camp Tecumseh sign (Tecumseh Bend Road). Turn right on Tecumseh Bend Road.

Camp Tecumseh Entrances on Tecumseh Bend Road

First right: Tecumseh Leadership Center

Third and fourth rights: Lake Village

Fifth right (and down the hill): River Village

Sixth right: Day Camp

Contact Us

Call, click, or drive. It’s easy to reach us.

Have a question about Camp Tecumseh? We’re here to help! Camp Tecumseh YMCA is open Monday-Friday (excluding holidays) from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Our Phone Number is 765-564-2898.

Contact Form

Get in Touch

Contact the Webmaster

Having trouble with the website? Let us know.

General Information

General information: info@camptecumseh.org
Registration inquiries: registrar@camptecumseh.org
Phone: 765-564-2898 | Fax: 765-564-3210
Address: 12635 W Tecumseh Bend Road, Brookston, IN 47923

Camp Tecumseh is in the Eastern time zone and we observe daylight saving time.

Our Story

Crafting a better world since 1924.

In 1924, the residents of Carroll County banded together to purchase 30 acres of land on the banks of the Tippecanoe River. They dreamed of a place where kids could explore the outdoors, build life-long friendships, discover their best selves, and develop the character, compassion, and confidence necessary to lead the next generation.

100 years later, Camp Tecumseh has grown into one of the largest YMCA Camps in the country while staying true to our founding principles. With over 660 acres and 36,000 guests annually, Camp Tecumseh’s year-round programs shape kids and adults who use their Tecumseh experience to build better families, better communities, and a better world.

“Putting Christian Principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.”

The I’m Third Motto

God is first. The Other person is second. I’m Third.

Easy to remember and life-changing when applied, the I’m Third motto is the heart of our philosophy.

God is first. A relationship with Him is the most important part of our lives. Our faith isn’t something that divides or separates, but calls us to love Him and love others. We believe that God is always there for us and no matter what happens, nothing can separate us from Him.

The other person is second reminds us that God calls us to love and to serve others. It reminds us that our responsibility isn’t to ourselves or our own well-being, but to the world around us; not just our friends and neighbors, but those we don’t even know. Its more than just a call to open doors and throw a few coins in the donation basket. It calls us to to participate in and build up strong communities. It calls us to be respectful, responsible, and compassionate.

That leaves us “third,” with the knowledge that we have the greatest and most fulfilling cause: to love God and to love others.

Life-Changing Impact

Bending trajectories toward faith, love, and service.

Every Friday night during the summer, we gather our oldest campers around the fire to talk about what their Tecumseh experience means to them. As they clutch their Torchbearer candles, voices choked with tears, they tell us that Camp Tecumseh is where they feel closest to God. They tell us that they make their best friends here. They tell us that they feel accepted, that they can be themselves, that they feel loved, that they feel happy.

As every good mariner knows, a course correction of even a single degree on a long enough journey can result in unexpected destinations. For so many, a Tecumseh experience acts as a course correction. It alters the trajectories of lives, quietly and unassumingly, and often by only minutes and degrees, but in the long run, that’s enough. For thousands of campers and staff, Camp Tecumseh has changed lives, bending their trajectories toward love, faith, and service.

To read individual stories of how Camp has changed lives and altered trajectories, check out the Torchbearer Chronicles on the blog.

Vicky Miles

Joseph Scales

Taylor Byrd

Ben Needham

Claire Edelman

Brit Davis

Joey Mayfield

Tatum Parker

Ryan Holladay

Jill Frank

Sarah Jones

Meghan Alexis

Mission & Vision

Camp Tecumseh’s Mission & Vision

The Mission of Camp Tecumseh YMCA is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

The Vision of Camp Tecumseh YMCA is a world where people thrive and grow in harmony with others and the outdoors.

We believe that camp should be much more than just fun. Through innovative programs and intentional relationships, campers learn new skills, build lasting friendships, and discover their best selves. We strive to instill campers with the values of trust, respect, joy, initiative, faith, and friendship so they can go back home into their communities and make a positive difference.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Building a culture through the love of Christ

Camp Tecumseh YMCA’s vision is to provide people of all backgrounds and ages with the finest camp experience in the country. Compelled by our vision, and by our motto to Live Third, we aim to actively and continuously seek ways to include and equitably serve and celebrate guests.

We strive to cultivate a welcoming environment at Camp Tecumseh, but recognize that without intentional learning and action in regards to race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, abilities, socio-economic backgrounds, and more, we won’t serve our vision to the best of our ability.

It is because of our Christian background – our focus on loving like Jesus loved – that anything less than a full effort to address, learn, and improve upon all aspects of diversity, equity, and inclusion at Camp Tecumseh would go against the very essence of our organization’s existence.

Accreditation & Association

An Independent YMCA Camp

As an independently chartered YMCA Camp, we’re proud to be a part of a broad and diverse network of YMCA Camps across the U.S. We were founded as a YMCA Camp in 1924, and to this day we remain closely aligned with the Y’s core values (caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, and faith), and its areas of focus:

Youth development – Nurturing the potential of every child and teen.
Healthy living – Improving the nation’s health and well-being.
Social responsibility – Giving back and providing support to our neighbors.

Accredited by the American Camp Association

We are also proud to be accredited by the American Camp Associated (ACA). The ACA’s rigorous accreditation process ensures our programs operate at the highest levels and meet or exceed the established standards to ensure that campers and staff stay safe and healthy. Visit the American Camp Association to learn more about our accreditation.

Camp Tecumseh Staff

Meet the architects of the Tecumseh experience

With decades of experience across a range of industries, Camp Tecumseh’s full-time staff is composed of individuals dedicated to innovation, improvement, and impact.

Jobs

Join a team of change-makers at Camp Tecumseh

At Camp Tecumseh, we’re idealists. We believe that a world that looks more like Camp would be a much better world. We strive to improve continuously. We’re not afraid of hard-work, long-hours, or tough conversations. We work to build deep relationships and maintain a strong community. If you’re ready to join the crew, check out the opportunities we have available.

Jobs at Camp Tecumseh

Board of Directors

Meet the volunteers dedicated to Camp Tecumseh’s future success

Alysa Christmas Rollock Board President West Lafayette, IN	Matthew Lerzak Board Vice President West Lafayette, IN	Lindsey Schiesser Board Treasurer Fishers, IN
Jay Andrew Lafayette, IN	Cadi Bien West Lafayette, IN	Dick Bradshaw Delphi, IN	Tracy Brown Lafayette, IN
Susan Conrad DeLong Rossville, IN	Rob Culross Wesley Chapel, FL	Marc Elliott Zionsville, IN	Don Fry West Lafayette, IN
Grant Gernhardt Lafayette, IN	Mike Gibson Lafayette, IN	Steve Gloyeske Lafayette, IN	Peg Minnicus Delphi, IN
Cathy Scott West Lafayette, IN	Sandy Welch Winnetka, IL	Dave Williams Lafayette, IN	Jim Andrew Board Emeritus Lafayette, IN