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 change 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 shift 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 Counselor 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 2023 Schedule

Monday, June 5th: Work Crew & Chef Arrive

Monday, June 12th: Lifeguards Arrive

Tuesday, June 13th: Lifeguard Training

Saturday, June 17th: Unit Leaders, New Kitchen Staff and Maintenance Staff Arrive

Monday, June 19th: Program Staff Arrive

Wednesday, June 21st: General Counselors Arrive

(Tuesday, June 27th last day of school)

Session 1: Thursday, June 29th to Friday, July 14th

Session 2: Tuesday, July 18th to Wednesday, August 2nd

Session 3: Sunday, August 6th to Monday, August 21st

Tuesday, August 22st: Staff Depart
Wednesday, August 23rd: Leadership Staff Depart
Saturday, August 26th: Work Crew Depart

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 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 at 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 at the waterfront.

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