Health Positions

Health Staff can expect a demanding but rewarding work opportunity that will provide invaluable experience for those continuing their education in medical fields. Blue Lake’s Health Services consists of health lodge directors, medical professionals (nurses, nurse practitioners, and physicians), and certified health assistants. Supervised by the Director of Health Services, the health staff provides medical care to a population of 1,800 youth, college-aged staff, and faculty and their families within the camp community. Health Staff are responsible for maintaining and operating all aspects of the Health Lodge. Shift duties rotate equally through the health staff to supply consistent 24-hour care. Responsibilities include providing basic first aid, supporting camper needs and accommodations, transporting campers for off-camp medical care, distributing camper medication, performing symptom screenings and temperature checks. Staff also share cleaning, laundry, inventory, and other duties as assigned.

Health Staff Positions

Health Assistant: Work with health leadership, nurses, and medical providers to provide a variety of health care services including basic first aid, medication distribution, transportation of campers off camp for evaluation when necessary, and emergency medical care. Team members receive practical hands-on experience with short-term patient care and assessment, documentation, triage, and basic diagnostics. Health Staff receive detailed training on providing health care, documentation, camp communication, addressing emergency situations, team building, and developing creative thinking and problem solving skills. Minimum certification: American Red Cross Standard First Aid and CPR, or American Heart Association equivalent, and valid U.S. driver’s license.

 

Camp Nurse: Work with the Director of Health Services, camp medical providers, and health lodge directors to provide a variety of health care services including basic first aid, medication management, evaluation, and referrals for off-camp medical care. Nurses hold office hours daily and remain on-call for emergencies. Two- and four-week commuter and residential positions available. Minimum certification: Valid registered nurse license and current BLS certification (or equivalent).

 

Camp Medical Provider (Physician, Nurse Practitioner, or Physician Assistant): Provide limited daily office hours and 24/7 on-call support throughout the 12-day camp session. Evaluate campers and staff, supervise medical procedures, and prescribe medication and treatments. Work with the Director of Health Services to provide support and guidance for the camp nurses, health lodge directors, and health assistants. Two- and four-week commuter and residential positions available. Must be licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner in the State of Michigan (or able to obtain). Preference given to specialty in pediatric, family, or emergency medicine.

 

Health Lodge Co-Director: Work together with the Director of Health Services to train and supervise health staff, maintain work schedule and lodge operations, communicate with camper parents, monitor medical supplies, support camper needs, and serve as health officers on the summer camp leadership team. Experience at Blue Lake and minimum certification of American Red Cross Emergency Medical Responder required (training provided). Previous experience with Blue Lake Leadership and/or experience in the Health Lodge preferred.

Dates and Salary

Health Assistants

Applicants must be available for the full season: June 16 – August 18, which includes paid orientation. Salary ranges from $2,250 – $2,650 plus housing and meals, and is based on years of college study and/or degree(s) earned, as well as level of certification and experience. Extended work dates for some positions are available to cover pre- and post-camp duties. Season-end bonuses available for those who qualify.

Camp Nurses and Medical Providers

Salary for Camp Nurses starts at $1275 per session. Salary for Camp Medical Providers starts at $1695 per session. All employees are eligible to receive a scholarship toward the camp tuition of immediate family members and are provided faculty housing and meals during their stay. Commuter positions are also available for those who live locally.

  • Session 1: June 25 – July 7
  • Session 2: July 9 – July 21
  • Session 3: July 23 – August 4
  • Session 4: August 6 – August 18

Proof of Certification

Those applying for jobs that require proof of certification (Camp Nurse, Medical Provider, Rec Director, etc.) must have a copy of the certificate on file with the personnel department before an applicant will be considered for the position. The date of expiration must be visible.

Artistic Opportunities

Health Staff members may also have the opportunity to broaden their artistic appreciation by participating in a staff musical ensemble, requesting private lesson instruction from faculty, and attending Blue Lake evening concerts. A video audition is required for Blue Lake staff candidates who wish to participate in ensembles. For details on audition requirements, visit Auditions.