Camp Zanika is nestled on the shores of Lake Wenatchee some 25 miles from Leavenworth in the Washington Cascade Mountain Range, and lies within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Camp Zanika is accredited by the American Camp Association, meeting hundreds of safety, health, facilities, and administration standards. Every Summer we welcome over 800 campers ages 6-17 from all different backgrounds and abilities.
Our staff are the heart of Camp Zanika.
Hardworking, knowledgeable, and passionate, our team is Camp Zanika’s greatest asset. For over 94 years, we have sought out unique, safety-minded individuals who bring their own personality and spirit to enhance camp programs.
As a member of the Camp Zanika Summer Staff, you’ll spend your days outdoors, fully engaged with youth, and helping create unforgettable experiences. Every activity, every meal, every campfire is made better because of the dedication and enthusiasm of our staff.
At Camp Fire NCW, we believe that a child’s camping experience is only as strong as the people leading it. That’s why we carefully select and train our staff for their experience, maturity, values, and commitment to creating safe, fun, and inclusive opportunities for all youth.
Camp Zanika Lache is proud to be part of Camp Fire, a national youth development organization rooted in valuing youth voices, leadership, and inclusion. We welcome campers and staff from all backgrounds, and participation in our programs is open to everyone regardless of race, religion, national origin, socioeconomic status, disability, sexual orientation, or any other aspect of diversity.
At Zanika, we’re more than a camp — we’re a community. Join us in making a difference in the lives of children while having one of the most rewarding summers of your life.
Applying
Camp Zanika seeks mature, enthusiastic, and safety-minded individuals to join our summer staff team.
Requirements:
Staff must have at least 1–2 years of college experience or have completed a Leader-in-Training (LIT) and/or Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program at Camp Zanika or one of our sister camps in Washington.
All staff members participate in extensive pre-season training, with an emphasis on:
Safety and risk management
Child development and growth
Group dynamics and team building
Social/emotional facilitation, helping campers process feelings, resolve conflicts, gain confidence, and build decision-making skills
Screening & Certifications:
All staff and volunteers undergo reference checks and criminal history background checks, including a national sex offender registry search.
First Aid/CPR/AED certification is required prior to arrival at camp.
Additional certifications are required for specific positions:
Lifeguards
Ropes Course Staff
Kitchen Staff
Tripping Director
(Camp Zanika can assist with obtaining these certifications as needed.)
At Camp Zanika, staff are not only role models but also mentors, leaders, and community builders who help create an environment where campers feel safe, supported, and empowered.
Working at Camp Zanika isn’t just a job — it’s an adventure, a responsibility, and a chance to change lives (including your own!). If you love the outdoors, enjoy working with youth, and want a summer full of laughter, growth, and unforgettable memories, Camp Zanika is the place for you.
Download your staff paperwork here
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Camp Zanika is always seeking doctors (MDs), nurses (RNs), and EMTs to volunteer for a week or more during our summer sessions. These incredible volunteers play a vital role in keeping camp safe and healthy while also becoming part of the Camp Zanika community.
Volunteer medical personnel:
Work alongside our staff and campers to provide basic health care support
Manage the nurse’s cabin, including daily camper medications
Join in camp activities, helping create lasting memories for campers
Accommodations:
Volunteering medical staff reside in their own cabin, affectionately called the Holiday House. This private cabin includes:
A bathroom with hot and cold water
A personal refrigerator
Stocked cabinets and drawers with the supplies needed for general medical needs
A secure area for storing camper medications
Benefits:
In exchange for their service, volunteer medical personnel may bring their own children to camp at no cost for the week they are volunteering.
Come spend a week at Lake Wenatchee, make a difference in the lives of campers, and enjoy the unique rewards of being part of the Zanika family.
Young people want to shape the world.
Camp Fire provides the opportunity to find their spark, lift their voice, and discover who they are.
In Camp Fire, it begins now.
