Lexington, MI — Summer camp programs throughout Michigan are struggling to find staff, and as a result, some are cutting programs or putting potential campers on waiting lists.
Camp Cavell in Lexington runs a summer day camp along with an overnight camp for kids. This year, a staffing shortage has employees doing double-duty to fill critical roles, and the camp has had to limit the number of campers they can accept because they don’t have the staff needed to safely supervise more kids.
Jill Laidlaw, Executive Director of Camp Cavell, said they are getting some applications, but applicants are not returning her calls or are failing to show up for interviews. Many camp directors she connects with in her network are experiencing the same issues.
Camp Cavell currently has around 12 open positions including kitchen workers, lifeguards, male counselors, and bus drivers. She and her core staff are taking turns filling the bus driver duties so they can pick up day camp attendees each day.
“There is a lot of creative multi-tasking going on here,” said Laidlaw. She noted that Camp Cavell offers unique opportunities for its staff and is a really fun summer job. “This is a job where you get to go along and experience what the kids are doing, kind of like hanging out with your nieces and nephews all day.”
Camp counselors get to do crafts, go kayaking, and spend a lot of time participating in outdoor activities with the campers.
Summer jobs at Camp Cavell pay between $12.15 – $15 per hour and extend until August 13th.
To learn more visit CampCavell.org/employment
Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand
