Application & Hiring Process Resources

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We are looking for applicants with:

• Enthusiasm for providing meaningful experiences to campers

• Variety of experiences working with youth (babysitting, coaching, mentoring, etc.)

• Lifeguard certifications or enrolled in a course

  • Lifeguarding experience

• Leadership experience

• Hobbies/skill sets that are camp related (sailing, guitar, singing, canoeing, improv, etc.)

 

Certification Information:

CPR, AED, and First Aid certifications: All Camp Manitou staff must hold current CPR, AED, and First Aid certifications  by the start of Staff Training. These certifications can be earned through in-person or blended courses. While some freshman health classes offer CPR and AED certification, they may not always include First Aid. One place to look for courses:

• The Red Cross offers CPR/AED and First Aid courses in many locations; use this link to find nearby options. If you are in need of all required certifications, you will be looking for an Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED course. Please ensure your course includes an in-person skills check, either as part of an in-person or blended course, as online-only courses do not meet requirements.

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Lifeguard certifications: A lifeguard certification is not mandatory, however it is extremely beneficial to have at Camp and those who have this certification do receive a bonus pay. If you take a lifeguard course you do not need to also take a CPR, AED, and First Aid course. Those skills are included in a lifeguard course. Some local Chippewa Valley courses can be found below:

• Check with your school's physical education department. Some high schools offer a class that will result in earning a lifeguard certification upon completing. 

• The City of Eau Claire Parks, Recreation and Forestry is offering lifeguard courses in 2025 that can be found using this link. 

• The Y of the Chippewa Valley is offering lifeguard recertification courses in 2024 that can be found using this link. 

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We try to offer certification courses for staff, however those depend on interest, available instructors, availability of classroom space and materials, and other factors. We will do our best to update resources as they become available and communicate with applicants and/or hired staff. Feel free to reach out to camp@ymca-cv.org with any questions about current certifications or course options. 

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General interview preparation:

• Why did you apply to work camp?

• What experiences do you have working with kids?

  • List all different experiences and give specifics like age, how many kids, activities​, etc.

• What do you hope to contribute to camp?

• What skills or interests do you have that will translate well to camp?

• We will ask you to reflect on your own experiences to best answer each question. Your application has given us a good background and we are now looking to learn more about your character and judgment based on your previous experiences.

• Review your life experiences with friends and family. We are looking for situations that speak to your character, teaching opportunities, and work with youth.

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Interview basics

Camp Manitou interviews are conducted virtually on Zoom. Below are a few tips and reminders.​

• Download/update Zoom

• Check your surroundings that will appear on screen to keep background professional 

• Test our computer or device to make sure the video and audio is working

• Log in to interview a few minutes early

• Dress up

• Show enthusiasm

• Answer the questions asked

• Give specific examples

• Follow up after the interview

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Communication

• Follow up with references to confirm they have completed the online form​

• Have a voicemail set up with a professional greeting

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Note for parents: we ask that only the applicant contact us regarding employment questions.