Employment

Work with us

At Bradford Woods, we offer several different types of employment opportunities, including seasonal, full-time, internships, part-time, nursing, administrative, maintenance, program staff, and more. We hire over 100 staff members annually with numerous positions available during spring, summer, and fall.

To apply for any of our openings, click on the Apply now button below and search “Bradford Woods."

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Available Roles

Recreational Therapy

Our recreational therapy internship offers a unique, hands-on opportunity to work at one of the top outdoor centers in the Midwest, serving youth and adults with disabilities and complex medical needs in a residential camp setting.

  • Interns will gain practical experience with the APIED process, camper care planning, adaptive recreation programming, and medical/personal care procedures. Interns will help facilitate a variety of camp activities, such as ropes courses, creative arts, nature, archery, aquatic activities, adaptive sports and many more.
  • Interns will also assist in planning and leading specialized therapeutic programs for leadership academy campers with cancer and craniofacial anomalies. Interns will be supervised by a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) and will receive comprehensive training in disability awareness, universal design, and leadership development, while building strong professional connections with organizations like Riley Children’s Foundation and other nonprofit organizations.
Leadership Team

The leadership team members (Cabin Life Coordinators and Logistics Coordinators) play a key leadership role for all of the summer staff at Bradford Woods.

  • The Cabin Life Coordinator is an essential member of the Leadership Team (L-Team), working in partnership with the Assistant Director of Recreation Therapy to oversee all aspects of cabin life at camp. This position is responsible for supervising and supporting cabin heads, conducting individual check-in meetings, and assisting with staff training and development.
  • Key responsibilities include creating weekly cabin assignments for each camp session, managing and organizing cabin life paperwork, and communicating with camper families throughout the check-in process. Cabin Life Coordinators will also collaborate closely with other members of the L-Team to ensure a positive and supportive camp environment.
  • As part of the Leadership Team, Cabin Life Coordinators will participate in an on-call rotation, serving at least one night per camp session. This role requires strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills, as well as the ability to adapt to a dynamic and fast-paced camp environment.

  • The Logistics Coordinator is a vital member of the Leadership Team (L-Team), working in collaboration with the Assistant Director of Recreation Therapy to manage the day-to-day operations of camp programming. This position plays a key role in ensuring that all programs and activities are well-planned, organized, and delivered successfully.
  • Key responsibilities include developing the program schedule for each camp session, supervising and supporting program staff, and leading regular program staff meetings. The Logistics Coordinator will also oversee and approve program activity plans, manage meal pack-outs (with attention to dietary needs), and communicate with families about programming during the check-in process. Additionally, this role is responsible for planning and implementing weekly “Challenge Day” activities and completing other duties as assigned.
  • As part of the Leadership Team, Logistics Coordinators will participate in an on-call rotation, serving at least one night per camp session. This role requires strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills, as well as the ability to adapt to a dynamic and fast-paced camp environment.
Cabin Life

Cabin Life staff implement programs and activities within a cabin, and are the individuals responsible for the physical, social, and emotional care of a cabin group. Each cabin group consists of approximately 8–10 campers and 3–5 staff.

  • Cabin Heads play a vital leadership role within the cabin community and are responsible for the overall physical, social, and emotional well-being of their assigned cabin group. Each cabin typically consists of 8–10 campers and 3–5 staff, with the Cabin Head serving as the primary leader and point of support. Cabin Heads live in the cabins alongside campers and staff, providing direction, feedback, and supervision to ensure a positive and inclusive experience for everyone.
  • Key responsibilities include overseeing camper documentation, assisting with personal care and activities of daily living, managing staff break schedules within the cabin, and ensuring adherence to Bradford Woods policies and procedures. Cabin Heads also meet with parents and guardians during the check-in and check-out process, lead daily cabin meetings after campers go to bed, and help create a supportive and engaging environment for both staff and campers.
  • This position is best suited for individuals with prior medical experience and/or experience working with children and adults with disabilities. Cabin Heads are expected to lead with compassion, adaptability, and strong communication skills while fostering a safe and welcoming cabin community.

  • Cabin Counselors work directly with children and adults with disabilities and/or chronic illnesses, providing daily care and support while fostering a safe and positive camp experience. Cabin Counselors live in the cabins with campers and staff and play a key role in ensuring that the physical, social, and emotional needs of each participant are met.
  • Responsibilities include assisting campers with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, eating, and personal care, as well as supporting medical procedures including g-tubes, maces, and montis. Cabin Counselors collaborate with Program Staff to adapt activities to the needs and abilities of each camper and work closely with the Cabin Head to complete camper documentation and maintain a safe, supportive cabin environment.
  • This role is ideal for individuals who are compassionate, adaptable, and eager to work hands-on with participants in a residential camp setting. It is also a great position for those working in a medical summer camp for the first time, offering valuable experience and training in a supportive team environment.
Program Positions

Program staff members design and implement programs and activities in the areas of Recreation, Creative Arts, Nature, Music, Nutrition, Evening Program, and more. Programs and activities will be developed around camper needs, interests, and goals.

  • The Creative Arts Program Instructor is responsible for designing and implementing creative arts programming that meets the needs, interests, and abilities of each camp session’s population. A key part of this role is creating written activity plans and working closely with cabin staff to adapt activities so that every camper can fully participate and enjoy the experience. Sample activities may include painting canvases, working with air-dry clay, making perler bead creations, or creating “emotion monsters,” among many others.
  • In addition to facilitating creative arts programming, the Creative Arts Program Instructor assists with evening programs as assigned by the Evening Program Instructor, typically runs a Challenge Day station (tie-dye or friendship bracelets), and contributes to the overall camp community. This position lives in the cabins for the duration of the summer and assists with camper personal care (i.e. toileting, showering, dressing, eating, etc.), activities of daily living, and medical procedures (i.e. g-tubes, maces, montis). When not planning, setting up, or leading activities, the Creative Arts Program Instructor will engage with campers in their assigned cabin group to ensure a positive and supportive experience.

  • The Evening Program Instructor is responsible for designing and implementing camp-wide evening programming that meets the needs, interests, and abilities of each session’s camper population. A key part of this role is creating written activity plans and collaborating with the Logistics Coordinators to assign program staff and interns to support evening activities. Evening Program Instructors work closely together to delegate responsibilities and ensure nightly programs run smoothly and inclusively for all campers. We typically host an opening campfire on Sunday night and a closing campfire on Thursday night, but some other evening programs include talent shows, scavenger hunts, minute to win it, revenge of the campers, and many more. 
  • In addition to facilitating evening programs, the Evening Program Instructor typically helps facilitate a station during Challenge Day and contributes to the overall camp community. This position lives in the cabins for the duration of the summer and provides assistance with camper personal care (i.e., toileting, showering, dressing, eating), activities of daily living, and medical procedures (i.e., g-tubes, maces, montis). When not planning, setting up, or leading programs, the Evening Program Instructor will engage with campers in their assigned cabin group to ensure a safe, positive, and supportive experience.

  • The Music Program Instructor is responsible for designing and implementing music-based programming that meets the needs, interests, and abilities of each camp session’s population. A key part of this role is creating written activity plans and working closely with cabin staff to adapt activities so that every camper can fully participate and enjoy the experience. Sample activities may include rhythm circles, songwriting, drum painting, karaoke, movement with music, and many more.
  • In addition to facilitating music-based programming, the Music Program Instructor assists with evening programs as assigned by the Evening Program Instructor, typically runs a Challenge Day station, and contributes to the overall camp community. This position lives in the cabins for the duration of the summer and assists with camper personal care (i.e. toileting, showering, dressing, eating, etc.), activities of daily living, and medical procedures (i.e. g-tubes, maces, montis). When not planning, setting up, or leading activities, the Music Program Instructor will engage with campers in their assigned cabin group to ensure a positive and supportive experience.

  • The Nature Program Instructor is responsible for designing and implementing nature-based programming that meets the needs, interests, and abilities of each camp session’s population. A key part of this role is creating written activity plans and working closely with cabin staff to adapt activities so that every camper can fully participate and enjoy the experience. Sample activities may include bug hunts, rock paintings, leaf art, nature hikes, and many more.
  • In addition to facilitating nature-based programming, the Nature Program Instructor assists with evening programs as assigned by the Evening Program Instructor, typically runs a Challenge Day station (popcorn making over the fire), and contributes to the overall camp community. This position lives in the cabins for the duration of the summer and assists with camper personal care (i.e. toileting, showering, dressing, eating, etc.), activities of daily living, and medical procedures (i.e. g-tubes, maces, montis). When not planning, setting up, or leading activities, the Nature Program Instructor will engage with campers in their assigned cabin group to ensure a positive and supportive experience.

  • The Recreation Program Instructor is responsible for designing and implementing recreation-based programming that meets the needs, interests, and abilities of each camp session’s population. A key part of this role is creating written activity plans and working closely with cabin staff to adapt activities so that every camper can fully participate and enjoy the experience. Sample activities may include wheelchair basketball, parachute play, pickleball, bike races, and many more.
  • In addition to facilitating recreation-based programming, the Recreation Program Instructor assists with evening programs as assigned by the Evening Program Instructor, typically runs a Challenge Day station, and contributes to the overall camp community. This position lives in the cabins for the duration of the summer and assists with camper personal care (i.e. toileting, showering, dressing, eating, etc.), activities of daily living, and medical procedures (i.e. g-tubes, maces, montis). When not planning, setting up, or leading activities, the Recreation Program Instructor will engage with campers in their assigned cabin group to ensure a positive and supportive experience.

  • The Adventure Challenge Instructor is responsible for organizing, leading, and supervising a variety of adventure-based programs that follow the “Challenge by Choice” philosophy and are designed to meet the needs of all participants. Activities may include ground-based initiatives, low and high challenge courses, climbing towers, zip line, and other recreational camp activities.
  • Key responsibilities include conducting and documenting pre- and post-inventories of adventure challenge equipment, performing regular equipment checks to ensure safety, and reporting repair or replacement needs in a timely manner. Instructors are expected to follow all policies and procedures regarding the use of elements and equipment as developed by Bradford Woods. We typically hire five people for this role to work as a team.
  • In addition to facilitating adventure programming, the Adventure Challenge Instructor will assist with evening programs as assigned by the Evening Program Instructor, typically runs a Challenge Day station (zipline or climbing tower), and contributes to the overall camp community. This position lives in the cabins for the duration of the summer and assists with camper personal care (i.e. toileting, showering, dressing, eating, etc.), activities of daily living, and medical procedures (i.e. g-tubes, maces, montis). When not setting up, tearing down, or leading activities, the Adventure Challenge Instructor will engage with campers in their assigned cabin group to ensure a positive and supportive experience.
Aquatics-Based Programs

  • The Waterfront Director is a leadership role best suited for individuals with prior lifeguarding experience who are ready to oversee a team and manage a dynamic aquatic program. This position is responsible for overseeing and facilitating all aquatic-based programming at camp, including swimming, canoeing, fishing, and pontoon boat rides and jumps for youth and adults with disabilities and chronic illnesses. A key part of this role is ensuring patron safety, maintaining compliance with American Red Cross (or equivalent) lifeguard training standards, American Camp Association standards, and Bradford Woods Aquatics Operating Procedures, and supporting the overall safety and success of the waterfront program.
  • In addition to lifeguarding, the Waterfront Director is responsible for supervising, training, and evaluating the lifeguard staff; managing daily opening and closing of aquatic program spaces; overseeing equipment inventories and routine checks; ensuring safe storage and upkeep of all waterfront equipment; and reporting maintenance needs to the Assistant Directors of Recreation Therapy.
  • This position lives in the cabins for the duration of the summer and assists with camper personal care (i.e. toileting, showering, dressing, eating, etc.), activities of daily living, and medical procedures (i.e. g-tubes, maces, montis). When not planning, supervising, or leading aquatic activities, the Waterfront Director will engage with campers in their assigned cabin group to ensure a positive and supportive camp experience.

  • The Lifeguard is responsible for providing a safe and supportive environment in all aquatic-based programming throughout the summer. This includes monitoring and facilitating activities such as swimming, canoeing, fishing, pontoon boat rides and jumps, waterskiing, and scuba diving for youth and adults with disabilities and chronic illnesses. A key part of this role is ensuring patron safety, conducting routine cleaning and chemical testing, preparing and stowing equipment, and assisting with ongoing equipment checks to maintain the highest level of safety. Lifeguards are also responsible for conducting and documenting equipment inventories and reporting any maintenance needs to the Waterfront Director.
  • In addition to facilitating aquatic-based programming, the Lifeguard follows all American Red Cross (or equivalent) lifeguard training standards, American Camp Association standards, Bradford Woods Aquatics Operating Procedures, General Policies/Procedures, and the Emergency Action Plan. This position lives in the cabins for the duration of the summer and assists with camper personal care (i.e. toileting, showering, dressing, eating, etc.), activities of daily living, and medical procedures (i.e. g-tubes, maces, montis). When not monitoring the pool or waterfront, the Lifeguard will engage with campers in their assigned cabin group to ensure a positive and supportive camp experience.
Camp Specialists

  • The Media Specialist is responsible for overseeing all media needs during the summer camp program, ensuring that memories and moments are captured and shared. Key responsibilities include photographing campers in activities, uploading photos on Tuesday evening and Friday to an online platform where parents/guardians can see, and creating a slideshow for the closing campfire. On check-in day, the Media Specialist collaborates with the Logistics Coordinator to create a camper photo roster by cabin for the nursing team. This position works closely with the Logistics Coordinator and the Bradford Woods IT Manager to maintain and develop media systems throughout the summer.
  • In addition to capturing photographs throughout camp, the Media Specialist assists with evening programs as assigned by the Evening Program Instructor and contributes to the overall camp community. This position lives in the cabins for the duration of the summer and assists with camper personal care (i.e. toileting, showering, dressing, eating, etc.), activities of daily living, and medical procedures (i.e. g-tubes, maces, montis). When not participating in media-related responsibilities, the Media Specialist will engage with campers in their assigned cabin group to ensure a positive and supportive experience.

  • The Nutrition Specialist is responsible for designing and implementing dietary accommodations and nutrition-focused programming that support the needs, interests, and goals of campers. A key part of this role is developing written recipes and meal plans, working closely with the Dining and Catering Services Manager to create healthy meal alternatives for campers and staff, and contributing to the development of new, healthier menu items for Bradford Woods.
  • On check-in days, the Nutrition Specialist gathers dietary needs from campers and families to guide kitchen production. This role also supports camp programming through preparing and distributing pack-out meals for Challenge Day and hosting food-related activities such as Cupcake Wars. Additional responsibilities may include tracking calorie counts, gathering nutritional data on camp meals, and assisting with other food service-related tasks that enhance camper health and wellness.
  • The Nutrition Specialist lives in the cabins for the duration of the summer and assists with camper personal care (i.e. toileting, showering, dressing, eating, etc.), activities of daily living, and medical procedures (i.e. g-tubes, maces, montis). When not helping out in the kitchen or leading food-related activities, the Nutrition Program Staff will engage with campers in their assigned cabin group to ensure a positive and supportive experience.
  • This position has a significant food service component and can be used as an internship with approval from the Assistant Directors of Recreation Therapy and the student’s college/university. Please note that while this role offers valuable nutrition experience, Bradford Woods does not have a Registered Dietitian on staff.

  • The Operations Specialist is responsible for ensuring that campers and staff have the transportation, supplies, and resources needed for a successful camp experience. Core responsibilities include transporting campers, staff, and supplies to and from program areas; delivering and maintaining full water coolers at designated sites; and making supply runs as needed to support camp operations.
  • In addition to logistical support, the Operations Specialist works closely with cabin staff to assist campers in their daily activities and ensure everyone has the opportunity to fully participate in camp life. This position lives in the cabins for the duration of the summer and provides personal care support for campers (i.e. toileting, showering, dressing, eating, etc.), activities of daily living, and medical procedures (i.e. g-tubes, maces, montis).
  • When not transporting, refilling, or delivering supplies, the Operations Specialist will actively engage with campers in their assigned cabin group, supporting their physical, social, and emotional well-being while contributing to the overall camp community.

Employment opportunities

The success of Bradford Woods depends on a team of full-time, part-time, and seasonal staff. Join us in the Woods and discover the positive impact we can make together.

To apply for any of our openings, click on the Apply now button below and search “Bradford Woods."

Apply now

  • We hire part-time food service, maintenance, and housekeeping positions to help keep Bradford Woods running well.

  • Work closely with us on the day-to-day running of outdoor education programming. For this role, we're seeking dynamic and talented individuals with a passion for outdoor environmental and experiential education.
  • Our Professional Outdoor Instructors receive a unique opportunity to teach multiple aspects of outdoor education. Most days are spent teaching fifth graders about the environment, but other days may include leading a junior high or high school group through team-building activities on guiding them on our low or high challenge courses.
  • If you love the outdoors and want to learn how to teach children, facilitate amazing experiences, and grow alongside a community of committed peers, then we’re the right place for you. All positions include housing accommodations and meals when programming.

  • We're always looking for nurses to join us for weekend or week-long sessions of camp. If you're interested, contact Amran Ahman at amahmad@iu.eduor Heather Bowns at hbowns@iu.edu.

If directed to do so, please download and fill out the paper version of the application below.

IU Global Employment Application

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Indiana University is an equal employment and affirmative action employer and a provider of ADA services. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ethnicity, color, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, disability status or protected veteran status. Indiana University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs and activities, including employment and admission, as required by Title IX. Questions or complaints regarding Title IX may be referred to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights or the university Title IX Coordinator.