Experience an unforgettable summer at Interlochen, where creativity thrives in the heart of nature! Join our vibrant community for Interlochen Arts Camp 2026, where passionate individuals come together to make art, make friends, and make lifelong memories. In the serene and rustic setting of northern Michigan, you’ll inspire the next generation of artists while embracing the beauty and challenges of wilderness living. Embrace the magic and make a lasting impact!
Position Overview
Join us in the summer of 2026 and help us continue the legacy of fostering creativity, nurturing talent, and celebrating the individual artistic journey at Interlochen. We are seeking team-oriented and enthusiastic Operations Camp Counselor - Education Photography who embody our core values and are committed to nurturing young artists. As an Operations Camp Counselor - Education Photography, you’ll play a major role in capturing images throughout the entire camp season to be used in promotional materials/social media and shared with camper families. In this position, you will also be responsible for ensuring the well-being, safety, and personal growth of your group of campers while assisting our Arts program. This unique role combines mentoring, leadership, and creativity, making it an exciting opportunity for individuals who are passionate about both youth mentorship and development and the arts.
What You Get To Do
- Capturing original photography that fits within Interlochen’s brand guidelines. Photography will include classroom, performance, and staged photo call shoots.
- Scheduling shoots and meetings, managing and maintaining equipment, and uploading and cataloging digital images into our asset management system.
- Assisting where necessary on other projects.
- Supervise and care for a group of campers, ensuring their safety and well-being throughout the camp session
- Create a positive and inclusive cabin environment that fosters a sense of belonging, encourages teamwork, communication, and personal growth
- Assist in planning and facilitate age-appropriate, engaging activities and games for campers within the cabin group
- Share a living environment with campers ranging in age from 8-18 years old
- Assist with facility preparations and maintain a clean cabin throughout the summer
- Perform your duties both inside and outside, rain or shine
- Work cooperatively with your peers and divisional leadership
- Manage self-care and maintain personal physical and emotional stamina, so you can take care of others (adequate sleep, activity, nutrition, mental acuity, managing emotions)
- Commit to inclusion and acceptance of others
- Possess the ability to think on your feet and manage emergent situations should they arise
What You Get
- Compensation: $3,000
- Meals and on-campus lodging
- 10% tuition discount for Discovery Camp or 50% Interlochen Arts Camp for dependents
- 20% discount for tickets to most summer concerts.
- 15% discount on merchandise from Scholarshop and food/beverages from Melody Freeze
Camp Counselor Info Session
We’re hosting a live webinar on Tuesday, April 14, from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. EST to share details about the role, life at Interlochen, and what to expect as a Camp Counselor. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and get a glimpse into the unforgettable experience of working with us.
To register for the webinar, click here: https://interlochen.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_8MXKP_XDTb6LA0uDuTNLXg
We look forward to connecting with you!
What You Need
- Availability 6/16/2026 - 8/10/2026
- Prepared to live in a nature cabin setting. While we offer accessible housing accommodations, please note that due to the rustic nature of our camp, these options are limited.
- Problem-solving and strong interpersonal skills are essential to get the images required
- Skilled at operating a digital SLR and be familiar with the fundamentals of digital photography (photo formats, resolution, uploading files.)
- Strong computer, and organizational skills are essential
- Will be expected to walk or ride a bicycle for several hours each day
- Self-starter who can maintain a positive attitude in all types of working conditions
- Previous professional experience is not required, but applicants will be asked to present a portfolio that demonstrates their skills
- Must bring your own digital SLR camera and should be able to operate it with skill, especially in challenging lighting situations
- A tripod is also strongly recommended
- Interns may bring additional equipment (extra lenses, laptops, photo editing software, hard drives, etc.) but these are not required
- Hard drives and a Mac computer will be provided
- Perform your duties both inside and outside, rain or shine
- Work cooperatively with your peers and divisional leadership
- Manage self-care and maintain personal physical and emotional stamina, so you can take care of others (adequate sleep, activity, nutrition, mental acuity, managing emotions)
- Maintain physical and emotional stamina
- Commit to inclusion and acceptance of others
- Possess the ability to think on your feet and manage emergent situations should they arise
Required Items to Upload on Your Application:
- Resume
- Cover Letter
What to Expect about Camp Life
- Rustic Living: You’ll be living in a residence hall, surrounded by the beauty of northern Michigan. Air conditioning is not provided; you may bring your own fan.
- Embrace the Outdoors: The camp is nestled in a wilderness area, so expect to encounter wildlife and insects as part of the experience. Embracing the natural environment is key to enjoying your time here.
- Outdoor Work Environment: Many of your duties will involve working outdoors, often for extended periods, so being comfortable in various weather conditions is important.
- Community and Camaraderie: You’ll be part of a tight-knit community where collaboration, creativity, and support are at the forefront. The connections you make here will be lifelong.
About Interlochen
Interlochen Arts Camp has been a haven for creative talent for nearly a century. Our summer camp is a vibrant, transformative experience where young artists from diverse backgrounds come together to explore, learn, and grow. We offer a range of programs spanning music, visual arts, theatre, dance, creative writing, film & new media, and interdisciplinary arts, providing a platform for every artist to thrive.