Camp Staff 2026
Each year we have the challenge of hiring a new staff to play with us for a season or two. We are usually working with a group of our staff from the previous summer with plans on returning, and a few select campers moving up to junior staff positions, but there are always significant holes left that take care and patience to fill.
Though occasionally we hire a exceptional staff member that is 18 or 19, the average age of our staff is 20-24 years old. They have at least one year of college, three good references, a clean police record, and experience in several skill areas and with children. Our staff come from various parts of the US and abroad. International staff must also hold exceptional English communication skills.
We hire friendly, cohesive young people to help your child enjoy their camping experience. They are hired for their ability to be good role models, maturity, work ethic and general good nature.
Each cabin of eight to ten campers has 1 staff members, with larger cabins and younger camper’s cabins having two counselors. Cabin camper\staff ratio is 1-8. Day camper\staff ratio is 1-5.
All Staff participates in a week of in depth orientation prior to the beginning of camp. During this week the staff is trained in CPR and First Aid, given time to familiarize themselves with their program areas, given training in child development and potential child problems, trained in group games and prepared for the arrival of 40 energetic campers on Sunday.
In addition to the week of orientation, riding and swimming staff participate in a additional training week before camp to focus extensively on the riding and swimming programs offered at camp. Archery staff come several days early to participate in a special archery clinic. Extra care and training is given to these three high adventure programs to assure our staff is ready to supervise campers at Cedar Lodge.
2026 Summer
We had such a great summer in 2025, and we are ramping up for an even better one in 2026! We are VERY excited to have many of our staff from 2025 joining us for another summer! Our staff has been hard at work finding the best fits for the other staff positions we have open. Please take a look at who is returning and who is new. Returning staff have updated their profile and photos from last summer and they’ve all been good enough to answer some quick questions about their favorite parts of last summer. I think we’re done hiring and we’re so excited!
Alex…..HE’S BAAAACCCCKKKKK!!!
Lifeguard? Staff? Weed Wacker? Tractor Driver? Weight lifting instructor? Archery? Biking? Gosh you name it.
My Name is Alex and I’m from Glenview Illinois. I’m excited to be coming back on staff for my 10th time! In my free time I enjoy exercising and lifting weights, skateboarding or bike riding, and watching a good movie or tv show. This summer you can find me in the kitchen giving Miriam a hand, as well as doing other sports activities and helping out in the cabin. I’m thrilled to meet everyone soon. Welcome back Alex!!!
Hannah:
Riding Instructor
Hey everyone! My name is Hannah and I’m an 18-year-old from the UK! I live on the Isle of Wight, which is home to so many beautiful views. I’ve been riding for the last 10 years and I own 2 horses with my non-identical twin sister. Tommy (the grey) and Nibs (the bay) are the loves of my life, and whilst they can challenge me, I wouldn’t be the rider I am today without them. During this time, I’ve competed in show jumping and dressage, as well as enjoying beach rides and cross country. We also get to make the most of our island’s stunning countryside whilst out hacking. I love learning more about my horses so that I can give them the highest standard of care and if you couldn’t tell, horses are my biggest passion. I just love being around them! Outside of riding, I‘m currently training to run a half marathon, and I’m also an aspiring veterinary student. This will be my first summer at Camp Cedar Lodge as a riding instructor, and I’m super excited to help you all grow into confident riders and see your progress! I can’t wait to share my love for horses and to meet you all! Bring on summer 2026!
Olga:
Drama/Dance/Gymnastics/Sports
Hello! My name is Olga, I am 20 years old and I am from Burgos, Spain. I have always loved sports and throughout my life I have practiced many of them, although my favorite is artistic gymnastics. In my free time I also love traveling, spending time with my family and friends, listening to music and, of course, dancing. My favorite music group is Morat and my favorite food is my grandmother’s “patatas a la importancia”.
Dancing is one of my greatest passions. I love improvising and expressing myself through movement, especially in the contemporary style.
Since I was very young, I have always known that I wanted to be a teacher and that my future would be surrounded by children, because it is something that truly makes me happy. I have been working with children for two years teaching them swimming and gymnastics, and I really enjoy spending time with them and seeing them learn and have fun.
At the camp I will be in charge of the dance and theatre activities, two things I feel very comfortable with and that I am very excited to teach. I am really looking forward to sharing this experience with everyone!
Vicente:
Waterfront/Sports/Archery
Hey Cedar Lodgers!!
My name is Vicente, and as some of you might know, I’m from Buenos Aires, Argentina. But you can find me in Crow’s Nest or Goonie Bird this summer! I’ll be at camp mainly as a lifeguard, so you can count on me for any water activity!
I love all kinds of sports, and my favorites are soccer, basketball, volleyball, swimming, and archery. I enjoy playing these with the campers and sometimes inventing new games by mixing our favorites. I also enjoy spending time outside in activities like boating, biking, and fishing!
Last summer was amazing – from the first day to the last, we all enjoyed every second. So, why not come back for a second round?
If I had to highlight my favorites from last summer, I would say:
– Favorite meal: Hawaiian Meatballs
– Favorite camp song: Yodeler
– Favorite evening program: Karaoke on campfire night
I’m looking forward to seeing some old faces again and getting to know some new ones! I’m so excited to spend another summer having fun with the campers again.
See you soon!
Marta:
Riding Instructor
My name is Marta, and I’ll be coming all the way from a little city in northern Italy. I come from a big family — there are seven of us, eight if we count my dog. Safe to say I have no idea what silence is! I love my family and I wouldn’t trade my chaotic home for anything in the world.
This summer I’ll be teaching horse riding, so you’ll find me in the barn. I’m so thrilled to be joining the camp staff. I’ve worked with kids for as long as I can remember, first with my little siblings, and then as a counselor at the camp in my town.
I can’t wait to see the kids bond with the horses.
I’m so excited for what this summer is going to bring: teaching something that I love, learning something new, meeting new people, making incredible memories, and meeting another version of me.
Let’s make this summer unforgettable!
Marta
Lilly
Nature/Sports/Photograpy/Video
Hey Campers I’m coming back for my second year 
My name is Lilly, 2026 I’ll be 21 years old.
I come from the sunny island Usedom in the north-east of Germany.
So far I have spent my life either on the beach, in the forest or in the stadium. My hobbies are very varied. I have been playing soccer for over 15 years now, I enjoy photography and filming, supboarding and canoeing, playing (beach) volleyball, hiking and camping, skiing, canicrossing with my Australian Shepherd, crafting, building, drawing and painting, horseback riding when time allows it, spending time with my boyfriend, family and friends and much more. I am a trainer of younger goalkeepers and have worked a lot with younger children in my volunteer time at the city animal shelter. The last one and a half years I did voluntary military service with the German Armed Forces (Navy). Here I learned even more about nature and how to appreciate and live in and with it.
2025 was an absolute blasting summer 🙂
I have so many good memories about my first year…
These are some of my favorites:
Favorite song – obviously NOT Sarasponda 
but I liked the Yodeler
Favorite meal – pancakes and the German Chicken Fricassee
Favorite evening Program – besides the campfires I can’t choose between Mission Impossible and Sardines in the barn
I’m really looking forward to the summer. My goal 2026 is to go hiking with the kids, teach them about nature and themselves, play soccer and volleyball and take unforgettable pictures so that the campers will always remember this summer.
Cora
Riding Instructor
Hello campers! My name is Cora, and I’m so excited to be joining everyone at Cedar Lodge for the first time this summer. In 2026 I’ll be 22, and I’ve been around horses for as long as I can remember. I’ve been riding for about 16 years and competing for 10, although I’ve taken a step back recently from competing while I’m at university training to be a teacher and to travel a bit of europe! My favourite country so far is definitely Italy. Over the years, I’ve worked with all types of horses, from young and green to more experienced competition horses.
I’ve lived in Cornwall, England my whole life, surrounded by my horses, dogs, and cat. If I could own any animal, though, it would definitely be an elephant—they’re my favourite animal in the whole world!
What I’m most excited about at camp is meeting everyone and working closely together. I can’t wait for an amazing summer!
Emiliano
Music/Waterfront/Basketball
Hi Cedar Lodgers!! 
My name is Emiliano, I’m 20 years old, and I’m beyond excited to be traveling all the way from Mexico 
for my very first summer at camp! I’m currently a Business Intelligence student at UPAEP, and while I love my career, my heart beats for music, sports, and sharing my culture with the world! 
This summer, we’re going to shake things up because I’m bringing a Rock School concept to camp! 
I’ve been playing guitar since I was 7 years old and won three national championships back home with my Rondalla. 
Whether it’s playing ballads, pop, or that soulful acoustic style like Ed Sheeran, I’m your guy! Fun fact: I’m such a huge Billie Eilish fan that I was in the top 0.05% of her listeners on Spotify last year! 
When I’m not rocking out, you’ll definitely find me on the Basketball court. 
While I’m a huge fan of Steph Curry, I usually play as a Power Forward—so get ready for some intense games! I also love the water, so I’ll be one of your Lifeguards! 
Look for me at the beach—I’ll probably be building massive sand mounds just for the fun of it! 
A little bit more about me:
- Foodie Life: I’m obsessed with Italian food—especially anything with garlic, cheese, and olive oil!
But I’m also a proud Mexican who can’t wait to show you how diverse and amazing my country is. 
- Vibe: I’m a total Sagittarius (Nov 28th)
and I’m a fan of cold weather, oversized hoodies, and long coats. 
- Gaming: I love playing video games in my free time!
I’m so ready to share everything I know and learn so much from all of you. Let’s make this summer unforgettable! 
See you very soon!
Manuela
Hello, creative campers of 2026!
My name is Manuela, I’m 25 and come from a charming little village in Poland. Last summer was absolutely amazing — my first year at Cedar Lodge was full of laughter, color and creativity! I can’t wait to come back for round two as your Art Counselor, make with you even more fun (and maybe slightly messy) art projects together!
Back home, I’m a biology teacher, so I love discovering how art and nature connect — sometimes even our projects get a little scientific!
Art and crafts are my biggest passion — I love macramé, crocheting, sewing, painting and basically anything that lets me turn an idea into something beautiful. When I’m not covered in paint or yarn, I usually bake sweet treats, read a good book or stay active with biking or rollerblading.
I can’t wait for everyone to discover their artistic spirit this summer — it’s going to be awesome! 
Favorite camp song: Little Cabin in the Wood
Favorite camp meal: Oatmeal with strawberries / Taco Salad
Favorite evening program: Paper Dolls
See you soon!
Ilka
Hi everyone! I’m Ilka 🙂
I’m from Cape Town in South Africa – which probably explains why I feel most alive and at home outside in nature. Give me mountains, trails, open water, or a bike and I’m happy. I’m slightly obsessed with trail running, swimming, cycling, and any kind of adventure. Safe to say… I’m a bit of an adrenaline junkie.
I’m also a big reader and love learning new things (especially anything related to nutrition and how the body works).
I’m definitely a people person – I’m one of six kids, so I’ve basically grown up being part of a team and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love my family to bits, and I think that team spirit is something I carry into everything I do.
I’m so excited for this summer – to learn, to teach, to be challenged, and to grow. I’m ready to step out of my comfort zone, embrace the chaos, make incredible memories, and become even more myself along the way.
This summer is going to be epic – and I can’t wait to share it with all of you! 
Olivia
Riding & Vaulting Instructor
Violet
Riding staff/Crafts/sports/nature
Hi I’m Violet! I live right by camp in Kalamazoo, Michigan. I’ve been at Cedar Lodge for 6 years and attended camp for 5. I’ve loved horses since I was little and have been riding for 10 years now. When I’m not at the barn (or doing homework), I love hanging with my animals, reading, and playing board games with my family. I look forward to meeting you all this summer!
Ashley
Riding Instructor/Camp Riding Director
Hey campers, my name is Ashley!
As family member, I was born and raised at Cedar Lodge and have been at camp every summer of my life. I’ve been on staff for the last 10 years working here year around in the barn, managing, teaching, and training the young horses. At camp you will find me teaching riding of all levels, organizing the barn, and subbing in programs where it’s needed! In my extra time I enjoy playing guitar, snuggling my dog and cats, and, of course, riding. I’m looking forward to a great summer and meeting you all very soon!
AMANDAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!
Riding, Sports, Part time Camp Director
Hi my name is Amanda and I am super excited to be on staff again this summer. I am from Bloomfield Hills, MI but am cu