Get Ready to Lead!

We are excited to offer teen leadership opportunities at Camp Orkila to help teens become multi-cultural leaders. Counselor in Training and Orkila Summer Intern programs require an application and interview process. The Orkila Summer Intern program also requires references.

Counselor in Training (CIT)

  • Grades: 11-12 in the fall of 2027, must be under age 18 for duration of program
  • Cost: $5600 / $4900 / $4200
  • Dates: Session 1C: Monday, July 5 - Friday, July 30 OR Session 5C: Saturday, July 31 - Friday, August 27

Participants take the first step in becoming a cabin counselor. Participants focus on team building, leadership skills, and counseling techniques while at camp. This four-week program includes a week of training and team building, a week "in unit" working directly with a traditional or specialty cabin group, a week focused on service both at camp and in the greater Orcas Island community, and a final week to celebrate and reflect.

Orkila Summer Intern (OSI)

  • Grades: 12 in the fall of 2027, must be under age 18 for duration of program
  • Cost: $1100 / $1000 / $900
  • Dates*: 1C: Monday, July 5 - Friday, July 30 OR Session 5C: Saturday, July 31 - Friday, August 27

* Please note: that all OSIs must also attend training Monday, June 28 - Monday, July 5.

Teens will participate in a unique, multi-faceted leadership experience that prepares them for future positions of responsibility. The internship offers a great chance to develop your resume, gain work experience and build friendships. Participants will attend training and then will fulfill various roles around camp during an exciting four weeks, expanding their leadership knowledge and enhancing the camp experience.

OSI applicants will be required to submit references as a part of the application process.

Financial Assistance

Our goal is to remove barriers that prevent anyone from participating in our programs, including financial barriers. If our lowest prices still create a financial barrier that prevents you from participating in our programs, we invite you to fill out a financial assistance application.  

Once we have reviewed and approved your application, you will receive an email confirming the percentage you have been awarded.* A $50 deposit is still required to confirm your reservation.

Application Timeline

October 6: Applications open! We will begin to send out invites to interview typically 5-7 business days after an application is submitted.  

First week in November: Group interviews will start.

November 30: Application priority deadline.  

December 7: Applicants that have completed their application, interview, and references (if applying for the OSI program) by November 30 can expect to receive program decisions by email on December 7.  

December 7 – April: Accepted applicants can register for their program session. We will continue to accept applications and hold interviews until the programs fill. After December 7, program decisions are sent on a rolling basis until the programs fill. 

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