Join our Camp Catch-Up Team!
Camp Catch-Up relies on its dedicated staff to supervise, support and guide the campers as they set out on their summer camp adventures with their brothers and sisters.
Sometimes youth in the system lack consistent, supportive adults in their lives. At Camp Catch-Up, we strive to provide a safe and stable environment for our campers. Before applying, please be certain you can make a full commitment to your assigned campers while at camp. This includes fully attending and engaging in online and at-camp staff training and being mentally and physically present while at camp, all day, every day.
Camp Catch-Up strives to provide opportunities for our campers and staff to unplug from everyday stressors. We believe the best relationship building happens in a natural environment free of distractions. It's not everyday we get to play Gaga ball in a mud pit, swim in a lake, or challenge ourselves on a ropes course. We pride ourselves in being able to help our campers step outside of their comfort zone and try new things. Our culture has become increasingly ‘plugged’ into a massive, virtual community. Electronics can be both a helpful and useful tool, but they can also distract us from living and enjoying the ‘now’. Camp Catch-Up might be the only opportunity for campers living in different homes to connect together in a fun, relaxing summer camp environment.
As a result, Camp Catch-Up is a ‘technology free’ camp. All Staff and campers are required to turn in cell phones and other electronics at the end of staff training (before campers arrive). There will be breaks throughout camp to check messages, emails, etc. There will be emergency camp phone numbers provided in case your loved ones need to reach you at camp.
Job descriptions
Camp Staff: Must be at least 18 years old at the time of camp and are responsible for supervising a sibling family. Applicants must have two years of education or experience working with children or youth especially those who have diverse life experiences. Experience and/or understanding of the foster care system is a must. Staff must be physically and emotionally able to participate in the activities, including but not limited to the following: canoeing, ropes course, crafts, hiking, water activities, and on feet for long periods of time. Must be willing to learn and try new things, work hard, and have a positive attitude.
Health Aide: Must be at least 18 years old and preference will be given to those with a license (RN, LPN, or Medication Aide certified). Health Aide will be responsible for supervising all medical needs of campers and staff. This includes providing care in cases of accidents or emergencies, care to ill campers or staff, and responsible for administering and storing all medications. Applicants must have education or experience in child development and working with children who have diverse life experiences. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. A copy of current license must be included with your application. CAN NOT BE added to the Camp Staff Position.
Photographer: Must be at least 18 years old with prior photography experience. Photographer will organize, print and display photos throughout camp on 'I AM' posters, end of camp slideshow and albums stuffed with printed memories for campers to enjoy outside of camp. The Photographer will also organize and take the all camp photo, a thank you photo as well as each sibling group photo. Routine activities include but are not limited to: charge cameras, disperse cameras, empty memory cards onto an external hard drive, print photos, organize photos, create slideshow, work to develop the talents of young leaders and contribute to the positive culture at camp. CAN NOT BE added to the Camp Staff Position.
Mental Health Point Person: This position can be an on call or as needed support staff. The Mental Health Point Person will help the admin team process crisis and or potentially concerning situations. This person will help make sure all camp policies and practices are inclusive and that alternative activities offered are meaningful engagement tools that still promote the mission of camp. CAN BE added to the Camp Staff Position.
Camp Catch-Up Trainer: This position will coordinate staff development needs as well as the regularly standing training connection points. To name a few this position would coordinate and lead the all staff Spring Training (including support for LIT training), the pre-camp touchpoint, the post camp debriefs and the additional training requirements and optional opportunities. This position will also track data associated with these duties. CAN NOT BE added to the Camp Staff Position.
Administrative Team: The Administrative Team consists of two former camp staff, the camp Director, the training position and the LIT Lead. Occasionally additional members may be added. This team meets regularly to plan all the things for camp and make arrangements for special events. CAN NOT BE added to the Camp Staff Position.
LIT: Young leaders who've been to CCU as campers in the past or are interested in learning more about their own leadership to become a staff at CCU in the future. CAN NOT BE added to the Camp Staff Position.
LIT Lead: Point person for the young leaders; you'll participate in training for personal development of youth and be the one connected with them at camp. You may be responsible for a block activity and will prep and debrief LITs before and after camp; revisiting their individual goals. CAN NOT BE added to the Camp Staff Position.
Ready to join the team?
There are THREE camps to choose from. You can join the Staff for one or all of them.
Session 1: Camp Solaris, Firth, NE
June 4- June 8, 2025 (Campers Arrive on June 5)
Session 2 : Camp Comeca, Cozad, NE
July 9 - July 13, 2025 (Campers Arrive on July 10)
Session 3: Fall Camp: Camp Catron, NE
September 26 - 28, 2025 (Campers Arrive on September 26)
Prefer a printed application? Call Mona Tarin at 402-613-6357 or email mtarin@nebraskachildren.org to request one.
