"Tell me, and I'll forget. Show me, and I may not remember. Involve me, and I'll understand."
- Indian Proverb
Working At Night Eagle
​
In a summer camp, the staff is the determining factor between opportunities lost or a learning experience so rich for a boy that its possibilities can never be measured. Their skills and knowledge will be the foundation of safety in our programs, their sense of adventure will inspire boys to try new things, and their character will serve as a model for our campers to emulate.
​
All of our counselors are at least eighteen years old or have completed their freshman year in college, and all undergo a thorough background check before being hired. They are teachers, college students, artists, craftsmen, and musicians. Some have hiked the Appalachian Trail from end to end and are completely comfortable in the woods, some grew up at Night Eagle and return each summer to pass on traditions, still others are new to Night Eagle and acquire outdoor skills at camp. But each has his own special talents, and all are dedicated to working with young people and play a vital role in the success of camp.
​
At Night Eagle we simplify our lives and reduce our dependence upon material things. We make the campers aware of concerns of society and try to teach them that they can make a difference in the world.
Activities and trips out of camp are planned during a weekly staff meet-
ing, but can be changed at the last minute in order to take advantage of
weather, guest instructors, etc. There is a daily planned program, and
every counselor must be innovative in offering activities that teach basic skills and values. Although we, as staff, participate in the activities, we do not try to dominate them. And, we never do for a boy what he can do for himself. Instead, we constantly try to find ways to let each camper do well. ​​
​We supervise the campers closely to ensure that the freedom of one camper is not taken as permission to interfere with the freedom of another, and we look beyond outward behavior to try to discover its underlying causes. Because we are trying to develop a sense of security in the world, we are careful to make sure that no child is teased, scared by ghost stories, or intimidated by pranks in the name of fun.
​
The spiritual dimension of life is very important at Night Eagle, so we want staff members who are interested in growing with us in this area. Young people today desperately need the hope that comes from a belief in things beyond themselves, and we feel that it is easier for campers to develop that hope if we as counselors are secure in our own outlook toward life.
​
Finally, we develop opportunities for work through chores and work projects so boys feel useful and needed. Therefore we need staff who find physical work invigorating and fun. This may sound like a tall order for one summer, but keep in mind that much strength and support come from fellow staff members and, in some cases, from the campers, themselves.
Camper-Counselor Relationships
Night Eagle uses activities as a means of promoting positive boy-adult contact. With some, campers building those relationships is easy and enjoyable, but with others it may be difficult and challenging. Listening to boys and respecting their feelings is important as it shows you care. Adventure and laughter is a big part of their world and sharing that with them is exciting. Boys need praise after an accomplishment and encouragement after a difficult day. When they are given directions, they need to be given explanations. Older boys, especially, need to be heard, to have attention paid to them, and to feel special.
​
Because we are an all-boys camp, we feel that this type of interaction with adults gives boys an opportunity to experience positive growth and to develop social skills away from the pressures placed on them by society.
​
​Internships
Internships at camp can provide meaningful work and life skills, such as leadership, problem-solving, teamwork, communication, work ethic, and more.
We are happy to work with your university or college to provide an internship within the framework of our typical available summer positions. If you are interested in earning internship credits while at camp, please let us know. Possibilities could include: Outdoor Leadership, Recreation, Environmental Education, Photography, etc.​​
​The Application Process
1) We encourage you to read our website closely to understand Night
Eagle and what to expect as a staff member. As you read, be sure to
jot down any questions you may have.
​
2) Download and complete our application. Please take time to answer
each question thoughtfully. When you have completed the
application, you may send it to us electronically or by regular mail.
When we receive your application, we’ll send you an email to let you know that it arrived.
3) If we decide that you would be a good fit for Night Eagle, we will
contact you to schedule a time that works for an interview. The
interview isn’t just for us to get to know you better but also for you to
decide if camp is a good fit for you. Ultimately, we want all of our staff
to be successful! For your interview, please remember to bring any questions you may have.
Words from Former Counselors . . .
​
“I just wanted to thank all of you for the wonderful past three years I have had at camp. My experiences at Night Eagle taught me much about patience, honor, and the natural world, and have helped to strengthen my faith more than probably anything else. It is difficult to put my gratitude in words.”
- Earth Song (NY)
​
​
"Hi Arctic Arrow, it's been a few years since I've been back at Night Eagle. It's hard to believe how much I've grown from the person I was back then. I took up a passion for wildlife photography and conservation, and I'll be attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison as a freshman in the fall. The camp had a profound impact on my life and I think back on the lessons I learned there almost every day. The teachings of the Lakota still resonate with me in everything I do. You exemplify what it means to be an educator and have made a positive impact on so many people's lives."
- Heart Spirit (MA)
​
​
“I just wanted to write and say thank you for the opportunity this past summer. I had an incredible time at camp. Being a counselor at Night Eagle gives you the ability to really teach children, because it is not only direct teaching but teaching through being a role model. The way I was able to teach wilderness skills as well as spirituality and just how to be a good human is incredible. I am so grateful that you have done the hard work to create a camp like you did. It is helping to heal this earth.”
- Earth Spirit (VT)
​
​
"There is truly something magical at Night Eagle. My short time there had a much larger impact on my life than I would have ever imagined. I doubt you need to hear it, but the world that you create there is a rare gem in today's world that can barely define what true masculinity is. In all my travels and experiences across the country, I have never found a more safe, secure, and truly genuine expression of what boyhood (and manhood) should be than at Night Eagle.
Night Eagle is a rare opportunity for boys to experience what boyhood was meant to be. Away from the pressure and misguidance of today's society, it frees a boy to simply be a boy and celebrates all the little miracles along the way. In hindsight, it allows even young men to grow, mature, make mistakes and still, long after leaving, have it remain in his heart.
There are few things on this planet worth really fighting for. Boyhood (and those who strive to give them the opportunity to experience it) are definitely two of those things that need to be protected. You are truly a man among men, and I am so thankful to have been a part of your world."
- Kola Sees the Heart (NV)
​
​
“It must be magic,” says Sun Spirit (camper 2004-2008) in a recent interview with Bay State Parent magazine, “because the math doesn’t add up. Friends made in a few weeks at Night Eagle will feel closer than friends you’ve had for years in the "real" world. And this connection, this togetherness, is something we are very conscious of at Night Eagle.
​
For one reason or another, society sets up a lot of barriers around boys. There are these ideas about manliness, there are stigmas around showing emotion, there is the pressure to perform and impress. We talk about these barriers and actively try to break them down, and the result is incredible; something I’ve never seen anywhere else.
​
Night Eagle gives boys the freedom to find out who they really are. Sometimes they’re surprised with what they find, but they’re never disappointed.”
- Sun Spirit (MA)
​
"You were the best camp director I ever had. You taught me so much about the importance of nature as well as the incredible value of living simply without all the technological clutter that has become part of most people’s daily life. Even if it is only possible to escape our “technological society” infrequently and for a short period of time, it is still SO incredibly valuable!
Thank you also for instilling in me such a strong love for the Lakota people as well as their beliefs and traditions. I feel that the time I was so fortunate to be able to spend at Night Eagle each summer between the ages of 11 and 15, and the experiences I had, were a significant contributing factor in my decision to volunteer with a non-profit organization called Simply Smile last summer and this summer. As a volunteer I helped to run a summer camp for American Indian children and teens on a reservation in South Dakota. As a result of my experiences volunteering, I believe I have discovered what I can/want to do with my degree after I graduate. Wishing you the best in this coming year. Mitákuye Oyás’iÅ‹!"
- Coyote Walks, (MA)
