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Staff and Employment Info

The staff relationship is the key to assuring a fun-filled summer. Counselors at Hidden Pines Ranch have demonstrated leadership and outdoor living skills, and are excited about sharing their experiences and their Christian faith with children. They participate in thorough pre-camp training and are selected based on their practical experience, educational background, and enthusiasm for working with children. The Traditional Camp maintains an average staff-to-camper ratio of 1:8.

Employment Opportunities

Hidden Pines Ranch hires about 35 camp counselors for each season, and we enjoy a high rate of returning staff. We seek enthusiastic and motivated individuals, generally 18 or older, who have a passion for working with children and have developed leadership skills in activity areas offered at the Ranch (see Camping Programs section.) We offer competitive pay, a fun environment, most evenings and weekends free, a great tan, and a chance to positively impact the lives of children--priceless.

For the 2010 season, we may have openings in the following specific areas:

Traditional Camp counselors (certified lifeguards preferred)
Counselors experienced with horses
Wranglers (help with riding): Ages 15+

Qualifications:

· Minimum: High School Graduate (college experience is preferred)

· Desire and ability to work and play with children in an outdoor setting

(prior experience working with children is strongly preferred)

· Ability to teach various activities

· Willing to share your faith with staff and campers

· Ability to put campers first, peers second

· Character, integrity, adaptability, enthusiasm, sense of humor, patience and self-control are all taken into consideration before hiring

Staff training for the 2010 season will take place Monday – Friday the week of June 14. Employment hours are 8:00 am - 4:45 pm Monday - Friday, June 21 through August 13. All counselors will staff the Bible Camp as part of staff training on Thursday & Friday, June 17 & 18. Select staff members will also work an overnight camp-out.

To Apply

If you are searching for an enriching summer adventure, and would like to complete an application, just click on the following link to download and print our application as a PDF document. Please complete the form by hand and mail it with a cover note to: Hidden Pines Ranch 10670 75th Street Stillwater, MN 55082. Before applying, please become familiar with our Staff Expectations sheet.

2010 Staff Application (At this time, we are no longer accepting applications.)
Staff Expectations

To view these documents, you must have the Adobe Acrobat Reader version 6.0 or greater. If you do not have this, it can be downloaded free from the Adobe website by clicking here.

If you are unable to download the form, please email us at GreggandRobin@HiddenPinesRanch.com or call us at 651-430-1282, and we will be happy to ground mail a copy to you.

Professional Staff

Gregg and Robin Ellingson are the proud owners and directors of Hidden Pines Ranch. They believe that all children have special gifts and talents. Their primary goal at camp is to provide a place where each child can develop his or her skills in a safe, comfortable and challenging environment. Along with their three children, they will open their home for the 16^th summer to provide a wonderful place for kids to grow, learn and have fun.

Assistant Camp Director, Debbie Lyons, returns for her 26^th summer at Hidden Pines Ranch. As assistant director, Debbie brings a wealth of camping knowledge and does a fantastic job leading our swimming program, our Friday special events, and a host of other camp activities and programs. She is a certified American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor, is married to Rich and the mother of three boys. After several summers as a camper at Hidden Pines, Debbie and Rich's oldest is now a senior at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. Their middle son has enjoyed Hidden Pines every one of the 19 summers of his life, is now on staff as a counselor and is also attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Debbie and Rich's youngest son is a fourth grader and one of HPR's most experienced campers.

Amy Olson, a recent graduate from UW - River Falls School Counseling Program, is HPR’s year-round Camp Manager. Amy assists with the registration process, pre-camp planning, and the CIT program. We’re very excited to have Amy as part of our management team for the third year. This will be Amy’s 6^th summer at Hidden Pines Ranch!

Stephanie Harrison, works full-time at Prairie Seeds Academy, a charter school located in Brooklyn Park, during the school year. Both middle and high school students are enrolled in Stephanie’s Career Exploration at the school. Stephanie Moved back to the twin cities last summer, from Northwest Wisconsin, and now spends all year in lovely MN. This will be Stephanie’s 7^th summer at Hidden Pines Ranch. We’re thrilled to have her on our management team. Go Gophers!