2026 MSR Staff Dates

Training week participation is mandatory for all staff to work at Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan Scout Reservation, no exceptions.

• Sunday, June 7th - Senior Staff move-in day. Work begins Monday after breakfast.

• Sunday, June 14th – Junior Staff move-in day. Mandatory all-staff training begins at 6pm

2026 Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan Scout Reservation Summer Camp Program Dates:

• Camp Setup Week: June 7 - June 13

• Mandatory Staff Training Week: June 14 - June 20

• Week 1: June 21 - June 27

• Week 2: June 28 - July 4

• Week 3: July 5 - July 11

• Week 4: July 12 - July 18

• Week 5: July 19 - July 25

• Week 6: July 26 - August 1

• Week 7: August 2 - August 8

• The length of employment will vary based on your hired role, camper attendance, and the needs of the camp.

Can’t be there all summer?  In your application or during your interview, let us know if you will need to leave camp during the summer for family events, Philmont, Sea Base, band camp, etc.

If you haven’t worked at Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan before, you’ll need to fill out a [New Staff Application]

If you have worked at Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan before, you’ll need to fill out the [Returning Staff Application]

2026 Application Deadlines

Applications can still be submitted after the below deadlines, but those applications will be considered on a rolling basis. All available positions will be open until filled. Important reminder: Double-check your email junk/spam folders.

• Wednesday, October 1st– Applications for Camp Directors are due; interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis.

• Wednesday, October 8th – Office Staff Applications due

• Wednesday, October 15th – Area Director Applications due

• Wednesday, December 17th – General Staff Applications due

Staff Interview Dates: General Staff Interviews are generally held over winter break. Updates on interview scheduling and signups will be emailed directly to applicants.

Please note: We will not delay our decision making for unsubmitted applications. if you are keen on a certain position, make sure to get your application in by the deadline.

After Submitting your Application:

• Camp Director Applicants

  • Applications will be reviewed by the Reservation Director and Camping Committee. Interviews will be coordinated individually.

• Camp Office Applicants

  • Applications will be reviewed starting October 8th, and interviews will be scheduled individually.

• Area Director Applicants

  • Applications will be reviewed starting October 15th, and interviews will be scheduled by your Camp Director and Office Staff. 

• All Other Applicants

  • Applications will be reviewed by the relevant Camp Director and Office Staff, with interviews to be scheduled over Winter Break, hosted at the Northeast Illinois Council Service Center in Vernon Hills, Illinois.  Virtual interview formats will also be made available and communicated.

Interviews typically take place during the time when most schools are on winter break.

Specific dates, times, and how to sign up for an interview will be sent to the email address provided in your application.

If you have any questions, contact the Sub-Camp Director you interviewed with.

You will hear from one of our Sub-Camp Directors after the go-ahead has been given by the Council Program Director and Council Scout Executive to extend employment offers.

One of the biggest contributing factors to our ability to retain staff is the number of Scouts we have registered to attend camp in the summer. The more Scouts signed up, the more staff we are able to support.

As a reminder, if you are extended an offer to work at Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan Scout Reservation, there may be a chance that low demand for any one program will require us to reduce the hired number of staff. There is also the opposite possibility of extensions to your employment upon increased need and satisfactory performance.

If an employment agreement is extended to you, it is important to note that you are not officially hired until all required paperwork and training certificates are submitted.