2026 NAD YLC Summer Positions

Dates: June 28 – July 22, 2026
Camp Taloali, Oregon
Application Deadline: March 10, 2026

Important Dates

  • Administrative Retreat: June 17 – June 18, 2026
  • Advanced Leadership Camp: June 19 – June 27, 2026
  • Youth Leadership Camp: June 28 – July 22, 2026
  • Wrap Up: July 22 – July 24, 2026

Staff Forms (for accepted applicants)

Compensation

Working at a camp is a real job! The YLC experience is rewarding as a camper and as a staff. Our staff members will receive $1,500 for their work during the camp session.

On top of your paycheck, you also get:

  • Enhanced leadership skills
  • Networking with other staff members and guest presenters
  • To learn from and interact with our diverse campers
  • This job to be converted to an internship opportunity – please contact Director of Youth Programs, Claudia Giordano.
  • Additional certifications
  • Letter of recommendation for future job applications
  • And most important of all, you get to invest in our deaf youth!

Summer Positions

All positions require a background check.

Assistant Director

Overview: Serves as key support to the Camp Director in carrying out YLC’s vision, supporting daily operations, staff development, and program continuity while upholding the values that guide our work with deaf youth leaders

Note: If you apply for this position, please be prepared to receive additional instructions for the application process for the role of the Assistant Director

Key Responsibilities:

  • Program Operations & Vision Stewardship: Support in carrying out out daily YLC operations in alignment with the Camp Director’s vision and core values, adapting to emergent needs while modeling the leadership philosophy we teach
  • Staff Development & Management: Assist Camp Director with recruitment, hiring, and staff orientation (Advanced Leadership Camp); provide ongoing coaching, assist in staff meetings, and address staff concerns with care and clarity that centers growth
  • Safety, Accountability & Crisis Response: Uphold community agreements and safety practices and expectations (compliance with safety, health and facility requirements); address conflicts through restorative approaches; respond to urgent situations with grounded presence; hold operational continuity and decision-making authority in Camp Director’s absence
  • Communication & Support: Facilitate communication between Camp Director, staff, and leaders; support camper supervision and pre/post-camp responsibilities; contribute honest feedback about YLC program and operations.

Note: Some duties may be reassigned by Camp Director and/or the NAD Director of Youth Programs

Essential Qualifications:

  • Fluent in American Sign Language
  • 21+ year of age
  • Demonstrated qualities that aligns with the vision of the program
  • Experience supporting or carrying out the program and director’s vision while bringing your full self to the work
  • Ability to navigate uncertainty and make principled decisions under pressure along with working in a group setting in a fast-paced environment
  • Capacity to work collaboratively while holding clear boundaries
  • Commitment to anti-oppressive practices and upholding the NAD’s Mission, Vision, and Values along with YLC’s Mission.
  • Current Drivers’ License
  • Background Check clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Prior experience with YLC
  • Experience with restorative justice or community accountability practices
  • Understanding of disability justice frameworks
  • Previous experience with youth programs or experiential education
  • Training in conflict transformation or community-building approaches

What Success Looks Like:

  • Staff feel supported, seen and aligned with program vision
  • Leaders experience consistent embodiment of YLC Values across all staff
  • Crises are handled with care for relationships alongside practical needs
  • Camp Director can trust operations and visions are upheld
  • Communication flows clearly between all levels of the program
  • All levels of the program experience consistency in actions, expectations, and support
  • Program implementation reflects stated philosophy in daily practice
Staff/Camp Counselors (Builders)

Overview: Serves as critical, direct support and guide for Deaf youth leaders, creating and nurturing spaces for growth, connection, and self-discovery while embodying YLC’s values in alignment with the Camp Director’s vision.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Youth Leadership Support & Mentorship: Facilitate daily activities and discussions that support youth in discovering their leadership; create inclusive spaces where all youth feel seen, valued, and challenged to grow; model authentic leadership through power-sharing, vulnerability, and community care.
  • Program Implementation: Lead & support activities, events, workshops, and group discussions aligned with YLC’s vision and values; adapt facilitation approaches to meet diverse learning and communication needs; maintain engagement and safety during all program components. Review Program Components here.
  • Community Building & Accountability: Support development and practice of community agreements; address conflicts through restorative approaches; create spaces where youth can take meaningful risks; foster connections across differences and build a sense of belonging.
  • Supervision & Safety: Maintain awareness of youth wellbeing and group dynamics through supervision in general spaces and in living units; ensure physical and emotional safety during all activities; respond to concerns with care and clear communication; enforce safety protocols while maintaining dignity and trust.
  • Collaboration & Communication: Work collaboratively with other Builders and leadership team; communicate observations and concerns to Assistant Director and Camp Director; participate actively in staff meetings and debriefs; contribute feedback about program effectiveness and alignment with vision.

Note: Some duties may be reassigned by Camp Director

Essential Qualifications:

  • Fluency in American Sign Language
  • Commitment to anti-oppressive practices and upholding the NAD’s Mission, Vision, and Values along with YLC’s Mission.
  • Ability to work collaboratively and adapt to emergent needs
  • Demonstrated knowledge, skills and abilities in program areas within the YLC Program Components offered
  • Ability to work in a range of small to large group setting in a fast-paced environment
  • Capacity to hold space for youth while maintaining appropriate boundaries
  • Background check clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Minimum 21 years old
  • Experience working with Deaf youth (high school level) or in youth development programs
  • Understanding of disability justice framework
  • Training in facilitation, restorative practices or experiential education
  • Certified in First Aid/CPR (if you do not possess certification, we’ll provide training during the Advanced Leadership Camp session)

What Success Look Like:

  • Leaders feel safe to be authentic, take risks, and explore their leadership
  • Everyone experiences consistency in actions, expectations, and support
  • Program activities are carried out successfully and in alignment of YLC values and Director’s vision in practice, not just theory
  • Conflicts are addressed with care and through restoration
  • You build genuine relationship with individuals while maintaining boundaries
  • You collaborate effectively with other Builders and support shared vision
  • You bring observations and questions about what’s working and what needs attention
  • Leaders leave feeling more connected to themselves, each other and their power
Business Manager

Overview: Manages financial operations in alignment with YLC’s values and the Camp Director’s vision

Key Responsibilities:

  • Financial Management & Accountability: Track expenses, revenue, and camper accounts with transparency and care; manage given budget in alignment with YLC values and expectations of the Camp Director; handle financial records and reporting; ensure equitable resource allocation. 
  • Resource Coordination & Sustainability: Manage camp supplies and purchasing with attention to environmental sustainability, accessibility, and community benefit; coordinate procurement of materials that support program implementation; maintain inventory systems.
  • Logistics & Operations Support: Support smooth daily operations [hospitality, mail & canteen] in tandem with the Administrative Assistant; maintain and support vendor relationships; address operational needs as they arise with adaptability and problem-solving.
  • Community Economics: Oversee canteen operations and field trip finances; ensure accessibility of goods and services; manage transactions with dignity and care for all participants.
  • Collaboration & Communication: Communicate financial and logistical needs to Camp Director; participate in operational planning; contribute feedback about resource allocation alignment with stated values; work collaboratively across all program areas.

Note: Some duties may be reassigned by Camp Director and/or the NAD Director of Youth Programs

Essential Qualifications:

  • Fluency in American Sign Language
  • Fundraising and/or business or nonprofit financial management experience
  • Budget management and purchasing skills
  • Commitment to anti-oppressive practices and upholding the NAD’s Mission, Vision, and Values along with YLC’s Mission.
  • Ability to work in fast-paced environment
  • Capacity to work collaboratively while holding clear boundaries
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Background check clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Minimum 21 years old
  • Prior experience with YLC
  • Experience with cooperative or community-centered business practices
  • Knowledge of accessibility accommodations for purchasing and facilities
  • Understanding of resource justice or mutual aid principles
  • Experience managing operations for mission-driven organizations

What Success Look Like:

  • Financial operations are transparent and aligned with budget expectations and needs
  • Resources are allocated equitably and with attention to community needs
  • Logistical needs are anticipated and handled with minimal disruption
  • Everyone experiences consistency in how resources and money are managed
  • Purchasing decisions reflect environmental sustainability and accessibility
  • You communicate clearly about financial constraints and possibilities
  • Operations support program implementation rather than constrain it
  • You bring questions about alignment between resource use and stated values
Administrative Assistant

Overview: Provides essential operational support while contributing to community-building, accessibility, and smooth daily functioning in alignment with YLC’s values and the Director’s vision.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Operations & Logistics Support: Assist with daily logistical needs, facility maintenance, and operational tasks; support smooth program functioning through responsive problem-solving; handle administrative tasks that keep camp running effectively.
  • Accessibility & Inclusion Coordination: Ensure physical spaces and daily operations support full participation for all community members; identify and address accessibility barriers proactively; adapt environments and systems to meet diverse needs.
  • Communication & Coordination: Handle correspondence and coordination with attention to clear, accessible communication; support information flow between staff, youth, and families; maintain organized systems for effective operations.
  • Hospitality & Support Services: Serve as hospitality coordinator for volunteers and guest presenters; provide transportation support; manage mail logistics and canteen operations; ensure guests and community members feel welcomed and supported.
  • Collaboration & Flexibility: Work collaboratively with Camp Director, leadership team, and all staff; adapt to changing needs with flexibility; participate in operations planning; contribute observations about what supports or hinders accessibility and inclusion.

Note: Some duties may be reassigned by Camp Director

Essential Qualifications:

  • Fluency in American Sign Language
  • Experience with administrative tasks and customer service
  • Comfort with financial transactions and record-keeping
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
  • Commitment to anti-oppressive practices and upholding the NAD’s Mission, Vision, and Values along with YLC’s Mission.
  • Capacity to work collaboratively while holding clear boundaries
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Background check clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Minimum 21 years old
  • Prior experience with YLC
  • Experience with accessibility coordination
  • Understanding of disability justice or inclusive practices
  • Experience in mission-driven or community-centered organizations
  • Background in hospitality or care-oriented service

What Success Look Like:

  • Operations run smoothly with minimal disruption to program
  • Everyone experiences consistency in support and responsiveness
  • Accessibility needs are anticipated and addressed proactively
  • Physical and operational environments feel welcoming and inclusive
  • Communication is clear, timely, and accessible
  • You work collaboratively and adapt to emergent needs with ease
  • You notice and address barriers before they become problems
  • You bring observations about what supports community wellbeing and accessibility

Online Staff Application

Applicants for builders are required to complete the online Staff application. If we do not receive all required information, online application, resume and three letters of recommendation, the applicant will not be considered for a position. You will be notified of your acceptance for the interview portion of the application process. After your interview, we will contact you with our decision.

Cover Letter & Resume
  • All applicants are required to submit a resume in a Microsoft Word document and save it as YLC_Staff Resume_LastName _FirstName. (ex. YLC_Staff_Resume_Willicheva_Sami.doc).
  • You must also submit a cover letter (saved as YLC_Staff_Cover_LastName_FirstName.doc) with answers to the following questions:
  1. What experience and qualities make you suited for your desired YLC position and how would you contribute to the overall YLC program?
  2. What do you hope to gain professionally and/or personally from working at YLC?
  3. If you are a former NAD YLC administration team/staff member and are applying for this year, please answer the following: As a returning staff member, what did you learn from your previous YLC experience and how will you apply it this summer?
Video Essay

Applicants need to submit a 2-5 minute video answering the question, “What unique perspective or background would you bring to the YLC experience?”  Please provide your video link in the application form.

Letters of Recommendation

New applicants need to submit three (3) letters of recommendation. The recommendations must be completed. 

Important Note: Returning staff members are required to have at least one letter of recommendation from an administrative staff member they worked with during their previous YLC session

** We look forward to receiving your staff application by March 10, 2026! **

If you need support, please contact [email protected].