Recreation Staff

Northgate Resorts owns and manages the most awarded Camp-Resort portfolio in the nation. Our passion is creating family camping memories for our guests - memories that will last a lifetime! We don't do this as individuals, but as a passionate team that cares about making a difference in our guests' lives. We endeavor to be a highly effective, lean, and fast-moving organization.

TheRecreation Staffis responsible for promoting an engaging, interactive, and emotional-provoking experience. This is accomplished by leading and participating in activity programs, supervising and assisting guests with crafts and games, and ensuring that the recreational facilities and equipment are clean and safe for use. This is a SEASONAL,full-time or part-time position and reports to the Recreation and Activities Supervisor.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• General Duties
  • Prepare and lead guest activities and arts & crafts.
  • Perform all branded experiences consistently according to Northgate procedure
  • Provide and maintain a fun, engaging environment with all scheduled activities at all times and promote hands-on learning through daily activities
  • Consistently interact with guests in an upbeat, fun, and energetic manner at all times. When not on break, act as though you are interacting with guests at all times.
  • Maintain a safe, clean and professional environment during the organization, coordination, and execution of branded experiences
  • Be able to learn new skills including, but not limited to, face painting, balloon making, or other event-related entertainment.
  • Complete cash, credit, and gift card transactions using the point of sale system accurately while following proper cash-handling procedures
  • Follow all company, and safety/security policies and procedures
• Character Duties
  • Character Escorts are the 'voice' of the character and will be expected to converse casually and appropriately with guests
  • Promote a fun, energized, and comfortable atmosphere for guests
  • Provide entertainment, amusement, and interactive activities for guests by taking every opportunity to interact with patrons throughout the park and exceed guest service expectations
  • Accurately and consistently portray the predetermined style, characteristics, and mannerisms of each role without any deviation
  • Perform character appearance duties in a manner deemed acceptable according to brand standards; learn and perform signature character moves and non-verbal communication strategies. Characters do not speak under any circumstances
  • Responsible for character costume operations, including care, cleaning, maintenance, etc.
  • Commit entirely to the assigned scheduled opportunities for specific characters to appear at on-site and off-site events
  • Never be seen in less than full costume
• Other Essential Duties
  • Decorate the park to the theme of the week/weekend
  • Keep recreation facilities neat, clean, and in working order (including restroom area)
  • Assist supervisor with the inventory of event & activity materials
  • May be required to capture photos of activities and events
  • Participate in other projects and activities as assigned

EDUCATION/TRAINING/EXPERIENCE

• Prior experience working with recreational activities preferred
• Customer service or hospitality experience preferred

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS

• General
  • Basic computer skills
  • Excellent communication, customer service, and problem-solving skills
  • Strong attention to detail, speed, and accuracy
  • Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment
  • Strong work ethic and a positive attitude
  • Must be available to work a flexible schedule that includes weekends, holidays, and evenings
  • Work with minimal supervision
  • Maintain a positive work environment by acting and communicating in a manner so that you get along with customers, clients, vendors, coworkers, and management

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Able to lift up to 30 lbs
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position
• Regularly move throughout the park
• Continuously climb, balance, stoop, kneel, bend, crouch, and crawl
• Able to manipulate fingers, hands, and arms to reach, carry, lift, etc.

Northgate provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Northgate is also a proud participant of the E-Verify Program. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

We are a team of fun seekers, out of the box thinkers, and creators of unforgettable experiences!

Northgate Resorts was founded in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 2013. Since then our team has grown to thousands of talented individuals serving millions of campers each and every year. We love what we do, which is only possible because of our incredible team! And we are always looking for individuals to join us.

Are you interested in joining our team? Click the button below to see our current open positions! Or keep scrolling to find out why you should work with us!

Perks & Benefits of Working At Northgate Resorts

Apart from amazing locations both at our campgrounds and home office, stellar teams, and more, check out what Northgate Resorts has to offer.

Below benefits do not apply to all employees. To see a full list of benefits talk to your manager during the hiring process.

01. VACATION DISCOUNTS

Enjoy the park plus give your family and friends deep discounts during the season.

02. Daily Pay

Get paid more frequently with our daily pay schedule.

03. EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION

Free lunch in the summer, shout outs from your coworkers, and more.

04. 401k MATCH

Start saving for retirement with a 401k plan and matching contribution.

05. MEDICAL, DENTAL, VISION

Pick the plans that work for you and enjoy partial coverage for all health insurance.

06.

Enjoy coverage for your furry friend with our latest benefit of pet insurance.

What is a work camper? Simply put: It's someone who works and camps at our resorts for short-term or seasonal periods. Work campers earn their standard wages and receive a discount on their campsite, in exchange they commit to being available for work as required.

Northgate Work Campers

• Receive a 20% discount on your seasonal site.
• Earn credit towards your site balance per hour worked.
• All of the perks of being a Northgate Resorts Team Member.
• Save gas & time on your daily commute.
• Embrace the, "work hard, play hard" lifestyle!

We are looking for Work Campers who bring a strong work ethic, award winning customer service, and a taste for fun.

Northgate is more than a Campground. It's an amazing Camp-Resort for families looking to disconnect from the world's distractions and reconnect with each other while nestled in beautiful scenic outdoor settings. We are looking for Work Campers who bring a strong work ethic, award winning customer service, and a taste for fun.

Northgate Resorts offers a wide range of internships that provide students with hands-on hospitality experience while directly contributing to creating family camping memories for our guests. Internships in departments such as marketing, operations, revenue, and more.

Northgate is more than a Campground. It's an amazing Camp-Resort for families looking to disconnect from the world's distractions and reconnect with each other while nestled in beautiful scenic outdoor settings. We are looking for College Interns who are looking to learn the skills needed to succeed in their career and who have a passion for collaboration, teamwork, and customer service. We employ interns at each of our Camp-Resorts and our Home Office.

At Northgate Resorts, we create memories that last a lifetime not just for our guests but for our international students as well. Students have the opportunity to discover what it's like to live and work at one of our many campgrounds across the country.

Northgate looks to employ Students who love having a great time, and love to make our guests do the same. Northgate's staff are more than just employees, our staff are a part of our extended family. Come be a part of all the fun we are having!

Northgate partners exclusively with InterExchange Work and Travel for hiring our J1 visa international students. For more information please visit their website at or email our recruiting team at

Northgate is more than a Campground. It's an amazing Camp-Resort for families looking to disconnect from the world's distractions and reconnect with each other while nestled in beautiful scenic outdoor settings. We are looking for International Students who bring a strong work ethic, award winning customer service, and a taste for fun.