Important Information
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2026 Staff grant applications
As part of Camp Manito-wish YMCA’s ongoing commitment to you, we invite you to apply for our Staff Grant Program. These grants are one way we recognize and support the incredible leadership you bring to Camp each season.
Our goal is to reduce financial barriers so you can continue to grow as a leader and contribute meaningfully to the Manito-wish mission and vision. Grants may be awarded to support:
- Professional development (certifications, workshops, skill upgrades)
- Travel expenses related to Camp
- Essential equipment (e.g., backpacks, hiking boots, dry suits)
- Cost of living (e.g., rent assistance)
Please note: We often receive more requests than we have funds available. We encourage you to apply early. We will begin reviewing applications on February 15, 2026 and will continue monthly as funds allow.
By applying, you acknowledge the following:
- I am already hired to work at Camp in 2026.
- I understand that initial grant disbursements will be based on demonstrated need.
- I understand that grant funds will be distributed with my final paycheck upon completion of my contract.
- I understand that awarded funds are subject to employment tax.
- I understand that if I do not fulfill my contract or if it is terminated, I forfeit the grant.
Staff FAQs
Going on Trail isn’t just a tradition at Manito-wish, it’s one of the features that make us truly unique; it’s an integral part of every summer camper’s Manito-wish experience. Small groups of two counselors/tripping co-leaders and four or five campers will pack out their gear, and venture out into the Northwoods wilderness.
Along the way, participants will camp in tents, cook, travel, and put their leadership skills to the test. They will be amazed, inspired and challenged. And subsequently, they’ll return with newfound confidence in their leadership and abilities. In short, it’s a transformative experience that puts them on a positive path, ready to achieve any goal they choose to set for themselves. One thing is for certain: They’ll set that bar high.
2026 Travel Information
Now is the perfect time to start planning your transportation and arrival to Camp. If you are driving yourself to Camp, there are designated staff parking lots where you can safely park your car. Plenty of staff get dropped off by family or friends, so please know that having a vehicle is not expected. Staff must be onsite by 8:00am on their agreed upon start date, please plan your travel and accommodations accordingly.
- We encourage staff to carpool and coordinate transportation amongst fellow staff members and to support your arrival and departure we are happy to offer some shuttles during pre-scheduled times that accommodate key Camp dates. Please review the following transportation guidelines and shuttle schedule. We want to ensure your travel is smooth and well-coordinated.
- Transportation Guidelines
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- All Camp Shuttle transportation requests must be confirmed at least 7-days before the scheduled shuttle time.
- Scheduled shuttles confirmed 7-days prior are free of charge for staff. A $75 fee will apply to requests that Camp is able to accommodate AND is requested less than 7-days prior to scheduled departure.
- The destination must be an approved location (Wausau Transit, Central Wisconsin Airport (CWA) or Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport (RHI).
- Meals during travel will be at the expense of the staff member.
- INTERNATIONAL STAFF TRAVEL:
- We recommend that international staff plan to arrive at least a day prior to their start date to provide some time to acclimate to Northern Wisconsin and Camp. This is reflected in the shuttle schedule below.
- Meals for international staff will be provided by Camp on the day prior to training, if desired.
- All Camp Shuttle transportation requests must be confirmed at least 7-days before the scheduled shuttle time.
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CAMP DOC
Starting in mid-March, emails prompting you to set up an account in Camp Doc (health information and doctor’s physical exam).You can get ahead of the game by getting your physical done early! Staff must have a physical within 24 months of their start date and the Physical Exam forms
BIB
About 6-8 weeks prior to your start date for domestic staff, you will receive a text and e-mail from BiB- Background Investigations Bureau (background check).
Complete the prompts from BiB as soon as you receive the message as it will expire within 7 days of receiving the request.
*All employment is contingent upon an approved background check*
(International Staff background checks are submitted through your international sponsor agency and Camp will review them there)
2026 PRO DEALS & LOCAL DISCOUNTS
We are excited to share a Camp Manito-wish employee benefit that you are eligible to take part in! Our Camp has partnered with many companies and businesses to offer employees of Manito-wish an exclusive discount or pro-deal. These pro-deals are a privilege for us and not a right. As a result, please take note of the following rules for pro-deals to ensure they remain available for all users this year and in the future:
- Employees may only use offers to purchase items for themselves. You may not purchase items for others including friends or family
- Items may not be purchased and resold at higher value than what the employee paid for the item.
- Some companies below will be shipping only to Camp Manito-wish and we will not be forwarding any packages (except hiking boots) before the summer begins.
- Misuse of pro-deals may result in termination of you Camp Manito-wish YMCA employment.
If these partners have reasonable suspicion of misuse, individual pro-deal privileges will be revoked. If vendors notice that individuals from our organization are misusing pro-deal offers, they may suspend the offer for all Camp Manito-wish staff currently and in the future. Please ensure that you are following the rules above as well as those listed by each of the vendors, so that we can continue to utilize these great deals on gear!
2026 PROGRAM DATES
SUMMER CAMP
3-Week Summer Camp (Campers entering 5th-9th grade)
Boys Camp: June 20th - July 9th
Girls Camp: July 21st - August 9th
EMERGING LEADER EXPERIENCE (ELE)
Boys ELE Session Dates: June 20th - July 3rd
Girls ELE Session Dates: July 21st - August 3rd
OUTPOST WILDERNESS TRIPS
Introductory | 2 Week Trip | 10th Grade
Intermediate Canoeing, Backpacking or Sea Kayaking
Session One - Girls:
June 20th – July 9th
Session Two - Boys:
July 21st – August 9th
Advanced | 25-30 Day Trip | 11th - 12th Grade
Canuck Canoeing: June 20th – July 30th
Western Backpacking: June 27th – July 30th
Mariner Sea Kayaking: June 27th - July 30th
Expeditionary | 45 Day Trip | 12th Grade & Up
Canuck Canoeing: June 20th - August 14th
Alaskan Backpacking: June 20th - August 14th
FAMILY CAMP
6-day Family Camp: July 13-18
4-day Family Camp: August 12-15
2026 TRAINING DATES
TRAINING DATES
LEADERSHIP STAFF
- Spring Admin Training: April 8 - 11
- Challenge Course Training: April 14 – 18
- Spring Training: April 21 & 22
- Prairie School Training: August 16-18
- Fall Admin Training: August 25 & 26
- Fall Training: August 27-31
SUMMER CAMP STAFF
- Upper Admin Training and Prep: May 23 – May 31
- Admin Training: June 1 - 10
- BC Staff Training: June 11-20
- GC Staff Training: July 11-20
OUTPOST STAFF
- Admin: May 29 – June 9
- OP Staff Training: June 10 - 20
- Specialized Training – For Canuck & Expo Canucks ONLY: June 7-8 & June 15 - 18
- Backpacking Specialized Training: June 21 – 23
- Sea Kayaking Specialized Training: June 4 – 8
- Mariner Specialized Kayak Training: June 21 – 27
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