Camp Counselor (Seasonal June-August 2026)

About Camp Tuolumne Trails

Mission Statement

We are devoted to helping those with special needs and those who support them by providing an accommodating environment for healing, respite, education, and recreation.

History

Camp Tuolumne Trails was conceived in 2002 when its founders, Jerry and Paula Baker, started looking for ways to give back. After enjoying a successful career in the semiconductor industry, they felt it was time to move into the world of philanthropy. Many years before, the seed of supporting children with disabilities and special medical needs was planted when their youngest son was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Happily, he recovered, but the traumatic experience of caring for a seriously ill child gave them a perspective that would affect the rest of their lives. With this in mind, they established the Jerry and Paula Baker Foundation.

After retiring to the beautiful Sierra foothills, the concept of an accommodating and fully-accessible camp, purpose-built for children with special medical needs was born. In 2005, the Bakers and their team broke ground. In June of 2008 Camp Tuolumne Trails welcomed its first campers.

After a few years of partnering with organizations whose missions also support individuals with disabilities, Tuolumne Trails began to shift its focus. While individuals may age out of programs, they are still in need of respite and recreation. After growing to understand that there was a strong need for programs serving adults in the disabled community, Tuolumne Trails expanded its focus to running its own programs for individuals of all ages and abilities, their families, and returning veterans.

Sixteen years later, Tuolumne Trails continues its quest to be the most accommodating facility in the state, with added amenities and services to enrich the experience of all campers.

The Jerry and Paula Baker Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Visit our website at tuolumnetrails.org for more information.

About the Summer Program

Camp Tuolumne Trails’ offers short-term residential summer programs for individuals with disabilities of all ages. CTT promotes a typical summer camp experience in a safe and accessible setting. Campers are able to socialize, practice independence, and advocate for their own needs in a safe and accommodating environment.

Campers and counselors sleep in fully accessible cabins and participate in a variety of traditional camp activities including arts and crafts, campfires and sing-alongs, archery, field games, naturalist walks and scavenger hunts, gold-panning, hayrides, camp-outs, and many more.

The 2026 camp season runs from ~June 15-August 21 2026. Prior to our campers’ arrival, our seasonal staff participate in 8-10 full days of staff training. We train our staff in leading activities, service provider “do’s and don’ts”, personal care, and most importantly, how to have fun and create fun for our campers.

Along with work experience and learning skills, seasonal staff have opportunities to connect with other aspiring professionals in a variety of fields. Camp Tuolumne Trails seeks out service-oriented individuals. Many of our past staff members have been aspiring teachers, naturalists, recreation therapists, speech and occupational therapists, nurses, psychologists, and more.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities is desired.
• Physically capable of handling the rigors of day-to-day care for the severely disabled, ages seven to older adults. Campers may weigh from 35 to 300 pounds.
• Must agree to abide by Camp Tuolumne Trails rules and policies.
• Must be able to lift 75 lbs.
• Must be able to reside on camp premises when camp is in session.
• Must pass LIVESCAN fingerprinting and Department of Justice background check.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Attends and participates in staff orientation and ongoing training sessions throughout the summer.
• Responsible for the care and supervision of assigned campers. This includes providing and/or assisting as needed in the personal care needs of the campers: dressing, bathing, toileting, grooming, feeding, lifting and transferring.
• Directly responsible to the Unit Director.
• Prepares written reports on each assigned camper and submits to Unit Director each session.
• Performs cabin duty at night and afternoon rest periods according to a rotating schedule.
• Assists program staff as needed during assigned activities as well as during evening programs. This includes assisting in: swimming, horse/donkey grooming, sports, hiking, crafts, performing arts, and nature studies.
• On the last day of each session, assists in the cleaning and preparation of camp for the next incoming group of campers.
• In an emergency, assumes responsibility for any job deemed necessary by the Camp Manager to ensure the safety of campers and staff.

Payrate and Benefits:

• On-site housing, meals provided
• ServSafe, Wilderness First-Aid (WFA), and CPR certifications
• Dayrate: $120/Day
• Up to $250 travel stipend
• $550 End of Summer Bonus

Important notes:

• References are thoroughly checked.
• All potential employees are fingerprinted and undergo a background criminal screening administered through the FBI and Department of Justice.
• New employees receive eight-ten days of intensive training.
• Staff members live on site while camp is in session; Through this experience, many bonds are created and sustained for years to come.

Visit our website at tuolumnetrails.org for more information or to apply.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Temporary, Internship

Pay: $120.00 per day

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Professional development assistance
• Relocation assistance

Ability to Commute:

• Groveland, CA 95321 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Groveland, CA 95321: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $120 - $250