Program Leader (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.

What We Do
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 season will run 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.
Working at camp can be physically and mentally demanding, however, it’s also extremely rewarding and sometimes even magical. Employment at Camp Tuolumne Trails offers an exceptional, often life-changing experience. With a minimum requirement of one staffer to every three campers, we look for dynamic adults with a love for the outdoors and a sincere interest working with individuals of all needs.
We are built on 80 scenic acres of Sierra Nevada wilderness, seven miles from Groveland, an hour from Yosemite National Park, and about 2 1/2 hours from the Bay Area (San Francisco, Berkeley, San Jose, Oakland) so there are many local and nearby sites to explore and enjoy.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must have experience leading activities in one of the following fields: Nature, Sports and Recreation, Music and Fine Arts, Arts and Crafts
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities is desired.
• Must be able to lift 75 lbs., and perform the physically rigorous daily care tasks for individuals with severe physical disabilities.
• Must hold current American Red Cross CPR and First Aid certificates.
• Must have demonstrated leadership skills consistent with camp rules and policies.
• Must agree to abide by Camp Tuolumne Trails rules and policies.
• Must pass LIVESCAN fingerprinting and background check.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Attends Supervisor/Program Staff Training during staff orientation to prepare individual program areas and plan summer activities.
• Attends and participates in staff orientation and ongoing training sessions throughout the summer.
• During orientation, responsible for training staff in the rules and procedures of the program area. Safety and emergency procedures are to be emphasized and followed.
• Responsible for maintaining the program area and keeping equipment and supplies in order.
• Plans and implements activities related to their program area that are adapted to the different ability levels of campers. Supervises campers in their area and utilizes staff in the most effective ways.
• Directly responsible to the Program Director, but works closely with all program staff in the planning of program activities and special events.
• Prepares written reports at the end of each session evaluating program. Submits three complete lesson plans throughout the summer to add to the program resource files.
• Assists counselors with camper care and supervision. This includes dressing, bathing, toileting, grooming, feeding, lifting, and transferring.
• Performs cabin duty at night and afternoon rest periods according to a rotating schedule.
• In an emergency, assumes responsibility for any job deemed necessary by the Camp Manager to ensure the safety of all campers and staff.
• At the end of the summer season: Completes end of summer report and closes down their program area and completes an inventory of supplies on hand with recommendations for the following year.

Benefits

• Paid on-site housing, meals provided
• Paid certifications in Wilderness First Aid, CPR, California Epinephrine, and ServSafe Food Safety

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 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

Pay: $125.00 per day

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Relocation assistance

Application Question(s):

• Are you able to live on-site when camp is in session?

Experience:

• Caregiving: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• CPR Certification (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $125