Summer Camp Counselor

This job will remain open until filled. We're hiring for 12 Counselor positions.

Sierra Nevada Journeys Summer Camp Counselors are campers' favorite part of summer! We provide a home away from home where our counselors can stretch their comfort zone, grow in ways they never knew possible, and discover the joy of summer camp. Our Counselors have the unique opportunity to learn and lead their cabin group through various fun-filled activities such as archery, swimming, kayaking, campfires, large group games, mealtime songs, and skits. Whether spending the night in your cabin or under the stars, Counselors foster community with their cabin group by offering support and intentional daily reflection. Every week is different at camp, and our counselors provide creativity, pizzazz, and laughter to our camp community. Sierra Nevada Journeys allows counselors to grow in group management, age-appropriate programming, and safety and supervision. 

Counselors will undergo a two-week training in preparation for summer camp. The training encompasses protocols and procedures, games, bonding, and goofiness. The summer camp director guides and supervises the Counselors—our staff form close, lifelong friendships that last long after summer camp.

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

• Create a positive and safe camp community for staff and campers
• Provide daytime and overnight supervision to Sierra Nevada Journeys' summer campers
• Facilitate and participate in all summer camp programming
• Be able to work collaboratively and timely in program delivery 
• Maintain knowledge of camp schedule, programs, protocols, and procedures
• Lead and encourage mealtime efficiency 
• Learn and facilitate prominent group camp songs and skits
• Clean cabins, inventory program supplies, and participate in debriefs after each program

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Participate and complete required pre-summer camp training (Tuesday, June 2 – Friday, June 5, 2026)
• Ability to pass a background check, including an online check and fingerprinting. We work with children, and their safety is our top priority.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification or willingness to obtain certification before the start date
• A passion for working with children and making a difference
• Ability to work irregular hours and days and nights to meet camp needs 
• Ability to take the initiative, work collaboratively, and have a positive "can-do" attitude
• Willingness to get outside of your comfort zone and try new things, such as being 30 feet off the ground on a challenging course
• Ability to lift 25 pounds and move around camp up to 7 miles daily.  
• All employees must attest in writing that they have up-to-date immunizations against the diseases required for public school attendance in the state where they work.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Fluency in Spanish or another second language
• Experience in science instruction — either in a formal outdoor setting or in a classroom setting
• Experience working with students from communities of BIPOC
• Wilderness First Aid/Wilderness First Responder Certification
• Current lifeguard certification or willingness to obtain certification before the start date

COMPENSATION

• Competitive compensation package, $575 per week (on-site boarding is provided, and meals are included during the program) 
• $100.00 bonus available after successful completion of the season. Successful completion of the season is contingent upon maintaining good standing throughout employment, which includes not being subject to any active disciplinary actions or performance warnings.
• Sick Time Off: 2 Sick days accrued per season (per California State Law)  
• Optional 403(b) retirement plan and up to a 4% Sierra Nevada Journeys match 
• 50% discount off Sierra Nevada Journeys’ youth camps for immediate family 

Employment Highlights

• Home base for living, working, exploring, and recreating in the beautiful Sierra Valley
• Employment with an innovative company focused on improving outdoor education delivery.
• Professional development geared toward outdoor education leadership or classroom teaching goals

Sierra Nevada Journeys is an equal-opportunity employer that seeks to employ individuals representing its surrounding communities' rich diversity of cultures, language groups, and abilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.