Camp Counselor/Activity Specialist

Spectacular Mountains, Lakes, Rivers, Forest, and New Friends Await You!

We're looking for responsible, energetic, and fun-loving activity leaders and bunk counselors who are interested in making a positive impact on the lives of children. You'll work hard, but the payoff is BIG! You'll have the opportunity to leave a positive impression on your kids that will last their lives. AND you get to work in an amazingly beautiful area. You'll be “unplugged” for much of the summer, so if you can't bear to put your phone down, this may not be the place for you. However, you'll have the chance to connect deeply with other staff. In fact, we find that many staff members who meet at camp wind up traveling together afterward, even visiting our international staff in their home countries!

Ranked one of the top 5 camps in the U.S. by Outside magazine, named one of Newsweek's Best Camps in the U.S., and recommended by the L.A. Times!

Shaffer’s High Sierra Camp’s team is made up of motivated individuals with a great work ethic who also love to play. We’re looking for staff who have the maturity and judgment to be responsible for children and put the child’s needs above their own, who have a great sense of humor, who can be silly, who can put in long days but still keep a positive attitude, and who want to make a difference in a child’s life. Let's bring play to every day!

The camp is located on the peaceful headwaters of the North Yuba River in the scenic Tahoe National Forest, and is surrounded by majestic mountains, clean rivers, stunning lakes, and fantastic hiking, world-class mountain biking trails, and renowned rock climbing sites. Just an hour from Lake Tahoe, the Camp is perfectly located for you to enjoy one of California's premier recreation centers. The camp is also a great launch point for traveling after Camp—see San Francisco, the coastal redwoods, Yosemite, L.A., San Diego, and more!

The Camp employs about 60 staff to serve about 100 kids for 9 weeks. Our activity specialists also act as bunk counselors. We seek activity specialists in a variety of areas such as mountain biking, mountain boarding, rock climbing, challenge ropes course, aquatics, performing arts, visual arts, target sports, and more.

As a counselor/activity specialist you'll:

Supervise campers, including getting to know their interests and fears, helping them process each day - what they learned, what they liked, and why, helping them deal with social challenges, observe eating habits and addressing poor choices, ensuring they follow proper personal hygiene and keep their things organized, and address behavioral issues. (Don't worry, we'll give you all the tools you'll need during the week of staff training.)

Facilitate camp programs and lean into camp philosophy

Follow camp rules, especially those that are safety-related

We are looking for:

Desire and ability to work with children outdoors

Ability to relate to one's peer group

Ability to accept supervision and guidance

Ability to lead/teach at least one activity

Dependability, good character, integrity, and adaptability

Enthusiasm, sense of humor, good judgment, patience, and self-control

At least 19 years old or 18 with one year of college or work experience

Current CPR and first aid certifications, preferably a Wilderness First Aid (WFA) (if you can obtain one between now and camp, you should still apply!)

Certain positions require specialty certifications, such as lifeguard. These can be obtained before the start of camp.

Dates

Staff training typically starts in early June one week before the kids arrive, and our season typically runs through the third week in August. Call the office at (415) 897-0316 or email us at info@highsierracamp.com if you need the precise dates and wage scale.