Make a difference, build community, learn skills that you can take anywhere!
Camp Paivika provides unique and enriching summer camp experiences for children and adults with various disabilities in a barrier free environment. Activities are designed to meet each camper at their ability level with an emphasis on fun and ensuring that no one is left behind. Traditional activities include swimming, adaptive sports, performing arts, crafts, nature studies, campfires and more!
Nestled on a mountain ridge top in the beautiful San Bernardino National Forest. Perfect summer weather and breathtaking views! We are less than a 2 hour drive from the beach, Joshua Tree National Park, Big Bear Lake and Disneyland.
About AbilityFirst Camp Paivika
Camp Paivika offers children, teens, and adults with disabilities a traditional camp experience delivered with nurturing support and, above all, an emphasis on fun! In operation since 1947, Camp Paivika has a rich and enduring history! As part of the Camp Paivika summer staff you get to provide this life-changing summer camp experience for our campers. Some of our activities include, swimming, sports, arts and crafts, performing arts, nature studies, campfires, singing, dancing and bringing your best act to the talent show!
The Employee Experience
If you choose to work at Camp Paivika this summer, you will have the experience of a lifetime! Bringing the summer camp experience to individuals with disabilities is incredibly fulfilling and you truly get to make a difference in the lives of our campers. They will remember you forever! At our camp you will feel like part of a community and your coworkers may become your lifelong friends. We provide a warm, welcoming experience for people from all walks of life.
Ideal Candidate
AbilityFirst is looking for compassionate and dedicated individuals to join our Summer Staff team. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities, from children as young as seven to older adults. Our camp provides a vibrant and supportive environment where every day is an adventure! You're going to be outside a lot, but don't worry the weather is beautiful here!
Room and Board
Room and board is a free perk! As a counselor or program leader you will stay in the cabin with the campers during camp sessions. All meals are provided in the dining hall and dietary needs are accommodated. On your days/nights off you may leave camp, or stay onsite. We have large parking lots suitable for a van or small camper and you're welcome to stay in your home on wheels when you are not required to be in cabin.
Employee Perks
When it comes to seasonal work, we offer very competitive pay. You're provided with housing and meals in addition to your compensation, but you do not have to pay rent so it's a great chance to save money!
You will learn real world skills that will look great on your resume such as; leadership, effective communication, critical thinking and problem solving skills, creativity and working with people of diverse backgrounds! Take these tools with you wherever your path leads you next. Although, you're very likely to decide to return next summer!
The location is perfect for people who love adventure! We are in the beautiful San Bernardino mountains of Southern California. Joshua Tree National Park is about a 2 hour drive, Sequoia National Park and the Eastern Sierra's are only a 3 hour drive. On our mountain you will have easy access to camping, hiking, mountain biking, paddleboarding and rock climbing. If you're more of a beach kind of person, you can dip your toes in the Pacific Ocean in about 2 hours.
This may be a stepping stone into a career with a larger non-profit. If you decide working with people who have disabilities brings you joy, working at Camp Paivika is a great way to get your foot in the door with AbilityFirst. AbilityFirst has locations all over Los Angeles and hires people from all kinds of backgrounds.
Getting Here and Getting Around
If you do not have a vehicle, no worries, we will transport you to and from the airport. We are closest to Ontario International Airport and LAX.
We are located closest to the San Bernardino Depot Train Station, if that's your chosen method of transportation. We can pick you up. There is also a bus that will take you from the nearby mountain town to the train station or a larger bus station hub in San Bernardino.
During your time at Camp Paivika, we'll take you to the grocery store to get what you need, and will take a few planned fun trips on days off if you want to join.
If you do have a vehicle we have ample parking available. A small mountain town is about a 10 minute drive and a larger city is about a 30 minute drive.
Housing and dining is right here onsite, which is quite convenient, and let me tell you... we have great food!
For Fun
From our location in the mountains you will have easy access places to hike, mountain bike, paddleboard and rock climb. Many of our staff do fun things together on days off. Did you know California has more National Parks than any other state in the U.S.? Think of our location as your basecamp for adventure. If you're looking for more urban adventures, you can drive to San Diego or Los Angeles in just a few hours. Our local staff can fill you in on all the cool sights to see.
How to Apply
Apply online! Scroll through to the Camp specific jobs, read the job description and apply to whatever strikes your interest. Summer staff spots are filling up fast!
Contact Info
- Missy Lloyd
- mlloyd@abilityfirst.org
- (909) 338-1102
- www.abilityfirst.org
