Kennolyn Camps
Kennolyn Camps
Currently recruiting for the season from June 6th, 2026 to September 7th, 2026.
Since 1946, Kennolyn Camps has been a place where kids build lifelong friendships, unplug from technology, and explore the world around them. Our staff is our very heart and soul. They become mentors and heroes to our campers, so we take the responsibility of choosing our staff very carefully. Working at Kennolyn means you are among the best of the best!
Set among 450 acres of private Redwood forest, our Santa Cruz overnight camp is a beautiful place to spend a summer.
- Location
- California
- Season
- Summer
- Staff size
- 100+
- Housing
- Whether included in the compensation package or provided at a cost, housing is provided for staff.
- Meals
- Provided
- Cell phone service
- Some, ask for details
- Internet access
- Good
About Kennolyn Camps
At Kennolyn Camps, our summer staff are the heart of our 80-plus-year tradition of camp excellence. We operate three distinct programs — two overnight camps in the Santa Cruz Mountains and at Huntington Lake, and a day camp nestled among redwoods overlooking Monterey Bay. Staff play a vital role guiding campers through fun, growth, and community building in a supportive, outdoor environment. With a focus on intentional kindness and inclusion, we celebrate diversity and help every camper and staff member reach their fullest potential.
The Employee Experience
Working at Kennolyn is more than a job — it’s a transformative summer experience. Staff participate in comprehensive training, gain real leadership skills, and build confidence through meaningful responsibilities. You’ll work alongside people from around the U.S. and world, forming friendships that last well beyond the season. Our health staff is available 24/7 to support you, and regular staff socials, time off, and shared experiences make this a memorable community. Many past staff find the skills learned at camp boost future careers in any field.
Ideal Candidate
We look for fun, creative, upbeat, and responsible individuals who love working outdoors and with children. Minimum requirements vary by program: overnight staff are typically 18+ with a year of college or work experience, while day camp roles require at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Kennolyn values enthusiasm, adaptability, integrity, and a positive attitude — and we welcome candidates who bring diverse perspectives and life experience.
Room and Board
For overnight camp roles, room and board are included as part of your summer employment. Staff housing is simple yet welcoming, and internet access is available during free time so you can stay connected with friends and family. Laundry services are provided.
Employee Perks
In addition to training and skill development, Kennolyn staff benefit from:
Covered training and certifications (like Red Cross Lifeguard for qualifying staff)
Health support and 24/7 care access on campus
Staff socials and activities to build community
Significant savings potential due to included housing and meals
Free time to explore local areas
Post-camp work opportunities for travel or extra income.
Getting Here and Getting Around
Shuttles are available on arrival days from SJC or SFO airport.
For Fun
Many past staff describe working at Kennolyn as rewarding, fun, and culturally rich — saying it’s less like a typical job and more like being part of a vibrant, supportive community where fun is part of everyday life.
In short: Staff at Kennolyn enjoy a blend of structured social events, hands-on activity leadership, outdoor adventures, and free time exploration. The community atmosphere, nature surroundings, and shared traditions make working there a memorable and fun experience.
Current Job Openings
Lifeguards/Waterfront Counselors
Kennolyn Lifeguards play a vital role in keeping our community safe while bringing energy and enthusiasm to one of camp's most beloved program areas. As a Lifeguard, you'll oversee daily pool operations at our overnight camp facility, conduct swim evaluations for incoming campers, and teach aquatic activity periods including Swim Lessons, Water Polo, Board Diving, Snorkeling, and more.
Beyond the pool deck, Kennolyn lifeguards are full members of the camp community. You'll live in a cabin with campers, support special days like Beach Day, and have the opportunity to teach activity periods outside of the pool — bringing your energy and enthusiasm to everything camp has to offer. Safety is always the priority, but the best Kennolyn lifeguards bring the same warmth and intentionality to the water that our counselors bring to the cabins.
Prior American Red Cross Lifeguard certification is not required — we run a full ARC certification course at the start of each summer that all lifeguard staff are welcome to complete. Candidates must demonstrate the swimming ability required to successfully pass the ARC prerequisite swim tests. This role is ideal for individuals who are calm under pressure, passionate about water safety, and excited to be part of a vibrant, tech-free summer community.
A one time bonus of $300 is available for Counselors that come in with a valid ARC certification.
Cabin Counselors
Kennolyn Cabin Counselors are the heart of the camp experience. As a Cabin Counselor, you'll live alongside 6–8 campers, guiding them through daily life at camp while helping them build confidence, friendships, and memories that last a lifetime. Your days will be full — from morning wake-up and cabin clean-up to teaching activity periods, leading evening programs, and being present at campfires and lights out.
This role is about more than supervising kids. It's about showing up fully every single day, knowing your campers by name, hometown, and interests, and creating a cabin culture where every child feels seen and included. You'll teach activity periods across Kennolyn's wide range of programs, support special events like Outpost, Beach Day, and Boardwalk Day, and serve as a consistent, caring presence for your campers throughout the session.
This role is ideal for individuals who are energetic, emotionally intelligent, and genuinely love working with young people. If you believe that how you show up for a kid on an ordinary Tuesday matters just as much as the big moments — you'll fit right in at Kennolyn.
Ceramics Staff
Kennolyn Ceramics Counselors guide and inspire campers as they explore the art of working with clay, creating a fun, hands‑on environment for artists of all experience levels. Responsibilities include teaching foundational and advanced ceramics techniques, supporting campers as they experiment with hand built pottery or wheel pottery, and maintaining a safe, organized space. Counselors also manage essential tasks such as preparing clay, loading and firing the kiln, and caring for tools and equipment. This role is ideal for individuals passionate about ceramics, youth education, and helping children discover confidence and joy through artistic expression in a supportive summer camp community.
Target Sports Counselor
Kennolyn Target Sports Counselors lead our archery, riflery, and axe‑throwing programs, creating a safe, structured, and confidence‑building environment for campers trying these skills for the first time or working to improve. This role serves as the point person for all target‑sports activities, ensuring that ranges run smoothly, safety rules are consistently upheld, and equipment—including Genesis bows, Daisy BB rifles, and small throwing hatchets—is well maintained and ready for use. Counselors teach proper technique, supervise all sessions with a calm and attentive presence, and help campers develop focus, responsibility, and respect for the range. This position is ideal for individuals who value safety, enjoy outdoor skill‑based instruction, and are excited to help kids discover the fun of target sports.
Contact Info
- Samantha Bundy
- samantha@kennolyn.com
- 831.479.6714.448
- www.kennolyncamps.com
