Activity Specialist / Camp Counselor

There’s no wi-fi in the forest, but we promise you’ll find a better connection here!

Are you looking for a summer experience where you can expand your skills and develop both personally and professionally? Are you interested in making a positive impact on the lives of children? Do you relish physical activity and want to work in a beautiful natural environment? Would you enjoy being “unplugged” for much of the summer so you can find a better connection with others, the outdoors and yourself through challenging and meaningful work?

Ranked one of the top 5 camps in the U.S. by Outside magazine, 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 men and women 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 the every day!

And if you’re considering whether a summer internship or employment at summer camp is better for your long-term goals, consider this:  Shaffer's High Sierra Camp Staff have gone on to make the world a better place through successful careers in law, medicine, education, visual and performing arts, physics, aerospace and more.  Working here will expand your comfort zone while you learn essential job and life skills, including communication, collaboration, conflict resolution, resilience, creative problem-solving, behavior management, and leadership. AND all of these skills are highly valued and highlights for a resume, which we can help you build. 

Desired Qualifications:

• 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

• 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

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

General Responsibilities:

• To supervise campers, including enforcing safety regulations

• To identify and meet camper needs

• To carry out camp programs

• To fulfill other staff administrative roles

Nestled on the peaceful headwaters of the North Yuba River, near the Lakes Basin Recreation Area and its dozens of pristine mountain lakes, miles of hiking and biking trails, and renowned rock climbing sites, and just an hour from Lake Tahoe, the Camp is perfectly located for you to enjoy all this area has to offer. 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!

Compensation is $561 per week for first-year staff members. Room and board are a benefit, with a truly fantastic chef. Current certifications by nationally-recognized providers in first aid, CPR, WFA, lifeguarding, etc. are required depending on the position and can be obtained between now and camp if you don't currently have them.   

Please visit highsierracamp.com to learn more about our camp program. We look forward to reviewing your application! Click on the link provided to apply.