Skylake Yosemite Camp
Skylake Yosemite Camp
Currently recruiting for the season from June 13th, 2027 to August 14th, 2027.
Since 1945, Skylake Yosemite Camp has brought adventure, friendship, and unforgettable summers to the shores of Bass Lake, near Yosemite National Park. Inspire kids, build lifelong friendships, develop leadership skills, and discover the magic of camp. Hard work, big fun, and a summer you'll never forget!
Nestled in the Sierra National Forest on beautiful Bass Lake, Skylake is just 30 minutes from the southern entrance to Yosemite National Park and near the spectacular Ansel Adams Wilderness. We're approximately four hours from San Francisco and five hours from Los Angeles.
- Location
- California
- Season
- Summer
- Staff size
- 80
- Housing
- Whether included in the compensation package or provided at a cost, housing is provided for staff.
- Housing details
- Counselors are in cabins with campers. Trips staff are in staff cabins. Cabins are rustic, no electricity. Warm air and screened window cabins for open air.
- Pet friendly
- No
- Meals
- Provided
- Cell phone service
- Yes, most carriers
- Internet access
- Good
About Skylake Yosemite Camp
Imagine spending your summer on the shores of beautiful Bass Lake, just outside Yosemite National Park, surrounded by mountains, sunshine, adventure, and an incredible group of new friends.
Since 1945, Skylake Yosemite Camp has been creating unforgettable summers for campers and staff alike. We're a traditional co-ed overnight camp where kids unplug, try new things, build confidence, and form lifelong friendships. And the same is true for our staff!
At Skylake, you'll join a team of enthusiastic, adventurous, and hardworking young adults who share a passion for the outdoors, working with kids, and making a difference. Our counselors are more than cabin and activity counselors. They're mentors, role models, leaders, and the people who help make each summer so unique and fun.
No two days at Skylake are quite the same for our campers! From waterskiing, wakeboarding, paddleboarding, kayaking, and canoeing on Bass Lake to archery, mountain biking, ropes and climbing, tennis, volleyball, arts, music, and more, camp is buzzing with activity. Evenings are filled with campfires, songs, laughter, and the traditions that have made Skylake special for generations.
And our backyard? It's pretty hard to beat! Nestled in the Sierra National Forest, just 30 minutes from Yosemite National Park and near the Ansel Adams Wilderness, Skylake offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. During scheduled time off, staff love exploring the surrounding mountains, hiking, swimming, and spending time with friends.
Working at camp isn't always easy, but that's part of what makes it so rewarding. You'll be challenged, grow as a leader, learn to work as part of a team, and gain real-world skills that employers value. More importantly, you'll have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of children while creating some pretty incredible memories of your own.
Room and board are included, along with weekly laundry service. Our staff become part of a close-knit community where friendships grow quickly, traditions run deep, and everyone plays a role in creating what we call Skylake Magic.
If you love the outdoors, enjoy working with kids, thrive as part of a team, and are ready for a summer that's equal parts hard work and big fun, you just might find your people at Skylake!
The Employee Experience
Working at Skylake is an all-in experience! For the summer, you'll live, work, eat, play, and share everyday life with an incredible community of campers and fellow counselors. The days are full, the work can be challenging, and the rewards are hard to match.
As a counselor, you'll live in a cabin with 6–7 campers, serving as their mentor, role model, and guide. You'll celebrate their successes, help them through challenges, and play an important part in their growth and independence. It's a big responsibility, but also one of the most meaningful parts of the job.
Mornings are spent leading activities matched as closely as possible to your skills and interests. Afternoons often bring everyone down to Bass Lake for swimming, paddling, and waterfront fun. All counselors are required to be lifeguard certified, and Skylake provides training for those who need it. Weekends offer a change of pace with special camp-wide events, relaxed Sundays, and camper arrival and departure days.
One of the best parts of Skylake is what we call the camp bubble. Away from the usual distractions of everyday life, we focus on being present, connecting with one another, and enjoying the outdoors. Staff are phone-free while on duty but can use their devices during time off. Counselors receive one hour off daily, a full 24-hour day off each week, and an additional evening off to relax, recharge, or explore the surrounding Sierra Nevada and Yosemite area.
And then there are the friendships! Living and working alongside fellow counselors creates bonds that are hard to find anywhere else. You'll share long days, lots of laughter, challenges, adventures, and unforgettable experiences. The community and lifelong network of friends are among the greatest rewards of working at Skylake.
Just as our campers grow through their summer experience, so do our counselors. You'll leave with greater confidence, stronger leadership and communication skills, a deeper appreciation for the outdoors, and the satisfaction of knowing you've made a difference in the lives of children.
You'll give a lot of yourself to a summer at Skylake. And you'll be amazed at how much you get back.
That's Skylake Magic!
Ideal Candidate
We're looking for enthusiastic, responsible, and caring young adults who genuinely enjoy working with kids and understand the importance of being a positive role model. Great Skylake counselors put campers first, lead by example, work well with others, and are ready to jump into all that camp life has to offer.
The best fit for Skylake is someone who is flexible, hardworking, adventurous, and open to learning. Camp days can be busy and unpredictable, so a positive attitude, a willingness to pitch in, and the ability to go with the flow go a long way! We value individuals who are curious, eager to grow, and excited to become part of Skylake's traditions and close-knit community.
You don't have to be the loudest person in the room, but you do need to be willing to participate! Whether it's singing at the top of your lungs around a campfire, getting a little goofy on stage, trying a new activity, or simply stepping outside your comfort zone, we're looking for people who embrace the experience and aren't afraid to have fun.
Above all, we're looking for people who care. People who recognize that the little things—encouraging a homesick camper, including someone who feels left out, or helping a child discover a new strength—can make a lasting difference.
Applicants must be at least 19 years old by the start of summer or turn 19 during the camp season. We welcome college students, young adults who are motivated, dependable, and excited to gain meaningful experience while taking their next steps in life.
If you're ready to work hard, have fun, make new friends, and give kids an unforgettable summer, we'd love to hear from you!
Room and Board
Room and board are included as part of your employment at Skylake, along with complimentary weekly laundry service.
Counselors live in traditional camp cabins alongside their campers, generally with 6–7 campers per cabin and one or two counselors. Cabins have four bunk beds and are rustic, without electricity. Bathrooms and shower houses are located separately from the cabins. (Staff are able to charge phones in our staff retreat.)
Three meals a day are provided in our camp dining hall, where campers and staff eat together. We accommodate dietary allergies and food preferences.
Living at Skylake is part of the adventure! It's a chance to unplug, embrace the simplicity of camp life, and enjoy being part of a close-knit community in a beautiful outdoor setting.
Employee Perks
Beyond the incredible friendships, beautiful surroundings, and unforgettable experiences, Skylake offers some great extras to make your summer even better!
Time Off & Adventure: Staff enjoy one full 24-hour day off each week, one evening off each week, and at least one hour off each day. With Yosemite National Park, Bass Lake, and the Sierra Nevada in our backyard, there's no shortage of opportunities to explore, hike, swim, relax, and enjoy time with friends.
Staff Feeds & Traditions: One of our favorite staff perks! Weekly after-hours "Staff Feeds" bring everyone together for special food treats, time to unwind, and a chance to connect with fellow counselors outside the busy camp day.
Fun on the Lake: Skylake covers 50% of the cost of ski boat rentals for staff to enjoy during their days off.
Room, Board & Laundry: Housing, meals, and weekly laundry service are included at no additional cost.
Professional Growth & Support: We take pride in supporting our staff and helping them develop leadership, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. The experience gained at Skylake is valuable far beyond the summer and provides a strong foundation for future careers.
Personalized Letters of Recommendation: Your Skylake experience can open doors long after your camp days are over! Our Directors/Owners are happy to provide personalized letters of recommendation for staff who have demonstrated strong performance, leadership, and commitment. Whether you're applying for internships, graduate school, or your first professional job, we're proud to support our staff as they take their next steps.
And perhaps the biggest perk of all? The friendships, connections, and memories that come from spending a summer as part of the Skylake community. Many staff leave with a network of friends that lasts well beyond their time at camp.
Work hard. Play hard. Make memories that last a lifetime!
Getting Here and Getting Around
Skylake is nestled in the Sierra National Forest on beautiful Bass Lake, just outside Yosemite National Park. Our location is part of what makes spending a summer here so special!
Bringing a Car: Staff are welcome to bring their own vehicles, with parking available on site. While a car isn't necessary for daily camp life, having one offers extra freedom to explore Yosemite, nearby mountain towns, and the surrounding Sierra Nevada during time off. The southern entrance to Yosemite National Park is just a 30-minute drive from camp!
Flying In: We arrange airport pickups for staff flying into Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT).
Getting Around: Staff live right at camp, so there's no commute to work! The nearest town is about a 20-minute drive away, although a great spot to grab a burger and milkshake is less than a mile down the road.
Skylake's location offers the best of both worlds—a beautiful mountain setting where you can unplug and enjoy camp life, with plenty of opportunities for adventure when you're off duty.
For Fun
One of the best perks of working at Skylake? Our incredible location! Nestled on the shores of Bass Lake in California's Sierra National Forest, we're surrounded by some of the most beautiful outdoor playgrounds in the country.
Days off are an opportunity for adventure! Spend the day hiking among waterfalls and giant sequoias in Yosemite National Park, just a 30-minute drive to the southern entrance for access to the Giant Sequoias in Mariposa Grove. Explore mountain trails, discover swimming holes, or rent a boat and spend the afternoon on beautiful Bass Lake. Whether you're looking for a big outdoor adventure or a relaxing day by the water with friends, the options are endless.
Need a little dose of civilization? The mountain town of Oakhurst is just 20 minutes away and a favorite stop for thrifting, grabbing essentials, exploring local shops, catching a movie, or enjoying some great food and coffee. For a bigger outing, Fresno is about an hour away, offering shopping malls, big movie theaters, restaurants, and all the conveniences of city life.
With warm summer days, star-filled mountain nights, Yosemite practically in our backyard, and plenty of places to explore with friends, it's hard to imagine a better place to spend a summer.
Work at camp. Adventure on your days off. Make memories with friends that last a lifetime!
Current Job Openings
Build a cabin team: Create a positive, inclusive environment where campers form friendships, cooperate, and feel a sense of belonging.
Be their advocate: Get to know each camper's goals, interests, and needs, including information shared by parents, and help them make the most of their camp experience.
Lead daily cabin life: Help campers start their mornings, participate in cabin cleanups, enjoy meals together, and wind down at campfire and bedtime.
Care for their well-being: Monitor personal hygiene, hydration, sunscreen, nutrition, medications, appropriate clothing, rest, and overall health and happiness.
Support their growth: Encourage independence, help campers work through homesickness or friendship challenges, and celebrate their successes.
Communicate with families: Write scheduled postcards home, complete end-of-session camper reports, and communicate with parents and camp leadership as needed.
Be present: Supervise campers during assigned cabin responsibilities, including meals, rest periods, showers, campfires, and bedtime.
Teach & inspire: Lead engaging activities that help campers learn new skills, build confidence, and discover what they enjoy.
Plan for success: Develop and follow lesson plans appropriate for campers of varying ages and abilities.
Maintain a safe environment: Prepare and care for activity equipment, facilities, and teaching areas.
Be dependable: Arrive on time, be prepared, and ensure campers are actively participating during scheduled activity periods.
Support waterfront safety: All counselors are required to be lifeguard certified and assist with waterfront supervision as assigned. Skylake can provide lifeguard training for those who need it. Appropriate lifeguard swim attire is required while on duty.
Lead Outdoor Adventures: Guide campers on day hikes, backpacking trips, and overnight camping experiences throughout Yosemite and the Southern Sierra Nevada.
Transport Campers Safely: Drive Skylake's camp vans to and from trip destinations, ensuring safe and responsible transportation of campers and fellow staff.
Inspire & Encourage: Help campers develop confidence, independence, teamwork, and an appreciation for the natural world.
Teach Wilderness Skills: Share your knowledge of hiking, backpacking, outdoor cooking, campsite setup, and Leave No Trace practices.
Prioritize Safety: Supervise campers, assess outdoor conditions, manage risks, and support the physical and emotional well-being of your group.
Plan & Prepare: Assist with trip logistics, packing, equipment maintenance, food preparation, and other responsibilities essential to successful adventures.
Support Camp Operations: When not leading trips, Trips Staff also serve in an on-call capacity, assisting wherever needed. This may include transporting campers to medical appointments, running errands, helping in the Health Center, lifeguarding at the waterfront, and supporting other camp operations.
Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or Wilderness First Responder (WFR)
Lifeguarding
CPR
Leave No Trace and Food Handler certifications (completed on site)
Feeding and saddling horses for the day – Horses are used only Mon-Friday and are available for campers 9am-Noon and 2:30pm-4:30pm.
Working alongside Head Wrangler to manage the Horse program at Skylake.
Evaluating the horses and their compatibility to the campers.
Evaluating the campers and their abilities to ride the different horses.
Coaching and instructing the campers on proper horsemanship.
Coaching and instructing the campers on being respectful for the animals and the environment.
Managing the camper sign ups to make sure all campers are fairly accommodated.
Daily feeding, watering and health maintenance of the horses. A daily log of all the horses condition shall also be maintained.
Daily saddling of the horses.
Daily maintenance of the corrals in a safe and sanitary condition.
Proper storage and maintenance of all saddles and equipment.
Leading of trail rides and instruction of campers.
Monitoring health and fitness of horses at all times with daily log.
Communication with Larry Knapp regarding care and health of horses if Lead Wrangler isn’t on site.
Communication with Directors on how the activity is running.
Organization of ACA Standards materials.
Organizing Saddle Club Program for campers to assist with saddling/grooming/care for horses.
The position also entails assignments to other areas of camp when horses are not in use. Including but not limited to; camper supervision, dining room supervision, camper onsite sleepouts for youngest campers, assist in special day planning, etc.
General Supervision as assigned during times horses are not in use.
Swim Call assistance, Twilight sports, Campfire
Activity/Staff support where needed
Supervision Team assignment
Special projects in camp. (TBD based on camp need and staff expertise)
Covering cabins on Counselor Night Off
Chipmunk & Chickadee Expedition
Make a campfire every night
Support Special Day planning and execution.
Shower house duty as needed after campfire
CHA Standards as needed.
Check duty roster daily for assignments
Camp Counselor
Be a mentor. Lead adventures. Make a difference. Have the summer of your life!
At Skylake, being a counselor is so much more than leading activities and having fun. You'll be a role model, mentor, teacher, and trusted guide to campers as they build friendships, discover new interests, and gain confidence and independence.
Our counselors take on two primary roles—Cabin Counselor and Activity Instructor—while working together to create a safe, positive, and unforgettable summer for every camper.
1. Cabin Counselor: Make Every Camper's Experience Count!Skylake has 32 cabins divided between Boys' Camp and Girls' Camp. Each cabin is assigned two counselors who share responsibility for approximately 6–7 campers. Primary and relief counselor roles generally rotate throughout the summer.
Your most important job? Know your campers, advocate for them, and help them get the most out of their summer!
You'll help turn a group of individual campers into a supportive cabin community, making sure everyone feels welcomed, included, and valued—especially first-time campers.
Your responsibilities include:
You'll wear a lot of hats as a cabin counselor, and the little things matter! Sometimes the biggest impact comes from helping a camper through a tough day, encouraging someone to try something new, or simply making sure every child feels seen and supported.
2. Activity Counselor: Share Your Skills & Inspire New Interests!Skylake offers approximately 20 different activities, ranging from waterfront adventures and outdoor sports to arts, music, ropes and climbing, and more.
Each counselor is assigned an activity based as closely as possible on their skills, interests, and experience.
Your responsibilities include:
You don't need to be an expert at everything! We're looking for people who are excited to share their strengths, willing to learn, and enthusiastic about helping kids discover theirs.
3. Camp-Wide Leadership: Every Camper Matters!At Skylake, being a counselor doesn't stop when you leave your cabin or activity area. Every counselor is responsible for helping create a safe, supportive, and positive camp community.
Whether you're encouraging a camper, celebrating a kind gesture, helping resolve a conflict, or stepping in when behavior needs attention, you're always a role model.
We expect our counselors to be engaged, attentive, approachable, and ready to take initiative. Recognize the good, address the challenges, and lead by example!
What Makes a Great Skylake Counselor?We're looking for individuals who genuinely care about kids, enjoy working as part of a team, and are ready to embrace the challenges and rewards of camp life.
Great counselors bring patience, responsibility, enthusiasm, flexibility, and a willingness to jump in wherever needed. They understand that camp can be hard work, but also incredibly fun and meaningful.
At the end of the summer, you'll leave knowing you've made a difference in the lives of children—while gaining leadership skills, confidence, unforgettable experiences, and friendships of your own.
That's what makes being a Skylake counselor so special!
Trips Staff (Day hikes, backpacking, overnights - lead staff)
Explore Yosemite. Lead Wilderness Adventures. Inspire the Next Generation of Outdoor Enthusiasts!
Imagine spending your summer hiking through Yosemite National Park, backpacking in the spectacular Ansel Adams Wilderness, and camping beneath the stars in California's Sierra Nevada—all while helping young people discover their own love of the outdoors!
Skylake Yosemite Camp's Trips Staff lead a variety of off-camp adventures, including day trips to Yosemite, multi-day backpacking trips, and overnight camping excursions in the Sierra National Forest. It's a unique opportunity to combine your passion for the outdoors with meaningful work, wilderness leadership, and plenty of adventure.
What You'll DoWe're looking for responsible, adventurous, and adaptable individuals with a love of the outdoors and a genuine interest in working with kids. Previous outdoor experience, whether personal or professional, is welcome! Strong communication, teamwork, sound judgment, and a willingness to learn are essential.
Because Trips Staff are responsible for transporting campers in camp vans, applicants must possess a valid driver's license and meet Skylake's driver eligibility and safety requirements.
Required certifications:
Certification Stipends: Skylake helps support your professional development by offering a $200 stipend toward Wilderness First Aid certification or a $600–$700 stipend for Wilderness First Responder certification. WFR is preferred, and current certifications are required for the position but not needed at time of interview.
Why You'll Love This JobFew summer jobs offer the opportunity to spend so much time exploring one of the most beautiful wilderness regions in the country!
As part of our Trips Staff, you'll gain hands-on experience in wilderness leadership, trip planning, risk management, camper transportation, and outdoor education. You'll work alongside an incredible group of fellow staff, build lifelong friendships, and develop valuable skills that will serve you well beyond camp.
Most importantly, you'll have the opportunity to introduce campers to experiences they may never forget—whether it's their first night sleeping under the stars, reaching a mountain summit, or discovering they're capable of more than they imagined.
It's hard work, big adventure, meaningful responsibility, and a summer full of experiences that will stay with you for a lifetime.
Come explore the Sierra. Make a difference. Be part of the Skylake Magic!
Assistant Wrangler
The Assistant Wrangler shall assist the Wrangler in their responsibilities for the horseback riding activity at Skylake. The position also entails other Leadership Staff responsibilities when the horses are not in use.
The job includes:
Additional Roles in Camp:
How to Apply
Staff should apply using the link on the staff page of our website via the link below. Applications are reviewed weekly and Zoom interviews are then arranged based on a perceived mutual fit.
Contact Info
- Adrienne Portnoy-Durgin
- adrienne@skylake.com
- (559) 642-3720
- www.skylake.com
