Hiring Camp Counselors, Celebrating 100 Summers!

Walton’s Grizzly Lodge provides the ideal overnight summer camp experience for children ages 7–15. Located in the Sierras of Northern California, camp life centers around our private lake. Campers choose daily from over 40 activities including water sports, horseback riding, arts and crafts, athletics, archery and our extensive ropes course challenges which features a 500 foot zip line across our lake.

Operated by fourth generation owners and directors, the rich history and tradition of Walton’s make it the premier residential summer sleepaway camp on the West Coast. Since 1926, Walton’s Grizzly Lodge has been providing a quality camping experience where memories are made to last a lifetime.

We believe in the magic of camp and its power to change lives. Our purpose is to extend the spirit and tradition of Mom and Pop Walton by continuing to transform the lives of all generations who experience Walton's Grizzly Lodge Summer Camp. 

• We value creating a safe, natural, happy, secure environment where kids can be kids.
• We believe in providing a structured program for children that:
  • Emphasizes a feeling of fun, family, friendship and belonging.
  • Encourages active participation in a wide variety of experiences.
  • Promotes the process of making choices.
• We value respect for others and our environment.

“Every day at camp is new and exciting! There’s always an opportunity to learn new things. Between the staff and campers there is always someone to have a great conversation or joke around with. I found my second family here.” - Ani, Washougal, WA

“I originally wanted to work at Walton’s to spend a summer outdoors, having fun with kids. The amazing people I have met here are the reason I keep coming back. I get to spend the summer making great memories in a beautiful place.”- Jordan, San Diego, CA

“I’ve always been a kid at heart and working at camp has helped me rekindle that sense of wonder. It’s awesome to spend your days around other people who are so positive and excited about what they do.”- Mimi, Hamilton, VA

“My favorite part of waking up in the morning at Walton’s is knowing that I will be able to try new things and lead awesome activities with cool groups of kids. For me, it  is truly the happiest place on earth.” - Max, Grass Valley, CA

“Camp combines my love of nature and passion for working with kids. It’s really rewarding to watch campers become better leaders and role models over the years.” - LJ, Henderson, NV

“I love spending my summers creating memories for my campers and building lasting connections with everyone on staff. Camp is the perfect place to disconnect from technology and everything going on in the real world and focus on building community.”- Britta, Huntington Beach, CA

“I grew up as a camper at Walton’s. My favorite part of being a counselor is building relationships with campers like I did when I was a kid. Getting greeted by a camper who is excited to see you is the best feeling!” - Olivia, Penn Valley, CA

“Every year, camp gives me a much needed break from technology and the outside world. It’s also so rewarding to see how much campers grow throughout their time here and to be part of that.” - Josh, Charlotte, NC

Desired Qualifications:

• Desire and ability to work with children outdoors
• Ability to relate to oneʼs peer group
• Ability to accept supervision and guidance
• Ability to teach several activities
• Good character, integrity, and adaptability
• Enthusiasm, sense of humor, good judgment, patience, and self-control
• At least 18 years old with one year of post high school experience
• Current CPR and First Aid certifications

We provide room and board (3 meals a day!) for all of our resident staff members. Camp counselors live in cabins with between 8-27 campers and 2-4 other counselors. Each cabin includes bathroom and shower facilities.

As a staff member at Walton's Grizzly Lodge you are part of a select group who are able to experience the specialness of summer camp and the magic that is Walton's. For 100 summers we have been providing all of those who are part of camp the opportunity to belong and thrive in our camp community.

Staff members meet lifelong friends, push themselves through new challenges and have fun! Whether you spend one summer or multiple summers with us, your time at camp will be time well spent and forever remembered.

We are proud of the high rate of returning staff we have each summer at Walton's. We believe this is due in large part to the high level of engagement we provide potential staff members from our first contact with them, through the application and hiring process and ultimately as they work with us during the summer.

Walton's prides itself on compensating our staff members at or near the top of the industry pay scale. First year staff salary for the summer of 2026 is $685/week = $8,000+ for our full season. In addition, an end of season bonus of $660 is paid to those with current Life Guard Training. We also reimburse for taking and passing a Life Guard Training course. Room, board and laundry is included. Staff have one day off each week and scheduled free time during each full day worked at camp. 

Walton's staff members may bring a vehicle to camp if they wish. For those who travel by air, we will provide ground transportation from the Reno airport.

On most days at camp there is built in free time during the days and/or evenings. Staff members have one day off each week. Walton's Grizzly Lodge Summer Camp is located within one hour of Truckee/Lake Tahoe and Reno. We are nestled in the beautiful "Lost Sierra" with easy access to the Lakes Basin area. Numerous outdoor adventure opportunities, as well outings to nearby cities are in reach during a staff members well deserved time away from camp.