Hiring Summer Camp Counselors!
Are you looking for a fun, rewarding summer job that will help you gain skills, experience and confidence? Walton's Grizzly Lodge Summer Camp may be just what you are looking for. As a staff member at Walton’s you will work, play and live in a structured outdoor setting in the Sierras that emphasizes a feeing of fun, family, friendship and belonging.
Near Lake Tahoe, nestled in "The Lost Sierra" on a private lake
About Walton's Grizzly Lodge Summer Camp
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.
The Employee Experience
"The camp community draws me back every summer. Everyone from the directors to the staff makes this place super welcoming and loving. I always feel like I have a place here." - Shadi Salimi, Folsom, CA
"It's a special working environment. I love watching shy kids come out of their shell and become more confident in who they are. Everyone is super welcoming and it's great to feel like I can be myself here." - Brandon Kuligowski, Newark, DE
"I am my happiest self while at camp. As a camper, Walton's taught me about leadership, having confidence, and what it means to be a good role model. I really wanted to be a counselor so I could help provide that same experience for someone else. It's truly the best working environment and it's hard to believe that I am paid to do something this fun." - Aimee Eagle, Santa Rosa, CA
"I recently graduated from college and wanted to take a summer to reset and challenge myself in a new environment. I've been able to work with some amazing people. It is great to see both the staff and campers not be afraid to be silly and goofy. You don't really get to see that anywhere else." - Bryan Hayes, Clinton, MA
"It is awesome to be part of activities that are specifically designed to make you laugh and to have fun. Everyone is comfortable being their silliest selves here." - Lanie Kropp, Cumberland, ME
"Walton's has a great family atmosphere. I love meeting new people from all over and making the summer an awesome time for the campers. You truly feel like you are making a difference in their lives." - Angel Ochoa, Yorba Linda, CA
Ideal Candidate
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
Room and Board
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.
Employee Perks
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 nearly 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 also prides itself on compensating its staff members at or near the top of the industry pay scale. For the summer of 2025 first year staff members earn $650.00/week. Room, board and laundry is included. Bonus of $600 paid for those with current Life Guard Training. We also reimburse for taking and passing a Life Guard Training course. Staff have one day off each week and scheduled free time during each full day worked at camp.
Getting Here and Getting Around
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.
For Fun
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.
How to Apply
Apply today and get ready for the summer(s) of a lifetime!
Contact Info
- Paul Dolfini
- paul@grizzlylodge.com
- (530) 274-9577
- grizzlylodge.com