Summer Camp Counselors

Sierra Nevada Journeys is committed to delivering innovative outdoor, science-based education programs for youth to develop critical thinking skills and to inspire natural resource stewardship. We prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Our view is that active reflection, engagement, and commitment to these principles is crucial to creating a workplace that has diverse perspectives. We believe that environmental education and outdoor recreation should be accessible for all, and we are committed to prioritizing those in our community with the least access.

We strive to build our workforce and programs around our ability to serve communities diverse in race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, physical and mental ability, values and perspectives. To achieve this vision, we focus on building sustainable partnerships with schools and communities that serve the youth who have the least access to high-quality science education and outdoor learning experiences.

We invite continuous voice from these partners, and the youth and families they serve, to inform how we design and deliver culturally relevant and inclusive programs. It is with this vision in mind that we pursue our mission, striving to become the equitable and inclusive organization that the youth of our communities deserve.

OVERVIEW OF POSITION

Sierra Nevada Journeys Summer Camp Counselors are our campers’ favorite part of summer! We provide a home away from home where our counselors can stretch their comfort zone, grow in ways they never knew possible, and discover the joy of summer camp. Our Counselors have the unique opportunity to learn and lead their cabin group through various fun-filled activities such as archery, swimming, kayaking, campfires, large group games, mealtime songs, and skits.

Whether spending the night in your cabin or under the stars, Counselors foster community with their cabin group by offering support and intentional daily reflection. Every week is different at camp, and our counselors provide creativity, charisma, and laughter to our camp community. Sierra Nevada Journeys allows counselors to grow in group management, age-appropriate programming, and safety and supervision.

Counselors will undergo a two-week training in preparation for summer camp. The training encompasses protocols and procedures, games, bonding, and goofiness. Counselors are guided and supervised by the Director of Education—our staff form close, lifelong friendships that last long after summer camp.

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

• Create a positive and safe camp community for staff and campers
• Provide daytime and overnight supervision to Sierra Nevada Journeys’ summer campers
• Facilitate and participate in all summer camp programming
• Be able to work collaboratively and timely in program delivery
• Maintain knowledge of camp schedule, programs, protocols, and procedures
• Lead and encourage mealtime efficiency
• Learn and facilitate large group camp songs and skits
• Clean cabins, inventory program supplies, and participate in debriefs after each program

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

•  Participate and complete required pre-summer camp training (Wednesday, May 29 – Friday, June 7, 2024)
• Ability to pass a background check, including an online check and fingerprinting. We work with children, and their safety is our utmost priority.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification or willingness to obtain certification before the start date
• A passion for working with children and making a difference
• Ability to work irregular hours and days and nights to meet camp needs
• Ability to take initiative, work collaboratively, and have a positive “can-do” attitude
• Willingness to get outside of your comfort zone and try new things, such as being 30 feet off the ground on a challenging course
• Minimum of 18-years-old
• Ability to lift 25 pounds and move around camp up to 7 miles daily.
• All employees must attest in writing they have up-to-date immunizations against the diseases required for public school attendance in the state where they work.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Fluency in Spanish or another second language
• Experience in science instruction — either in a formal outdoor setting or in a classroom setting
• Experience working with students from communities of BIPOC
• Wilderness First Aid/Wilderness First Responder Certification
• Current lifeguard certification or willingness to obtain certification before the start date

COMPENSATION

• Competitive compensation package, $544 per week (on-site boarding is provided, and meals are included during the program)
• Optional 403(b) retirement plan and up to a 4% Sierra Nevada Journeys match
• Potential for an additional 3% pay for Spanish fluency or other languages relevant to supporting our programs

Employment Highlights

• Home base for living, working, exploring, and recreating in the beautiful Sierra Valley
• Employment with an innovative company focused on improving outdoor education delivery
• Professional development geared toward outdoor education leadership or classroom teaching goals