Summer Camp Seasonal Jobs in California

If you need extra income, love kids and fun in the California sun, summer camps can be a great seasonal job option. All of the camps reviewed are co-ed overnight summer camps.

1. Located just an hour south of San Francisco, Camp Jones Gulch is just a few miles from the beautiful Pacific Ocean within 927 acres of redwood forests. Camp Jones Gulch is a branch of the YMCA of San Francisco.

What would you do?: As a program counselor, you would be responsible for teaching and overseeing activities. Counselors work their particular activity/skill all summer, but would also be cross-trained to assist other programs. Rooms includes sharing a cabin with another counselor. Work with 10-12 campers and assist when not working at their activities.

Qualifications: Age 18, CPR/first aid certified. Certification in your specialty helpful.

Salary starts at: $275/week, plus room and board

Contact: www.campjonesgulch.org

2. Also located in Northern California, Walton's Grizzly Lodge was founded in 1926 by Mom and Pop Walton. Their great grandchildren have carried on the tradition as fourth generation owners and directors. North of the Reno/Tahoe area, Walton's Grizzly Lodge is located in the town of Portola in eastern Plumas County along the Feather River. Activities are centered around a private lake, and campers create their own program each day from over 30 activities including waterskiing, horseback riding, skateboarding, arts and crafts.

What would you do? "Each camp counselor has a group of eight campers (ages 7 -1 4) they are responsible for. In addition, counselors teach activities throughout the day in areas they have experience in and have been trained to lead. Counselors work six days a week." Dates of employment are from June 11 through either August 16 or 23.

Qualifications: Age 18, skilled in specialty area

Salary starts at: $310/week, plus a $300 - $700 travel allowance and a $100.00 end of summer bonus. An additional $800.00 can be earned through credential bonuses.

Contact: www.grizzlylodge.com

3. If you're looking for an island experience, Catalina Island Camps hosts boys and girls from 2nd through 11th grade. Campers participate in one to four week sessions. The program is built around unique marine and land environments of Catalina Island.

What would you do? As program counselors, emphasis is on leadership skills. Must be energetic and patient and thrive on outdoor and water activities.
Qualifications: Age 18, skilled in specialty area

Salary starts at: $200/week plus completion bonus of $25/week for 10-week assignment; $100 - $400 travel allowance

Contact: www.catalinaislandcamps.com/

4. Located in the hills of the Los Padres National Forest, Camp Whittier is a 55-acre camp surrounded by hiking trails and an abundance of wildlife. It is operated by the United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County. Positions are available from July 6 - Aug 1.

What would you do? Camp counselors are positive, outgoing, creative, team players who love kids. Special skills positions available.

Qualifications: Age 18, two letters of reference are required with application

Salary starts at: $240-300, plus room and board

Contact: www.campwhittier.org (note: there is also a video application required, details available on Website)

5. YMCA Camp Marston is San Diego's oldest and best-known camp. The camp hosts boys and girls ages 7 - 16. Located on 230-acres, Marston is located in the Julian area of San Diego county.

What would you do? Camp counselors are responsible for 10 children. Working with another counselor, the job is general supervision and skills teaching.

Qualifications: Age 18+, Current American Red Cross First Aid and CPR or must obtain within 30 days of hire

Salary starts at: $37 - $67/day, plus room and board.

Contact: www.camp.ymca.org/english/index_employment_marston_summer.html