Camp Counselors

California Range & Natural Resources Camp Counselor Application Elkus Youth Ranch, Half Moon Bay, California June 16-21, 2024
Click here for the application: 2024CounselorApplication

Counselor staff are critical to the success of Range Camp. Most of our counselors have been college students, often pursuing degrees in Agriculture, Ag Education, Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, or related disciplines. We welcome anyone who enjoys helping young people develop skills in making and developing friendships, develop confidence in adjusting to different circumstances and solving challenges, and having fun. Counselors are chiefly responsible for developing evening social and team-building activities, and coordinating meal and camp cleanup. They are welcome to participate in the daytime camp activities – field trips, hikes, lectures, and other educational activities led by numerous university faculty and professional guests. The camp usually has between 18 and 25 student campers, and we hire one counselor for the boys and one for the girls. Counselors stay in the same residence facilities as the campers (sometimes in buildings, but often in tents). Camp meals are amazing – professionally catered by chef Marty Deardorf of Aurora Catering.

Range Camp is a week-long camp experience designed to introduce high school students to topics in environmental science, natural resource management, and agriculture (ranching). Students participate in classroom presentations and field activities from 8am-5pm each day. The capacity of the camp is limited to about 25 students (usually >60% girls).

Responsibilities
Camp counselors are responsible for leading team building, social, and recreational activities from 6pm to 9:30pm, providing overnight supervision, and getting campers through morning camp cleanup and breakfast. Counselors are welcome to participate in camp activities during the day, including assisting with talks and field trips if they wish.

Events and activities organized by the counselors include evening bonfires, team sports (e.g. volleyball), kitchen and clean-up schedules, general recreation, ‘team building’ activities, introductory mixers, etc. Counselors are quartered together with the campers. Sleeping quarters can vary from simple dorms facilities, yurts (large tent structures), or personal tents.

Experience

Candidates should have experience in organizing and leading group activities, particularly for junior high and high school-aged students. Candidates who have earned or are making progress towards a college degree are preferred, but this is not required. Preference will be given to individuals who have had relevant experiences and can demonstrate a high level of personal responsibility. Please provide two references.

Knowledge & Skills

Ability to relate well to high school students, while being able to assert authority/leadership when required. Capable of organizing work and activity groups and scheduling tasks. Possess familiarity with team-oriented games and exercises. Good interpersonal communication and group management skills are necessary for this position. First aid and CPR training are required (online training/self-certification will be made available for those without other training).

Salary

We hire one counselor for the boys and one for the girls. Counselors stay in the same residence facilities as the campers (sometimes in buildings, but often in tents). Camp meals are not what you expect, the food is amazing, professionally catered by Chef Marty Deardorf of Aurora Catering. Salary is $500, plus meals and basic travel expenses (up to $150) for the week.

Background Check

Because this is a youth event, all camp staff must complete a fingerprint scan and background check. Camp administration will provide information about how to do this and will reimburse counselors for the cost of the process ($15-$25).

COVID

All staff, guests, and campers will follow UC guidelines for COVID. Currently there are no universal mask requirements, but there may be site specific requirements. Everyone must be symptom free and have a negative COVID test not more than three days prior to arrival. Please ask for any other detailed COVID guidelines. Our goal every year is to keep our campers, staff, and volunteers healthy.