Summer Camp Jobs and Ranch Work
Seasonal and Year-Round Work Options
Whether guiding outdoor adventures for kids at a summer camp, leading fun and educational activities in your area of expertise, teaching an organic gardening class, cultivating a genuine curiosity and well being of your group, or strumming the guitar at the nightly campfire of a dude ranch, you'll have plenty of exciting job opportunities to explore here. More to Explore |
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Looking for a life-changing summer job? Located in the scenic San Bernardino Mountains of Southern California, Pali Adventures is a one-of-a-kind overnight summer camp for kids ages 8-16. Campers can choose from 29 specialty activities ranging from High Octane Action Adventure and Secret Agent Camp to creative and performing arts and everything in between. Now seeking Summer Camp Counselors with skills in the following activity areas: water sports, boat driving, lifeguarding, ropes, action sports, street art (spray painting), culinary, fashion/sewing, motorsports, DJing, film/broadcasting, fine arts, Hollywood stunts (high falls/stage combat), Ninja Warrior & Parkour, gymnastics, LARP, movie make up (SFX trained preferable) and rock star. Responsibilities include teaching a specialty, a variety of different electives, dressing up for the evening activity and, of course, making sure each camper is having fun and feels that you are there for them. You will also be responsible for the health and safety of campers in your group: creating a positive in-cabin experience, making sure they wake up on time, dress appropriately for the weather, eat properly, drink water, put on sunscreen, attend the correct activities, make great friends, and so much more! Training for watersports, lifeguard, and ropes starts on May 16th for a week, then transitions into general staff training beginning on May 23rd for two weeks. 2026 camp dates run from June 7th through August 17th. You'll work long hours and be asked to do wild and crazy things at any moment! Benefits include a competitive wage, room and board, paid staff training (CPR/first aid certification provided) and being able to share your passion with the next generation of aspiring adventurers. If you are a self-aware, empathetic, responsible, positive, energized, and kid focused individual who can help create the best summer experience possible for Pali campers, apply now.
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Find your next adventure! Listen to Pali staff and campers talk about the impact that Pali Adventures has had on their lives and why they come back year after year. • Being a continuously positive role model for campers is likely to be the hardest job you will ever have, but you will leave Pali Adventures with some of the best memories of your life. |
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Nestled in the rolling hills of Agoura, California, Camp Kinneret provides children aged 4–14 with a classic, outdoor day camp experience. Working at camp is an opportunity to be part of an intentional, growth-oriented community as a role model, leader and mentor to your campers. Most staff will ride the bus to camp each day with their campers from various Conejo and San Fernando Valley cities. Summer camp jobs include: • General Counselors are assigned to a specific group for the duration of the summer and participate in all activities throughout the day. Kinneret provides nurturing support and mentorship, and you'll gain a summer's worth of leadership development that you won’t find elsewhere! Compensation is based on position and previous experience. The range for a first-year staff member is $6,500–$7,000+ for a 9-week summer. Applicants must be college-aged or older, have summer housing available in the greater Los Angeles area, and able to make a commitment from June 8th–12th for staffing training with work from June 15th to August 14th, 2026 (MO-FR, 8:30am–4:30pm schedule). Full-time AND part-time positions are available. If you are a compassionate, motivated individual who is passionate about personal growth and development (for yourself and for others!), fill out the online application and select a group interview to attend virtually or in-person.
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• Embrace new challenges. Help campers be their best. Be a role model and team player. Camp Kinneret is a place where creativity and expression are encouraged and a community where the courage to try is celebrated and the desire to succeed is supported. Committed, supportive staff members work hard to nurture growth in each and every child, using the Kinneret Roots as their guide: Independence, Teamwork, Creativity, Friendship and Community. |
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Learn to milk a goat. Harvest fresh organic produce from the educational garden. Live sustainably. Backpack from bay to sea. Play on the ropes course. Swimming, hiking, storytelling, crafts and more! Summer camp at Hidden Villa will awaken each camper’s sense of awe for natural and human beauty, provide tools for multicultural community building, and create a learning environment that encourages a commitment to social and environmental justice. Hidden Villa achieves this through focusing on five core themes as the foundation of their curriculum, sharing them in ways that are relevant and age-appropriate for each program: Environmental Stewardship, Race & Class, Farm & Food, LGBTQ+, and the Duveneck Family Legacy of social justice. In the midst of song-singing and caring for the farm animals, something profound takes place at camp: young people learn what it means to live in community. Be part of a positive, creative, and inclusive camp staff that works together to welcome campers from all backgrounds to be themselves, develop self-confidence, experience a sense of belonging, and make friends in this beautiful setting. With positions including Residential Counselors, Program Heads, Backpacking Trip Leaders, Farm & Garden staff, Activity Specialists, and Lifeguards, there are over 25 summer job opportunities available in 2026. Compensation starts at $600/week with increases depending on position and certifications, plus housing and meals. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, have a high school diploma (or equivalent), a love for working with youth, a fun-loving spirit, energetic, flexible, mature, and team oriented. A commitment from June 1st to August 1st, 2026 is required (leadership positions begin on May 26th). Apply online or email camp@hiddenvilla.org for more info.
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• Live, work and play on a 1,600 acre wilderness preserve and organic farm in the Santa Cruz Mountains this summer! As a staff member, you will help nurture relationships between people of different cultural, religious, economic, and racial backgrounds, and strengthen their connection to the environment. |
Located in the San Juan Mountains of southwest Colorado, family-owned Colvig Silver Camps is a residential, wilderness-oriented camp that blends traditional summer activities with overnight backcountry adventures. An environmentally oriented and non-competitive philosophy coupled with a choice-based format is designed to develop self-esteem, leadership skills, responsibility and teamwork. Camp activities include (but are never limited to) day hikes, field games, arts & crafts, western horseback riding, target sports, swimming, rock climbing, ropes/challenge course, environmental activities, campfires, songs, skits, cookouts and more! Wilderness trips include desert and alpine backpacking, mountain climbing, mountain biking, Anasazi ruin exploration, canoeing and rafting. Summer job opportunities include Counselors, Trip Leaders, Program Coordinators, Expedition Coordinator, Arts & Crafts Coordinator, Climbing Coordinator, Range Instructor, Wranglers, Photographer, Videographer, Cooks, Nanny, and a Registered Nurse. Benefits include a summer salary ranging from $4,000–$5,400, travel reimbursement and bonuses, room and board, laundry, pro-deal purchases for outdoor gear, comprehensive staff training, and WFA certification. 2026 positions begin as early as May 11th with all staff training from May 25th–June 7th, a mid-summer break from July 6th–9th, and work through August 10th. At minimum, applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have completed 1 year of college. If you have a passion for working with children in an outdoor setting and a commitment to the development of positive, meaningful relationships, read the staff FAQs, fill out the online application or connect with Tyler Dixon for more information.
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• Creative. Tireless. Patient. Flexible. Positive Attitude. Fun-Loving Spirit. Sense of Humor. Responsible. Sound like you? Colvig Silver Camps seeks these key attributes in its summer staff. |
Come for the summer of a lifetime in a one-of-a-kind historic mountain setting in the Colorado Rockies! Unique in its non-corporate and independent feel, The Colorado Mountain Ranch summer camp has been continuously owned and operated by three generations of the same family since 1947. The camp community of staff-in-residence fosters play, friendship, and growth through adventurous outdoor activity in the children's day camp programs. The foundation of the overall experience for everyone builds through team building games. Every camper pod needs Group Counselors. Activities need Instructors: Western Horseback Riding and Horse/Goat Care (Wrangler), Roping, Western Art (drawing horses), Mountainboarding (like snowboarding on wheels), Arts & Crafts, Archery, Gymnastics & Trampoline, Disc Golf, Drama, Yoga, Nature Crafts & Outdoor Skills, Global Indigenous Lore, and Team Building Games. Support Staff includes a Camp Photographer, Blogger & Media Manager, Lifeguard, Nanny, Maintenance, Head Chef, and Food Service personnel. Summer staff use ranch resources as well as create their own camp programs. Every job involves inspiring and guiding young people, participating enthusiastically in all daily activities, and embracing a philosophy of respect for self, others and nature. Most first year staff members earn $492/week (plus a completion-of-contract bonus, travel stipend, and optional week off), along with home-made, all-you-can eat buffet style meals (snacks are always available too!), bunkhouse-style housing, a mountain home for the summer, leadership training, fun staff outings, and lifetime friends. Paid Internships are possible! The 2026 camp season begins on May 22nd with a 10-day orientation followed by ten weeks of children's programs through August 9th. Some staff members stay to work later in August and into September to help with the fall season of events and projects. To connect right away, call/email Lynn or JoJo OR complete the online application.
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Ready for a mountain of fun? |
Located in Poland, Maine on Lake Thompson, Agassiz Village is a nonprofit organization that provides summer camp and year-round programming for children from underserved communities across the Northeast. Campers come from tough backgrounds, with 35% having experienced foster care, homelessness, recent immigration, domestic violence, or having an incarcerated family member. With activities that include the low & high ropes, climbing wall, archery range, canoes, kayaks, SUPs, a banana boat, yoga, dance (and so much more!), summer camp affords the opportunity to discover new interests and uncover hidden skills, make lifetime friendships, and connect with inspiring mentors to help them thrive in school, college, and the workforce. Now hiring skilled activity leaders, cabin counselors, lifeguards, kitchen help, nurses, and housekeeping/laundry staff to work from June 21st to August 6th, 2026. Prior to camper arrival, all staff members participate in a 7-day orientation where you'll learn about Agassiz Village history, philosophy and programming, get to know fellow staff members, and learn how to administer a Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) program. Counselors live in cabins with campers 24/7, activity counselors and lifeguards act as cabin counselors when they aren't teaching activities, and kitchen and housekeeping staff live with other staff (no campers) and health center staff have either a private or shared cabin. Compensation includes a weekly salary, housing, and meals. Enjoy a day off in Portland (about a 45-minute drive) or explore amazing hiking trails, lakes, and other exciting opportunities for time off in nature. If you have a high energy level, an extremely elevated level of visual awareness, humor, creativity, and the desire to be a positive influence on the lives of children, fill out the online application or connect with Christina Kaake for more info.
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• Agassiz Village staff are people who put the campers first, understand that camp is a community, and demonstrate the skills that are asked of campers to learn — self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision-making, relationship skills, and social awareness. |
Be a part of a uniquely positive community this summer! Tangible benefits include compensation of $5,000 plus a $1,000 summer completion bonus, room & board, and lots of great home cooking served family-style. Applicants must have a willingness to sacrifice one’s own interest for the benefit of others, an eagerness to engage the boys, a strong character, positive role modeling skills, and a sincere interest in learning, living and working in a community. This is an invaluable experience for anyone interested in teaching or working in the social services field. 2026 positions run from June 6th to August 11th. Explore all summer positions, learn what it takes to excel as a staff member, fill out an application or contact Greg Stoutzenberger for more information. • Filmed over two summers, this video was created to celebrate Mayhew's 50 years of helping NH boys find their best.
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• The nature of the job — working with hard-working and appreciative boys in a challenging setting — requires a tremendous work ethic, maturity, patience, dedication, fairness, a love of the outdoors, a willingness to learn, a good sense of humor, a positive attitude, the ability to work well with others and create community, and an absolute commitment to the boys. Sound like you? |
Camp Mowglis is a fun, back-to-basics summer camp for boys ages 7-15, and is now seeking Instructors/Dorm Counselors for the 2026 summer season. Established in 1903 and located on Newfound Lake in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Camp Mowglis is a place where boys unplug from technology. They learn, and play on the beautiful lakes, mountains, and rivers of NH and go hiking at least once a week. Daily meals are freshly prepared using local, organic, and farm-raised ingredients whenever possible. Being a Camp Counselor at Mowglis will be one of the most fun, exhausting, and deeply rewarding jobs you will ever hold. Camp is a non-stop, high-paced, and extremely fun environment. Mowglis is looking for Instructors/Dorm Counselors who can specialize in one of the following camp activities: camping & wilderness survival skills, backpacking, trip leading, riflery, swimming, and specialized care for younger children. In addition to running one of the various camp activities, counselors live in and supervise their group in the dorms and at meals, create a safe learning and living environment, are active participants in dorm chores, lead evening programs, and co-lead day hikes and possibly backpacking trips. Compensation starts at $200/week plus room and board over a 9-week period (June 15th to August 15th, 2026). Wilderness First Aid & CPR certification courses are offered as part of staff training. Qualified applicants must be at least 19 years old, have one year of college or equivalent, and previous summer camp experience as a camper or staff is desired. If you are interested in helping bring Mowglis to life for the summer and making a positive impact on the lives of campers, apply now!
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• Working at Mowglis will develop your leadership, communication, and teamwork skills — and you will form lifelong bonds of friendship with your fellow counselors! |
Wake up each morning and look out across the camp's pristine mountain lake as you walk to breakfast, spend time with campers amidst some of the most breathtaking mountains on the East Coast—and the star-gazing just doesn't get any better! Camp Walt Whitman is a premier, co-ed residential summer camp located in New Hampshire. Over 400 campers ages 8-15 participate in wide range of activities alongside a staff of over 200 from all over the world. The staff is made up of passionate, energetic, and experienced young people who love working with children in the outdoors. Currently seeking waterski staff, sailing instructors, bike packing leaders, outdoor adventure staff and general counselors for the summer 2026 season (June 6th to August 9th). Hiking staff lead both day hikes and overnight camping trips along the Appalachian trail and throughout the White Mountains. Bike Packing Trip Leaders lead 4-5 day road biking trips through Vermont, New Hampshire, and along the Maine seacoast. The Waterski crew spend their days in the sunshine on a beautiful lake teaching campers the basics of waterskiing, wakeboarding and kneeboarding. Compensation includes a salary (scaled on experience), room and board, travel stipend, college internship credit (if needed), and all required trainings are provided (WFA/Lifeguarding). Staff also enjoy the staff lounge with WiFi access and plenty of food & snacks—the perfect retreat in the evening or during time off. If you enjoy working in the outdoors with youth, meeting new people and are hardworking with a fun attitude, complete the online application.
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• Our warm, welcoming community means staff can not only make a positive impact on the lives of our campers, but also make some of the best friendships that become family. Take a chance on us, you won't regret it! —Team Camp Walt Whitman |
The Place Based Learning Center at Hawthorne Valley Farm Camp offers young campers ages 8-16 the opportunity to spend their summer in a no-tech, nature-based, Waldorf-inspired camp on a beautiful 900-acre working organic and Biodynamic farm. Awakening to the daily rhythms of nature and farm life, children rediscover the joys of learning, working, and playing together while creating memories that will last a lifetime. Come join the summer camp team and make a difference: • Overnight & Day Camp Counselors support, co-create and lead activities like gardening, farming, swimming, animal care, arts & crafts, and cooking. While being a counselor can be challenging, it’s also highly rewarding. The schedule is busy and camp life is quite different from a typical routine. Overnight Counselors work six days each week, whereas Day Camp Counselors have five-day weeks (8am–4pm) with weekends off. Applicants must make a commitment from June 15th to August 8th, 2026. All staff members receive compensation ranging for $2,800-$4,800 (dependent on position/qualifications), shared staff accommodations, and delicious, home-cooked meals created from food produced on the farm and other Hudson Valley organic growers. Counselors can enjoy spending their time off exploring nearby towns or hiking in the surrounding area. Whatever your interests are, you'll find lots to do for fun during your time off in the Hudson Valley! If you’re passionate about working with kids, love the outdoors, positive and adaptable, hardworking and ready for a challenge, interested in sustainability and nature, and committed to creating an inclusive, safe, and welcoming environment for campers and fellow counselors alike, fill out the online application.
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Hear counselors and campers reflect on their transformative experience at Hawthorne Valley Farm Camp — where children connect deeply with nature, community, and themselves through hands-on farm work, screen-free living, and shared care for one another. • Hawthorne Valley Farm campers and staff enjoy long summer days on the farm — swimming in the pond, working in the gardens, fields and with the livestock, hiking in the hills and enjoying organic home-cooked, mostly vegetarian meals made from produce freshly harvested from the farm! |
Since 1921, Rockbrook Camp for Girls has been a place where girls ages 6-16 can experience the wonder and excitement of a summer in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina. Here you'll find a vintage camp experience: wooden cabins, campfires, silly songs, girls full of energy, and a variety of activities. From horseback riding, whitewater rafting, pottery, and swimming to campfires and exploring a chilly stream, each day at camp is filled with new experiences and great opportunities to develop lasting friendships. Summer camp jobs include 60 cabin counselors as well as other day staff, nurses, and program staff. Cabin counselors will live with and supervise a small group of girls, participate in general camp programs, provide leadership and instruction in one or more specific camp activities (24 different options), and be a positive role model. Counselors specializing in climbing, hiking/backpacking and paddling will plan, organize and lead out-of-camp trips, implement and verify safety protocols, instruct basic outdoor adventure skills, encourage campers with a positive attitude, and also serve as cabin counselors. Compensation starts at $315/week (with increases for certifications and experience), plus room, board, laundry, free WiFi in the staff lounge, and a community where everyone is celebrated and supported. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have completed one year of college or equivalent experience. Positions run from May 31st to August 10th, 2026 with shorter contracts available. If you have high energy, outgoing, silly at heart, enjoy being with children and comfortable in a rustic, outdoor setting, apply online today! • View what it means to be a Camp Counselor at Rockbrook and why it might be the most rewarding summer job you'll ever have!
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Why work at Rockbrook Camp? |
Located in Texas between Houston and Austin, Camp For All works in partnership with other non-profits to enrich the lives of children and adults with challenging illnesses or special needs and their families throughout the year. From wide, wheelchair friendly sidewalks to a zero entry pool to a tree house anyone can enter, Camp For All turns can't do into CAN DO with their barrier free approach to the camp site, facilities and programming. Program Instructors play a vital role in helping campers discover life through effective and fun programs. Job tasks include hosting campers, volunteers, guests and groups, teaching a wide variety of program activities, planning and implementing programs in team building & challenge courses, facilitating epic night activities, maintaining program areas and equipment, and supporting the Program Leadership team. A primo Instructor staff training covers a variety of topics and activities, including Lifeguard certification, challenge courses, team building, fishing, canoeing, archery, nature, sports and photography. Positions are available during the spring (February to May), summer (May to August), and fall (September to mid-November). Instructors will typically work 5 days on and 2 days off. Compensation starts at $350-$375/week, plus housing, meals when groups are onsite, and WiFi access. If you have a desire to work with the special needs population, previous experience working with children in a camp environment, at least 18 years of age, and are hardworking, outgoing, creative, self-directed, and an all-around rad individual, view current job openings or contact the Program Manager for more info.
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Why work at Camp For All? See what campers & program staff have to say about the experience! • More than 11,000 campers come to Camp For All each year to enjoy a wide array of activities that are universal in design and provide many opportunities for the growth in self-confidence. It is a unique place where there is understanding and acceptance. |
If you are hungry for the outdoors, looking for an inclusive community, and want to make a positive difference for kids, Camp Sealth may be the perfect place for you this summer! Located on the southwest shore of Vashon Island, WA and operated by Camp Fire Central Puget Sound, Camp Sealth has camp programs geared for kids of all ages. Classic Camp features favorite camp activities, Horse Camp puts campers in the saddle, Specialty Camp give campers the chance to dive deeper into what they love, explore the Pacific Northwest with Adventure Camp, and Leadership Camp is great for teens seeking new skills and opportunities to earn service hours. Featured 2026 Summer Camp Positions: Compensation ranges from $437-$692/week, plus room and board, free laundry service, a staff lounge with WiFi, free coffee/cocoa bar, and enjoying a beautiful setting. Positions start as early as June 9th and conclude on August 25th. If you are caring, compassionate, energetic, enthusiastic, willing to learn, and enjoy working with kids, browse the list of available jobs and apply now.
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Camp Sealth helps youth build strong character, values and life skills. View the experience » • Come play on the shores of the Puget Sound and discover all that the Pacific Northwest has to offer! Camp Sealth has 400+ acres filled with trails, 1.5 miles of private beach, and some of the coolest wildlife—and Vashon Island is a tight knit community with plenty of fun activities to participate in. |
Do summer different. Lake Valley Camp is looking for summer staff who want to make a lasting impact on youth! PEAK (Potential, Experience, Access, Knowledge) is a year-round program that offers a series of carefully designed activities to cultivate a deep sense of belonging and help youth explore their innate capacity for leadership at all ages. Lake Valley Camp, PEAK’s resident camp, sits on 650 natural acres of rolling hills and forest in southwest Wisconsin. The camp experience is provided free of charge to campers, with programming that includes nature/ecology, garden, equestrian, performing arts, visual arts, outdoor living, boating, swimming, archery, and team sports. Campers show up for growth, extraordinary experiences, leadership and building relationships. Now seeking Camp Counselors and Leadership Team members to provide a safe, inclusive, encouraging, fun, growth-oriented, and meaningful experience for campers by supervising all aspects of daily camper life and facilitating, participating in, and supporting campers through camp activities. Specialized Activity Counselors and Coordinators work in a variety of areas including outdoor living skills, nature program, team building, expeditions, equestrian, archery, gardens, aquatics, boating, lifeguarding, performing arts, and team sports. All summer staff must make a commitment from June 18th to August 13th, 2026. Compensation starts at $650/week and increases with responsibility. Room and board are provided for most positions. If you are passionate about working with young people, leadership development, and creating an inclusive and safe environment, explore current jobs openings, click on the position you are interested in, and fill out the online application.
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• Everyone leads! At PEAK, leadership is defined as understanding, developing and using your power to positively influence people and/or places. We all have ways that we can have a positive impact on our world, big and small, formal and informal. Young people need opportunities to explore their innate capacity for leadership at an early age. |
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Job Channels—Explore Your Options |
