Working Directly With Kids

(57 positions: entry level salary $4275, more DOE. Dates for this position are May 31 – August 8. First Aid and CPR certification is required for this position.) Counselors care for and live with children, ensuring the physical and emotional well being of their campers. Counselors are role models who facilitate the camper experience by actively participating in all camp activities including: ropes course, backpacking, arts and crafts, Jewish programs, and more, as well as creating programs of their own. Required: excellent communication skills, childcare experience, and love of outdoors are essential. Must have the ability to live in a cabin with others, eat meals in a lively communal dining hall, and address stressful situations appropriately in a fast-paced, interactive environment. Should expect to navigate over 4-8 miles of uneven terrain to different program areas around camp daily. Counselors work most sessions as a Bunk Counselor (with a co-counselor in a 12-camper cabin) but may also spend one or more sessions as a Unit Counselor supporting multiple bunks. LGT and WFA certifications are encouraged, as is experience working with diverse groups of kids with an equity and justice lens that promotes the thriving of all children.

(6 positions, entry level salary $4510, more DOE. Dates for this position are May 31 – August 8. First Aid and CPR certification is required for this position.) Similar job as “Counselor” but working with a focus on providing additional support to children with disabilities. Communicate with counselors, specialists, and supervisors throughout the day regarding accommodations and modifications needed for campers with disabilities. Coach other staff on how to best support campers. The primary focus is campers with disabilities but inclusion counselors are expected to act as a counselor and provide support to all campers. Excellent communication skills, childcare experience, and love of outdoors are essential. Live in a cabin with other staff. Ability to eat meals in a large, noisy dining hall and address stressful situations appropriately in a fast-paced, interactive environment required. Should expect to navigate over 4-8 miles of uneven terrain to different program areas around camp daily. Expertise working with children with a variety of disabilities including ADD/ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression, learning differences and others is strongly preferred.

(6 positions: $2745, more DOE. Dates for this position are May 31 – July 3 ONLY.) Train and supervise approximately 50 Counselors In-Training and 6-8 Specialists In-Training. Lead trainings, coordinate schedules, liaison with department heads, observe/give feedback to SCITs and participate in all SCIT activities. Should expect to navigate around 3-5 miles of uneven terrain to different program areas around camp daily.

(6 positions: $3000, more DOE. Dates for this position are Driver’s Training: May 30, Staff Training July 3 – 9, TLI Program: July 10 – August 2 ONLY.) Train and supervise 44-48 teens in an immersive leadership training program. Serve as a facilitator of the camper’s experience. The program takes teens and staff from California, up to Portland and back, and includes: community service projects, white water rafting, mountain biking and rock climbing. The trip ends back at Camp Tawonga where staff and campers participate in new and classic Camp Tawonga programming. Staff must be able to support teens both on and off site, teaching daily curriculum, including but not limited to skill development, social justice trainings, Jewish text and other discussions. Must have 1 year working with kids at Tawonga; LGT, WFR, driving certificate preferred and may be required. Excellent communication skills, teaching experience, capacity to do physical labor (lift up to 50lbs.), and community development knowledge are essential.

(6 positions: $4275, more DOE. Dates for this position are May 31 – August 8. First Aid and CPR certification is required for this position.) Provide care for small groups of children of staff at camp, ranging from infants to teenagers.  Collaborate with specialists and nanny team to offer fun and creative age-appropriate programs that fulfill the Camp mission. Occasionally work some days or weeks as a unit counselor working with campers and bunks as needed. Live in a cabin with other staff. Patience, creativity, flexibility and strong communication skills are helpful. Effectively and regularly communicate with parents to problem-solve and support their children. Should expect to navigate over 4-8 miles of uneven terrain to different program areas around camp daily. Experience with children required.

(2 positions: entry level salary $4275, more DOE. Dates for this position are May 31- August 8). Lead creative culinary programming for groups of 12-24 campers at a time in Tawonga’s new Garden Kitchen. Assist Garden Kitchen Culinary Program Supervisor with activity prep, facilitation, and clean up (including dishes and deep cleaning the kitchen). Support with program development, inventory management, and upkeep of the space. Step in to lead additional programs when someone on the team is off. Additional responsibilities include occasional bunk coverage, night-time camper supervision, and bus duty. Should expect to navigate over 4-8 miles of uneven terrain to different program areas around camp daily. Live in shared, rustic housing. Culinary expertise (or experience cooking at home) and teaching experience preferred.

(2 positions: entry level salary $4275, more DOE. Dates for this position are May 31 – August 8.) Lead creative programming for campers. Ability to teach dance, sports, group games and yoga preferred. Lead schvitz experiences, coordinate camper floats and assist the larger Programming Department with all camp programs and A/V, Lost & Found and other logistics. Should expect to navigate over 4-8 miles of uneven terrain to different program areas around camp daily. Live in cabin with other staff. Current LGT certification preferred.

(1 position: entry level salary $4275, more DOE. Dates for this position are May 31 – August 8). Facilitate drama games to help children and teens express themselves and explore communication. Plan and direct two all-camp productions, assist in general programming needs for camp including coordinating camper floats and assisting with all camp programs and A/V, Lost & Found and other logistics. Should expect to navigate over 4-8 miles of uneven terrain to different program areas around camp daily. Live in cabin with other staff. Must have 3 years of college level drama courses or equivalent.

(1 position: entry level salary $4275, more DOE. Dates for this position are May 31 – August 8.) Work with the Programming Department to offer dance activities to campers of all ages. Foster positive associations with artistic expression and body image through dance and movement activities. Lead higher level dance electives for interested campers. Assist in general programming needs for camp with the greater department of programming including coordinating camper floats and assisting with all camp programs and A/V, Lost & Found and other logistics. Should expect to navigate over 4-8 miles of uneven terrain to different program areas around camp daily. Live in cabin with other staff.

(1 position: entry level salary $4275, more DOE. Dates for this position are May 31 – August 8.) Work with the Programming Department to lead and organize sports activities including soccer, basketball, archery, archery tag, capture the flag, and gaga. Foster teamwork, sportsmanship, and confidence while ensuring safety and fun for all campers. Must be able to demonstrate and actively play all sports and carry up to 50 lbs. Assist with general programming needs such as camper floats, all-camp programs, A/V, Lost & Found, and other logistics. Expect to navigate 4–8 miles of uneven terrain daily and live in a cabin with other staff. Experience in coaching, physical education, or organized athletics preferred.

(6 positions: entry level salary $4275, more DOE. Dates for this position are May 31 – August 8.) Lifeguard at a beautiful Olympic-sized pool, Tuolumne River, and small lake. Create and lead fun water games at the pool for campers. Hike with groups to river areas as safety monitor and lifeguard. Support with all other at-camp programs when needed. Current lifeguard certification required. Should expect to navigate over 4-8 miles of uneven terrain to different program areas around camp daily. Live in cabin with other staff. Must be able to see and supervise participants in water areas. Prior experiencing lifeguarding preferred.

(4 positions: entry level salary $4275, more DOE. Dates for this position are May 31 – August 8.) Instruct classic camp arts and crafts projects like tie-dye, candle making, copper enameling, ceramics (hand building and electric wheel), silk painting, Jewish crafts, print making, lanyards, and more. Bring your own skills and passions to the studio and create art based program activities for bunks of campers. Organize and clean all supplies and equipment daily. Other duties include distributing pack-out supplies, operating kiln firings, and participating in unit activities. Should expect to navigate over 4-8 miles of uneven terrain to different program areas around camp daily. Live in cabin with other staff. Teaching experience preferred.

(2 positions: $4275, more DOE. Jewish education experience preferred. Dates for this position are May 31 – August 8.) Create and lead Jewish programs for campers. Assist the Jewish Program Supervisor with camp-wide Shabbat programs, weekly Torah services and Kabbalat Shabbat programs. Work with unit heads, counselors and specialty staff to provide creative Jewish programming. Should expect to navigate over 4-8 miles of uneven terrain to different program areas around camp daily. Live in cabin with other staff. Creative programming, storytelling, meditation, yoga, art, and music skills are all assets.

(2 positions: entry level salary $4275, significantly more DOE. Dates for this position are May 31 – August 8.) Lead and teach American and Hebrew folk songs in camp-wide sing-a-longs (300 people) after meals. Sing campers to sleep and offer music inspired programs for single bunks. Run or assist with all camp programs such as Havdallah, each session’s drama production, camper talent show, etc. Should expect to navigate over 4-8 miles of uneven terrain to different program areas around camp daily. Live in cabin with other staff. Must play guitar, have prior song-leading experience, and ability to learn how to operate amplified sound systems.

(17 positions: $5950. Must be 21 years old by May 30th. Dates for this position are May 21 – 26, May 30 – August 9). Facilitate inspiring, engaging, and memorable wilderness experiences for kids at camp, in Yosemite, and beyond. Live in cabin with other staff, and collaborate with colleagues to ensure success of the program. Wilderness Leaders rotate through about two or three of the following roles throughout the summer:

Backpacking Trip Leader: Independently lead bunk groups of 12 campers and 2 counselors on one and two night backpacking trips in the Sierra Mountains. Drive vans, lead hikes, set up camp, cook dinner on a camping stove, supervise swimming in mountain lakes and streams, teach LNT ethics and lead nature programming. Must be able to lift and carry 40 pound packs. Keep the group safe and happy, helping them bond with each other and connect to nature. Every Wilderness Leader will lead a backpacking trip at some point during the summer.

Teen Adventure Quest Leader: Co-lead a group of 9-12 teens on a multi-week road trip through California or the Pacific Northwest. Lead backpacking trips, drive between locations, manage cooking and cleaning with teens, lead programming and group building, and interface with professional outfitters for rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, and surfing.

Adventure Challenge Course Facilitator: Facilitate groups through low and high elements at our challenge course. Prior ropes course facilitation experience and rock climbing/belaying experience helpful.

Naturalist (Teva Specialist): Facilitate garden and nature based activities such as day hikes, river rock hops, fire building, storytelling, and garden-based programming in our organic garden to foster a connection to and responsibility for nature. Implement traditional Tawonga programs and create new activities to engage campers with natural history, ecology, Jewish connections to nature, and Indigenous culture.

Farmhand: Care for our organic garden and various animals in our farm. Tasks may include early morning animal feedings, service projects with campers, planting, watering, weeding, and garden maintenance tasks.

All rotations require that you be at least 21 years old with current Lifeguard and Wilderness First Responder or WEMT certification (with possible reimbursement for certification courses). Must have a driver’s license, clean driving record, and be willing to drive large SUVs with campers. Experience backpacking and working with children is essential; natural history, environmental education, farm and garden experience, challenge course facilitation, and Judaic knowledge helpful.

(1 position: $4510, more based on certifications. Dates for this position are May 31 – August 8.) Facilitate all-day team building activities for bunks of 12 campers. Focus on community building and allowing campers to overcome challenges in a physically and emotionally safe environment. Low and high rope elements are included in our programing. Training provided. Should expect to navigate over 4-8 miles of uneven terrain to different program areas around camp daily, spend most of the day outside, and lift up to 40 lbs of gear. Live in cabin with other staff. Excellent leadership and facilitation skills required; prior ropes course facilitation experience preferred, and rock climbing or belaying experience useful.

(3 positions: $4275 more based on certifications. Dates for this position are May 30 – August 8.) Facilitate farm, garden, and nature-based activities for children ages 7-16. Help campers connect with nature, Jewish values (including community and care for the world), and incorporate a connection to food, land, and farming with intentional activities. Activity blocks may include salve making, nature art, animal feeding, discussions on food justice, Indigenous culture, and sustainable farming. Facilitate classic Tawonga Teva activities and create new and engaging curriculum. Lifeguard for blocks led at the river and lake. Assist with garden projects, harvesting, and animal care. Should expect to navigate over 4-8 miles of uneven terrain to different program areas around camp daily. Live in cabin with other staff. Prior naturalist, teaching, and gardening experience, WFA/WFR and lifeguard certification preferred. 

(1 position: $5950. Dates for this position are May 21 – 26, May 30 – August 9.) Facilitate forestry programs for campers, including lopping, creating burn piles, trail work, and guided forestry hikes. Potential to lead overnight trips for bunks of 12 kids into our forest. Teach about fire ecology, Indigenous land stewardship and healthy forests through interactive programming. Work independently and with contractors to maintain the health and safety of our forest. Experience with kids, forestry knowledge, and WFA required. WFR and lifeguard certification preferred.