Summer Camp Youth Development Specialist

Description

WELCOME TO CAMP MENDOCINO!

Who are we:

• We are not just any summer camp; we’re something more
• We provide a safe space for our campers from challenging neighborhoods in San Francisco
• We promote and value diversity, equity, inclusivity, and belonging within a strong staff community
• We influence & inspire our campers to help them become more successful & proactive adults
• We foster an environment that allows our staff to thrive and grow as professionals, no matter their chosen field
• We’re a ton of fun!

Who are you:

• You are a role model who will always put our youth first
• You have an unparalleled sense of integrity, emotional intelligence, & commitment to quality work
• You believe in the power of working and playing in nature
• You thrive while working collaboratively
• You are willing to learn, grow, & get better
• You value creativity, professionalism, empathy, & patience

Position Purpose

A Youth Development Specialist (Camp Counselor) works closely with a small team to supervise a group of up to 40 youth. Ensures a fun, safe, and positive camp experience for campers. A Camp Counselor manages behavior issues and participates in all Camp activities, runs some activities whilst always promoting positive character development.

Key Responsibilities

• Responsible for participation of small groups of youth in assigned activities
• Ensure youth engage in appropriately in all Camp activities 
• Provide emotional support and guidance to campers
• Ensure campers’ medical needs are met through monitoring, and utilizing onsite infirmary staff
• Foster growth in the areas of: life skills, self care, and interpersonal skills
• Ensure safety of all campers in their group including setting clear safety expectations, observing and engaging campers while in their care, assessing the appropriateness of camper behaviors
• Supervise youth at all times including overnight in a cabin with approximately 5 campers
• Engage campers with positivity, including participating in all activities, overnight hikes, and other activities such as swimming, arts & crafts, archery, biking, hiking, gardening, environmental education, and challenge course elements 
• Lead & plan traditional Camp activities, including but not limited to: arts & crafts, archery, hiking, environmental education, and sports. 
• Foster character development consistent with BGCSF philosophy 
• Other duties as specified by direct supervisor

Requirements

Required Skills

• Previous experience in supervising and developing youth 
• Experience working with youth
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with coworkers and campers
• Ability to handle difficult or stressful situations in a professional manner
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision

Preferred Skills

• Minimum of 2 years experience working with youth
• Experience working with youth in an overnight camp setting
• Experience working with youth from disadvantaged circumstances

By the end of the summer and incredible Camp Counselor will:

• Help build a safe & positive environment
• Create opportunities for fun & belonging for all campers 
• Establish supportive relationships with campers and adult staff
• Encourage a sense of belonging, usefulness, influence, confidence in campers

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift 50lbs.
• Must be able to walk on uneven terrain for at least 3 miles
• Must be able to be stand for 8 hours (with breaks)
• Must be able to work in temperatures ranging from 30° to 100°

Schedule

• Temporary/Seasonal Summer position.
• Applicants should be available June 9  - August 6, 2025  to work & live on-site at our Camp location in Northern California (Mendocino County). 
• Staff members work 40-56 hours/week depending on position with two days off per week. Days off vary per session. 

Lodging 

• Lodging is provided for all staff on site. Camp Counselors will sleep on bunk beds in   open-air cabins while supervising youth overnight.

Benefits

• Onsite lodging is provided for all staff.
• Three cooked meals per day are provided onsite, including on days off (gluten-free, vegan, & vegetarian options).
• Free onsite laundry.
• Employee Assistance Program: in-person counseling + 24/7 confidential mental health support.
• Onsite workout facilities. 
• Free Wifi access in the staff lounge. 
• Free 1-year membership to the American Camp Association.

Pay

The wage range for this role takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and BGCSF needs.  At BGCSF,  our decisions are based on other factors and dependent on circumstances for each position.  Depending on the need and requirement of the position,  an individual could be hired at or near the entry level, mid - level or top of the range for their role and compensation.   As such, a reasonable estimate for this temporary summer position from June 9 - August 6, 2025, is $4.139,00.

Disclaimer

Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, nor to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications and objectives required of employees assigned to this job. 

If you’re excited about this opportunity, but your experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyways and attach a cover letter explaining why it would be a good fit. You may just be the right candidate! 

IMPACT | GROWTH | COMMUNITY