Music/Dance/Drama (Live Arts) Specialist

Camp Mendocino is a residential summer camp located in Northern California, four hours north of San Francisco and spread over 2,000 acres. We provide transportation between San Francisco and Camp at the start and end of the summer. All Camp employees are expected to live, sleep and work at Camp. As a program of the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco (BGCSF), we are dedicated to providing children and teens with safe, fun places to learn and grow, with professional staff to offer support and guidance, serving as caring mentors and role models.

Who are we:

We’re not just a summer camp—we’re a community. We provide a safe, transformative outdoor experience for youth from diverse backgrounds including youth from some of San Francisco’s least resourced neighborhoods; grounded in diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and joy. Our staff culture values growth, teamwork, professionalism, and fun.

Who are you:

You are a youth-centered role model with strong emotional intelligence, integrity, and a love for the outdoors. You collaborate well, bring creativity and patience, and are eager to learn, grow, and support a diverse community of campers and staff.

Position Purpose

The Music/Dance/Drama (Live Arts) specialist co-manages the music/dance/drama program, teaching campers the fundamentals of percussion while fostering a love for music, especially in an outdoor setting. This position is responsible for the entire live arts program, including daily instruction, upkeep, and maintenance of instruments. 

Key Responsibilities

• Co-manage live arts program at Camp, combining all disciplines of music, dance and/or drama to provide and facilitate fun and engaging programming for campers. 
• Daily, weekly and monthly upkeep of music equipment
• Plan and/or participate in drama/dance/music shows during the camper and staff talent shows. 
• Teach groups of campers skills and knowledge of music, dance and/or drama.
• Foster character development through music, dance, and/or drama consistent with BGCSF philosophy
• Plan and implement lesson plans in coordination with the Activity Director.
• Use live arts programming to engage campers in other activities throughout Camp including but not limited to: media & photography
• Participate in all camp activities, such as: talent shows, camp fires, and flagpole
• When not running programming, engage with assigned village, assuming all responsibilities of a counselor, including overnight supervision of youth in cabins
• Engage campers with a positive attitude, including participating in cheers, talent shows, and overnight hikes
• Other duties as specified by direct supervisor

Required Skills

• Experience providing youth instruction in a multitude of art disciplines 
• 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
• Desire to work outdoors 24/7

Preferred Skills

• Experience working with youth in an overnight camp setting
• Experience working with youth from disadvantaged circumstances

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 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 12 - August 6, 2026 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.  Live Arts specialists 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 12 - August 6, 2026, is $4,195.

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!