Summer Camp Jobs and Ranch Work

Are you ready to feel like a kid again, but with a lot more responsibility? Thousands of camp counselors, teachers, mentors, guest service and hospitality staff, lifeguards, kitchen help, maintenance workers, wranglers, ranch crew and adventure leaders travel to unique places each summer or season to share their skills, talents and zest for life with kids and families alike in the pursuit of adventure and fun.

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
• Check out the Environmental Education Jobs channel for more summer/seasonal outdoor and adventure education jobs!

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 17th for a week, then transitions into general staff training beginning on May 24th for two weeks. 2025 camp dates run from June 8th through August 18th. 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.

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.

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 $3,500–$5,100, travel reimbursement and bonuses, room and board, laundry, pro-deal purchases for outdoor gear, comprehensive staff training, and WFA certification. 2025 positions begin as early as May 11th with all staff training from May 26th–June 8th, a mid-summer break from July 7th–10th, and work through August 11th. 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.

• 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.
• Adventure awaits! View the camp experience »

Come for the summer of a lifetime 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 $460/week (plus a completion-of-contract bonus, travel stipend, and optional week off), along with home-made, buffet style meals, housing, a mountain home for the summer, leadership training, and lifetime friends. Paid Internships are possible! The 2024 camp season begins on May 21st with a two-week orientation followed by  ten weeks of children's programs through August 11th. To connect right away, call/email Lynn or JoJo OR complete the online application.

Ready for a mountain of fun?
• Staff members at The Colorado Mountain Ranch also help host weekend special events, mountain wedding receptions, and facilitate team building with other groups on the low ropes courses.

Working at Sanborn Western Camps is a rewarding opportunity to impact youth, build relationships and experience countless adventures. The days are full, the energy is high, and the fun is contagious.

As a summer outdoor adventure residential camp in the Rocky Mountains of central Colorado, Sanborn offers staff and campers the opportunity to grow as young men and women while climbing the highest peaks in Colorado, horse packing for miles, canoeing for days, mountain biking incredible terrain, living together in the outdoors, and enjoying endless memories with amazing people. The majority of summer staff include Counselors, Assistant Counselors and Wranglers, with program areas that focus on backpacking, mountain biking, rock climbing, horseback riding, canoeing, natural sciences, water activities, arts & crafts, drama, film, sports, and so much more. Additional positions include Registered Nurses, Kitchen staff, and Program Coordinators that specialize in certain areas of camp. The base salary starts at $3,700 plus lodging, meals, laundry and discounts on outdoor gear & clothing. Staff will be trained in cutting edge youth development strategies, team building scenarios, facilitation skills, and leadership techniques. Applicants must have experience working with kids and a love for the outdoors. Experience in program areas and additional certifications are a big plus. All staff must make a commitment from May 28th to August 12th, 2025. Some staff may be asked to arrive earlier for specific trainings if available. If you are a positive role model, resilient, empathetic, hardworking, creative, selfless, flexible, adaptable and show initiative, apply today!

Friendship, adventure, personal growth, and amazing trips & activities make each day as unique as each of the campers, staff, and alums who call Sanborn home!

• Sanborn summer staff will have the opportunity to be a role model, mentor, teacher and friend to campers while experiencing the grandeur of Colorado and working in a community where you have a purpose and ability to change lives.

Looking for a summer job that will be fun and adventurous, and will help you develop the skills future employers are looking for?

Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital is looking to hire dynamic role models, and creative, adventurous and energetic individuals who have special talents or interests. With three unique sleep-away camp locations that include Camp Potomac Woods (Leesburg, VA), Camp May Flather (Mount Solon, VA) and Camp Winona (Hughesville, MD), campers ranging in age from 5-17 explore their interests in many diverse program options, such as science, nature, teambuilding games, performing arts, crafts, leadership, outdoor skills, archery, backpacking, climbing, canoeing, and more over a ½ week to two-week session.

Each camp is currently recruiting for many youth development staff positions, including Aquatic Counselors/Lifeguards, General Counselors, Program Specialists, Health staff, Aquatics Manager, Kitchen Assistants, Facilities Assistant, and more. Salary varies by positions and experience beginning at $370/week. All positions include room and board as well as staff development opportunities. 2025 summer camp dates range from late May through mid-August, with varied start/end dates. If you can serve as a great role model and mentor, be creative and goofy, and can fill campers with self-esteem and confidence so they are stronger and more courageous when they leave camp, fill out the online application or contact Rebecca Montague for more information.

• Empower girls to make sound decisions, become independent, realize their full potential, gain self-confidence, and develop into future leaders. If you are creative and adventurous, passionate about youth development, enjoy the outdoors, and ready to serve as a positive mentor, join Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital sleep-away camps!

Be a part of a uniquely positive community this summer!
For two, 3-week summer sessions, 42 at-risk boys (10-18 years of age) and 25 program staff converge on a 50-acre island in New Hampshire to build a uniquely challenging and supportive community called Mayhew. Mayhew boys all come from disadvantaged backgrounds (low-income, single-parent homes) and participate tuition-free. Whether working as an Adventure Educator, Swim Instructor, Cabin Counselor, Nurse, or member of the Camp's Leadership Team (arts, athletics, fishing, hiking, rowing, climbing, and other roles available too!), all summer staff will help promote the development of improved self-esteem and behavior, healthier peer interactions, goal setting skills and a strong sense of belonging for the boys. While the work can be fatiguing and emotionally draining, the positive and meaningful experience created at Mayhew is rich beyond measure.

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. 2024 positions run from June 5th to August 13th. Explore all summer positions, learn what it takes to excel as a staff member, fill out an application or contact Ed Thompson for more information!

• Filmed over two summers, this video was created to celebrate Mayhew's 50 years of helping NH boys find their best.

• 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?

Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, Camp Carolina is an all boys camp for 100 summers that offers a balanced mixture of individual and team sports, nature, music, arts and crafts, high adventure and extreme sports. Summer camp is about adventure and meeting challenges head-on. It's about the simple faith that anything can be accomplished through determination and enthusiasm. It's about living fully, setting personal goals, making friends and enjoying accomplishments. It's mostly about fun—on the rivers, lakes, rocks, trails, courts, parks and fields in beautiful Western North Carolina.

Summer Camp Staff include Adventure Activity Counselors (plan and teach one or more include Cabin and Head Counselors, In-Camp and Head Activity Counselors, and Adventure Activity Counselors (plan and teach one or more high adventure activities such as rock climbing, whitewater rafting, canoeing, mountain biking, horseback riding, surfing, wake boarding, sea kayaking, fly fishing, backpacking—and so many more!) and Kitchen and Maintenance staff. Compensation includes a weekly wage, open-air cabin housing, meals, laundry and most training course costs will be provided through the onsite Backcountry Institute for all adventure program staff. Courses will be offered as early as May 1st through the American Canoe Association, American Red Cross, National Archery Association, National Rifle Association, Wilderness Medical Association and more. Positions run from late May to mid-August, 2025. If you are a responsible, outdoor loving youth development professional with patience, understanding and an interest in inspiring the next generation of outdoorsmen please complete the online application or connect with Bren Thompson Hogan for more information.

Check out what summer staff say about working at Camp Carolina »

• There’s nothing like seeing the reactions on kids’ faces when they climb a multiple pitch route. On our long climbs, we go for routes that offer maximum exposure to the wind, airy positions, and sheer verticality of the wall. Expressions of fear, amazement, and pure excitement come from all of the boys on these climbs, but the over-riding expression is always something like this: This is the coolest thing I've ever done! —Brian H., Climbing Specialist

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 $300/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 June 1st to August 10th, 2025 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!

Why work at Rockbrook Camp?
• Join a community where everyone is celebrated and supported.
• Teach girls that they are valuable and capable.
• Discover your own capacity for leadership.
• Spend your days engaged in meaningful, fun work.
• Experience the joy of work defined by spontaneity and charisma.
• Spend your summer living, working, playing, and exploring in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina.

This is your first step to all the laughter, friendships, incredible experiences, and skill building that YMCA Camp Kon-O-Kwee Spencer has to offer! With a 550+ acre campus located 40 minutes north Pittsburgh, Camp Kon-O-Kwee is a traditional overnight camp for youth (2nd–11th grade), Camp Spencer Superstars is an overnight camp experience for adults with special needs (ages 18 and older), and the Outdoor Education program serves school and retreat groups spring to fall. Programming is built around belonging, adventure, accomplishment, and leadership, with activities that include canoeing, swimming, fishing, indoor rock climbing and zip lines, low/high ropes course, sports, archery, BB guns, crafts, guided hikes, offsite day trips, overnight campouts, bonfires, and much, much more.

Summer camp jobs include Cabin Counselors, Adventure Counselors, Lifeguards, Unit Leaders, Outdoor Living Skills Coordinators, Village Directors, Health Officers, and a variety of other support and leadership positions (June 13 to August 9th; flexible contracts with minimum 2-week commitment plus staff training). From the spring to fall, Outdoor Education staff are needed to lead outdoor, environmental, science-based nature education, team building and leadership, and recreational programming for school, family, and other retreat groups (April 1st to November 15th with flexible contracts). Compensation ranges from $400-$1,000/week depending on position, plus housing (most summer staff live in cabins with kids; some leadership positions and all outdoor education staff live in shared private housing with access to a kitchenette), meals when campers/groups are in session, and any specialized training/certifications. If you are interested in serving others and making a difference, being part of a team, enjoy the outdoors, and a passion for fun, explore current job openings and apply now! Internship opportunities also available.

• Located on Connoquennessing Creek in SW Pennsylvania, Camp Kon-O-Kwee Spencer offers many unique opportunities. Whether you are kayaking through the creek, admiring the new hatchlings in the eagle's nest, or climbing inside of the infamous sycamore tree, you will never be bored at Camp Kon-O-Kwee Spencer!
• Summer fun at camp—get a glimpse of all the excitement.

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.

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.
• Working as a staff member is fun, challenging, a learning opportunity, and life-changing for you and the campers.

Located on the shores of beautiful Lake LBJ (about an hour northwest of Austin, TX) and surrounded by state parks, Camp Champions is a family-owned, traditional, co-ed summer camp for children ages 5-18 years. Over 40 different activities are offered, including water skiing, wake boarding, sailing, ceramics, jewelry making, dance, high ropes, archery, horseback riding, various sports, go-karts, axe throwing, and more! If you love kids, there's no better way to spend your summer than working as a Champions Counselor! Each year, a select team of college students, teachers, coaches, athletes and role models from around the world work together toward one common purpose—to help EVERY camper grow into a CHAMPION!

• You'll take primary responsibility for the health, well-being, and happiness of your group and assist in teaching or leading three morning and afternoon activities.
• You’ll have a chance to specialize in an activity area like lifeguarding, boat driving, ropes course facilitation, or coaching in the fine arts or sports departments.
• You'll provide opportunities for each child in your cabin to experience success.
• You'll help your campers learn to communicate clearly and solve problems independently.
• You'll set a good example for campers in all things, including cleanliness, punctuality, clean-up and chores, sportsmanship, and table manners.
• You'll model respectful behavior towards people and property for your campers.

2025 positions run from mid-May through early August (partial work term commitments available). Compensation starts at $300/week, plus housing, meals, many opportunities to practice hands-on leadership skills that will transfer to any other school or workplace setting. Fill out the 2-minute staff interest form and help turn kids into Champions.

Meet the Camp Champions Counselor Heroes »

Did you know?
• Champions boasts a half a mile of pristine Lake LBJ shoreline property, a fleet of five speedboats, five jet skis, an Olympic-sized swimming pool with two 200-foot water slides and a lazy river to create one of the best water sports programs of any summer camps in the country.
• At Champions, you'll know that you are working shoulder to shoulder with equally committed individuals who are passionate about impacting children's lives, not just for now, but for their lifetime!

Located in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, North Star Camp is a traditional all-boys sleepaway summer camp. Over 300 campers and 100 staff members from around the world come to camp to make new friends, create memories that will last a lifetime, try new activities and sports, and grow as individuals. Summer positions include:

• Cabin Counselors & Activity Instructors live in a cabin with 8-12 campers of the same grade and 2-3 Co-Counselors. This role is a mixture of being a parent and a big brother. During the day, you will lead and/or assist in teaching activities. No experience required, but a desire to work with kids is a must!
• Wilderness Trip Leaders lead 2-9 day hiking and canoeing wilderness adventures. Before each trip goes out, you’ll get to know the group that you’re leading. You’ll plan a menu, pack out food and equipment, and help your group get ready before heading out. Applicants should have significant experience in outdoor tripping.
• Additional Positions include Registered Nurses & Health Aides, Office, Kitchen & Maintenance staff, and a Camp Photographer/Videographer.

The 2025 camp season runs from June 4th to August 8th, with an opportunity to come early or stay through late August/early September to earn some extra money. Compensation varies based on previous experience working with kids, year in school, and activity expertise. A typical starting salary for a freshman in college is $2,300 for the summer. Perks include room and board, a $300 travel stipend, and any costs associated with trainings (WFR, Lifeguard, CPR/first aid). If you desire to be a positive role model for children, fill out the online application (and get ready for the best summer of your life!).

Interested in working at North Star? Check out what staff members had to say about their camp experience.

• Can you jump rope while balancing a cup of water on your head as you sing “Wagon Wheel” with perfect pitch? Do you know how to play the ukulele or harmonica? Campers love to see staff members' hidden talents. Be ready to bring them with you this summer!

Backdoorjobs.com
Your Home for Short-Term
Job Adventures & More!