Work at Camp

All three of our camps offer incredible opportunities to gain leadership skills, make new friends, and explore the outdoors. They each have their own unique vibe and differ somewhat in the activities they offer. Deciding which camp to work at should be about which camp feels like the right fit for you.

Camp Bothin offers dorm-style living in some cool historic buildings. It is located just over the Golden Gate Bridge, and is close to a charming, busy little town. Bothin is a creative, welcoming space that tends to attract artists, explorers, performers, tinkers, and happy first-time campers.

Camp Sugar Pine is a truly traditional camp experience. Tucked between tall pines at the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas, Sugar Pine features classic camp activities like high ropes, boating, horseback riding, and ceramics. This camp is all about adventure and fun, and is a sanctuary for campers and staff who call it their home-away-from-home.

Camp Skylark Ranch is home to our Travel camp program. Located in the Santa Cruz mountains in a Redwood forest and close to the coast, Skylark Ranch features high ropes, hiking, and many adventures off-site. The travel camp program offers a variety of opportunities for campers at different stages in the progression. 

• Make a difference in the lives of children. Our staff are our campers’ heroes. You’ll be the one who builds them up, encourages them to be their best self, and helps them love themselves, their friends, and the world around them.

• Build a community that is supportive and validating. We care about a better world. Camp is a community that welcomes all, supports all, and works together to help all of us to be our best. As a member of camp staff, you’ll help build that place for campers and for one another, where we can be our truest selves and make the world a better place.

• Create connections and life-long friendships. There are no friends like camp friends. Just as our campers forge valuable connections, you will too! Your co-counselors will become your closest friends, biggest cheerleaders, and most trusted confidants. You’ll leave camp with amazing friends from all around the world.

• Learn life-long skills like problem-solving and communication. You’ll receive a comprehensive staff training and ongoing professional development all summer long. You’ll learn how to teach children, how to resolve conflicts, how to communicate with teammates, and how to adapt and respond to changes. You’ll also come away with new mentors from the leadership team, who will support and encourage you during and after camp.

• Get what you give. While your focus will be on creating incredible experience for campers, this is a job that loves you back. You’ll leave having had an amazing summer, making incredible friends, learning about yourself, trying new things, and exploring the outdoors.

• Be the change. Girl Scouts is dedicated to building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. Join an organization that is committed to anti-racism, LGBTQ+ affirmation, economic equality, disability and health inclusion, environmental equity, and empowering girls and women.

GSNorCal’s pay rates for seasonal camp staff exceed the national average by a significant margin. Our summer salaries begin at $115/day, and increase based on skills, experience, and position. *note that pay is different for International staff attending camp through an agency

• Meals and lodging for on-site staff are provided all summer, including weekends.
• We offer 1-2-weeks of paid staff training designed to prepare you for your summer role and to support your personal and professional growth.
• Staff outings and social activities are offered to camp staff several times during the summer. Transportation can be arranged for staff without access to vehicles during the summer.
• Opportunities are available to participate in certification courses such as archery, lifeguarding, first aid and cpr, mental health first aid, and more.
• Staff who complete their contract in good standing are eligible for a small end-of-season bonus.

All of our camps offer a classic, un-plugged experience. Accommodations vary by camp.

• Camp Bothin has a variety of indoor and outdoor accommodations. Most campers live in dorms, which are insulated, year-round, indoor sleeping spaces with bunk beds. Dorms have bathrooms on each floor. Some groups live in classic camp units with cabins and a central bathhouse.

• Sugar Pine units are made up of cabins or covered wagons. Each cabin has bunks with mattresses and screen-in windows. Each unit (group of 5 cabins) has a large central bathhouse with electricity, toilets, and showers.
• Skylark Ranch units are made up of cabins or tents. Each cabin or tent has beds with mattresses and screen-in windows. Each unit (about 4-5 cabins) has picnic tables, running water, and a restroom. There is a shared Shower house that is nearby to all the units. 

At all of our overnight camps, staff live in separate cabins or rooms within hearing distance of campers. You will be responsible for supervising your camper group, but will have a separate living space with adults only.

All of our camps have an on-site staff house, which you may make use of during your time off. Staff houses generally include internet access, a television, and a small kitchen to prepare a snack if you’d like.

Working at summer camp is fast-paced and different than a typical job. You live on site, and in a lot of respects are “on” all day long. We ensure that all staff receive time off daily and weekly.

Time off varies by camp location and weekly camper schedule. Please don’t hesitate to ask for the individual camp’s policy during the interview process.

Time off generally includes:

• Daily Breaks. All on-site staff get an few hours off each day. During this time you’ll have access to the staff house, as well as other outdoor quiet spaces around camp. We encourage staff to use their time off as self care and as a time to connect with family or friends outside of camp. This time may be scheduled for either the daytime or the evenings.

• Weekends or “24s”: Staff have the weekends in-between program off. This is generally Friday at 3pm through Sunday at 10am. During longer sessions where there are campers on site over the weekend, your Camp Director will schedule you for a 24-hour period off. Staff outings or activities are typically planned for Saturdays, with transportation available for international staff or staff without cars at camp.