Frequently Asked Questions by Staff

The choice to work at a summer camp can often raise many questions.

Where will I sleep?
What will I do for my job?
Who are the staff members?

Below are answer to many frequently asked questions. If you have other questions, please contact the Outdoor Program Department.

Where are the camps?

Bothin resident camp is in Marin, about 30 minutes north of San Francisco. Camp Metro day camp is located in the heart of San Jose. Deer Lake resident camp is about 3.5 hours north of San Francisco in the Tahoe area. Hidden Falls and Skylark Ranch resident camps are located in the Santa Cruz Mountains, approximately 1 hour south of San Francisco. Sugar Pine resident camp is located in the Sierra Foothills near Calaveras Big Trees State Park.

Who will I be working with?

Our staff represents a variety of age groups. The typical age range for camp counselors is 18-30 years old. Staff members come from a variety of locations around the United States and from many different countries as well. In the past, the staff has represented such geographic areas as Russia, Scandinavia, Australia, Africa, Great Britain, The Czech Republic and Germany.

Individuals who come to work at camp come to learn more about working hands-on with children, or develop their teaching skills. While previous Girl Scout experience is handy, it is not necessary. Individuals are hired for specific skills and their ability to be a role model for the girls.

What staff positions are available?

Camp staff jobs vary from counselors who directly supervise girls, to specialized activity instructors, lifeguards, support staff (i.e. food service, maintenance and health) or administration. Unit counselors live and work very closely with the girls in their unit. Ensuring the unit curriculum is met, providing for the immediate needs of all the campers in their unit are their primary responsibility.

Program staff members are specialists in their particular area. Working with all of the girls in camp, they are responsible for planning age appropriate fun and educational program and supporting the units as necessary. We will be hiring staff with speciality skills in the following areas:

Backpacking
Trip Coordinator
Leadership Team
Art
Boating
Windsurfing
Lifeguards
Challenge Course
Archery
Llamas
Horseback Riding (Western, English and Vaulting)
High Ropes Specialist
Aquatics Director
Performance Art
Gymnastics
Dance

Refer to the Camp Job Listings for information on specific positions, salaries and dates of employment.

Is there training for Camp Staff?

All staff participates in a comprehensive 7-10 day training that covers everything staff members will need to know including program development and delivery, Girl Scouts ways, safety, supervising campers, camp operations and more.

What are the camp dates and when are the breaks?

The summer schedules for each camp, including the breaks are outlined on the Camp Job Listings. If your schedule would require special consideration for employment, please notify the Camp Director as soon as possible so alternate arrangement can be made.

When is my time off and where can I go?

All staff members receive time off daily and have breaks between camp sessions. Day camp staff has evenings off and Resident camp staff receives a night off during each session. A staff recreation area is available at all camp sites for time-off. In addition, staff may choose to leave the site for their breaks and travel to nearby areas of interest. Limited transportation is provided into town during breaks should staff choose to stay in camp. Staff members are responsible for providing their own meals during camp breaks.

Is every day the same?

Each day at camp is a new adventure. Each unit of girls will be doing activities specifically designed for their program, this could include a trip to the Santa Cruz Boardwalk, a hike to the beach or the falls, play in Kidd Lake, games in the meadow, horseback riding, visit the Art Barn, or swimming. The counselors, looking at the unit curriculum, and other camp program available, set the schedule for the week.

When and how much will I get paid?

Staff members are paid twice per month, you will receive a schedule upon arrival to camp, and direct deposit is available. Salary ranges for each position are described on the Camp Job Listings. Girl Scouts of Northern California has a competitive bonus program for individuals who have previous experience or certifications that are in addition to those required forindividual’s positions. For further information please contact camp@girlscoutsofscc.org.

What are the living arrangements at resident camp?

All of our resident camps provide room and board for all those who are on staff. Each site varies in the accommodations they offer, from dormitories at Bothin to tipis at Skylark Ranch. Check out the Sites and Facilities section for each camp to find out more of what they offer. Staff members will live in the same unit with the girls, and may be required to move with each session, depending on the group you are working with.

What is the work environment like?

Girl Scouts of Northern California is committed to creating a positive working and living environment for all of its campers and staff. As a staff member you will have the unique opportunity to work with a variety of individuals throughout the summer. Girl Scouts of Northern California values the role that a staff member plays in bringing this powerful and unique experience to thousands of girls a summer.

What do other staff members say about working at camp?

"Camp Magic is never far away, For once you've experienced it you only need to look within." - Skylark Ranch Staff

"Many girls opened up and tried things new to them, and they enjoyed themselves! I watched girls get excited about lighting a fire for the first time or holding a snake. They also had the opportunity to just let down their guards and to be themselves" - Hidden Falls Staff Member

"At camp girls learned that they are valued for themselves not just for their backgrounds. They are all equal at camp" - Staff Member

It will be toughest job you will ever love. Come and find the magic you can create for yourself and for a girl at Bothin, Camp Metro, Deer Lake, Hidden Falls, Skylark Ranch, or Sugar Pine!