Junior Camp Leader Position

Dates of Position: Four weeks from June 17 – July 12 or July 15 – August 9. (Monday-Friday, plus three optional training days, June 12 -14).

Please note, Summer Camp will not be held July 1-5, but Junior Camp Leaders scheduled during the June 17 – July 12 period will have the option to assist with camp administration & preparation for a few hours in the KIDS for the BAY Office (Berkeley, CA) July 1 -3. 

Position Hours:  35 hours per week between 8:30 am and 3:30 pm

Compensation:  $18.10 paid hourly 

KIDS for the BAY Summer Camp 

KIDS for the BAY is an environmental education organization now in our 32nd year of operation. 

KIDS for the BAY (KftB) is now celebrating our 23rd year of Summer Camp, delivering a fun-filled summer of hands-on science and nature exploration in the unique environment of the San Francisco Bay Area. Camp includes science investigations, nature games, art activities, hiking explorations and more outdoor adventures. Campers learn to care for the natural environment and become environmental stewards. Team building activities help to develop a fun loving, connected and caring Summer Camp community of friends, scientists and environmentalists. 

Camp sessions are one week long (Monday-Friday) between the hours of 8:30 am and 3:30 pm, and take place at various natural habitats around the Berkeley area, including Tilden Park, the Berkeley Marina and several other Berkeley park locations. Nature Club camp after care is offered daily from 3:30 – 5 pm.

Camp sessions are for Adventures Campers ages 5-7 and Explorers ages 8-11. Camp Rangers, ages 12 & 13 help out with Adventures campers, and Leaders in Training/Interns ages 14 – 17 help out with the Explorers. Each week of camp is led and managed by Environmental Educators including year-round KftB Program Staff, Camp Leaders and Junior Camp Leaders. Our camper-to-staff ratio is 7-1, ensuring an enriching, safe, and positive camp experience. 

Junior Camp Leader Responsibilities

  • Review camp curricula and prepare to help lead and teach activities 
  • Lead hands-on nature, art, science, adventure, community-building and play activities with small groups of campers 
  • Lead and teach groups of campers and attend to the individual needs of campers 
  • Supervise campers during snack, lunch, and free play times 
  • Maintain a safe, respectful, positive camp environment 
  • Maintain positive, professional communication at all times 
  • Provide guidance, leadership, and support to Camp Interns and Camp Rangers
  • Record daily camp highlights, pictures and quotes for the camp highlights newsletters. 

Required Qualifications and Experience 

This position is ideal for high school students currently studying or interested in environmental studies, biology or a related field, or recent high school graduates. You must be at least 16 years old to qualify for this position, and have the following qualifications and experience:

  • Experience working with, babysitting or playing with children ages 5-11
  • Ability to walk and hike along trails while carrying light equipment, sit on the ground for circle times and play active games with campers 
  • Commitment to equity and inclusion 
  • Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills 
  • Ability and desire to be a positive role model to children and youth 
  • Willingness to follow directions and to work in a team 
  • Confidence and ability to take initiative and have a leadership role 
  • Upbeat, positive, mature attitude and respectful communication approach
  • Available for the whole four week period from June 17 – July 12, or the four-week period from July 15 – August 9.  2024, Monday-Friday. *Summer Camp will not be held the July 1-5, but Junior Camp Leaders scheduled during the June 17 – July 12 period will have the option to assist with camp administration & preparation for a few hours in the KIDS for the BAY Office (Berkeley, CA) July 1 -3. 

Preferred Qualifications and Experience 

  • Experience working or volunteering in a youth camp
  • Some knowledge of local creek, bay and marine habitats and ecology 
  • Other relevant talents (e.g. leading nature games, storytelling, music, arts and crafts)
  • A reliable car to travel to/from various camp locations. 

Position Terms

The Junior Camp Leader (JCL) will be a temporary employee of Earth Island Institute (KftB’s fiscal sponsor). The JCL compensation will be $18.10 paid hourly and they will submit hours to receive paychecks semi-monthly. The position does not include any health benefits or paid vacation time, but does include worker’s compensation. 

Application Procedures 

Application Deadline: POSITION FILLED for 2024. Apply early; interviews will be held as applications are received. 

Your application package must include the following: 

  • a cover letter, explaining why you are excited to work in our camp, and including which four-week period you are interested in, or if you are available for both 
  • your resume 
  • at least two references with current contact information (email and phone number). 

To apply, email your application to: jobs@kidsforthebay.org with ‘Junior Camp Leader’ in the subject line.

A work permit from your current high school, and a consent to work form signed by your parent/guardian will be required for employment.