A position at Jameson Ranch Camp offers invaluable skill development, leadership training, and enrichment opportunities that are truly unique. Regardless of your major or degree, working at camp allows you to acquire and refine skills that enhance your appeal to future employers. Former camp staff members typically possess more extensive experience in managing others and interpersonal skills compared to their peers at the college level. In general, to be considered for a senior staff position at JRC, you need to meet certain prerequisites, including being at least 18 years old. Activity leader roles require completion of at least one year of college or a similar experience. Our younger staff, aged 17 or older, are designated as Junior or Assistant Counselors and must have some leadership experience; they do not stay all summer typically. The counselor's commitment spans nine weeks, including seven days of orientation. The job starts on June 9, 2024, and concludes on August 11, 2024. The senior staff salary for these nine weeks is $5580, covering room, board, and basic laundry services. Each staff member is assigned one day off per week, starting at 1:30 pm and concluding at 2:30 the following day. We make sure that all staff have the opportunity to leave camp on their day off, so that maximum relaxation can occur. Key Arrival Dates: - Horse Counselors: Arrive in May 2023 (flexible dates) - Directors, Kitchen Staff, and Staff Leaders: Arrive on June 1, 2023 - Out-of-State and Foreign Staff (Fly into LAX): Arrive on June 6, 2023 - All Staff: Arrive on June 9, 2023 - All Staff Orientation: June 9-16, 2024 - All Staff Departure: After 3 pm on August 11, 2024 A day at JRC begins bright and early with the sound of birds chirping and the sun peeking over the horizon. Campers are awakened by the cheerful camp counselors at 6:30 AM, their day filled with exciting adventures and new experiences ahead. At 6:45 AM, the campers who have "early morning" jobs gather with their assigned counselors to kickstart the day's activities. These jobs range from helping prepare for breakfast, raising the camp flag, or setting up equipment for the day's planned adventures. It's a time for teamwork and learning valuable life skills. While the early risers are busy with their tasks, the rest of the campers gradually wake up and stretch out in their cozy bunk areas. As a community, they spend a little time tidying up their sleeping quarters, making their beds, and ensuring that everything is in its rightful place. This shared responsibility helps instill a sense of pride and ownership in the camp environment. At 7:35 AM, the much-awaited moment arrives when the camp's trusty Pony Express rider delivers the mail. Campers eagerly gather around to receive letters and care packages from their families, bringing smiles and a sense of connection to the outside world. Following the mail call, it's time for breakfast. The campers and staff members make their way to the dining hall, where each staff member has a designated table. These tables consist of a random mix of campers who have chosen to sit together for the week. This random assignment encourages campers to make new friends and build relationships outside of their usual social circles. As everyone enjoys a hearty breakfast, they chat about their plans for the day. The day ahead is filled with a variety of activities, from archery and hiking to arts and crafts and swimming in the crystal-clear lake. There's an air of excitement and anticipation as campers look forward to the adventures and challenges that await them. With full bellies and hearts filled with excitement, the campers and staff members set off on their daily adventures, ready to make memories that will last a lifetime. JRC is a place where friendships are forged, skills are honed, and the spirit of adventure thrives. Each day is a new opportunity for growth, learning, and fun in the great outdoors. Following the mail call, it's time for breakfast. The campers and staff members make their way to the dining hall, where each staff member has a designated table. These tables consist of a random mix of campers who have chosen to sit together for the week. This random assignment encourages campers to make new friends and build relationships outside of their usual social circles. As everyone enjoys a hearty breakfast, they chat about their plans for the day. The day ahead is filled with a variety of activities, from archery and hiking to arts and crafts and swimming in the crystal-clear lake. There's an air of excitement and anticipation as campers look forward to the adventures and challenges that await them. After the delicious breakfast, the campers and staff participate in a cleanup period to ensure that the dining hall is left spotless and ready for the next meal. This collective effort reinforces the importance of responsibility and teamwork. At 9:00 AM, everyone gathers for announcements. Staff members eagerly present the various activities they will be leading throughout the day. Some activities are skills-based, while others focus on fun and recreation. Campers have the exciting opportunity to choose from these offerings, and if at least five campers express interest in a particular activity, it will be scheduled to run until lunchtime at 12:00 PM. This system allows campers to explore their interests and try new things during their stay at the camp. Following the morning activities, it's time for lunch and another round of cleanup to ensure the camp remains a clean and welcoming environment. Afterward, everyone takes a one-hour rest to recharge during the hottest part of the day. Some staff members supervise the campers in their bunks during this quiet, non-interactive time, providing a chance for everyone to take a break and relax. In the afternoon, another round of announcements heralds a fresh set of activities, giving campers more opportunities to engage in their chosen interests. The specific schedule varies from day to day, but on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and weekends everyone heads to the showers at 5:00 PM, ensuring personal hygiene and cleanliness. Dinner is served promptly at 6:00 PM, and after a satisfying meal, campers and staff unwind with activities in the immediate camp vicinity. This time fosters a sense of community and camaraderie among the campers and staff. Around 8:30 PM, the entire camp gathers for an evening singing session, filled with campfire songs, stories, and laughter. It's a time for bonding and reflection on the day's adventures. At 9:00 PM, the "quiet bell" rings, signaling the end of bedtime preparations. Some staff members stay in the sleeping area, going to bed at the same time as the campers, ensuring everyone gets a good night's rest. The rest of the staff enjoys some free time until 11:00 PM when everyone must be back in the bunk areas, concluding another day filled with memorable experiences and the promise of more adventures to come at this delightful summer camp.

We have pro deals with the following companies that offer steep discounts for their products: Haro Bicycles, Smith Optics and Gear, Chaco Sandals, and Tipperary Helmets. Additionally staff typically do a team-building river rafting exercise at the end of orientation week.

What We Seek in Our Seasonal Summer Camp Staff: We value a variety of qualities in our camp staff members. While the list below is not exhaustive, it represents qualities commonly found in our top-tier staff members. We acknowledge that many other traits also contribute to success at camp. 1. Initiative: The ability to take action and anticipate needs without being prompted. 2. Creativity: The capacity to think innovatively and find unconventional solutions to problems. 3. Tenacity: The strength to handle challenging, unexpected situations with resilience. 4. Positive Role Modeling: Understanding that campers closely observe your actions and aiming for positive, intentional, and suitable behavior at all times. 5. Selflessness: Prioritizing the well-being of campers and the program over personal interests, time off, or staff social activities. Each of our staff members teaches or assists in teaching an activity to campers. We seek the following skill sets: Archery Crafts Drama Games Fishing Hiking Lake canoeing and kayaking Lifeguarding Mountain Biking Mountain Boarding (or Skateboarding) Rifle Marksmanship and Gun Safety Outdoor Rock Climbing Pottery Vaulting (gymnastics on the back of a horse) Western Horsemanship JRC is seeking individuals who possess the following qualities: 1. Physical Strength: Candidates should have the physical strength to navigate narrow trails and walk at least 2 miles per day. 2. Skill Proficiency: We are looking for individuals who excel in the activities we focus on, with exceptions being rare. 3. Mental Capability: Prospective staff members should demonstrate the mental capacity to responsibly steward children, the community, and the land. 4. Commitment to Values: We seek individuals who share our organization's values and are dedicated to becoming part of the JRC family. 5. Flexibility: Candidates are expected to be flexible and ready to take on various roles within the organization as needed.