Youth Programs is Hiring Summer Camp Counselors

Camp counselor sitting with kids and drawing on the floor of a gym

Love working with kids? Become a summer camp counselor with Youth Programs! Read the full position below and apply from March 31st through June 13th!

Summer Camp Counselors

Job Purpose
Youth Programs serves youth up to grade 8 during the summer months from 6/23-8/15. The goals of Youth Programs are to provide experiences that encourage leadership and teamwork, develop competence in recreation skills, make new friends, enhance participants’ connection to the community and environment, and have fun! Counselors will be assigned to one of the following camps depending on their interest and skill level (Camps run from 8:00am-3:30pm unless stated otherwise): 

  • Aggie A/B/C (General recreation camps)
  • Ceramics A/B/C
  • Fashion and Accessories B/C
  • Drawing and Painting B/C
  • Crochet C
  • Sampler A (Crafts)
  • Dance A/B
  • Rec Sports A/B/C
  • Innertube Waterpolo B/C
  • Theater Camp C
  • Animals of Campus B/C
  • Music Camp
  • Afternoon Adventures (11:00am-6:00pm shift)

Description
Under the supervision of the Youth Programs Coordinator and student administrative team, counselors will, but are not limited to:

  • Safely and effectively supervise and instruct youth in one of the described camp areas (Craft, Dance, Theater, General Recreation, Animal, Sports, Music, Afternoon Adventures, etc…)
  • Build and maintain rapport with parents/guardians, other staff members, and youth participants
  • Help participants to achieve camp goals of leadership and teamwork, competence in recreation skills, connection to community and environment, and having fun
  • Attend to injuries/illness and immediately correct any unsafe/unhealthy conditions
  • Maintain supplies and facilities
  • Evaluate weekly sessions and make adjustments as necessary
  • Complete paperwork as needed and assist student manager and other camp counselors during activities, transfers, and check-in/out

Counselors must attend the mandatory Youth Programs training weekend at the end of Spring Quarter. The training weekend is held from June 18th-21st (No training on 6/19).

Counselors must be able to work the entire summer from June 23rd- August 15th, 2025 (except July 4). Counselors must be available for one of two shifts, either for a minimum of 35 hours per week, 8:00am-3:30pm, Monday-Friday or for Afternoon Adventures hours 11:00am-6:00pm, Monday-Friday. Counselors should not exceed 40 hours in any given work week.

Qualifications

  • Prior experience working or volunteering with children preferred; must have ability to supervise youth in large facilities and outdoors.
  • Willingness to establish a professional rapport with campers, parents, and administrators in an energetic and enthusiastic manner
  • Team-oriented with a positive attitude, creative energy, and commitment to providing excellent customer service
  • Experience in the area in which you would like to instruct (dance, sports, drawing, etc.) and ability to present your talent to recruiting staff
  • Knowledge of UC Davis campus and community resources
  • Must be able to swim or stand in the Rec Pool
  • May not take vacation days prior to July 4; vacation days must be approved 2 weeks in advance
  • Have current certification for CPR/AED and First Aid for Adults and Pediatric by the start of camp (Youth Programs will pay to have you certified if you are not currently)
  • Must complete supplemental application and upload a resume (cover letter recommended but not required)
  • Subject to a Livescan Fingerprint Background Check, including a pull from the DOJ and FBI in addition to a check in the National Sex Offender Registry
  • All Youth Programs staff, including counselors, are considered mandated reporters as defined by the State of California

In addition to applying on Handshake, please complete the supplemental application prior to your interview: 

https://forms.gle/T8TmzX8KUzCWBsV87 
 

Apply now!