Job Opportunity: Camp Tule Counselor
Position: Camp Tule Counselor
Department: Education
Reports To: Education Director (Camp Director)
Positions Reporting to Manager: None
Classification: Temporary (June 15 - July 28, 2026), Full-Time (40 hours per week), Non-exempt, Hourly.
Location: Laguna Environmental Center, Santa Rosa, CA. Not a remote position.Starting Wage Range: $20.75 - $23.50 per hour
Summary
Camp Counselor/s foster core values such as integrity, collaboration, and sustainability to support healthy child development and ensure a joyful summer camp experience. Responsibilities involve assisting Camp Naturalists with environmental education, leading nature-based games, crafts, and group activities, and supervising campers during both structured and free activities. The role also emphasizes creating a safe and positive environment by following safety guidelines and the Camp’s codes of conduct. Additionally, staff are expected to attend daily meetings for reflection, planning, and preparation of activities.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
- Exemplify and foster our core values of integrity, generosity of spirit, collaboration, innovation, passion, and sustainability to promote healthy child development and ensure that each camper has a joyful week of connecting to nature through inquisitiveness.
- Assist Camp Naturalists in teaching environmental education activities.
- In coordination with the naturalists, initiate and lead nature-based games, crafts, and group play during Camp.
- Supervise campers during both structured and unstructured activities and explorations.
- Ensure campers feel safe and happy by using positive motivation techniques, adhering to the Camp’s established codes of conduct, and following all safety guidelines.
- Adhere to the Camp Tule Staff Handbooks.
- Attend morning and afternoon meetings with all Camp staff and volunteers to reflect on, plan, and prepare for the day’s activities.
Benefits of Being a Camp Tule Counselor
- Spend time outdoors in a beautiful location, having fun, and getting exercise and fresh air.
- Learn about the Laguna wetlands.
- Learn environmental education techniques in a supportive and friendly setting.
- Practice field teaching, gain leadership skills, and work experience.
- Gain experience working with children and working collaboratively in a team.
Required Competencies
Required Education and Skills
- Strong collaboration and teamwork capabilities.
- Solid Interpersonal skills.
- Flexible/Adaptable.
- Commitment to the Organization’s Mission and Values.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each principal duty. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the principal duties and responsibilities.
Desired Education and Skills
- Minimum age requirement: 16 years.
- Strong verbal and interpersonal skills.
- Positive attitude with an enthusiastic desire to be a role model, friend, and teacher to children.
- Demonstrated experience, interest, and comfort working with children.
- Demonstrated emotional maturity.
- Strong cooperation skills.
- Demonstrated patience, compassion, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
- Ability to undertake high levels of responsibility.
Certification, Training, or Security Clearance Requirements
- Interest in environmental education.
- Leadership skills or a desire to develop.
- Knowledge or demonstrated interest in the natural world and the Laguna wetland ecosystem.
- Creative skills in music, art, crafting, etc.
- Experience participating in a club or on a sports team (or other activities outside of school).
- Previous camp experiences either as a camper, Counselor-in-Training, or Counselor.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) skills a plus.
- CPR/AED Certified Training.
- Legal authorization to work in the United States.
If not already certified, the Laguna Foundation will provide employees with the following:
Supervisory Responsibility
- If over 18: Mandated Reporter Training. Must complete training within 30 days of hire if not already completed in previous employment. Certificate of Completion must be submitted.
Camp Tule Counselors provide leadership and guidance to campers, supervising groups of up to 10 children during scheduled activities, meals, and free play to ensure safety, engagement, and a positive camp experience. Counselors model and promote positive behavior, support campers’ social and emotional growth, and maintain an inclusive and safe environment. They may also assist in mentoring Counselors-in-Training (CITs) under the direction of the Camp Director or Naturalists and collaborate with fellow staff to ensure smooth daily operations and adherence to camp values and safety standards.
Physical Demands/Work Environment
The physical demands outlined here reflect the requirements that employees must meet to successfully carry out the essential functions of this job. Employees must be able to perform physical tasks such as walking, running, or hiking over rough terrain, covering approximately 5 miles throughout the day. They should be comfortable working in various weather conditions, including cold, heat, and wind, with the possibility of encountering poisonous plants and biting or stinging insects, such as ticks. Vision requirements include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and maintaining focus. Employees must communicate effectively with campers ages 6-12 to provide necessary instructions and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques in a positive manner.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
When staff training and camp is in session, the usual work day is from 8:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., as scheduled. If tardiness or an absence is expected, prior arrangements MUST be made with the Camp Director.
- Camp Staff Training: Monday– Thursday, June 15-18, 2026 (9:00 am – 3:30 pm)
- Camp Session 1: Monday – Friday, June 22– 26, 2026
- Staff Workday: Monday, June 29
- Camp Session 2: Monday – Friday, July 6-10
- Camp Session 3: Monday – Friday July 13-17
- Camp Session 4: Monday – Friday, July 20-24
- Staff Workday & Celebration: Monday, July 27
Compensation
Hourly; temporary, non-exempt. All employees who work at least 30 days within a calendar year from the beginning of employment are entitled to paid sick leave. All regular employees working at least 20 hours per week and at least 30 days per calendar year will receive the equivalent of two weeks of their regularly scheduled work week but no less than 40 hours. Regular full-time employees, regular part-time employees, and seasonal employees who are regularly scheduled to work at least 20 hours per week are eligible for holiday time off with pay. Please refer to the Employee Handbook for a complete list of eligibility requirements and benefit details.
Travel
Counselors must have reliable transportation to the Laguna Environmental Center each day and are expected to arrive ready to work by 8:00 am and to remain on site until the conclusion of the work day unless prior arrangements have been made with the Camp Director. NOTE: there is no bus service to the Laguna Environmental Center. Address of worksite is 900 Sanford Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95401.
Organizational Mindset/Values
The successful candidate will be dynamic, possess integrity, be flexible, and be a creative team player. They will be driven by a passion for the sustainability of our natural environment and action-oriented change. They will thrive in situations involving multiple and diverse demands, adjust to changes in a growing organization, and be comfortable working in a team-oriented culture with an evolving non-profit fundraising environment. They will be strong connectors, build relationships with our stakeholders, and seek out new opportunities to connect with our community. They will be highly organized, detail-oriented, self-directed, and resourceful, with the ability to take initiative and follow through on independent projects. They will demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice through continuous learning, modeling inclusive behaviors, and proactively managing bias.
How to Apply
Please complete the Online Application Form (LINKED). Application deadline is Sunday, May 3, 2026. If you have any issues or questions about the application or need an accommodation, please email: christine@lagunafoundation.org.
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The Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin/ancestry, age, disability, marital or veterans status, or any other status protected by laws or regulations. We strive to employ a staff that represents the communities we serve and work in. All Genders, LGBTQ+, Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and People of Color are encouraged to apply.
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