Youth Development Specialist
Camp Mendocino is a residential summer camp located in Northern California, four hours north of San Francisco and spread over 2,000 acres. We provide transportation between San Francisco and Camp at the start and end of the summer. All Camp employees are expected to live, sleep and work at Camp. As a program of the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco (BGCSF), we are dedicated to providing children and teens with safe, fun places to learn and grow, with professional staff to offer support and guidance, serving as caring mentors and role models.
Who are we:
We’re not just a summer camp—we’re a community. We provide a safe, transformative outdoor experience for youth from diverse backgrounds including youth from some of San Francisco’s least resourced neighborhoods; grounded in diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and joy. Our staff culture values growth, teamwork, professionalism, and fun.
Who are you:
You are a youth-centered role model with strong emotional intelligence, integrity, and a love for the outdoors. You collaborate well, bring creativity and patience, and are eager to learn, grow, and support a diverse community of campers and staff.
Position Purpose
A Youth Development Specialist (Camp Counselor) works closely with a small team to supervise a group of up to 40 youth. Ensures a fun, safe, and positive camp experience for campers. A Camp Counselor manages behavior issues and participates in all Camp activities, runs some activities whilst always promoting positive character development.
Key Responsibilities
- Responsible for participation of small groups of youth in assigned activities
- Ensure youth engage in appropriately in all Camp activities
- Provide emotional support and guidance to campers
- Ensure campers’ medical needs are met through monitoring, and utilizing onsite infirmary staff
- Foster growth in the areas of: life skills, self care, and interpersonal skills
- Ensure safety of all campers in their group including setting clear safety expectations, observing and engaging campers while in their care, assessing the appropriateness of camper behaviors
- Supervise youth at all times including overnight in a cabin with approximately 5 campers
- Engage campers with positivity, including participating in all activities, overnight hikes, and other activities such as swimming, arts & crafts, archery, biking, hiking, gardening, environmental education, and challenge course elements
- Lead & plan traditional Camp activities, including but not limited to: arts & crafts, archery, hiking, environmental education, and sports.
- Foster character development consistent with BGCSF philosophy
- Other duties as specified by direct supervisor
Required Skills
- Previous experience in supervising and developing youth
- Experience working with youth
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with coworkers and campers
- Ability to handle difficult or stressful situations in a professional manner
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Preferred Skills
- Minimum of 2 years experience working with youth
- Experience working with youth in an overnight camp setting
- Experience working with youth from disadvantaged circumstances
Physical Requirements
- Must be able to lift 50lbs.
- Must be able to walk on uneven terrain for at least 3 miles
- Must be able to be stand for 8 hours (with breaks)
- Must be able to work in temperatures ranging from 30° to 100°
Schedule
- Temporary/Seasonal Summer position.
- Applicants should be available June 12 - August 6, 2026 to work & live on-site at our Camp location in Northern California (Mendocino County).
- Staff members work 40-56 hours/week depending on position with two days off per week. Days off vary per session.
Lodging
Lodging is provided for all staff on site. Camp Counselors will sleep on bunk beds in open-air cabins while supervising youth overnight.
Benefits
- Onsite lodging is provided for all staff.
- Three cooked meals per day are provided onsite, including on days off (gluten-free, vegan, & vegetarian options).
- Free onsite laundry.
- Employee Assistance Program: in-person counseling + 24/7 confidential mental health support.
- Onsite workout facilities.
- Free Wifi access in the staff lounge.
- Free 1-year membership to the American Camp Association
Pay
The wage range for this role takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and BGCSF needs. At BGCSF, our decisions are based on other factors and dependant on circumstances for each position. Depending on the need and requirement of the position, an individual could be hired at or near the entry level, mid - level or top of the range for their role and compensation. As such, a reasonable estimate for this temporary summer position from June 12 - August 6, 2026, is $4,195.00.
Disclaimer
Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, nor to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.
If you’re excited about this opportunity, but your experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyways and attach a cover letter explaining why it would be a good fit. You may just be the right candidate!
IMPACT | GROWTH | COMMUNITY