Village Lead Counselor

Description

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

Lead counselors manage a small team of Camp counselors (6-8 staff) and are responsible for a group of up to 20 youth, ensuring a positive camp experience, managing behavior issues, and participating in all Camp activities. 

Key Responsibilities

• Foster camper growth in the areas of: life skills, self-care, and interpersonal skills.
• Ensure the 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.
• Manage and coach counselors ensuring proper supervision of youth, including running daily team meetings.
• Ensure the physical and emotional needs of staff and campers in their group are being met.
• Oversees the daily schedule and activities schedule for campers is adhered to.
• Lead & plan traditional Camp activities, including but not limited to: arts & crafts, archery, hiking, environmental education, and sports. 
• Facilitate mediation, mentoring, and conflict resolution.
• Work as a liaison between youth and staff to sustain a positive, safe, and fun environment.
• Contact parents/guardians and ensure consistent communication with camper families.
• Ensure campers’ medical needs are met through consultation with infirmary staff.
• Attend all required meetings and training.
• Maintain accurate documentation and paperwork.
• Foster character development consistent with BGCSF philosophy.
• Engage campers with positivity, including participating in cheers, talent shows, and overnight hikes.
• Directly supervise youth in activities or in a cabin overnight.
• Other duties as specified by the direct supervisor.

Requirements

Required Skills

• Minimum 2 years experience in youth development.
• Experience working with middle school-aged youth. 
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and communicate with coworkers, parents, and campers.
• Ability to handle challenging or stressful situations in a professional manner.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Preferred Skills

• Experience working with youth from disadvantaged circumstances.
• Experience working with youth in an overnight camp setting.
• Experience supervising staff.

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 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 7- 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. Lead Counselors will sleep on bunk beds in open-air cabins while supervising youth overnight. 

By the end of the summer, an incredible Lead Counselor will:

• Build a safe & positive environment.
• Create opportunities for fun & belonging for all campers. 
• Establish supportive relationships with campers and adult staff.
• Encourage a sense of belonging, usefulness, influence, and confidence in campers.
• Create intentional & inclusive plans for campers who need extra support.
• Coach staff in best practices working with youth.
• Advocate for staff well-being, and support their professional growth.

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 are dependent on the circumstances of 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 7 - August 6, 2026 is $5,000. 

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!