Bar 717 Ranch/Camp Trinity
UPDATES: Hiring for Summer 2026!
Hiring:
Camp Counselors
Our staff are the most important part of Camp. We’re eager to hire people who will thrive in a child-oriented, outdoor environment. Counselors are role models, leaders, organizers, substitute parents, motivators, big brothers or sisters and friends who, through their thoughts and actions, exemplify positive character and values.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum age 19 by June 2026
Passion for working with youth
Quick learner with strong problem solving skills
Accepting of diversity in culture, race, religion, gender identity, and ethnicity
Strong communication skills with children, peers, and supervisors
Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
Ability to seek and accept supervision and guidance
Enthusiasm, good judgment, patience, adaptability and self-control
Willing to take alcohol and/or drug tests on request of employer
Ability to complete Lifeguard/CPR and Wilderness First Aid Training
Able to be a resident at camp from June 6, 2026 to at least August 9, 2026
Seeking people with these skills: childcare, backpacking, horsemanship, homesteading, gardening, farm animal care, trail construction and maintenance, woodworking, blacksmithing, climbing, and more. For a full list of programs, please see our Programs page.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Live with and lead a group of 5-15 campers in an almost entirely outdoor environment
Perform all childcare related duties including monitoring health and hygiene, bedtime and morning time routines, and supervising living areas
Facilitate positive group dynamics and foster a culture of kindness and inclusion
Participate enthusiastically in planning and leadership of daily camp program including evening activities and special events.
Supervise and offer guidance to campers during all camp activities, including enforcing safety regulations
Communicate with the directors regarding any concerns related to campers’ safety and well-being,including but not limited to bullying, physical hazards, and functioning of equipment
Set a good example for campers and other staff members by demonstrating punctuality, team work, sharing of chores and clean up, manners and mealtime etiquette
Encourage respect for other people, the environment, personal property, camp equipment, and camp facilities
Attend and participate in regular staff meetings and be responsible for reading and responding to all postings in the staff area
Maintain good public relations with camper parents, visitors, and the local community
Follow all camp rules and policies, including for time off
Complete necessary forms, reports, and trainings
Participate in camp set up and closing as requested
Assist as needed with any camp related activities and duties
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Ability to demonstrate patience and sensitivity to the needs of a diverse group of campers.
Ability to observe and assess camper behavior, enforce safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior management techniques.
Ability to follow clear verbal and written instructions.
Ability to sustain moderate physical exertion; including hiking in 100+ degree heat; negotiating uneven terrain; carrying a backpack weighing 35 lbs., and possessing physical strength and endurancerequired to maintain constant supervision of campers.
Communication skills and cognitive abilities to give individual instruction, conduct group activities and to give clear and effective verbal presentations and instructions to groups of up to 150 people.
Physical ability to assist campers in the event of an emergency (CPR, fire, earthquake, injury, etc.)
Backpacking Counselors
Our staff are the most important part of Camp. We’re eager to hire people who will thrive in a child-oriented, outdoor environment. Counselors are role models, leaders, organizers, substitute parents, motivators, big brothers or sisters and friends who, through their thoughts and actions, exemplify positive character and values.
Backpacking counselors are responsible for running our Alps Backpacking program, which involves trip planning, coordination, and leadership for our 4-day/3-night trips to the Trinity Alps. Our backpacking program gives campers an opportunity to test themselves physically while exploring the rugged and beautiful nearby wilderness. We want our staff to help kids learn backcountry skills and etiquette as well as gain a sense of shared accomplishment through physical challenge and teamwork. Staff need to be confident with their skills in the backcountry and also confident in their ability to support young people through the experience. Backpacking counselors are passionate about sharing their love of the outdoors with young people and ideally have multi-day trip-leading experience. All Alps Counselors are also part of our counseling staff and live with a group of campers and participate fully in other camp activities.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum age 19 by June 2026
Experience leading multi-day trips in the outdoors preferred
Accepting of diversity in culture, race, religion, gender identity, and ethnicity
Strong communication skills with children, peers, and supervisors
Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
Ability to seek and accept supervision and guidance
Enthusiasm, good judgment, patience, adaptability and self-control
Willing to take alcohol and/or drug tests on request of employer
Able to be a resident at camp from June 6, 2026 to at least August 9, 2026
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Live with and lead a group of 5-15 campers in an almost entirely outdoor environment
Perform all childcare related duties including monitoring health and hygiene, bedtime and morning time routines, and supervising living areas
Facilitate positive group dynamics and foster a culture of kindness and inclusion
Participate enthusiastically in planning and leadership of daily camp program including evening activities and special events.
Supervise and offer guidance to campers during all camp activities, including enforcing safety regulations
Communicate with the directors regarding any concerns related to campers’ safety and well-being, including but not limited to bullying, physical hazards, and functioning of equipment
Set a good example for campers and other staff members by demonstrating punctuality, team work, sharing of chores and clean up, manners and mealtime etiquette
Encourage respect for other people, the environment, personal property, camp equipment, and camp facilities
Attend and participate in regular staff meetings and be responsible for reading and responding to all postings in the staff area
Maintain good public relations with camper parents, visitors, and the local community
Follow all camp rules and policies, including for time off
Complete necessary forms, reports, and trainings
Participate in camp set up and closing as requested
Assist as needed with any camp related activities and duties
Work with a team of 4 backpacking counselors to coordinate, plan, and run backpacking trips to the Trinity Alps
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Ability to demonstrate patience and sensitivity to the needs of a diverse group of campers.
Ability to observe and assess camper behavior, enforce safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior management techniques.
Ability to follow clear verbal and written instructions.
Ability to sustain moderate physical exertion; including hiking in 100+ degree heat; negotiating uneven terrain; carrying a backpack weighing 35 lbs., and possessing physical strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers.
Communication skills and cognitive abilities to give individual instruction, conduct group activities and to give clear and effective verbal presentations and instructions to groups of up to 150 people.
Physical ability to assist campers in the event of an emergency (CPR, fire, earthquake, injury, etc.)
Horsemanship Counselors
Our staff are the most important part of Camp. We’re eager to hire people who will thrive in a child-oriented, outdoor environment. Counselors are role models, leaders, organizers, substitute parents, motivators, big brothers or sisters and friends who, through their thoughts and actions, exemplify positive character and values.
Horsemanship staff are responsible for caring for the herd of horses (approximately 25 horses), leading trail rides, teaching lessons, etc. We mostly operate a western riding program, with trail rides being our main activity. However, we also teach children English riding lessons, jumping, vaulting, and other arena-based activities. We want our staff to help kids learn about horsemanship, so that really means teaching them what it means to care for a horse, not just to ride. Staff need to be confident riders, and also confident in their ability to help others ride and care for horses on the ground. Our barn counselors are also responsible for a group of campers and participate fully in other camp activities outside of the barn as well.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum age 19 by June 2026
Experience working with horses, both on the ground and under saddle; teaching experience is a plus
Accepting of diversity in culture, race, religion, gender identity, and ethnicity
Strong communication skills with children, peers, and supervisors
Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
Ability to seek and accept supervision and guidance
Enthusiasm, good judgment, patience, adaptability and self-control
Willing to take alcohol and/or drug tests on request of employer
Able to be a resident at camp from June 6, 2026 to at least August 9, 2026
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Live with and lead a group of 5-15 campers in an almost entirely outdoor environment
Perform all childcare related duties including monitoring health and hygiene, bedtime and morning time routines, and supervising living areas
Facilitate positive group dynamics and foster a culture of kindness and inclusion
Participate enthusiastically in planning and leadership of daily camp program including evening activities and special events.
Supervise and offer guidance to campers during all camp activities, including enforcing safety regulations
Communicate with the directors regarding any concerns related to campers’ safety and well-being, including but not limited to bullying, physical hazards, and functioning of equipment
Set a good example for campers and other staff members by demonstrating punctuality, team work, sharing of chores and clean up, manners and mealtime etiquette
Encourage respect for other people, the environment, personal property, camp equipment, and camp facilities
Attend and participate in regular staff meetings and be responsible for reading and responding to all postings in the staff area
Maintain good public relations with camper parents, visitors, and the local community
Follow all camp rules and policies, including for time off
Complete necessary forms, reports, and trainings
Participate in camp set up and closing as requested
Assist as needed with any camp related activities and duties
Participate in morning chores, AM/PM feeding rotation, catching, grooming, tacking and watering of horses prior to trail rides
Lead/Drag on trail rides daily; teach lessons in the ring
Help campers mount/dismount
Check tack to make sure everything is working properly and fitting appropriately
Helping to plan barn program activities and events for campers
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Ability to demonstrate patience and sensitivity to the needs of a diverse group of campers.
Ability to observe and assess camper behavior, enforce safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior management techniques.
Ability to follow clear verbal and written instructions.
Ability to sustain moderate physical exertion; including hiking in 100+ degree heat; negotiating uneven terrain; carrying a backpack weighing 35 lbs., and possessing physical strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers.
Communication skills and cognitive abilities to give individual instruction, conduct group activities and to give clear and effective verbal presentations and instructions to groups of up to 150 people.
Physical ability to assist campers in the event of an emergency (CPR, fire, earthquake, injury, etc.)
Garden Program Counselor
Our staff are the most important part of Camp. We’re eager to hire people who will thrive in a child-oriented, outdoor environment. Counselors are role models, leaders, organizers, substitute parents, motivators, big brothers or sisters and friends who, through their thoughts and actions, exemplify positive character and values.
Our Garden Program Counselor is responsible for maintaining two gardens, including weeding, watering, harvesting, and planting; working with our kitchen staff to utilize garden produce in camp meals; working with platform counselors and campers to teach gardening skills, and planning and supervising a daily program that introduces campers to the joys of growing food and working in the garden. This position will also have additional camper supervision duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Minimum age 19 by June 2026
Accepting of diversity in culture, race, religion, gender identity, and ethnicity
Strong communication skills with children, peers, and supervisors
Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
Ability to seek and accept supervision and guidance
Enthusiasm, good judgment, patience, adaptability and self-control
Willing to take alcohol and/or drug tests on request of employer
Able to be a resident at camp from June 6, 2026 to at least August 9, 2026
Possession of a valid Driver’s License
Ability to obtain California Food Handler’s Certificate.
Experience in farming or gardening for food production preferred
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Ability to demonstrate patience and sensitivity to the needs of a diverse group of campers.
Ability to observe and assess camper behavior, enforce safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior management techniques.
Ability to follow clear verbal and written instructions.
Ability to sustain moderate physical exertion; including hiking in 100+ degree heat; negotiating uneven terrain; carrying a backpack weighing 35 lbs., and possessing physical strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers.
Communication skills and cognitive abilities to give individual instruction, conduct group activities and to give clear and effective verbal presentations and instructions to groups of up to 150 people.
Physical ability to assist campers in the event of an emergency (CPR, fire, earthquake, injury, etc.)
Horsemanship Program Assistant
Our staff are the most important part of Camp. We’re eager to hire people who will thrive in a child-oriented, outdoor environment. Counselors are role models, leaders, organizers, substitute parents, motivators, big brothers or sisters and friends who, through their thoughts and actions, exemplify positive character and values.
Our Horsemanship Assistant is an integral part of our horsemanship staff and provides daily support to our horsemanship program, which introduces campers to the joys of working with horses. The Horsemanship Assistant is responsible for camper supervision, support for horsemanship staff, and daily horse care and barn management. This position will also have additional camper supervision duties in our general camp program as assigned.
Qualifications:
Minimum age 19 by June 2026
Passion for working with youth and with horses
Experience in riding and horsemanship instruction
Experience in barn management and horse care
Quick learner with strong problem solving skills
Accepting of diversity in culture, race, religion, gender identity, and ethnicity
Strong communication skills with children, peers, and supervisors
Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
Ability to seek and accept supervision and guidance
Enthusiasm, good judgment, patience, adaptability and self-control
Willing to take alcohol and/or drug tests on request of employer
Possession of a valid Driver’s License
Ability to complete Lifeguard/CPR and Wilderness First Aid Training
Able to be a resident at camp from June 2, 2026 to at least August 9, 2026
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Set a positive example for campers and fellow staff by working efficiently, acting responsibly and maintaining positivity on a daily basis.
Participate in morning chores, AM/PM feeding rotation, catching, grooming, tacking and watering of horses prior to trail rides
Lead/Drag on trail rides daily; teach lessons in the ring
Help campers mount/dismount
Check tack to make sure everything is working properly and fitting appropriately
Provide basic first aid and other necessary care to horses outside of program time
Helping to plan barn program activities and events for campers
Support Staff (Kitchen, Laundry, Housekeeping)
Our staff are the most important part of Camp. We’re eager to hire people who will thrive in a child-oriented, outdoor environment. Our kitchen staff play an essential role in the functioning of Camp by preparing, serving, and cleaning 600+ meals per day. We are eager to hire people who will thrive in a child-oriented, outdoor environment. Our staff creates a mature and strong, responsible and reliable, sensitive and thoughtful community of adults who are willing to work in a way that serves the best interests of the children and the Ranch.
Qualifications
Minimum age 18 by June 2026
Accepting of diversity in culture, race, religion, gender identity, and ethnicity
Strong communication skills with children, peers, and supervisors
Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
Ability to seek and accept supervision and guidance
Enthusiasm, good judgment, patience, adaptability and self-control
Willing to take alcohol and/or drug tests on request of employer
Able to be a resident at camp from June 6, 2026 to at least August 9, 2026
Ability to obtain California Food Handler’s Certificate.
Experience in food service, kitchen sanitation and maintenance, and/or food preparation preferred
Horsemanship Program Director
To Apply: Please send a resume and a brief cover letter detailing relevant experience and your interest in
the position to sierra@bar717.com with subject line “Horsemanship Program Director.”
Our Horsemanship Director is responsible for the overall supervision of Camp’s horsemanship program. This is a full-time, seasonal position with the possibility for multi-year seasonal employment. As a key member of our team, the Horsemanship Director works with the Camp Directors to plan,
organize, and execute a comprehensive program that focuses on education, skill-building, and adventure, and teaches campers about the joys of working with horses. Our program teaches primarily Western riding, and we offer a range of activities for campers at various skill levels including trail riding, arena lessons, groundwork lessons and demonstrations, grooming and tacking, horseback games and events, and horseback overnight trips. The Horsemanship Director is responsible for managing the Horsemanship Team, coordinating daily barn tasks and horse care for our herd of 20-25 horses, and scheduling camper activities. We are eager to hire people who will thrive in a child-oriented, outdoor environment, and who are excited about the opportunity to help build and sustain a core Camp program. Come join our big ranch family and spend your summers working, living, and playing in the mountains!
Major Job Functions
Program Management
Plan and organize daily horsemanship program activities including occasional evening activities and special events.
Manage health and safety conditions in the riding areas and in the barns/corrals, including ensuring compliance with safety guidelines and standards as outlined by the Bar 717 Ranch and the American Camp Association.
Communicate with the Directors in a timely manner regarding any concerns related to safety and well-being of campers, staff, and horses.
Maintain good public relations with camper parents, visitors, and the local community.
Complete necessary forms and reports as needed.
Horse Care & Education
Manage health and care of a herd of approximately 20-25 horses including feeding, basic first aid, medication administration and documentation, and communication with local veterinary office.
Oversee basic daily barn chores including stall cleaning and catching, grooming, and tacking horses.
Teach basic skills to riders of all levels including how to mount, dismount, steer, and maintain safe position in the saddle.
Leadership
Supervise and support the horsemanship staff, including a Program Assistant and 4-6 Counselors.
Demonstrate good judgement, leadership, self-sufficiency, and respect for others.
Set a good example for other staff members demonstrating punctuality, team work, sharing of chores.
Miscellaneous
Manage personal time off in accordance with camp policy.
Job duties may be subject to change pursuant to the activities of the camp, camp needs, and the organization as a whole.
Requirements
Personal Characteristics
Desire, commitment, and ability to work with and care for children ages 7-16.
Accepting of diversity in culture, race, religion, gender identity, and ethnicity.
Excellent role model for children with outstanding character, integrity, and leadership skills.
Enthusiasm, good judgment, patience, adaptability and self-control.
Qualifications and Experience
Minimum:
Minimum age 21.
5+ years of relevant experience riding, working with, and caring for horses; familiarity with both Western and English riding style and equipment.
3+ years of relevant experience with team and program management.
Strong communication skills with children, peers, and supervisors.
Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
Ability to seek and accept supervision and guidance.
Willing to take alcohol and/or drug tests on request of the employer.
Possession of a valid Driver’s License.
Preferred:
10+ years of experience working with and caring for horses; prior experience teaching riding skills to all levels.
Completed certification or documented training from a recognized organization or certifying body for horseback riding instruction, or equivalent documentation.
Current Red Cross First Aid & CPR certifications or the equivalent; Wilderness First Aid (training available on-site).
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
Communication skills and cognitive abilities to give individual instruction, conduct group activities and to give clear and effective verbal presentations and instructions to groups of up to 150 people
Physical ability to assist campers in the event of an emergency (CPR, fire, earthquake, injury, etc.)
Ability to sustain moderate physical exertion; including hiking in 100+ degree heat; negotiating uneven terrain; lifting hay bales up to 60lbs, carrying a backpack weighing 35 lbs., and possessing physical strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers.
Hours, Benefits, and Compensation
Full time May - September
Compensation dependent on experience starting at $800 - $1000 per week
Resident staff preferred
Housing, meals, and laundry service are provided for resident staff for the duration of our summer camp season
Supportive community of coworkers and supervisors
A rewarding summer spent outside and unplugged in a beautiful place
Additional Information About Bar 717 Ranch/Camp Trinity
Camp Trinity on the Bar 717 Ranch is a residential summer camp for kids ages 7-16 on a working ranch in Northern California. Our mission is to provide an outdoor camp experience where children have daily opportunities to have fun, develop friendships, challenge themselves, learn new skills, gain a sense of community, and make their own choices. Campers choose freely from activities that range from horseback riding, animal care, gardening, crafting, ceramics, and woodworking to backpacking trips, campfires, singing, and much more.
For more than 90 years, the Bar 717 Ranch has welcomed children to the beautiful mountains of Trinity County in Northern California to experience nature, form deep friendships, and have big fun. At Camp, nature is our constant companion. By taking time to appreciate the beauty of the land, by swimming in rivers and climbing mountains, by growing gardens, raising our own food and making compost, we foster in campers a deep understanding and appreciation of the environment.
We pride ourselves on fostering an environment where every kid can create a magical camp experience based on their interests and passions. We believe that children thrive in an atmosphere where both individuality and community are nurtured with warm, seasoned leadership. Campers return home with a newfound sense of self-reliance and a deep connection to community.
The Bar 717 Ranch is committed to core values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Working at Camp can be one of the most rewarding jobs of your life! We look forward to reading your application.