Jameson Ranch Camp
UPDATES: Hiring for Summer 2026!
Hiring:
Horseback Riding Instructor
Plan and lead daily western horseback riding lessons and trail rides, both saddled and bareback, to riders of all abilities
Ensure safe experiences for all participants during activities and respond to emergencies appropriately
Teach horse care, safe riding techniques and horsemanship fundamentals to campers of all experience level
Perform daily horse care, including tacking, feeding, medicating on entire herd alongside the Wrangler and Lead Horseback Riding Instructor
Maintain corrals and barn alongside the Wrangler and Lead Horseback Riding Instructor
Actively participate in all camp events, evening programming and additional duties required of all camp staff to ensure a positive and safe camp experience for all participants
Regardless of the activity that a staff member leads, every counselor is a general counselor first and involved in creating person-to-person relationships, guiding campers and helping children make the most of their camp experience. Counselors live with and are responsible for a group of campers. They supervise meal times, maintain camp rules, and set a good example. Counselors help campers with everything from laundry to making beds, homesickness, personal hygiene and more. Being a counselor at Jameson Ranch Camp is a vital role, as the choices you make during the summer shape campers' entire experiences. The goal of every counselor is to give each camper a safe, fun and memorable summer where they learn about themselves, challenge themselves and learn to act spontaneously in the JRC way.
All staff are expected to do the following:
1. Live in sleeping areas with the campers and one or more other counselors.
2. Care for and provide a physically and emotionally safe environment for each camper.
3. Observe camper behavior and assess its appropriateness.
4. Communicate effectively with campers, peers, directors, and camper parents.
5. Write weekly reports home to camper parents (Week 1) or to directors (Week 2).
6. Provide necessary instruction to campers in the program assigned to them and in the sleeping area.
7. Assist campers with earning achievements and keep accurate records of achievements earned
8. Identify and respond to environmental and other hazards that may affect the campers.
9. Plan and run your activity six days per week.
10. As with any job position at Jameson Ranch Camp, you will be living and working in a camp community. At various times throughout the summer, you may be asked to help the community in ways beyond the set job description. This would not interfere with the above duties.
Fishing Instructor
Plan and lead fishing orientations and activities for campers of all experience levels
Ensure campers' safe participation in fishing activities on and off the lake
Maintain all fishing equipment throughout the summer
Actively participate in all camp events, evening programming and additional duties required of all camp staff to ensure a positive and safe camp experience for all participants
Regardless of the activity that a staff member leads, every counselor is a general counselor first and involved in creating person-to-person relationships, guiding campers and helping children make the most of their camp experience. Counselors live with and are responsible for a group of campers. They supervise meal times, maintain camp rules, and set a good example. Counselors help campers with everything from laundry to making beds, homesickness, personal hygiene and more. Being a counselor at Jameson Ranch Camp is a vital role, as the choices you make during the summer shape campers' entire experiences. The goal of every counselor is to give each camper a safe, fun and memorable summer where they learn about themselves, challenge themselves and learn to act spontaneously in the JRC way.
All staff are expected to do the following:
1. Live in sleeping areas with the campers and one or more other counselors.
2. Care for and provide a physically and emotionally safe environment for each camper.
3. Observe camper behavior and assess its appropriateness.
4. Communicate effectively with campers, peers, directors, and camper parents.
5. Write weekly reports home to camper parents (Week 1) or to directors (Week 2).
6. Provide necessary instruction to campers in the program assigned to them and in the sleeping area.
7. Assist campers with earning achievements and keep accurate records of achievements earned
8. Identify and respond to environmental and other hazards that may affect the campers.
9. Plan and run your activity six days per week.
10. As with any job position at Jameson Ranch Camp, you will be living and working in a camp community. At various times throughout the summer, you may be asked to help the community in ways beyond the set job description. This would not interfere with the above duties.
Lifeguard
Must have a current Lifeguard Certification from an agency approved by the American Camp Association.
Promote water safety and accident prevention at all waterfront areas, including our lake and pool.
Plan and lead safe and inventive programming across the following waterfront activities: Rope Swing, Pool, Kayaking, Canoeing, Sailing
Actively participate in all camp events, evening programming and additional duties required of all camp staff to ensure a positive and safe camp experience for all participants
Regardless of the activity that a staff member leads, every counselor is a general counselor first and involved in creating person-to-person relationships, guiding campers and helping children make the most of their camp experience. Counselors live with and are responsible for a group of campers. They supervise meal times, maintain camp rules, and set a good example. Counselors help campers with everything from laundry to making beds, homesickness, personal hygiene and more. Being a counselor at Jameson Ranch Camp is a vital role, as the choices you make during the summer shape campers' entire experiences. The goal of every counselor is to give each camper a safe, fun and memorable summer where they learn about themselves, challenge themselves and learn to act spontaneously in the JRC way.
All staff are expected to do the following:
1. Live in sleeping areas with the campers and one or more other counselors.
2. Care for and provide a physically and emotionally safe environment for each camper.
3. Observe camper behavior and assess its appropriateness.
4. Communicate effectively with campers, peers, directors, and camper parents.
5. Write weekly reports home to camper parents (Week 1) or to directors (Week 2).
6. Provide necessary instruction to campers in the program assigned to them and in the sleeping area.
7. Assist campers with earning achievements and keep accurate records of achievements earned
8. Identify and respond to environmental and other hazards that may affect the campers.
9. Plan and run your activity six days per week.
10. As with any job position at Jameson Ranch Camp, you will be living and working in a camp community. At various times throughout the summer, you may be asked to help the community in ways beyond the set job description. This would not interfere with the above duties.
Photographer
The photographer is responsible for capturing campers' and staff members' entire camp experiences. From daily routines like group singing and dining to activities and all camp special events, the photographer captures life at JRC.
Maintain camera equipment and process files daily
Occasionally, the photographer will have campers join them in activities, so it is imperative that the photographer be able to teach children of differing skill levels photography basics.
Regardless of the activity that a staff member leads, every counselor is a general counselor first and involved in creating person-to-person relationships, guiding campers and helping children make the most of their camp experience. Counselors live with and are responsible for a group of campers. They supervise meal times, maintain camp rules, and set a good example. Counselors help campers with everything from laundry to making beds, homesickness, personal hygiene and more. Being a counselor at Jameson Ranch Camp is a vital role, as the choices you make during the summer shape campers' entire experiences. The goal of every counselor is to give each camper a safe, fun and memorable summer where they learn about themselves, challenge themselves and learn to act spontaneously in the JRC way.
All staff are expected to do the following:
1. Live in sleeping areas with the campers and one or more other counselors.
2. Care for and provide a physically and emotionally safe environment for each camper.
3. Observe camper behavior and assess its appropriateness.
4. Communicate effectively with campers, peers, directors, and camper parents.
5. Write weekly reports home to camper parents (Week 1) or to directors (Week 2).
6. Provide necessary instruction to campers in the program assigned to them and in the sleeping area.
7. Assist campers with earning achievements and keep accurate records of achievements earned
8. Identify and respond to environmental and other hazards that may affect the campers.
9. Plan and run your activity six days per week.
10. As with any job position at Jameson Ranch Camp, you will be living and working in a camp community. At various times throughout the summer, you may be asked to help the community in ways beyond the set job description. This would not interfere with the above duties.
Additional Information About Jameson Ranch Camp
JRC values a variety of qualities in our camp staff members. While the list below is not exhaustive, it represents common qualities in our top-tier staff members. We acknowledge that many other traits also contribute to success at camp.
1. Initiative: The ability to take action and anticipate needs without being prompted.
2. Creativity: The capacity to think innovatively and find unconventional solutions to problems.
3. Tenacity: The strength to handle challenging, unexpected situations with resilience.
4. Positive Role Modeling: Understanding that campers closely observe your actions and always aim for positive, intentional, and suitable behavior.
5. Selflessness: Prioritizing the well-being of campers and the program over personal interests, time off, or staff social activities.
You may wonder, "Why should I work at camp this summer?" Some obvious benefits include being immersed in the Sierra Nevada Ecosystem, joining a supportive community, meeting new people, and forming global friendships. However, the less visible aspects of this experience often leave the most lasting impact.
A position at Jameson Ranch Camp offers invaluable skill development, leadership training, and enrichment opportunities that are truly unique. Regardless of your major or degree, working at camp allows you to acquire and refine skills that enhance your appeal to future employers. Former camp staff members typically possess more extensive experience in managing others and interpersonal skills compared to their peers at the college level.
What About Internships?
JRC can collaborate with your school to create meaningful internships that may lead to college credit. It's an excellent way to earn money while gaining academic recognition. Check with your college advisor to explore if you qualify. On our end, we are highly flexible and accommodating regarding internships, capstone projects, or college practicums.
In general, to be considered for a senior staff position at JRC, you need to meet certain prerequisites, including being at least 18 years old. Activity leader roles require completion of at least one year of college or a similar experience. Our younger staff, aged 17 or 18, are designated as Junior or Assistant Counselors and must have some leadership experience.