Work at Camp
Staff Positions
Each of our camps has unique characteristics so feel free to explore our site, ask questions, and apply for a position at the one that suits you the best. With one application you can apply to all three camps. We often create roles based on applicant experience. If you don’t see a role that suits you perfectly email us for a conversation about how you might fit on our team.
Santa Cruz Mountains Overnight Camp
2025 Dates:
Arrival for Equestrian, Lifeguard and Ropes Course Training May 31
All Staff Training June 4-8th
Camper sessions June 9th-August 9th
Positions
Must be 18+ with a year of college or work experience
Cabin Counselor
This is a role perfect for someone who has worked at a camp before or is interested in a career working with kids. Cabin counselors are responsible for the physical and emotional well being of the campers in their cabin. From bedtime routines, conflict resolution and special celebrations- these counselors do it all! While some of your day may be instructing activities, your main role is to be a primary caregiver for your group of kiddos. Each counselor also teaches activities during each activity day.
These include:
Ropes Course/Climbing (experience appreciated but not necessary)
BMX
Culinary Arts
Fencing
Lifeguard
Ropes Staff
Equestrian Staff
Performing Arts
Animal Care
Ceramics
Fencing
Trapeze
Outdoor Adventure
Social Media/Photos
Yearbook
Don’t see your specialty on this list? Don’t worry we have over 40 activities. Submit your application and our staff can talk to you in detail about what role might suit you best.
Activity Coordinator
Each activity area in camp needs someone with experience to lead the staff and program. If you have been at a camp before or are seeking a degree in a specific program area this role is a great option.
Examples include:
Equestrian Coordinator
Ceramics Coordinator
Ropes Coordinator
Waterfront Coordinator
Evening Programs
Support Staff
Support staff are what make Kennolyn possible!
Store Counselor
Office
Mail/Store
Other positions include: Dining Room Host, Kitchen Staff, Operations and Facilities, Cleaning Crew and more!
Next Steps
Curious? Fill out our interest form or contact Samantha samantha@kennolyn.com or call 831-479-6714 ext 448.
Definitely want to apply? Complete the required application.
Huntington Lake Overnight Camp
2025 Dates:
International Counselors June 20 – August 22
International and Domestic Support Staff June 13 – August 15 or 22
Domestic Counselors June 27 – August 3
Positions
Must be 18+ with a year of college, work experience or independent international travel.
Cabin Counselor/Activity Instructor
At the lake, our program is small enough to be able to enjoy both the opportunity to live in a cabin group with one other counselor and as many as 8 campers and the diversity of teaching the many different activities we offer. As a cabin counselor, you have the responsibility of making sure the physical and emotional needs of each or your campers are being met each day. From personal hygiene, health and safety, bedtime and morning routines and camper relationship dynamics, you get to do it all for the one week your campers are under your care. After breakfast and cabin clean up, you move to your area(s) of expertise and enjoy the opportunity to share your skills with the campers that have signed up for your activities. Because we are on Huntington Lake, the majority of our activities are offered on the waterfront, but don’t forget we’re also located in California’s Sierra Mountain Range so camping, outdoor living skills and hiking are also an important part of our summer program. Just before dinner, you move back to your cabin counselor role and see to the rest of the afternoon and evening programs with your cabin group before you put them to bed.
List of Activities taught at Huntington Lake
(Activities with * require previous experience and or recognized qualifications)
Lifeguards*
Boat Drivers*
Waterski/Wakeboarding Instructors*
Sailing Instructors*
Backpacking*
Kayaking instructors
Standup Paddle board Instructors
Fishing
Arts & Crafts
Photojournalism
Creative Writing
Yoga
Ukulele
Chess
Outdoor Adventure
Outdoor Cooking
Hiking
Frisbee Golf
Archery
Ping Pong
Axe Throwing
Activity Coordinator
Waterfront Director*
Support Staff
As Kennolyn at Huntington Lake is a smaller program, our support staff enjoy the opportunity of having a diverse list of responsibilities over the summer. From groundskeeping, housekeeping, kitchen and operations, you’ll get to know the ins and outs of our operations.
Next Steps
Sound interesting? Fill out our interest form or contact Mike Higginbotham at mike@kennolyn.com or call +1 (831) 818-5437. Definitely want to apply? Complete the required staff application.
Day Camp, Santa Cruz Mountains
2025 Dates:
– We’re flexible for qualified applicants (+ time off for finals)
– Lifeguard Training June 1-3
– Ropes Training June 1-3
– All Staff Training June 4-6
– Camper Sessions June 9 – August 8
– Camp closed July 4 – extra time off!
Details:
– Must have local housing (Santa Cruz or Santa Clara counties)
– Completely separate location and staff from Overnight Camps
– Hours 8:30-4:30 Mon-Fri (weekends off)
– Starting pay $16.50/hr
– Bonuses for lifeguarding, CPR, and mental health 1st aid
– Option to get paid to ride camp bus each day
– Read job description here
Qualifications:
– graduated high school or Kennolyn LIT2/CIT program
– Fun, creative, intelligent, upbeat, passionate
– Love the outdoors
– Extremely responsible
– Love working with children
Positions
Group Counselor
Group counselors are paired with a partner and look after 12-20 campers each session. They are responsible for the physical and emotional well-being of the campers in their group and lead some activities (sports, target sports, fort building) with their partner. They assist Activity Counselors in other specialized activities (climbing, crafts, pool, and more) for the remaining part of the day.
Activity Counselor
Activity Counselors specialize and lead a specific activity each day. Camper “Free Play” during lunch offers Activity Counselors a way to connect with campers outside their usual activity. They also help lead our afternoon event on Fridays where they transform into fun characters complete with costumes to wrap up the week. These positions include:
Lifeguard
High Ropes
Climbing
BMX
Equestrian
Animal Care
Fencing
Outdoor Adventure
Office
Social Media/Photos
Activity Coordinator
Two of our activity areas require experienced leaders who supervise a small group of Activity Counselors. If you have been at a camp before or have experience in this area this role is a great option. Examples include:
Ropes Coordinator
Waterfront Coordinator
Next Steps
- Curious? Fill out the interest form and we’ll send you more info
- Wanna talk? Book a time or just call Dan at 831-479-6714 ext 447
- See camp + interview on the same day on March 23 or April 27 – email dan@kennolyn.com with a preferred 30 minute time slot between 9am-12pm
- Ready to apply? Complete the required application