Camp Description
El Ranchito’s mission is to connect children with the natural world by providing an extraordinarily fun and inspiring nature-immersion camping experience. Campers intimately experience the land, its plants and animals, its creeks, and the starry night sky. A primitive tent camp, where staff and campers sleep, makes experiencing the natural world fun and safe for campers.The camp site is located on the Shield Ranch, just 20 miles southwest of Austin. El Ranchito is a project of the Shield Ranch Foundation in collaboration with El Buen Samaritano Episcopal Mission and Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center.
Position Description
Six camp counselors will work with 4th-9th graders in three week-long sessions, each for two grades only (4th-5th, 6th-7th, 8th-9th). Counselors will be responsible for engaging campers in group circle times, a variety of nature-focused activities, recreation, field trips, and journaling. During the camp sessions, each paired counselor team will be responsible for 8 campers 24-hours a day (including all meal times) with designated refresh time on rotation.
Employment and Camp Residency dates are June 8 – July 10.
Residency includes staff training and camp sessions with designated off and refresh time
Salary: $2,300 (plus $300 if selected to serve as lifeguard; pay rate for approved hours worked
outside of Employment Dates is $14/hr)
Classification: Seasonal Employment, health benefits not provided
outside of Employment Dates is $14/hr)
Classification: Seasonal Employment, health benefits not provided
Duties include but are not limited to:
- work with the staff to help prepare camp site and take part in staff training week
- facilitate nature-immersion and recreation activities with campers
- model 100% involvement with the program and commitment to the campers having fun in nature
- promote conservation values with children and staff
- participate in camp duty rotation with assigned crew
- serve as a healthy role model and guide providing insight, direction, nurture and support for campers
- cultivate effective working relationships with staff, volunteers, and camp participants
- live in a tent for camp duration — sharing quarters with one or more staff members
- support other staff as needed and contribute to the weekly camp evaluation and final evaluation after camp sessions end
Qualification Requirements
- two or more years of college or at least two years of related work experience required; experience in natural sciences or outdoor studies preferred
- preferred qualifications: proficiency in Spanish; lifeguard certification ($300 supplement)
- experience working with children ages 9-14
- experience tent camping, hiking, and exploring in natural areas
- experience working with children in outdoor and organized residential camp settings preferred
- willing to accept supervision, work independently and as part of a team
- willing to live in a tent camp setting without running water, air conditioning and use of electronics
- willing to follow a camp dress code
- proof of required CPR and Basic First Aid Certification (or better) before camp employment begins
- completion of a child protection course (part of our staff training)
- background check required. any candidate with a felony conviction will be disqualified
no tobacco, drugs, alcohol, or weapons are permitted at El Ranchito
Please submit application and resumé to employment@elranchito.org