Camp Putah Senior Recreation Leader

Camp Putah is a beloved nature education camp which has operated in Davis for over 50 years! Camp Putah is held at the Riparian Reserve along a creek near the University Airport. It is a 5-day program for kids ages 7 to 12, emphasizing outdoor education and nature exploration. Each day, camp staff and participants bike from Central Park to UC Davis’ Riparian Reserve where they engage in various activities including canoeing, archery, crafts, hiking and nature education with an overnight camp program on Thursday.

There are two Senior Recreation Leaders for Camp Putah and between five to six Camp Counselors. The two Senior Leaders will alternate as acting Senior Leader weekly, with one Senior Leader serving as the acting Camp Putah Senior Leader, while the other Senior Leader acts as a Camp Putah Recreation Leader.

Temporary part time (no benefits, paid for all hours worked)

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age or have education equivalent to completion of high school.

Camp runs for at least eight weeks from June 20 – August 21, 2026. Candidates must be available Monday - Wednesday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Thursdays from 7:00 a.m. through Friday at 3:00 p.m. for the weekly overnight.

Mandatory training is Saturday, June 6, 2026. Additional training will be held prior to summer. Must be available Monday, June 15 – Thursday, June 19 for on-site training.

$18.27/hour

• Load gear for each day into pick-up truck at warehouse, drive to Central Park
• Lead staff and volunteer morning meeting to prep for day
• Lead check-in of campers on first day of camp, communicating with parents, ensuring all emergency forms are complete and campers have everything they need
• Introduce staff and volunteers to campers, explain camp rules, and get everyone excited
• Drive the pick-up truck to pick up and tow canoes to the creek
• Unload gear for the day and set up activities (archery, tie dye, canoeing, etc…)
• Drive to pick up campers and bikes that may have crashed or have mechanical issues and drive them to camp
• Manage time for activity rotations keeping staff and volunteers on track
• Coordinate with Nature Education Instructor to continue this long standing activity at camp
• Set up camp space for parent presentations with skits on Thursdays, guide staff and volunteers through Thursday evening ‘night hikes’ and getting campers ready for spending the night outdoors
• Drive to get breakfast foods Friday mornings to take to camp, load all overnight gear into pick-up truck and take to Central Park
• Lead checkout of campers every day, ensuring campers go home with the right person, and each child is accounted for

• Oversee and run Camp Putah alongside other Senior Leader and Camp Putah Recreation Leaders
• Assist the Camp Manager and Program Coordinator with interviewing, hiring, training, supervising and evaluating camp staff and volunteers
• Train, supervise, motivate, and evaluate camp staff and volunteers
• Delegate and assign tasks to Camp Putah Recreation Leaders, Outdoor Education Recreation Leaders, and Camp Putah volunteers
• Document and organize Camp Putah information, including activities, schedules, songs, and other traditions of Camp Putah
• Plan and coordinate implementation of daily logistics related to Camp Putah
• Extensive planning, organization, decision-making and supervision of staff
• Inventory camp equipment, order new supplies and maintain gear
• Be a positive role model to elementary and middle school aged children
• Build positive relationships with campers helping them strengthen life skills and create fun lasting memories
• Initiate and lead activities including canoeing, archery, hikes, crafts, games and bicycling in a rural, outdoor setting
• Ensure equipment and facilities are safely and properly prepared and maintained
• Keep work environments clean and organized
• Communicate with camper parents regarding camp details and logistics
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other City staff
• Assist camp staff in the organization of the volunteer program
• Assist in preparation of required documents such as workers’ compensation forms,…