Recreation Leader - Outdoor Education

Camp Putah, Summer Sampler, and Backyard Adventures are three camps that fall under the Outdoor Education programs for the City of Davis. Camp Putah is a beloved nature education camp which is held at the Riparian Reserve along a creek near the University Airport. It is a 5-day program for 7 to 12 year old youth 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. Summer Sampler offers participants a little bit of everything, with each day’s activities inspired by other City of Davis camps, including Camp Putah, Summer Quest, and Kids in the Kitchen.

Backyard Adventures is a throwback to spending summer afternoons outside with friends. Activities involve tent making, scavenger hunts, bug catching, camp stories, and team games. All three camps, like many City of Davis camps, are biking and swimming camps.

Applicants must be at least 16 years of age.

Must be proficient in bicycling and must own a bike that will be used weekly. Will bike upwards of 10 miles per day with coworkers, volunteers and campers.

Wages: $16.97/hr community Services Specialist I.

Status: Temporary Part Time. (no benefits, paid for all hours worked)

City of Davis summer camps run for ten weeks from June 15 – August 21, 2026. Depending on the camp assigned for the week, candidates must be available Monday - Wednesday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Thursdays 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Camp Putah), or Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Summer Sampler and Backyard Adventures). Mandatory training is Saturday, June 6, 2026.

Additional training will be held prior to summer. Must be available Monday, June 15 – Thursday, June 18 for on-site training.

Under the supervision of the Camp Manager and Camp Directors, the Outdoor Education Recreation Leader will rotate through three Outdoor Education camps:
Camp Putah, Summer Sampler, and Backyard Adventures. Outdoor Education Recreation Leaders will serve in a support role to Camp Putah leaders when assigned to Camp Putah, and will serve as one of the primary staff members leading groups on weeks assigned to Summer Sampler and Backyard Adventures.

• Be a positive role model to elementary and middle school aged children as well as high school aged volunteers
• Build positive relationships with campers helping them strengthen life skills and create fun lasting memories
• Initiate and lead activities including cooking, crafts, games and bicycling in a rural, outdoor setting
• Ensure the safety and supervision of campers, equipment and facilities
• Keep work environments clean and organized
• Communicate with campers parents regarding camper behavior, injuries and other relevant camp information
• Report daily and weekly to Senior Leaders, Camp Managers, and/or Program Coordinators
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and other City staff
• Assist in the training, supervision and coaching of camp volunteers
• Render first aid as necessary
• Attend weekly staff meetings as assigned

• Applicants must be at least 16 years of age
• Current certification in Standard First Aid and CPR before the start of program
• Experience working in a day camp setting with large groups of youth
• Knowledge of nature study, arts and crafts, camping and outdoor recreation skills
• Knowledge of best practices in youth development, including behavior management and positive role modeling
• Ability to demonstrate strong skills in leadership and team building
• Ability to provide strong internal and external customer service
• Ability to communicate effectively with camper parents, children, camp staff, and other City employees
• Ability to display good judgment, problem solving and critical thinking skills
• Ability to bike up to ten (10) miles per day
• Must be able to complete a list of other required online trainings prior to the start of the program, including but not limited to:
  Concussion Training, Blood Borne Pathogens, Mandated Reporter, Sudden Cardiac…