The Camp Tawonga Staff is a family of 160 dedicated men and women, working together to create a vital Jewish community where children have a safe, meaningful summer in the beautiful Sierra Mountains. The campers’ experience is the focus of all staff, whether counselor or prep cook, lifeguard or backpacking leader, office staff or driver. The work at Camp is demanding, with long hours, high intensity, and little privacy. The rewards are great; the delight of helping children grow, the beauty of the mountains and river, and the joy of working with other enthusiastic and caring staff. This outstanding team includes people with both Jewish and non-Jewish backgrounds, all of whom enjoy the Jewish customs and culture which come alive at Camp Tawonga.

Please look over the following job descriptions and apply for the position(s) that best suits you. All staff contracts are for the ENTIRE SUMMER season, and applicants must be prepared to commit themselves for the full 10 weeks; all employees must be at least 18 years old as of June 17, 2007 with a High School diploma. Additional education or age requirements apply to specific positions. An Equal Opportunity Employer, Camp Tawonga provides equal opportunities without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation or veteran status. All positions working directly with children require First Aid & CPR certification.

Counselor (60 positions: entry level salary $1750, more DOE.)
Counselors care for and live with children as role models. As facilitators of the camper experience, counselors strive to raise self-esteem and foster the bunk group dynamic by actively participating in all camp activities offered by specialists, including: ropes course, backpacking, arts & crafts, and Jewish programs, as well as creating their own programs. Excellent communication skills, childcare experience, and love of outdoors are essential. Counselors work most sessions as a bunk Counselor (with a co-counselor in a 12 camper cabin) but may also spend 1 or more as a floating Unit Counselor. LGT & WFA certs encouraged.

Assistant Unit Head (6 positions: entry level supervisor $2700, more DOE. Includes pre-camp training May 24-28 and June 6-9.)
Responsible for: Counselor supervision, Unit programming, camper management, counselors’ daily schedule, camper medications, and camper chugim (electives). Great communication skills, 2 yrs. college (or equivalent), and previous counselor experience required.

Unit Head (6 positions: $3300, more DOE. Includes pre-camp training May 24-28 and June 6-9.)
Responsible for managing 4 camper cabins and supervising an Assistant Unit Head, 8 Bunk Counselors, and 2-4 Unit Counselors. Create all-unit programs, including Kabbalat Shabbat, and help develop Camp-wide events. Serve as a member of the supervisor management team. Possibility to supervise the IT Programs and/or Sports Program. College degree (or equivalent) and 3 yrs. camp exp. req. Graduate training or social work experience helpful.

Summer Assistant Director (1 position: $5000, more DOE. Includes pre-camp training May 24-28 and June 6-9.)
Work with the executive director, assistant directors, and department heads to supervise and run the day to day operations of camp. Supervise up to three departments and help develop programs. College degree (or equivalent) and 5 yrs. camp exp. req. LGT, WFR, and/or archery cert. may be required.

Sports Camp Director (1 position: $330/wk, more DOE. July 29-Aug 10, 2007.)
Supervise sports program, sports program assistant, and bunk counselors. Responsible for managing 2-3 camper cabins and supervising an Assistant Sports Camp Director, 4-6 Bunk Counselors, and 1-2 Unit Counselors. Create all-unit programs, including Kabbalat Shabbat, and instruct basketball, soccer, softball, and additional sports as necessary. Serve as a member of the supervisor management team. College degree (or equivalent), 3 yrs. camp experience, and sports experience required.

Teen Leadership (IT) Program Director (1 position: salary variable. Includes pre-camp training May 24-28 and June 6-9.)
Responsible for management of all In-Training (IT) programs, including supervision of IT staff. Coordinate and supervise logistics and scheduling and oversee lesson planning for workshops. Lead workshops, work with department heads, and serve as part of camp’s management team. College degree (or equivalent) and 3 yrs. camp experience required. Tawonga Unit Head experience helpful.

CIT Program Staff (2-3 positions: $300/wk, more DOE. June 9 – July 6 ONLY.)
Train and supervise 16 Counselors In-Training. Lead workshops, coordinate schedules, and participate in all CIT activities. Supervision/teaching experience required. Supervision, teaching (formal or informal), and Tawonga Unit Head experience helpful.

SIT Program Staff (1-2 positions: $300/wk, more DOE. June 9 – July 6 ONLY.)
Train and supervise 10 Specialists In-Training. Lead workshops at camp, program and coordinate schedules, liaison with department heads, and participate in all teen leadership program activities. Supervision, teaching (formal or informal), and Tawonga Unit Head experience helpful.

WIT Program Staff (1-2 positions: $300/wk, more DOE. June 9 – July 6 ONLY.)
Train and supervise 8-12 Wilderness Leaders In-Training. Lead workshops at camp and in the backcountry, program and coordinate schedules, liaison with department heads, and participate in all teen leadership program activities. Supervision, teaching (formal or informal), backpacking experience required, Tawonga wilderness experience helpful. WFA/R & CPR required.

Teen Service Learning Director (1 position: $500/wk, more DOE.)
Supervise and manage teen service learning staff and program including pre- and post-program work. Keep in constant communication with Tawonga and ground providers while in Israel. Adjust itinerary as needed. International trip leadership experience req. WFR & LGT suggested and may be required.

Teen Service Learning Staff (4 positions: $300/wk, more DOE.)
5 week commitment. Travel to Israel with 40 teens. Pre-program: Contribute to participants’ preparation for program, attend staff training. Program: Care for and live with teens as role models. As facilitators of participants’ experience, TSL staff strive to raise self-esteem and foster group dynamic by actively participating in all activities. Activities include but are not limited to: physical work, teaching and facilitating during Jewish study and other discussions, cooking for and eating with participants, planning Shabbat rituals, planning in-camp presentation, and organizing free time activities. Responsible for passing out camper medications and keeping detailed notes of the days’ activities. Leaders oversee and ensure campers are fulfilling workday assignments, monitor safety, and are responsible for camper management and any necessary adjustments to the program. Must be comfortable with no privacy and little or no time off. Post program: Participate in program evaluation process and attend participant reunion. Must be at least 21 years old and have at least 1 year working with kids at Tawonga; LGT, WFR, driving certificate may be required. Excellent communication skills, teaching experience, capacity to do physical labor, and love of the outdoors are essential.

The following Specialists develop and offer fun, instructional programs unique to their expertise. They also provide additional cabin coverage during counselor time off, at night and during bus duty. Also, some have the opportunity to lead elective Livnot programs for older campers. All department supervisors earn extra $ and attend required pre-camp training May 24-28 and June 6-9.

Program Director (1 position: $3300 entry level, more DOE. Includes pre-camp training May 24-28 and June 6-9.)
Coordinate all-camp programs, assist Unit Heads with unit programming, supervise Program Assistants and create days off and shmira schedules. Activity/event coordination experience required, Tawonga Unit Head experience a plus.

Program Assistant (2 positions: entry level salary $1750, more DOE.)
Focus on creative and Jewish programming. Lead sweats, lifeguard, and assist Program Director. Coordinate floats. Current lifeguard cert. preferred.

Sports Specialist (1 position: entry level salary $1750, more DOE.)
Focus on sports programming at camp. Lead and instruct volleyball, gaga, soccer, basketball, archery, baseball, and additional sports. Maintain sports shed inventory. Current lifeguard cert. preferred.

Drama (1 position: entry level salary $1750, more DOE.)
Take charge of planning and directing two “all camp” productions, camper talent shows, and campfire programs. Facilitate drama games to help children and teens express themselves and explore communication. Must have 3 years college level drama courses or equivalent.

Song Leader (2 positions: entry level salary $1750, significantly more DOE.)
Lead and teach American & Hebrew folk songs in camp-wide sing-a-longs (300 people) after meals. Sing campers to sleep and offer campfire programs for single bunks. Run or assist with all camp programs such as Havdallah, each session’s drama production, camper talent show, etc. Must play guitar, have prior song-leading experience, and ability to learn how to operate amplified sound systems. CD or other recording experience helpful.

Jewish Program Director (1 position: $3300+ for persons with Jewish education experience.)
Develop and lead creative camp wide Shabbat programs. Facilitate discussions on Jewish topics with bunk groups. Lead Torah services. Help to prepare units for their Kabbalat Shabbat programs. Creative programming, storytelling, meditation, yoga, art, and music skills are all assets.

Waterfront (5 positions: entry level salary $1750. Waterfront Director $2500, more DOE.)
Lifeguard at beautiful Olympic-sized pool, small lake, and instruct swimming. Hike with groups to river areas as safety monitor & lifeguard. Current lifeguard cert. required. Also, 1 Waterfront Director position available. Make schedules and supervise Waterfront program. Experience teaching lessons and WSI required. (Includes pre-camp training May 24-26 and June 6-9.)

Arts and Crafts (5 positions: entry level salary $1750. Arts and Crafts Director $2500, more DOE.)
Instruct: tie-dye, candle making, copper enameling, ceramics (hand building and electric wheel), silk painting, Jewish crafts, print making, lanyards, and more. Organize and clean all supplies and equipment daily. Other duties: distribute ‘pack-out’ supplies, operate kiln firings, and participate in unit activities. Teaching experience helpful. Also, 1 Arts and Crafts Director position to supervise and schedule staff, and order supplies. (Includes pre-camp training May 24-28 and June 6-9.)

Wilderness Leaders (16+ positions: $230/wk based on rotations and certifications, more DOE.)
All rotations require that you be at least 21 years old with current Lifeguard Certification and Wilderness First Aid. WFR favored. Experience with children essential; natural history, environmental education, and Judaic knowledge helpful. Wilderness Staff rotate through one or more of the following programs throughout the summer:
Backpacking Trip Leader Lead bunk groups of 12 campers and 2 counselors on 1 and 2 night trips in the Sierras. Experience leading backpacking essential- must know how to use all backpacking equipment including stoves, map, compass, tarps, etc.
Teen Quest Travel Camp Leader Co-lead a group of teens on van trips through CA, OR, the Southwest, or Canada. Quests are 1-3 weeks in length. Lead backpacking trips, drive vans, manage cooking and cleaning with teens, lead programming and group building, and interface with professional outfitters (for rafting, kayaking, surfing, rock climbing, or mountain biking).
Adventure Challenge Course Facilitator Facilitate groups through high and low elements. Rock climbing/belaying experience useful.
Assistant Naturalist Assist Nature Program Director with Nature program. See below description for details.

Nature Program Director (1 position: entry level salary $2100, more DOE.)
Direct Nature Program. Lead star hikes, river rock hops, fire building, orienteering, and storytelling. Implement traditional Tawonga programs and create new activities to engage groups in experiencing, appreciating, and learning about natural history, ecology, Jewish connections to nature, and Native American culture. Manage inventory and train a rotating assistant. Lifeguard certification required. WFA/R encouraged. Dynamic stage presence and BA (or 1 year field exp.) preferred.

Garden Coordinator (1 position: $2100, more DOE. Possible dates May 1-Aug. 19. Flexible to shorter commitment.)
Continue and grow 6th year organic garden (~7500 sq ft plot). Includes garden design, bed prep, seed starts, green house, transplanting, pest management, and weeding. Must have garden and child programming experience. Environmental education training or experience preferred.

Adventure Challenge Course Facilitator (1 position: $2100, significantly more DOE. Course Manager $2500, more DOE.)
Facilitate groups through high and low elements, implementing technical and maintenance knowledge of Ropes Course (training provided). Excellent leadership and facilitation skills required; rock climbing/belaying experience useful. Also, 1 Adventure Course Manager position, supervising the Challenge Course and facilitators. Advanced Skills and Standard Cert. required.

The following Support Staff positions, though not programmatic, are essential to the success of camp.

Lead Cook (2 positions: $3300, more DOE. Includes pre-camp training May 24-28 and June 6-9 or possible June 4-9.)
Cook breakfast, lunch and dinner (450 servings each), and supervise prep-cooks in prep and clean up. Each cook leads either the AM or PM shift daily and contributes to kitchen Supervision Team. Must have professional cooking experience and enjoy working very closely with others.

Alternative Foods Cooks (2 positions: $3000, more DOE. Includes pre-camp training May 24-28 and June 6-9 or possible June 4-9.)
Responsible for preparing all vegetarian, vegan, and other restricted dietary alternatives for each meal (50-150 servings). Cook full camp meals at least once a week. Contribute to kitchen Supervision Team. Pack all food for meals eaten outside of the dining hall and maintain pack-out inventory. Must be extremely well organized and have excellent communication skills. Knowledge of backpacking and BBQ food helpful. Must have 1 year experience in our kitchen or equivalent.

Alternative Foods Assistant (2 positions: $2050.)
Assist in veggie meal preparation. Assist Pack Out Cook in packing all food for meals eaten outside of the dining hall and maintain pack-out inventory. Must have good people skills and organizational skills.

Pantry Cook (1 position: $2600. Includes pre-camp training May 24-28 and June 6-9 or possible June 4-9.)
Responsible for organization and cleanliness of kitchen, pantry, and all refrigerators. Prepare desserts and snacks. Supervise 2 prep-cooks for dessert and laundry. Maintain beverage bar. Contribute to kitchen Supervision Team and cover for shift cooks as needed. Must have 1 year experience in our kitchen or equivalent.

Cook (13-15 positions: entry level salary $2050.)
Responsible for meal prep, and fast-paced food service, and kitchen clean-up. Must have experience with and like working around food. Work morning shift, evening shift, pantry assistant, or laundry. Must work intimately with others in an extremely intense environment.

Head of Maintenance (2 positions: $2500. Includes pre-camp training May 24-28 and June 6-9.)
Responsibilities include supervising the maintenance crew and assisting the Caretaker as needed. Physical work.

Maintenance (8 positions: entry level salary $2050.)
Responsible for all grounds-keeping, janitorial, and housekeeping needs. Work 70% outdoors, 30% indoors. Physical work, fun crew!

Operations Specialist (6-7 positions: entry level salary $2050.)
Responsible for several areas of camp infrastructure including: driving passengers and equipment, often with a trailer, sorting mail, answering phones and gate, filing, ordering supplies, canteen, lost and found, and other special projects as necessary. Work all 4 inter-session bus duties to Bay Area or in office. Must be 21 years old and have an excellent driving record. Possible canteen-focused position without 21 year old age requirement. Possible lead bus duty position available.

Nanny (2 positions: entry level salary $175/wk # of weeks variable, more DOE.)
Provide care for children (preschool and grade-school aged) at CT and in SF. Must be creative, warm, loving, and flexible.

Registered Nurse (1 position: $6000, more DOE. Includes pre-camp training May 24-28 and June 6-9.)
Act as primary health care professional at camp. Run the infirmary: supervise camper visits, call parents, keep records, contact local EMS, and work with volunteer MDs. Pediatric, ER, and/or camp experience helpful. Supervise 2 assistants. WFR recommended.

Medical Assistant (2 positions: $2050, more DOE.)
Assist RN in running the infirmary and providing T.L.C. to campers and staff. Must be WFR, EMT, CAN, or senior in an RN program. Possible certification reimbursement available.

Camp Therapist (1 position: $3300, more DOE. Includes pre-camp training May 24-28 and June 6-9.)
Must have an MA in Counseling or Social Work and half of supervised hours. Consult with Directors, Supervisors, and counselors regarding problem camper situations. See individual campers for assessment and short-term individual support. Assist staff with situations that affect work performance or morale. Call parents as needed. Also, earn supervised hours through Jewish Family and Children Services.