How old do I have to be to work at RI?
We have a variety of jobs here at Roughing It, all that have different age requirements. We have paid positions with age requirements starting at just 18! For most of our positions, we prefer that staff is 19 years old and has completed their first year of college (or an equivalent). If you are still in high school and looking for an experience at Roughing It, we have a spot for you too! If you are entering 9th or 10th grade, take a look at our CILT program. If you are entering 11th or 12th grade, take a look at the Junior Counselor program.
Is camp the right fit for me?
If you are looking for a great environment to work with campers, while also gaining loads of professional skills along the way, then camp is a great place for you. If you are looking to have a fun summer focused on bettering the lives of young campers, then camp is the place for you! If you have a passion for outdoor activities, and want to spread that joy with campers and other staff alike, then camp is a good fit for you! If you’re still not sure if camp is the right place for you, check out this list of top ten reasons why you should work at Roughing It this summer.
What are the employment dates?
Camp dates change every year. For current camp season dates and required staff training dates, click here.
Do you provide housing?
Since Roughing It is a day camp, both campers and staff return to their homes every night. Staff members will need to provide their own housing for the summer. There are many options in the area for close housing if you are in need, you can get some more info on housing here.
What will my daily schedule look like?
Depending on your position, your day can look a little different. Here is a break down of what a typical day looks like for different staff.
- Typically, group counselors start off their day on a bus, picking up campers. Upon arriving at the Reservoir, you will meet with your camper group, who you will spend the day with. You will be in charge of leading group time throughout the day, as well as taking your campers to different program areas. At the end of the day, you will get back on the bus and take your campers back home. Group counselors typically work from around 7:30am to 4:30pm each day, as well as a staff meeting one day a week until 5:30.
- Program staff will typically go straight to their sites, either the reservoir or swimming poolin order to prepare for the day before campers arrive. You will lead lessons in your area throughout the day to a mix of camper groups.
- Our support staff schedules range a bit more depending on what role you are taking on. Typically these folks work a shorter schedule day to day.
Is there a dress code?
Yes, we do have a dress code. All staff wear a gold t-shirt with a Roughing It logo. We are an all-outdoors camp and want campers and staff to be able to focus on the fun activities at camp, rather than what they are wearing. Additionally, all of our staff serve as role models to our campers and we want to promote a traditional sense of camp culture for them. See full dress code.
Can I refer a friend?
Yes! Please do! We love having staff referrals, as it helps us build up or camp community. Refer-a-Friend here, and you could earn up to $150!
This would be my first real job, is that okay?
Definitely! This is the first job for a lot of our staff. We understand that not everyone will have had prior experience, and we are here to help you through the process.
What if I can’t make all of staff training because I’m still in school?
We will be providing an option for an online training only for students that need to remain on their college campus due to exams. As soon as you are done with exams, you will join us for the rest on the in-person training.
How late can I apply?
We continue to accept applications until all of our positions are filled. We encourage you to apply early in order to have the highest chance of securing a spot on staff.
Do I need youth job experience to apply?
We prefer staff to have some experience working with kids. Most of our positions involve working directly with campers, and we like to see that you have some experience with them. This experience can come in a variety of forms though; babysitting, coaching, and leading youth groups are all great examples of ways that you can show experience working with children, even if this is your first job!
What is the interview process like?
We conduct interviews over zoom. This is a good time for us to get to know more about you and your strengths and qualifications, as well as a great time for you to ask any questions you might have about camp. To find out more about our screening process, look here.
Do I need any certifications?
All of our staff is First Aid and CPR certified by the time camp starts. You do not need to have this certification before applying, and we can help you get certified if hired. Some of our staff will also need to obtain a Lifeguard certification. We will let you know if this applies to your position. Positions that typically require a lifeguard certification are our waterfront staff and our swim staff. For more information on certifications, you can look here.
What should I do if I still have questions?
Just give us a call at (925) 283-3795 or an email at jobs@roughingit.com! We are happy to answer any questions that you have about the positions or camp in general.
Do you offer internships?
Yes! We offer internships in business, management, leadership, youth work, and a variety of specialized disciplines. Check out our Internship page for more information.
