Outdoor Camping Guide - Trekkers

Trekkers is a car-camping trip designed to provide an opportunity for youth to safely experience the outdoors while gaining a clear understanding of outdoor camping skills and wilderness preservation. It is a 5-day, 4-night program for participants 11-15 years old. Trekkers’ trips include outdoor recreation, nature education, teambuilding activities, hiking and swimming. Trips are in various natural locations across the central and northern part of California, including state and national parks.

All camping will occur in established campgrounds.

Program operates with a ratio of two staff members for up to twelve campers.

Typical

Hours:

Sundays – prep days: 4 hours
Mondays – trips start: 16 hours
Tuesdays & Wednesdays – full days in field: 24 hours
Thursdays - Friday (trip ends): 16 hours
Total hours (day rate): 77
Total hours (overnight rate): 34

* Additional planning hours allocated outside of Trekkers weeks, paid at day rate

Confirmed Trekkers Weeks*:

• June 22 - 26:
  Big Sur and Mt Madonna County Park
• July 6 - 10:
  Location TBD
• July 20 - 24:
  Van Damme and Hendy Woods
• August 3 - August 7:
  Location TBD

To be considered for the role, applicants must be able to commit to and attend all confirmed Trekkers weeks.

Community Service Specialist II

Typical Pre/Post Trip Responsibilities:

• Research the area of camping locations for activities to participate in
• Create a schedule/itinerary for the trip, preparation, driving directions, and other logistics
• Meal planning, budgeting, grocery shopping
• Gear identification, purchases, cleaning, and packing for each trip
• Understand aspects of risk management and protocols for possible scenarios that could arise
• Create packing list for campers for each trip
• Conduct pre-trip meetings to thoroughly prepare campers and parents of the expectations and preparations for the trips
• Unpack, clean and put away gear from trips and re-set gear and supplies for the next trip
• Debrief each trip with the Program Coordinator

Typical Trip Responsibilities:

• Communicate effectively with local officials and park rangers, following direction and guidance as needed
• Drive a large van of children from one location to the next
• Teach children how to set up a campsite, including tents and kitchen area
• Educate children on campsite and nature safety and courtesy including the Leave No Trace Principles
• Initiate and lead group cooking and clean-up
• Responsible for all campers physical and emotional safety and well-being during trip
• Engage children in campsite activities like; nature discovery, card/board games, creative games with little supplies like charades, campfire skits, etc…

Additional Responsibilities:

• Attend mandatory staff training on Saturday, June 6, 2026
• Build positive relationships with campers and co-workers helping them strengthen life skills and create fun lasting memories
• Help campers and co-workers navigate conversations and keep things positive
• Keep work environments clean and organized, follow the Leave No Trace principles
• Communicate with parents regarding camper behavior, injuries and other relevant camp information
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and other City staff
• Render first aid as necessary
• Other duties as assigned

• Applicants must be at least 19 years of age by June 1, 2026 and have education equivalent to completion of high school
• Possess a valid California Driver’s License
• Current certification in Standard First Aid and CPR before the start of programs (Wilderness First Aid certification preferred)
• Extensive outdoor experience which includes experience as an outdoor trip leader or a camp counselor (or equivalent)
• Knowledge of nature study and outdoor recreation skills,…