How old do I have to be to work at Camp Kern?

It depends upon the job assignment.  Our minimum age for first year regular camp staff is 15, with a previous year of Camp Staff Development Program experience.  Otherwise, new staff must be at least 16 years old.  Some positions may require age 18 or 21.  More than half of the camp staff is over 18 years old.  If you are 14 or 15 years old, you may apply to be part of our Camp Staff Development Program (CSDP).

What is the Camp Staff Development program?

The Camp Staff Development Program (CSDP) is for youth ages 14 and 15 who wish to learn more about being a camp staff member.  Youth may apply to be part of this program for all or part of the summer.  CSDP participants will be assigned to a variety of program and facility areas in order to maximize exposure to camp operations.  CSDP participants are not paid staff members, but do receive an honorarium as well as room and board.  CSDP participants must comply with uniforming requirements as described below.  CSDP participants who successfully complete service at Camp Kern will be eligible for employment at Camp Kern during the subsequent camp season.

 What would I do as a staff member at Camp Kern?

Work and have fun!  The Camp Kern staff is about the hardest working group you will ever see.  At Camp Kern, customer service is our top priority, so we work very hard every day.  Nevertheless, you will have great fun with some of the best friends you will ever make while a member of our team!

Well, what kind of work would I do?

That depends upon which area in camp you are assigned to work.  Many of our staff members are employed in program areas directly involved with merit badge and program instruction.  These staff members spend days working with Scouts and leaders, instructing merit badges and teaching specialized skills.   Most people associate summer camp with merit badge counselors.  The rest of the camp staff can be found selling snacks, souvenirs and merit badge supplies in the Trading Post, answering telephones, preparing food in the Dining Hall, maintaining camp equipment, keeping Scoutmasters happy, building campfires, leading vesper services, building new facilities…or hard at work at hundreds of other jobs!  At Camp Kern there is always work to be done!

So, is it a real job?

It sure is!  In many ways it is more real than most jobs, but unlike other real jobs, we have more fun.  Just like a real job, you will have a specific job description, a supervisor to whom you must report, deadlines, regulations, policies and procedures, and best of all, a paycheck!  From June through August, Camp Kern is a large business with a clientele of thousands of people and an employee base of approximately 70 staff members, not to mention a corporate campus located in one of the most beautiful places on Earth.  Our customers come from throughout the United States, but are concentrated along the West Coast.  Just like a regular business, Camp Kern employs professionals in marketing, webpage design, program development, business administration, education and counseling to continually develop and enrich one of the best and most successful Boy Scout summer camps in the nation.  I mean, just check out this website!

Excuse me, but you said PAYCHECK?

That is right!  Camp Kern pays its staff members.  Each staff member is paid a weekly salary, plus room and board.  Salaries are based on experience and level of responsibility.  Paychecks are issued every two weeks.

And money is not the only benefit!

Camp Kern also provides its staff members with numerous of other perks.  All staff members are provided with a place to live and three delicious meals each day.  The camp staff also receives on-the-job training, registration in BSA Venturing Crew 30, hundreds of dollars worth of staff gear, discounts on uniform parts and time off.  This is also a great opportunity to develop social skills and learn more in one summer than you ever thought possible.  This is only a small list…just wait until you get to camp!

But, I have a boss?

Camp Kern is divided into program and business areas.  An area director supervises each program area.  Unlike most jobs, your area director is not only your boss, but your friend and mentor who will hang out with you when you are not working and will show you the ropes.  The number one priority of your area director is to give you the tools and support required for you to be a successful staff member.

Does the area director have a boss, too?

Yes.  Managers supervise the area directors and business areas of camp.  These supervisors have been selected because of their unique abilities, life experiences and dedication to the ideals of the Scout Oath and Scout Law.  In addition, these managers have experience in all aspects of summer camp and have completed advanced training in personnel management and business administration.  Some managers may be professional representatives of Southern Sierra Council and Boy Scouts of America.  Just like a regular job, there is a corporate structure to summer camp.

What is the work schedule like?

As with any job, there is a schedule that staff members must adhere to each day.  Assembly for breakfast, which is required, is between breakfast shifts.  It is early, but necessary, if the Scouts at camp are to get everything done that day!  Taps for campers is at 10:00 pm and most of our staff go to bed not long afterwards.  Sleep is very important at camp.  After the first day, you will definitely want as much of it as you can get!

What do I wear at Camp Kern?

The camp staff is a very proud bunch!  They love their jobs and love Camp Kern.  We like to show our loyalty to camp and our commitment to Boys Scouts by wearing the correct uniform while at work.  All Camp Kern staff members are part of Venturing Crew 30.  Each staff member wears a special Crew 30 field uniform shirt, an activity uniform T-shirt, hat, jacket and name tag.  You will be responsible for providing additional official BSA uniform shirts, shorts, trousers, belts and socks.  Uniform parts may be purchased at cost by staff members via a special uniform order sheet.  Staff members are expected to wear either an official field uniform or activity uniform at all times while on duty.

Do I get any time off?

Working at camp can be busy and even stressful at times.  We all need a chance to relax and take a break from the rigorous, but exciting, schedule of summer camp.  All staff members are given at least twenty-four (24) hours off each weekend.  Additionally, you may have other personal time off during the week as granted by your area director and agreed upon by the appropriate manager.

When does camp begin?

Summer camp for staff officially starts around the second weekend in June.  Campers begin to arrive on the third weekend in June.  Select staff begin to arrive at camp in late May, with additional report dates determined by position of responsibility.  The dates are specificed in the staff contact for that year.

Where will I live?

At Camp Kern each staff member is provided with a place to live for the summer at no additional cost.  Although rustic, the facilities are reasonably comfortable.  By the end of the summer, your accommodations will feel like home because your quarters are indeed your home away from home.  We encourage all staff members to make their housing as comfortable, safe and sanitary as possible.  Please remember when making plans for housing that you will share quarters with others, sometimes with many people.  Make sure you do not take over the entire area.  Be careful with what you bring, too.  Although rare, damage to or theft of personal property does occur.  Please note that Camp Kern is not responsible for damage to or theft of personal belongings.

What about smoking?

The use of tobacco products is strictly prohibited while on duty at Camp Kern.  Smoking is permitted for adults when off duty, but only in designated areas.  The use of alcohol and illegal drugs is strictly prohibited at any time during the course of employment.  Violation of this rule, in any form, will result in immediate termination and intervention by law enforcement when indicated.

What if I get sick at camp?

No problem!  We have medical personnel at camp during the summer who can handle most minor injuries and illnesses.  Any serious problems or illnesses will be directed to area hospitals as needed.

Can I wash my clothes at camp?

Of course!  Washer and dryer facilities are available to all staff at no charge.  Be sure to bring your favorite laundry detergent and dryer sheets.  After all, bar soap does not work so well in the machines!  Bleach is not allowed except for Dining Hall personnel in specified washers. 

What about talking to my friends and family back home?

Staying in touch with your family and friends is important.  We encourage our staff members to keep in touch with everyone from home.  There is a pay telephone available for your use during off-duty hours.  You may also bring a cell phone to camp for use during off-duty hours.  Be sure to check with your service provider regarding coverage at Camp Kern.  Mail via the United States Postal Service is available six days a week.

Can I have visitors?

Yep!  Every weekend.  Your family is invited to come to camp to visit with you, see where you live and what you do.  Your family may stay at Camp Kern at no-charge on weekends.  You are welcome to eat in the Dining Hall, although guests are expected to pay $5.00 per meal.  During the rest of the week we ask that your family and friends allow you to focus on your responsibilities to our customers, program and camp.

How will I learn all that I need to know?

We will teach you!  At Camp Kern we train our staff members each year.  You will submit your application and complete a job interview in February.  Job offers will be made in early March.  The first staff training will take place in Bakersfield, California on the second Saturday in May.  You will then report to Camp Kern on a specified date, at which time additional training will take place.  During Staff Week, you will participate in intensive training led by our National Camp School trained leadership team.  In fact, the training program has been a model for other camps throughout the United States.  Your training will not end at that time because your area director will always be working with you to help you become the most successful staff member possible.

Okay, I am sold!  Now what?

Download the Summer Camp Staff Application from this website at www.campkern.net.  Be sure to read all of the directions.  Complete the application and distribute the reference form as appropriate.  The application and all reference forms must be received in the Southern Sierra Council, BSA office by February 15.

What if I have questions?

For additional information, please contact the Southern Sierra Council, BSA office at (661) 325-9036.