Mountain Meadow Ranch Summer Camp

UPDATES: Hiring for Summer 2025!

Hiring:

General Description:

The success of the drama program at MMR is completely dependent on the charisma of the drama instructor. Throughout the session, activity periods in drama can vary from specic acting instruction to drama games or activities. At the end of each session, the drama program puts on a camp play, which is directed by the drama instructor. The plays can be pre-written scripts, however the most successful plays are always either heavily modied to include MMR related humor, or are completely written by the counselors or campers involved in the play. The play must be written, rehearsed, memorized(lines are usually written on cue cards), and all props must be completed within the two week session, which can be a tremendous challenge, given the competition of all the other activities that campers who are in the play want to participate in throughout the session. Practices can take place during rest period or other down time to help ease the fear of missing out from the campers . All costumes and props are kept in the drama shed on the back side of the drama stage area overlooking the lagoon. Activity periods do not always have to take place here, especially during hot days. Locations are limited only by your own creativity. The challenge faced by every drama instructor every summer is keeping campers interested in drama given all of their other options, and staying interested themselves after the summer routine is established. The most successful drama instructors keep themselves and everyone else interested by oering a variety of activities and simply by making fun happen, which is contagious.

Summer Goals:

The drama program has a few goals. The rst is to put on a successful play every session, that is fun to work on for the campers who are involved and entertaining to everyone else. The second is to expose campers to the world of acting through oering entertaining, fun activities. The third is to be a non-intimidating activity that might attract campers who are frightened at the very thought of getting on stage, and help them in getting over that fear.

General Description:

All Lake related activities at MMR take place on Lake Almanor, a big surface area lake of almost 13,000-acre located about 42 miles from camp. Every day after breakfast the lake crew (which consists of four counselors) takes a van-load of campers (10, who were picked the night before) to the lake, where they spend the day skiing, wakeboarding, kneeboarding, tubing, etc. on two boats. The boats are kept in slips in the water at the Knotty Pine Resort marina, where we start and finish each day. In route to the lake, the campers are given a brief introduction as to how things work at the lake, including everything they need to know about sunblock, life jackets, standing up and sitting down in the boats, etc. The campers are divided into two groups of 5, and a pair of counselors take each group to one boat or the other, and fun is had by all. Water ski counselors are in the sun continuously every day, receive no break until back home at the ranch, and must maintain the ‘it’s all about the kids’ attitude. Although working at the lake is very fun, it can be extremely draining. At the end of the day (usually about 3:00 or when it starts to get windy and choppy) both boats meet at the lake house where they will fill their said boat with gas. This is a time where the kids can jump off the dock and swim if they so choose. After the boats are full, everyone (campers and counselors) gets back in their assigned boast to head back to the marina. 5:00 pm is when the ski van will arrive back at camp to give the ski staff their hour off before dinner.

Summer Goals:

The water ski program aims to provide the opportunity for as many campers as possible to get to the lake. Some campers have skied or wakeboarded before, while others have not. Some are eager to try others are terrified at the thought of it. Everyone should be given the opportunity to try something new, but should also be shown a good time within their comfort zone (whether that’s just being dragged around on a tube or attempting a new trick on a wakeboard). We discourage campers from spending the day at the lake to just ride around in the boat. All potential participants should understand that they must try something. Campers should come home from the lake happy, maybe exhausted, still hydrated and without a sunburn.

General Description:

Fishing takes place at the lagoon, with occasional out-trips planned by fishing counselors. Fishing is always catch-and-release. One counselor is needed to supervise fishing. Campers are to fish from the edge of the lagoon, not from boats or the top of the high jump platform, etc. Fishing equipment is kept in the small shed near the lagoon with the paddles, life jackets, etc. Equipment must be maintained and organized by the fishing counselor. The amount of campers per activity period is usually based on the amount of properly operating poles, however, one counselor to 8 campers is a full load. Fishing counselors will spend most of their time untangling lines, fixing reels, tying knots, etc. Any camper can fish but must be properly instructed on casting, handling hooks, etc. Counselors need to be alert to the dangers of falling off of the wall into the lagoon and casting too close to other fishing campers. When a camper catches a fish, the counselor must be present to properly land the fish (wet hands, careful handling), remove the hook (which must be barbless), weigh, measure, and release the fish. Fishing counselors will usually be the busiest during the first session, while the fish are still an easy hook. Towards the end of the summer, the fish get smarter, and fishing becomes more difficult.

Summer Goals:

Believe it or not, the goal for this activity is not just to catch a fish! We hope that campers can enjoy the entire process, maybe learn some patience, appreciation of nature, and to learn a new skill. The goal, like all our activities, is to be able to use every aspect of the activity to help grow our campers. Whether it be learning to tie on a hook, untangle the line, or properly handle a fish, the goal is that the campers are engaged and learning - not just handed a pole and left to their own devices.

General Description:

Mountain Meadow Ranch counselors act as both cabin counselors and activity instructors. Although a signicant part of a counselor’s responsibility is their activity area, their responsibility does not end when activities are over. The ‘cabin counselor’ portion of a counselor’s job is in many ways a larger responsibility than any activity area. The cabin environment has the power to strongly impact a camper’s time at camp, regardless of the activities they participate in. After working at an activity all day, counselors must continue to create a safe and positive and kind cabin environment where kids feel welcome and at home, homesick kids feel nurtured, and possibly embarrassing situations are handled with sensitivity and care. Cabins are divided by age and can occupy anywhere from 6 to 16 campers and 2-4 counselors, depending on age group and enrollment. Cabin groups do not go through traditional camp activities together as one group. However, there are several times throughout the session when cabin groups will be isolated from one another: cabin time, every night before bed, every morning before breakfast, during cabin clean-up, etc. If each counselor is focused on supporting their co-counselors, the responsibilities will be shared without diculty. There are many situations where this concept applies: working together to get kids up in the morning, cleaning up their personal area, rounding up campers when your cabin has set up for a meal, quieting everyone down at night, dealing with minor disciplinary issues, directing the discussion about a skit, etc. This is a huge opportunity to live out our values and philosophy to pursue/practice a seless lifestyle. A counselor at MMR must be as focused on their cabin group as they are on their activity area, to say the least. The more you intentionally build relationships with your cabin campers, the more this becomes a joy!

Summer Goals:

To create and maintain an environment in the cabin that is positive, uplifting, and enjoyable for everyone. To monitor camper health and ensure that everyone gets enough rest. To share the load of cabin counseling with co-counselors. To guide and foster creativity when creating skits. To be a positive role model for campers who will see you as the center of the universe and want to be just like you. Act as a mother, father, big brother/sister, and best friend to all campers and create a special bond with each kid in your cabin.

General Description:

The horseback program at MMR is a major attraction. Many campers come to MMR because of the ranch atmosphere, and this program is at the core of that atmosphere. There are always campers who come to camp for the horses and if allowed would set up their bunks in the meadow and live with the herd. These campers will be in the Wranglers’ hip pocket for the duration of their time at Mountain Meadow Ranch. We primarily ride western. The skill levels of our campers are generally beginner to intermediate in primarily Western Pleasure riding yet we often have some very strong riders attend camp with more advanced skills. The arena is the center of this program, and it is located on the opposite side of the lagoon from the dining hall, surrounded by a whiteboard fence. The tack room at the arena is where all equipment is stored. MMR has a heard that fluctuates between 15 and 30 horses, all with very individual personalities, characteristics, and habits good and bad. Different horses are appropriate for use with different skill levels, different size riders, and different types of rides. It is the wrangler’s job to get to know every horse, their quirks, habits, what they like, what they like to do, and strengths and weaknesses. Some horses, like campers, don’t like each other, and it is also the wrangler’s job to know the latest gossip on the horse playground and to separate rivals. At the start of the session, after campers are given a horse orientation, every camper who wants to ride at some point must take a beginner’s test and be evaluated at the arena. (There are also intermediate and advanced tests, which campers may take at a later time.) Once they have passed the beginners test they are eligible to go on a trail ride. Going on a trail ride is as much riding as some campers desire while at camp. Trail rides usually consist of around 10 kids and 2 or 3 staff depending on the needs of the group and availability of appropriate horses, skill levels of riders and which trail you’re going on. The 900 plus acre ranch borders National Forest Lands and is surrounded by countless trails, and the options are endless. Some are obviously easier than others and the skill and experience of riders are always taken into consideration when choosing the trail. Every morning the horses are rounded up (with the help of campers old/mature enough to help and dedicated enough to get up that early), and the horses are grained/groomed before breakfast. It is the wrangler’s job to keep an eye on the condition of each horse and to ensure that no horse is overworked or undernourished. Often a really good beginner’s horse is gentle and good simply because they are old and have mellowed with age. Consequently, they sometimes need days off. Each day consists of two activity periods. This may mean trail ride(s), games or lessons in the arena, testings, etc. We seek wranglers who are able to tailor what is offered to the interests and skill levels of each session campers. While we rarely get extremely hot temps, the afternoon is obviously usually hotter than the morning, and this may be taken into consideration when determining the afternoon’s ride. Wranglers need to arrive at the ranch for pre-staff training prior to staff week in order to spend time getting to know the herd and preparing for the summers riding program. During this time period, we are often also shopping around the local area for new horses as needed. The wrangler’s best friend at the beginning of summer is the horse book, an ever-evolving notebook with pictures and descriptions of each horse, along with notes from previous wranglers about each horse’s temperament and ability. It is the wrangler’s duty to continually update this horse book. The MMR wrangler will spend hours at a time working in the hot, dusty arena. It is a mentally, emotionally and physically demanding job, and is not for someone who does not have a strong work ethic, a great love for young people and of course they must simply love horses.

Summer Goals:

For every camper who loves to ride horses, there is a camper who is terrified of them. We want to provide the opportunity for all of these campers to ride and to enjoy it. Providing a variety of rides and activities, the horseback program can expose all campers to the world of horses, and teach them either new skills or a new appreciation for these beautiful creatures and how to ride them. Every camper should be given the opportunity to ride, and every ride should end with smiles. In all of our camp activities, we seek to always find life-applicable lessons and skills. The fun and adventure are vehicles used for helping campers discover and develop positive character traits. This is especially true with our equestrian program.

General Description:

Paintball takes place at the paintball range, up the hill from the campfire amongst the tall pines. Campers do not have to be an experienced paintball player to enjoy this activity, all levels are welcome. As supervising staff member you will be the referee of all paintball games. Campers are required to wear closed-toed shoes and fully covered clothing. All equipment and safety gear are provided. A tournament takes place at the end of each session. Paintball is one of MMR’s most popular activities, understandably so! It is a sport that calls all to tap into an adventurous survival mode that few sports can. And so, also understandably, it is considered an area and activity of high risk. It is of the utmost importance that as the paintball supervisor to always have an eye out for safety amongst this adventurous sport. You set the tone as the paintball supervisor.

Summer Goals:

To facilitate a safe and fun paintball environment. Introduce the fun, grit, and adventure that is paintball. Create a playing environment for all to tap into one’s owns imagination and venture. All who wish to attempt paintball should be able to!

General Description:

The Archery Range at Mountain Meadow is set up with three targets mounted on standard straw/hay bales, two of which are set approx. 25 feet in distance from the firing line. The third target is set up slightly closer to the firing line for younger or beginner archers. Archers at the range shoot 5 sets of 6 arrows each at targets for a score, with a maximum achievable score of 300.

Summer Goals:

The goal of the archery program is to provide the opportunity for campers to participate in an activity they might not otherwise be able to experience at home and to build unique skills & coordination. Archery should be a non-intimidating, fun activity that every camper has the opportunity to try. We use basic recurve bows of varying sizes to match campers of all ages & physiques. As with all our camp activities our goal is not only to have fun but to always offer a challenge to all participants from novice through advanced.

General Description:

High ropes challenge courses consist of a series of ‘elements,’ usually made of wood, cable, or rope constructed high off of the ground in trees. Each element is different and requires the participant to climb, jump, walk, or balance their way to the other side, while constantly battling personal fears and doubts. Participants are of course wearing a safety harness as well as safety helmets and are belayed from the ground by a trained staff member, or connected to a ‘static line’, which connects them directly to the element or a tree above. Mountain Meadow has two of these courses, affectionately referred to as ‘The Circuit,’ which ends with one of the longest zip lines in California, and ‘The Gauntlet.’ Both require multiple staff members, at least one on the ground, and at least one in the trees, helping participants move from element to element, static line to static line. In addition, the ever-popular ‘perch,’ the ‘tension traverse’, and the ‘giants ladder’ are single elements separate from the courses. Staff members are responsible for making sure campers are properly harnessed, knots are properly tied, equipment is properly maintained (a logbook is used to maintain a record of climbing hours so ropes and equipment can be retired when necessary), and every conceivable safety precaution is followed every single second of every single activity period. High Ropes is one of the most high-risk activities we offer at MMR. For this reason, high ropes staff must be confident, well trained (or certified), and experienced in the areas of belaying, climbing, knot tying, etc.

Summer Goals:

High ropes will provide an opportunity for campers to face an incredible amount of fear, and attempt something they may have never imagined trying. The goal of the high ropes program is to send every camper away with a feeling of accomplishment, whether they completed every element or only got halfway up the first tree. Staff, therefore, in addition to being highly trained and confident, must also create a supportive and fun atmosphere, where everyone is pushed to their limit without being forced, and fear is overcome with support and encouragement from everyone involved, including other campers.

Additional Information About Mountain Meadow Ranch Summer Camp

Requirements:

• At least one year of college

• Participation in pre-camp orientation and training

• CPR and Basic First Aid certification (or ability to acquire it before camp)

Responsibilities:

As a camp counselor you will live in the cabins with the campers and also instruct an activity. Before you submit your application, please read our Why Work With Us? page to understand know more about our culture at MMR. You may also want to explore the Counselor Life page to get an idea of what an average day looks like. 

Employment Dates: 

June 8 – August 2, plus mandatory training date(s) in May.

Our summer 2025 camp program begins June 8 and ends August 2. Mandatory staff training begins May 30, with the possibility of a May 25 arrival for specialty activity training.

Salary: base pay of $525/week, including room and board