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California Summer Camp - Find Magic & Meaning at Augusta
by: Camp Augusta
🌍 Work, Live & Play at Camp Augusta – A Workaway Adventure! Camp Augusta isn’t just a job – it’s a journey. Live in community, play the wildest games you’ve ever imagined, and grow through training in child development, leadership, and unique activities like high ropes, horseback riding, blacksmithing, archery, and arts. With a 1:5 counselor-to-camper ratio and 70 staff for 100 campers at a time, we teach (and prioritize) intentional and meaningful connection and communication. Staff and campers live in rustic cabins without electricity, creating music, stories, and adventures away from screens. Roles include Counselor, Program Coordinator, Master of Fun & Games, and more! 📅 Dates: May 12 – Aug 8, 2026 (options from Apr– late Sept) 💰 Compensation: Usually around $3500 for summer (depends on agency), with/ housing, meals, and ZERO living expenses 🥗 Fresh organic meals with dietary accommodations provided Requirements: Age 19+ by June 1, full summer availability, excitement, and experience for FULL days with kids 8-16 Outcomes: Meaningful impact, deep personal and professional growth, lifelong relationships. 👉 See our Webpage to learn more and fill in an Interest Form!
🌍 Work, Live & Play at Camp Augusta – A Workaway Adventure! Camp Augusta isn’t just a job – it’s a journey. Live in community, play the wildest games you’ve ever imagined, and grow through training in child development, leadership, and unique activities like high ropes, horseback riding, blacksmithing, archery, and arts. With a 1:5 counselor-to-camper ratio and 70 staff for 100 campers at a time, we teach (and prioritize) intentional and meaningful connection and communication. Staff and campers live in rustic cabins without electricity, creating music, stories, and adventures away from screens. Roles include Counselor, Program Coordinator, Master of Fun & Games, and more! 📅 Dates: May 12 – Aug 8, 2026 (options from Apr– late Sept) 💰 Compensation: Usually around $3500 for summer (depends on agency), with/ housing, meals, and ZERO living expenses 🥗 Fresh organic meals with dietary accommodations provided Requirements: Age 19+ by June 1, full summer availability, excitement, and experience for FULL days with kids 8-16 Outcomes: Meaningful impact, deep personal and professional growth, lifelong relationships. 👉 See our Webpage to learn more and fill in an Interest Form!
Program Highlights
UNMATCHED TRAINING: Over 300 hours of in-depth training covering child development, emotional intelligence, and group dynamics. You’ll gain real tools for working with people in any future career.
LEARN NEW SKILLS: You CHOOSE from 100+ clinics to learn - from blacksmithing to archery to breadmaking to high ropes. We teach you 10-15 of your favorites, and mix them up from day to day.
HUMAN-CENTERED APPROACH: Rooted in Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy and Nonviolent Communication, Augusta empowers campers and staff alike to grow through empathy, self-expression, and resilience.
ZERO EXPENSES, PAID JOB: You'll work (and play and laugh) very hard, and you'll make money doing it. Enough to travel around the states afterwards with your new friends. :)
STRUCTURED LEADERSHIP PATHS: Counselors who shine have the opportunity to take on new leadership roles in this summer and for years to come. Work off-season, return, and find a career you love.
Quick Details
- California, United States
- Summer
- Camp Counselor & Trip Leader
- Culinary Arts & Cooking
- Development
- Education
- Hospitality
- Human Resources
- Humanities
- Liberal Arts
- Music
- Parks & Recreation
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Theater, Drama, & Dance
- Adventure Travel
- Camp Jobs
- Internships
- Jobs
- American
- Australian
- British
- Canadian
- Czech
- Danish
- Dutch
- English
- European
- Fijian
- French
- German
- Hawaiian
- Irish
- Italian
- Korean
- Scottish
- Spanish
- Swedish
- Swiss
Program Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about the programs
Overall Rating
Total Reviews
Camp is a magical place
October 29, 2025by: Chandler Atkinson - United StatesIf you want to grow professionally, but also personally, this is the place to go! You'll experience magic in the woods with children -- creating experiences that I've never seen anywhere else. You will work very hard, but learn a ton too. If you love kids, I really recommend Augusta!
I didn't expect to find what I found
October 03, 2025by: Matthew Malecha - United StatesWhen I first went to Camp Augusta as a counselor at 22 years old, I had already worked at three other summer camps and traveled abroad to two other countries. I was anticipating it to be a familiar run-of-the-mill summer camp, having a good time, and then moving on with my life. Within a month of being there, I knew that this place was different. The games, the people, the activities, the opportunities for growth, the connection with nature, the mission, and the philosophies. It seemed like every day was full of challenges, but also full of so much meaning and reward. I knew that although it was the hardest job I had ever had, I had grown so much in my first summer and needed to come back. Since then, I have returned to many summers and many roles in Augusta. No two summers are the same. Each has its own challenges and growth that have been foundational for my growth at and with Augusta. Despite the hard work and long hours, I look back with gratitude at the impact that Augusta has had on my life personally and my relationships - in Augusta and outside. It's a life changing place for all who tread on those woodchips. :)
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- California, United States
Types and Subjects
- Fields
- Parks & Recreation
- Education
- Human Resources
- Humanities
- Liberal Arts
- Music
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Theater, Drama, & Dance
- Hospitality
- Culinary Arts & Cooking
- Camp Counselor & Trip Leader
- Development
- Types
- Adventure Travel
- Camp Jobs
- Internships
- Jobs
Availability
Years Offered: 2026, 2027, 2028
- Summer
- After College
- Career Break / Mid-Career
- During College
- During High School
- Post High School
Age Requirement
18+
Guidelines
- American
- Australian
- British
- Canadian
- Czech
- Danish
- Dutch
- English
- European
- Fijian
- French
- German
- Hawaiian
- Irish
- Italian
- Korean
- Scottish
- Spanish
- Swedish
- Swiss
This Program is also open to Couples
Starts At
Program Cost Includes
- Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
- All Program Activity Costs
- Wifi Costs
- Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Weekend Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Medical / Accident Insurance
- Welcome Dinner
- Group Meals
- Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
- Airport Transfer (Drop-Off)
- In-Country Transportation To & From Project
- Required Equipment
- Some Equipment
- On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
- Pre-Departure Orientation
- In-Country Orientation
- Training
- Laundry
- Cultural Training / Program / Orientation
- Background Check Fees
- Textbooks / Reading Materials
- Course Materials
- Academic Credit
- Letter of Recommendation
- Job Placement
Accommodation Options
- Dormitory
- Group living
- Other
Salary & Compensation
International applicants can get a J-1 visa to work and travel in the U.S.A. Different Agencies have different fees and rates for a summer of work. You can make more the longer you are able to stay. An average international counselor agency salary is $3700 just for the summer dates.
Qualifications & Experience
- English
Language Skills Required
- Any/All Education Levels Accepted
Accepted Education Levels
Application Procedures
- Written Application
- Phone/Video Interview
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I obtain internship credit?
Yes! Learn more about this here.
What's a Day in the Life Like?
Visit our website for our video and schedule of a day at camp.
I want to come to camp, but not as a counselor...
Working with kids is a part of every role at camp. And, we also have various non-counseling roles that are needed to make camp run. Visit our website for more information.
What is your DEIB Policy?
Camp Augusta values a diverse and inclusive community. We hire staff who are committed to upholding Camp Augusta philosophy and values, and we respect the diversity among staff. The differences among staff are recognized as a core community strength. Through the use of nonviolent communication and clean communication techniques taught during staff training, we engage with one another in productive, empathic dialogue.
What's housing like?
We're a pretty rustic place. Live in a cabin, a yurt, a tent, a treehouse. With other staff, with campers, or alone. Much of this will depend on your role and when you're here, so ask us after you fill in an interest form.Â
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