Photo by Kevin Kitsuda

Work at the Lair

Located in the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountains, the Lair of the Golden Bear is the oldest and largest university-affiliated family camp in the country.

Whether you grew up spending time outdoors, camping at the Lair, or this is your first time hearing about us and you’ve never camped anywhere, we are interested in finding a place for you in the Lair community. Through working at camp, you will develop friendships that will last forever. You will become part of a very long and rich Lair staff tradition and help shape the Lair for future members of the community. By working at a summer camp, you will have the opportunity to impact kids and families and by extension make an impact on the world.

Working at the Lair helps build invaluable skills and experience future employers seek. Read Lair veteran staffer Jessie Fisher’s Daily Cal article spotlighting the highly desirable soft skills staffers hone through their hard work at the Lair. And if you’re anywhere on the fence between whether to dive into the Lair’s magic or delve into the corporate world, don’t miss this article: Camp Magic vs. Corporate Climb: What’s Really Worth Your Time.

My time on staff has been a miraculously well-written coming-of-age story. It has redefined my idea of success. Success isn’t just academic achievements or job placements. It’s also the ability to gracefully navigate the human experience, thoughtfully respond to the world, and get close to people along the way. – Jessie Fisher

Applications for the summer 2025 are live and you can use this online application form here. Interviews for certain positions will start in January, and the rest will continue as applications are received from February through March. The application is a short questionnaire, and for the first-time applicants, there are bonus points given for the extra-credit question.

In case you missed it, Click Here to Apply for Summer 2025!

Frequently (or not so Frequently) Asked Questions

What is the Staff Application timeline?

All deadlines are EOD (End of day), Pacific Standard Time

● Jan 3rd, 2025 - Application Deadline for Staff Leadership Team (PD, APD, HOM, Head Cook, etc.)
● Feb 3, 2025 - Application Deadline for Returning Veterans
● Feb 7, 2025 - Priority Deadline for all other applicants
● Feb 14, 2025 - End of application process

Any applications received after the specific deadline are not guaranteed interviews and are on a first-come, first served basis. Our goal is to get through interviews and to let folks know their status/job by early/mid March.

Click here to apply for a summer 2025 position.

What are we looking for in a Lair Staffer?

Our staff team is composed of an outstanding mix of college-aged students, some rooted in the UC system, and supported by students from around the US and world. Without question, the staff is the heart and soul of camp life and provides boundless energy, warmth, and enthusiasm every moment of each camper's stay. In addition to leading all of the camp programming, staffers act as positive role models to young children; and their priority is delivering a fantastic vacation experience for families and campers of all ages. The unparalleled staffing experience is something that has helped us stand alone in the family vacation space. Our staffers make our guests' vacation in the mountains truly magical.

How long is the Lair staffing season?

Well, that may depend on your availability. Ideally, we are looking for people who don’t mind living a mile above sea level in the mountains from June to September. The Lair also hosts pre-family camp programs, which start in May, and post-family camp programs that end mid to late September.

Working at the Lair vs Internships

Internships	Working At The Lair
Prepare for today’s competitive job market, according to conventional wisdom.	Prepare for today’s competitive job market, by working in an open environment, free of office constraints, networking with hundreds to thousands of successful professionals in a relaxed setting.
Interact with a limited number of people in a single industry.	interact with a large number of diverse people of all ages in various contexts.
Depending on the work or stress, there may be little or no sleep.	Due to the work and fun with fellow staffers, little or no sleep, (sleep is encouraged)
Typical Internships, little or no pay. Pay for your own food, water, electricity, and boarding.	Get paid doing things you’ll love + Free room and board, electricity, water and tons and tons of Lair food.
Learn entry level skills that pertain to that specific job opportunity.	Learn leadership, interpersonal skills and gain confidence outside your comfort zone in a safe, constructive setting.
Gain co-workers and perhaps some friends within that specific company.	Gain lifetime friendships that span the globe.
Develop a few professional connections and perhaps master some basic competencies.	Develop personal and professional connections and master a wide range of practical competencies.

How many staffers are you looking to hire?

Long Answer:
The Lair is comprised of three separate camps: Camp Blue, Camp Gold, and Camp Oski. Each camp operates with almost identical programming. All three camps have staff shows, camper talent shows, camp stores, and kitchens, athletic programs, age group activities, guest speakers, swimming pools, Cub Corrals, art, hiking, and music programs. The primary difference between the camps is the size and the layout. Camp Blue and Camp Gold are very similar to each other, as each accommodates about 350 campers, while Oski accommodates about 200 campers. So, normally we hire around 160 seasonal staffers to service all three camps.

Short Answer:
Around 160 Seasonal Staffers, depending on people’s availability and the current year’s pre/post family camp programming schedule.

Staffers holding up yellow cardboard letters that spell LAIR, on stage during a campfire show

Silhouettes of friends holding hands with sunset behind

servers dropping off a birthday cake in a crowded dining hall

Smiling staffer with a young child sitting on the sandy ground at the Cub Corral.

A young girl having her face painted by a staffer wearing a super hero cape.

Two staffers sit side by side peacefully enjoying Creekside at the Lair

Multiple staffers on stage smiling and performing during a campfire show

Lair staffer performing on the guitar at a campfire show.

lair staffers performing a show, dressed in blue and gold

a person demonstrating how to throw a pot on a pottery wheel to a group of about 12 people

lair staff members and young campers smiling on the playground

a group of toddlers waiting for instruction

someone unloading a kiln placing pottery on to shelves

Six staffers singing and playing instruments on stage during the Camp Gold Hootenany

Additional Application Details

Application Process

Whether you are applying to be a first-year staffer or have worked at the Lair during a previous summer, you will fill out a simple application via this Google form. After your application is received and reviewed, we will reach out to you via email in the following weeks, so you can schedule your interview in the available slots around your availability.

New staff applicants may submit a video in addition to the Google Form. If you choose to make a video, you must include the YouTube link in your application on the Google Form. The video is meant to be a fun opportunity for you to give us a sense of your personality. Videos are to be no longer than three minutes in length. You can theme your video however you like. If you search “Lair application video” on YouTube, you will find tons of examples-- from people making fake short movies to people sitting at their desks telling us why they would make a great staffer. For privacy reasons, we recommend that you post the video as unlisted, and then include the URL in your application. Reminder: This is completely optional. BUT it does really help the hiring panel get a sense of who you are.

Letters of recommendation for new staff applicants are encouraged. Reference letters should be written by a current or former employer, an RA, or a past/present Lair staffer. Please do not have a family member write a reference letter. Reference letters are to be emailed to keith.wong@alumni.berkeley.edu with subject line labeled: 2025 Lair LoR - “XXXXX”, with your full name where the “XXXXX” is.

After your application is received and reviewed

We will reach out to you in January through March via email, so you can schedule your interview in the available slots around your availability.

Note: Creativity is an essential element of working at the Lair of the Golden Bear. During your interview, we will ask you to showcase your talents or skills in a two minute presentation / or Show and Tell. You may present an object(s), give a performance, tell a story, demonstrate a skill, or surprise us with something totally different. We want to get a sense of who you are and your skills and passions - if you have something we can put to use in camp, or on a Lair stage, we highly encourage you to demonstrate that skill set. Musicians and singers are always needed in camp. Whatever you choose to showcase, remember to relax and have fun. If you have any questions about this portion of the interview, don’t hesitate to ask ahead of time!

For Veteran and/or returning staffers:
Veteran staffer applicants are not guaranteed a position on staff. Our goal is to fill our staff with the best available talent and build the best team for the current year regardless of seniority. Veteran staffers who are interested in a leadership position must apply by January 3rd, 2025 to be considered. Once again, all veterans will go through the interview process. During the process, we can discuss your performance from last summer, your top position choices and fits, and any improvements you or we think we can make in camp for summer 2025.

Eligibility

In order to be eligible to staff at the Lair, applicants must be enrolled in a two or four year college, or they must have graduated from college in May 2025 or later. You don’t need to have any previous Cal or Lair knowledge or association to work at the Lair.

All hired staffers are required to complete and pass a driving record check and FBI/DOJ fingerprint criminal background check. As a veteran staffer, your fingerprints remain on file with the University of California Police Department. You must, however, complete a new Authorization and Release form each year that you work for CAA, so we can run a driving record check. We’ll walk you through this process during onboarding.

Guidelines and policies of the Lair of the Golden Bear are explained for hired staffers in the Staff Handbook. Violation of any policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

Required Dates and Salaries

● Veteran staffers on the semester system will be expected to arrive at camp on May 30, 2025 and required to work through August 18, 2025.

● First year staffers on the semester system will be expected to arrive at camp on June 2nd and required to work through August 18, 2025.

● All Quarter students are expected to arrive by June 14, 2025 (and no later than June 16, 2025) and work through September 15th.

● All graduates are expected to work from the semester/quarter start dates through September 22nd.

If you need to arrive late or leave early, we can discuss these options during your interview.

Starting staff salary for the summer is around $1,500 per month plus room and board. Staffers can expect to take home between approximately $3,000 and $5,000 depending on their job position and the length of their work for the summer. This applies for student employees, camp counselors, and program counselors only.

Available Positions and Descriptions

All staff members are required to participate in a Saturday morning ‘Big Clean’ of the camping grounds and facilities, and a Saturday morning staff meeting. Each staffer will have a primary job, as detailed below, and will also have assigned duties outside of that job. Many staffers will be assigned to a crew position, working in an organized group of 4-9 people and Directors will lead each crew job. In addition to fulfilling specific job duties, all staff members are required to interact with our campers, be role models for the kids, and participate in all campfire shows and most athletic events. Previous knowledge and skills about assigned positions are helpful but not required, as all staff members will undergo an intense two week training schedule after arriving in camp. Crew members also work in other areas as directed.

All staff are required to be First Aid/CPR/AED certified and Food Handler certified prior to arriving at camp.

Cub Corral

Director and Crew positions. Responsible for care and supervision of children (diaper graduates) who are ages 2 - 5. Cub Corral is a crew of four, including a director. Previous classroom or daycare experience is strongly recommended. Genuine love of youngsters required. Daily activities include arts and crafts (painting, coloring, and glue projects suitable for this age group), storytelling, music, swimming, and recreational play. Required participation in day and evening programs. Additional duties paid through room and board.

Age Groups

Director and crew positions. Plan, organize, and supervise age-appropriate activities including, among many other things, arts and crafts, athletics, pool parties, nature projects, campfires, music, boating, fishing, hiking, dances, and movies. Day and evening hours required. Supply maintenance required. Age groups are divided as follows: Teddy Bears: kids in grades 1 - 2, Golden Bears: kids in grades 3 - 5, Cal Bears: grades 6 - 8, and Grizzly Bears: grades 9 - 12. Recommend strong communication skills, ability to exercise good judgment, and group-control experience necessary. Previous classroom or daycare experience is strongly recommended. Must be able to state and enforce camp rules. Must possess a valid driver’s license—job may include driving camp vehicles. Additional duties paid through room and board. Lifeguard certification is a prerequisite for age group directors and assistant directors.

Art

Director and Crew positions. Provide instruction to campers of all ages in ceramics (wheel- and hand- building), bisque-ware , lanyards, textile painting, and tie-dye. The crew will organize materials and maintain inventory and cleanliness of materials and facilities. Lead multiple kiln firings each week. There is constant interaction with campers of all ages. A strong customer service and/or teaching background is necessary; flexibility, patience, and diplomacy are all vital requirements. Duties extend beyond regular program hours. Additional duties paid through room and board.

Pool

Director and Crew positions. Responsible for operation and daily supervision of the pool and pool area, and maintenance of equipment and deck furniture. Lead group swimming lessons (and private lessons as scheduled) and water aerobics, lifeguard, and supervise recreational swimming. Previous lifeguarding and instruction experience strongly recommended. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. Must have current Lifeguarding certification prior to arrival at camp. Water Safety Instruction a plus. Additional duties paid through room and board.

Store

Director and Crew positions. Work in the Lair Store, which sells snacks, sundries, and clothing. Operate the cash register, balance daily receipts, maintain Store cleanliness, and display merchandise. The store is a very fast-paced, customer-oriented job. There is constant interaction with campers of all ages. Strong customer service background, flexibility, patience, and diplomacy all vital requirements. Lead cashier for food and drink sales at the Burger Shack. Duties extend beyond regular program hours. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. Additional duties paid through room and board.

Nature

Director position. Organize and lead camper hikes in surrounding areas. Must have basic knowledge of Sierra flora and fauna. Must relate well to adults, have extensive hiking experience, outdoor safety awareness, and encourage an appreciation of the environment. Previous classroom or daycare experience is strongly recommended. Food preparation skills recommended. The candidate must be able to lead group hikes of various levels of difficulty. Must possess a valid driver’s license—job may include driving camp vehicles. Additional duties paid through room and board.

Athletics

Supervise and instruct tennis, softball, volleyball, basketball, and other camper team sports. Organize and supervise tournaments for all ages, including posting results and awarding trophies. Carry out daily cleaning and maintenance of all athletic facilities and surrounding areas, including monitoring equipment needs. Make recommendations for replacement of equipment as necessary. Officiate the camp athletic events. Knowledge of sports rules required. Must relate well to adults. All directors are responsible for supplies and cleanliness of their areas and programs. In addition to fulfilling specific job duties, all staff members are required to interact with our campers, be role models for the kids, and participate in all campfire shows and athletic events. Directors also work in other areas as directed. Additional duties paid through room and board.

Music

Director position. Assist in musical and technical aspects of all camp shows and productions. Oversee auditions and organize acts for camper talent show and staff acts for Hootenanny; hosts both shows. Develop and lead Sunday morning Creekside program, and lead all ages in camper sing-a-long programs. Guitar and vocal skills required. Demonstrated peer leadership, established supervisory skills, and stage presence/public speaking are important. Additional duties paid through room and board.

Head of Maintenance

Supervise maintenance crew; responsible for organization of crew and delegation of individual tasks. Responsible for restocking and reordering of supplies. Monitor and manage all maintenance duties, maintenance shed, maintenance vehicles, tool use, and inventory of required supplies. Assist age group directors with day and evening programs. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. Must possess a valid driver’s license—job may include driving camp vehicles. Additional duties paid through room and board.

Maintenance

Crew position. Responsible for cleaning and upkeep of all camp facilities including bathrooms and dishwashing areas. Maintenance is a crew, including a director. Primary duties include washing meal dishes, garbage handling and removal, bathroom cleaning, recycling, miscellaneous camp repairs, and overall camp cleanliness. Applicants must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. Assist age group directors with their programs, day and evening. Must possess a valid driver’s license—job may include driving camp vehicles. Additional duties paid through room and board.

Dining Hall Host/Hostess

Lead camper food service efforts three times a day. Serve as liaison between cooks and campers. Direct and schedule Dining Hall crew. The host/hostess (Dining Hall director) is responsible for overall Dining Hall appearance and cleanliness. Prepare side dishes for service. Excellent customer service is a must. Applicants must have strong organizational skills and leadership experience, and must be willing to begin work early in the morning. Must also be able to lift up to 50 lbs. Must possess a valid driver’s license—job may include driving camp vehicles. Additional duties paid through room and board.

Dining Hall Crew

Lead camper food service effort three times a day. Serve as liaison between cooks and campers. The hostess/host (Dining Hall director) is responsible for overall Dining Hall appearance and cleanliness. Prepare side dishes for service. Excellent customer service a must. One must have strong organizational skills and leadership experience and must be willing to begin work early in the morning. In addition to fulfilling specific job dues, all staff members are required to interact with our campers, be role models for the kids, and participate in all campfire shows and athletic events. Each week staff members are required to participate in a ‘Big Clean’ of the camping grounds and facilities, and a weekly staff meeting. Staff members are also expected, as part of their schedules, to participate in up to four campfire shows for the campers and various staff vs. camper sporting events. Additional duties paid through room and board.

Head Cook

Lead kitchen crew to prepare and execute three meals per day. Works with the food service manager to place food orders. Must possess strong organizational skills and the ability to work within a tight-knit team. Lair cooks are responsible for the overall quality of the food and the overall cleanliness of the kitchen and its surrounding areas. The kitchen is a fast-paced and high-energy hub that requires concentration on the task at hand. Strong work ethic and the willingness to learn. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. Additional duties paid through room and board. ServSafe Manager and Food Handler certifications are prerequisites of this position.

Kitchen/Cook

Crew position. Preparation and execution of three meals on a daily basis and other duties as assigned under the supervision of the Head Cook. Must possess strong organizational skills and the ability to work within a tight-knit team. Lair cooks are responsible for the overall quality of the food and the overall cleanliness of the kitchen and its surrounding areas. The kitchen is a fast-paced and high-energy hub that requires concentration on the task at hand. There are areas of focus determined by the position you may be offered e.g., Burger Shack, Baker, Salads, Pots, Programs etc… But all cooks are responsible for the execution of each meal and work as a team. Prior cooking experience is not a requirement, but a strong work ethic and the willingness to learn is. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. Additional duties paid through room and board. For the position of Second Cook, ServSafe Manager and Food Handler certifications are prerequisites of this position.

Assistant Program Director

Veteran staff position only. Works with PD to manage staff. Must have strong organizational skills and leadership experience. Responsible for multiple areas of camp program coverage—emphasis may include lifeguarding, store, dining hall, maintenance and age group programming. Strong customer service and/or teaching background required; flexibility, patience and diplomacy all vital requirements. Duties extend beyond regular program hours. Additional duties paid through room and board. Lifeguard certification is a prerequisite of this position.

Program Director

Veteran staff position only. Produce Saturday Night show (including, casting, rehearsals, and directing; and securing of props, costumes, and technical equipment). Duties include working closely with Manager as chief monitor and evaluator of camp programming. Also works with the Manager to help maintain staff morale and discipline. Must be able to state and enforce camp rules. Manage staff area cleanliness daily. Announce softball game and pool show, and make mealtime announcements. Introduce guest speaker and organize weekly adult dance. Chair weekly staff meeting. Demonstrated peer leadership, established supervisory skills and experience in a large recreational environment required. Must possess a valid driver’s license—job may include driving camp vehicles. The PD also undertakes special projects as determined by the Manager. Additional duties paid through room and board.

FAQs about Camp Life

I have never been to the Lair - What should I expect?

Dirt and lots of trees! Typically, two to four staffers live together in a semi-enclosed tent-cabin in a specified staff area. In general, staff cabins are sparse and allow very little privacy. We’re camp people. The climate can be hot or cold, and conditions can be a little dusty. You will be exposed to the beautiful natural environment. Three meals per day are served in the Dining Hall at each camp. As a member of staff, you will also be granted use of the kitchens during non-meal service hours, at the discretion of the Head Cook and Manager of your camp. You will also have access to the camp Burger Shacks that run in the evenings. The staff have showers and restrooms in the staff area. Laundry facilities are provided for your use. You will be given dressers and beds in your tent-cabin. If hired, there will be extensive “what to bring” information provided as well as FAQs addressed by veteran staff and camp leadership.

What will my work schedule and time off look like?

Once offered a position and camp (e.g., Store, Pool, Art - Blue/Gold/Oski), your daily schedule will mostly revolve around duties pertaining to that part of camp. All staff provide coverage in other areas of camp, and there are many all-staff events. On any given day you will have a number of programs on your schedule and a number of hours of free-time to do with what you wish. Most evenings staff will have unscheduled personal time unless assigned to specific evening programs. Staffers receive a designated full day-and-a-half, or 41 consecutive hours, off each week. Your day off will be assigned to your position on staff; although, if you need to take a day off for a wedding, graduation, or extenuating circumstance you can discuss it with your camp manager.

Is there cell reception and/or Internet connections at camp?

There is limited cell phone coverage at the Lair. Some cell services such as Verizon work in certain areas of camp, but others get very little to no reception. We do have free, limited Wi-Fi, so you can be in touch when you need to throughout all three camps. We are in the mountains, so cell and Wi-Fi are not 100% reliable; however, we have some old-fashioned phone lines in select areas in camp.

What are the differences between Camps Blue, Gold, and Oski?

All three camps are similar to each other, with many of the same facilities and programming. Each camp has staff shows, camper talent shows, age group activities, guest speakers, swimming pools, Cub Corrals, art, hiking, and music programs. The primary difference between the camps is the size and the layout: Camp Blue and Camp Gold are very similar to each other, as each accommodates about 350 campers in tent cabins located throughout the camp. Both Blue and Gold have tennis courts, while Oski doesn’t; but Oski campers can use the tennis courts at Blue or Gold. During the week at Blue and Gold, campers of all ages enjoy athletic tournaments and games such as tennis, basketball, horseshoes, bridge, backgammon, trivial pursuit, etc. Participants strive to win wonderful little Lair trophies, which are presented at the Friday evening campfire shows. Blue and Gold also compete against each other each week in softball and in volleyball—no trophies, just glory. Camp Oski’s tent cabins are arranged in circles, and each tent circle has a fire pit in the center, providing an ideal camping atmosphere (and great for making night time s’mores!). Camp Oski is smaller, accommodating about 200 campers, and has a large beautiful pool, but no tennis courts and no tournaments. Oski has the same great children’s programs and campfire traditions as Blue and Gold, plus a higher staff to camper ratio.

As a staffer, you will often work with staff from other camps, as the three camps collaborate together quite often.

Thank you and good luck with your application. If you have any further questions, please contact our Operations Team at lair.operations@alumni.berkeley.edu.

Meet the Staff: Still not convinced this is how you should spend your summer? Follow us on social media to get an idea what camp is like as well as ask current veteran staff and camp administrators about their experiences. Find us at Work the Lair on Instagram, and give a like to the Work the Lair page on Facebook. And tell your friends to follow us too!