Waterfront & Fishing Counselor

Imagine a summer job at a beautiful lake site in the San Francisco East Bay, having fun in the great outdoors, making new friends, all while helping children grow and have the time of their life. You'll learn valuable leadership and teamwork skills that employers and graduate schools value. Many staff tell us years later that working at Roughing It was the most exciting and rewarding summer job they never expected.

Now Hiring for Summer 2026!

We are currently hiring Waterfront & Fishing camp counselors

Fishing & Waterfront counselors spend the day with different groups of campers and are responsible for planning/leading group fishing activities as well as supervising campers. Groups are divided by gender/age and range from 4-16 years old.

The Fishing Counselor must be a knowledgeable and skilled fishing person who enjoys sharing their love for the sport of fishing. The fishing counselor works with campers of all ages

All Waterfront Counselors must be willing to participate in rowing, canoeing, kayaking, and support fishing. They must be confident on the water and leading these activities with campers 4-16 years old, while providing a safe and fun experience.

Waterfront & Fishing Counselors must be American Red Cross Lifeguard Certified before the start of camp. (Roughing It will reimburse at the end of the summer)

Transportation from San Francisco, Berkeley, Oakland, Pleasant Hill, San Ramon

We are a day camp and most summer staff drive to our camp sites in Lafayette or Moraga. Some staff also act as bus counselors who supervise campers and lead activities on the ride to and from camp in the morning and afternoon. Our buses pick up in San Francisco, Berkeley, Oakland, Pleasant Hill, and San Ramon. If the daily commute to Lafayette/Moraga is not feasible for you but taking the bus could work, please apply and we will consider your situation.

Requirements

• Completed first year of college (by start of summer)
• Ability to obtain Valid California Fishing License (Fishing Counselor Only)
• ARC Lifeguard Certification (Roughing It will reimburse and may have course available)

Job Details

• 2026 Camp Season: Mon-Fri, June 15, 2026 through August 7, 2026
• Camp Hours: The camp day is 9:00am-3:00pm, and staff help with site prep or act as bus counselors before and after. Waterfront positions are 47 hours/week.
• Location: Our main camp site is at the Lafayette Reservoir. Staff commute to their work site unless they are a bus counselor who meets the bus at its first stop.

About Roughing It Day Camp

Established in 1972, Roughing It Day Camp is an all-outdoors summer day camp for children 4-16 years old located at the Lafayette Reservoir in the SF East Bay. We are a place where children get to do exciting outdoor activities, make real-life connections, and learn the skills to succeed in life. Learn more at roughingit.com/jobs