STAFF FAQ

what are the applicant requirements and who are you looking for?

Camp is for the campers! With that in mind, we’re looking for adults (21+) and emerging leaders who’ve grown up through Brave Trails — including graduates of our UJL program who’ve completed their growth year and former campers who are 20+ years old. All staff should be passionate about mentoring LGBTQ youth and focused on camper wellness, safety, and (of course) fun!

Our ideal team member is LGBTQ knowledgeable, socially aware, kind, flexible, a team player, energetic, playful, and patient.

To learn more about our full list of requirements, , CLICK HERE.

application process

We accept applications on a rolling basis until positions are full. Once an applicant has submitted their completed online application, a director will review it and will reach out if they feel your application aligns with our staffing needs or the meets the requirements of the position you are applying for. If so, you will be called to set up at least one virtual interview with a director. After the interview process, we typically send our first round of hiring notices around February. Once hired, you will receive access to our online portal where you can fill our forms, read your staff manual, start background checks, and begin some pre-camp online training modules. You’ll also get connected with other staff in your session so you can start to bond and prepare for camp!

Session Dates

Our 2026 staff will include both paid and volunteer opportunities. We will be hiring a core California paid staff from June 8th - July 22nd to help support us in creating the most memorable summer yet. In addition, we will have paid & volunteer positions for folks that would like to join us for one session commitment - see dates below.

CALIFORNIA STAFF

• Core Staff

  • Staff Training: June 8 - 11, 2026

  • Camp Dates: Camp dates will align with full session dates below

  • Last Day: July 22, 2026

• Session 1

  • Staff Training: June 12 - 14, 2026

  • Camp Dates: June 15 - 23, 2026

• Session 2

  • Staff Training: June 26 - 28, 2026

  • Camp Dates: June 29 - July 7, 2026

• Session 3

  • Staff Training: July 10 - 12, 2026

  • Camp Dates: July 13 - 21, 2026

  • Clean Up: July 22, 2026

GEORGIA STAFF

• Staff Training: July 20 - 22, 2026

• Camp Dates: July 23 - 31, 2026

NEW YORK STAFF

• Staff Training: Aug 5 - 7, 2026

• Camp Dates: Aug 8 - 16, 2026

location

We gladly welcome out-of-state and international staff members, though we do not cover travel costs. For safety, only hired staff members will receive the exact camp address of camp.

• Our California camp is located outside of Riverside County.

• Our New York camp is located in Southwest New York State.

• Our Georgia camp is located in the greater Atlanta area of Georgia

TRAVEL & Training ASSISTANCE

We know that volunteering for camp can be difficult for staff members that may not be in the position to afford to take a week or more off of work. It is our goal to make camp volunteer opportunities accessible to LGBTQ+ adults and allies who want to be a role model to the LGBTQ+ youth we serve. Lack of access to paid time off shouldn’t stand in the way of volunteering for camp. 

All volunteers will be provided $200 to be utilized for travel and training assistance in hopes to assist in the barrier that makes it difficult for folks to volunteer. Our hope is that these funds will help offset some of the financial burden or barrier of volunteering at camp by helping alleviate the cost of travel to & from camp, supplies needed to volunteer (toiletries, sunscreen, bedding, etc.), and other costs of volunteering. 

POC + Trans Femme Financial Assistance Program

Our POC (People of Color) + Trans Femme Financial Assistance program was created to address the systemic and economic injustices that disproportionately impact communities of color and trans femmes. These barriers often make it difficult to access long-term, unpaid volunteer opportunities. Staff who request this assistance on their application will receive an additional $200 to help offset the costs of volunteering.

transportation

We sadly can not offer compensation for transportation. We will do our best to help coordinate carpooling for staff members who fly in from out of state or do not have access to a vehicle. Staff members can park their car’s at camp for the duration of their session.

OUT-Of-State & International Staff

We welcome out-of-state and international staff volunteers with open arms at camp.

Packing for camp

Staff will get a full packing list a few months before camp. We’ll make sure you’re prepared and ready!

Bunking at camp

Counselors will sleep in the cabins with 10-11 campers and your co-counselor. All administrative, medical, and mental health staff will stay in share staff only housing. We divide campers into cabin groups by age; we never divide campers by gender at Brave Trails. There are bathrooms and hot showers in or near the cabins, complete with privacy for maximum comfort. We intentionally work to create a nurturing, homey, and festive cabin environment where new and returning campers can easily bond and create lifelong friendships!

What should we expect while at camp?

A counselor's day looks very much like a camper's day. We wake up at 7:30 a.m and help campers get ready for the day. We eat all meals together as a camp in the dining hall. All staff members help lead or assist with exciting activities and inspiring leadership workshops for the campers throughout the day. Then we all come together at night for fun evening programs, such as: campfires, dances, epic all-camp games, or stargazing. All staff members get two assigned break times per day to relax or connect with staff friends. Staff who stay for two weeks or will get days off. At the end of the night, counselors and campers head back to their cabins for bunk chats and a good night of sleep to gear up for tomorrow’s adventures!

We tell our campers and staff to expect the following at camp:

• An LGBTQ+ centered place where all identities and pronouns are respected and celebrated.

• A highly social environment with little to no alone time. Camp is very LOUD and proud!

• Nature! Camp is located in a forest in the mountains.

• An electronics free experience for campers. Campers don’t have access to any electronics. Staff can use devices only in the staff lounge during break times. WiFi and phone access is available for short calls home, but can be spotty and limited.

camp food

All meals and snacks are provided for you while you are on duty. Our kitchen staff takes pride in delivering nutritious meals that keep our campers and staff going throughout the day. Campers and staff enjoy three balanced meals per day, along with snacks and special treats! We gladly accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free diets, but require proper notice for appropriate planning. If you have a serious food allergy, aversion, or specific diet, please call a director to discuss further. We want to make sure you are comfortable and fed!

accreditation

We are proudly accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA). We know our LGBTQ+ youth deserve to have a top of the line summer camp experience. This is why we have committed to being a fully accredited summer camp since day one of operating.

What is your policy on tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana/THC products?

We have a very strict substance-free policy at Camp Brave Trails. Tobacco, alcohol, marijuana/THC products, and other illicit or illegal drugs, are NEVER permitted on campus and will lead to immediate termination.