CALIFORNIA OPEN POSITIONS
CORE STAFF POSITIONS - ALL SUMMER
Brave Trails is excited to offer the opportunity to have a paid dedicated core staff to join us all summer in the magical mountains of California. The core staff will embark on a very magical experience as we work together all summer to empower LGBTQ+ youth and build an even stronger unicorn community. Folks applying to join us on this adventure must commit to living onsite for the full duration of June 8th - July 22nd, 2026. Core staff will be paid for every working day and provided days off throughout the summer. As part of our core team, staff will be provided housing onsite for the full summer and receive 3 delicious meals every working day!
Location
Our California camp is located outside of Riverside County. (exact location will be sent to staff upon hiring)
-
Brave Trails is seeking a dedicated and experienced Medical Lead (RN) to oversee our camp’s medical operations. Our camp staff plays a crucial role in supporting the success of our programming, and as Medical Lead, you will be an integral part of our mission to connect LGBTQ+ youth to their people, place, and passion.
At Brave Trails, we have 3 medical professionals onsite at all times (MD, RN, LPN, EMT) who work together to provide basic medical care to campers and staff. The Medical Lead will manage and guide this team throughout the summer, ensuring the highest quality of care and fostering an inclusive and safe environment. You will work with a different group of professionals each session, guiding them in their roles and ensuring the smooth operation of the medical team.
Openings: 1
Pay: $3,200/summer + Room & Board
Commitment: June 8th - July 22nd, 2026
Qualifications: Must be a Registered Nurse in the state of California
-
Join the Brave Trails Unicorn Crew! As a member of our Kitchen Staff, you’ll support the health and wellness of our community and keep camp running smoothly behind the scenes. The kitchen is the heart of camp, and your role is vital in ensuring every camper and staff member is nourished and ready for the day.
The Kitchen Staff plays a crucial role in the magic of Brave Trails. This position involves a mix of high-energy teamwork during meal rushes and focused independent work during prep and cleanup.
Openings: 1
Pay: $18-20/hr DOE for the full summer, paid bi-monthly via direct deposit+ Room & Board
Commitment: June 8th - July 22nd, 2026
-
Join the Brave Trails Unicorn Crew! As a Programs Assistant, you’ll support the Associate Programs Director by coordinating guest presenters and ensuring program leads have what they need for successful activities. The Assistants Team (lovingly known as the “A Team”) plays a vital role in keeping camp running smoothly and efficiently. This position involves a mix of independent work and teamwork, making each day of camp a success.
Openings: 0
Pay: $2,600 + Room & Board
Commitment: June 8th - July 22nd, 2025
-
Join the Brave Trails Unicorn Crew! As an Operations Assistant, you’ll support the Associate Director of Strategy in keeping camp running smoothly behind the scenes. Your role will involve assisting with program set-up and break-down, running off-campus errands, organizing spaces, managing walkie-talkies, setting up the sound system, starting campfires, and tackling other tasks as needed. The Assistants Team (lovingly known as the “A Team”) plays a vital role in keeping camp running smoothly and efficiently. This position involves a mix of independent work and teamwork, making each day of camp a success.
Openings: 0
Pay: $2,600 + Room & Board
Commitment: June 8th - July 22nd, 2026
-
Join the Brave Trails Unicorn Crew! As the Admin Assistant, you'll play a key role in keeping camp running smoothly behind the scenes. You’ll assist with administrative paperwork, filing, program set-up and break-down, running off-campus errands, organizing, and more. Working alongside the A Team and Directors, you’ll help create a magical experience for our campers. The Assistants Team (lovingly known as the “A Team”) plays a vital role in keeping camp running smoothly and efficiently. This position involves a mix of independent work and teamwork, making each day of camp a success.
Openings: 0
Pay: $2,600 + Room & Board
Commitment: June 8th - July 22nd, 2026
-
Join the Brave Trails Unicorn Crew as a dedicated UJL Program Lead + Cabin Counselor! In this essential role, you will design and facilitate programming for our Unicorn Justice League (UJLs), our Counselors In Training Program. With your exceptional leadership skills, you'll guide and inspire young UJLs, helping to shape them into amazing future staff members. This position is open to returning Brave Trails staff members who have served for one or more years.
Openings: 0
Pay: $2,600 + Room & Board
Commitment: June 8th - July 22nd, 2026
-
Brave Trails is looking for a dedicated Passion To Action Lead + Floating Ateam to join our Unicorn Crew! The Passion To Action Lead will design and facilitate camp-wide activism projects, empowering campers to become impactful community activists. In addition to leading activism initiatives, you will serve as a Floating Ateam, supporting our team of assistants running behind the scenes logistics as needed. This position is open to returning Brave Trails staff members with at least one year of experience.
Openings: 0
Pay: $2,600 + Room & Board
Commitment: June 8th - July 22nd, 2026
-
Brave Trails is looking for a dedicated Social Media Content Creator to join our Unicorn Crew! As the Social Media Content Creator, you’ll capture and share the magic of camp across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. This role calls for a creative storyteller with a strong background in social media management and content creation. You’ll be responsible for posting daily updates, collaborating with the Camp Photographer to create a session slideshow, and bringing the camp experience to life in fun, engaging, and authentic ways. You’ll also work closely with our Communications Director to capture meaningful stories and moments that highlight the power of Brave Trails year-round. We’re looking for someone who’s excited to combine creativity, connection, and community storytelling all summer long.
Openings: 0
Pay: $2,600 + Room & Board
Commitment: June 8th - July 22nd, 2026
ONE SESSION POSITIONS - 12 DAYS
Brave Trails session based staff/volunteers join us up in the magical mountains for a 12 day commitment, 2 and a half days of staff training and 9 days of camp. Staff may pick from any of our available sessions throughout the summer.
Pay & Volunteer Structure
Paid Staff: Paid specialty staff members include the specialty positions listed below. Specific pay details and candidate requirements are included in job descriptions.
Volunteer Staff: All other staff are considered volunteer staff. As part of our volunteer team, staff will be provided $200 travel assistance, housing for the full commitment, and delicious meals throughout the session.
POC + Trans Femme Financial Assistance: 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.
California Session Dates
Session 1: June 14th - 23rd, 2026 (includes training)
Session 2: June 26th - July 7th, 2026 (includes training)
Session 3: July 10th - 22nd, 2026 (includes training + end of summer clean up)
Location
Our California camp is located outside of Riverside County. (exact location will be sent to staff upon hiring)
PAID Opportunities
-
Brave Trails is looking for a dedicated Medical Staff Member to join our Unicorn Crew! With a team of 3 medical professionals (MD, RN, LPN, EMT) on-site at all times, you’ll play a crucial role in ensuring the health and well-being of our campers and staff. The Medical Staff provides essential care, helping our campers stay healthy and ready to engage fully in the Brave Trails experience. Your teamwork and expertise will be critical to the success of our programming, creating a safe and supportive environment for all.
Openings: 5 (2 per session)
Pay: $900/session + Room & Board
Commitment: 12 Day Commitment
-
Brave Trails is looking for a dedicated Head Counselor to join our Unicorn Crew! The Head Counselor will collaborate with the Directors to ensure the well-being, morale, and supervision of all cabin staff. As the liaison between cabin staff and the Directors, you will foster a culture of open communication and provide ongoing support. This role is essential in making sure the camp operates smoothly and that staff have the guidance they need throughout the summer. This position is open to returning Brave Trails staff members who have served for one or more years.
Openings: 0 (2 per session)
Pay: $588/session + Room & Board
Commitment: 12 Day Commitment
-
Brave Trails is looking for a dedicated Inclusion Staff Member to join our Unicorn Crew! The Inclusion Team serves as our camp's mental health support, focusing on "curbside" therapeutic conversations rather than formal therapy. Your primary role will be helping campers navigate mental health challenges and reintegrating them into camp programming. Working closely with the Directors and other staff, you will ensure that campers feel supported, safe, and empowered to participate fully in all camp activities. Your role is key to maintaining a positive, inclusive, and mentally healthy environment at camp!
Openings: 0 (2 per session)
Pay: $588/session + Room & Board
Commitment: 12 Day Commitment
Qualifications: Must be a licensed Mental Health Professional (LMFT, LPC, LCSW, etc.).
-
Brave Trails is looking for a dedicated Community Restoration Specialist to join our Unicorn Crew! The Community Restoration Specialist will play a key role in maintaining a positive camp environment by overseeing behavior management and leading restorative justice practices. In this position, you will support cabin counselors in addressing challenging behaviors and guide restorative justice circles to foster growth and accountability. Ideal candidates have experience in behavior management, neurodiversity, and leadership roles in camp or educational settings.
Openings: 0 (1 per session)
Pay: $588/session + Room & Board
Commitment: 12 Day Commitment
-
Brave Trails is looking for a passionate Anti-Racism Education Lead + Cabin Counselor to join our Unicorn Crew! As the Anti-Racism Education Lead, you will design and facilitate workshops focused on anti-racism, supporting staff and campers in building a culture of inclusion and justice. You'll lead training sessions that dive into the history of racism and empower both campers and staff to foster anti-racist environments at camp and beyond. In addition, you’ll serve as a Cabin Counselor, guiding and supporting 10-12 campers throughout their camp experience.
Openings: 0 (1 per session)
Pay: $588/session + Room & Board
Commitment: 12 Day Commitment
-
Join the Brave Trails Unicorn Crew as a dedicated UJL Program Lead + Cabin Counselor! In this essential role, you will design and facilitate programming for our Unicorn Justice League (UJLs), our Counselors In Training Program. With your exceptional leadership skills, you'll guide and inspire young UJLs, helping to shape them into amazing future staff members. This position is open to returning Brave Trails staff members who have served for one or more years.
Openings: 0 (1 per session)
Pay: $588/session + Room & Board
Commitment: 12 Day Commitment
-
Brave Trails is looking for a dedicated Camp Photographer to join our Unicorn Crew! As the Camp Photographer, you'll capture the magic of camp through creative and dynamic photography, bringing the Brave Trails experience to life. This role involves not only taking photos but also editing and uploading them daily, working closely with the Social Media Assistant to create a session slideshow. Applicants must have photography experience and provide a portfolio showcasing their work. Your creativity will help preserve the memories of camp in a fun and engaging way!
Openings: 0 (1 per session)
Pay: $588/session + Room & Board
Commitment: 12 Days
VOLUNTEER Opportunities
-
Brave Trails is looking for a dedicated Build On Program Lead + Cabin Counselor to join our Unicorn Crew! The Build On Program Lead will design and facilitate engaging and empowering lessons tailored for youth, culminating in a showcase at the end of each session. This role involves working closely with a specific group of campers for an hour and a half each day, fostering their growth and creativity. Additionally, the Build On Program Lead will serve as a Cabin Counselor for 8-10 youth between the ages of 12-17, supporting their development and well-being throughout the camp experience.
Openings: 0 (5 per session)
Pay: Volunteer Position + Room & Board + $200 Travel Assistance
Commitment: 12 Days
-
Brave Trails is looking for a dedicated Free Choice Program Lead + Cabin Counselor to join our Unicorn Crew! The Free Choice Program Lead will design and facilitate 3-4 engaging and empowering lessons centered on a specific focus area that aligns with our campers' interests. This role emphasizes fostering creativity and choice, allowing campers to explore their passions in a supportive environment. In addition, the Free Choice Lead will serve as a Cabin Counselor for 8-10 youth between the ages of 12-17, ensuring a holistic and enriching camp experience.
Openings: 3 (11 per session)
Pay: Volunteer Position + Room & Board + $200 Travel Assistance
Commitment: 12 Days
-
Brave Trails is looking for a dedicated Floating Counselor to join our Unicorn Crew! As the Floating Counselor, you’ll be an invaluable part of our team, serving as an "on-call" counselor who steps into cabins when a counselor is unable to complete their session (due to illness, family emergencies, etc.). Your role is crucial in providing support to cabin counselors while creating a warm and welcoming environment for campers across camp. This position requires flexibility, patience, and the ability to adapt to working with different staff and campers throughout the summer. The ideal candidate will have past camp experience at Brave Trails as a cabin counselor.
Openings: 0 (2 per session)
Pay: Volunteer Position + Room & Board + $200 Travel Assistance
Commitment: 12 Days
