Job FAQs
How old do I have to be to work at camp?
All of our staff members must be 18 years old or older and at least one year removed from their high school graduation.
Do I have to work the whole summer?
Due to the structure of camp, we ask for a full summer commitment from the start of staff training to the last day of camp.
What is staff housing like?
Staff members live in single-room cabins with up to 10 campers and at least one other counselor. Each cabin has six sets of bunk beds and one electrical outlet. Bathrooms are located separately near the cabins.
Is there a staff curfew?
Our camp curfew is 11:00 pm. Staff members will be expected to be in the cabins with the campers earlier than 11:00 on most nights.
How much salary will I earn?
Salary starts at $360 a week for a new staff member. Room and board is included.
What is time off like?
Time off while working at camp is limited. Staff members have about 1.5-2 hours off each day and a scheduled period of 24 hours off each week. Most staff spend their time off on Catalina Island. Leaving the island during time off is costly and time-prohibitive. Camping and exploring the island are time-off favorites.
Do you hire International Staff?
Interested International Staff should contact Nick by email (nick@cic.camp) about opportunities this summer.
What certifications should I have?
We require all staff members to have current First Aid and CPR certifications before they arrive at camp. Waterfront staff will participate in a four-day lifeguard course at the beginning of staff training. They should have experience with swimming and feel comfortable in the ocean.
What is the weather like?
Weather at CIC is much like Southern California beach communities. Daytime temperatures are between 60 and 80 and nights rarely dip below 60. The sun is strong and the winds can make the shade much cooler. Water temperature starts the summer in the low to mid-60s and often reaches 70 by the middle of August. Many people are surprised by how cool it is at night, especially if you are used to higher humidity in the summer. CIC is very dry so the heat disappears quickly once the sun goes down.
What does a typical day look like?
Campers start to wake up with the daylight, sometimes as early as 6 am, especially at the start of each session. Counselors wake up before or with their campers. After breakfast, there are two activity periods before lunch. After lunch, there is cabin time out of the sun, followed by two more activity periods and showers before dinner. After dinner is some free play for campers followed by an all-camp evening program until between 8:30 and 9 pm. Lights out is typically by 10 pm.
Is there laundry on site?
Staff laundry is done for you once a week. Laundry is washed, dried, and returned to you folded.
What is the food like?
CIC prides itself on offering good food with a variety of options. We can accommodate many special needs including vegan and vegetarian diets, and gluten and dairy-free needs.
Is there internet access? Can I bring my phone?
Staff may have their smartphone, tablet, or laptop at camp but can only use them on their time off. CIC has internet access for staff. While it’s easy to keep up with email or basic social media, streaming videos, movies, and music in our shared use is often difficult. Cellular access is limited. There is a phone for emergency use. CIC is not responsible for any electronic equipment you bring to camp. There is a safe storage location away from your cabin.