CoolWorks
Bar 717 Ranch on a summer evening
The Trinity Alps Wilderness
Trail riding through the National Forest
Working in the garden
Staff conquer Gates Mountain
Campers on an overnight trip
Campers conquer a boulder in the Alps
Backpacking in the Trinity Alps Wilderness Area
Horsing around
Campers on a backpacking trip in the Trinity Alps
Campers in the garden with leek flowers
Loading hay for the animals
Bar 717 Ranch Counseling Staff
Campers in front of Gates Mountain
Counselors and campers
Horsemanship staff 2016
Horses out on the range.
Sunset in the Trinity Alps
The gardens at Bar 717 Ranch
View of the Trinity mountains at sunset
Welcome to the Bar 717 Ranch!
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Mountain Ranch Living at Northern California Summer Camp!

Bar 717 Ranch

Recruiting for June 1st, 2024 to August 18th, 2024.

Current Job Openings

    Camp Counselor

    Hayfork
    $575.00 / week

    Camp Trinity on the Bar 717 Ranch is a co-ed, residential camp in Trinity County for kids ages 8-16. Our mission is to provide an outdoor camp experience where children have daily opportunities to have fun, develop friendships, challenge themselves, build character, learn new skills, gain a sense of community and make their own choices. Campers choose freely from activities that range from horseback riding, gardening, animal care, maintenance and improvement projects, to backpack trips, overnight campouts, campfires, singing, and much more.

    We’re eager to hire people who will thrive in a child-oriented, outdoor environment. Counselors are role models, leaders, organizers, substitute parents, motivators, big brothers or sisters and friends who, through their thoughts and actions, exemplify positive character and values.

    Qualifications:

    • Minimum age 19 by June 9, 2024 
    • Passion for working with youth
    • Quick learner with strong problem solving skills
    • Strong interpersonal skills and collaborative attitude
    • Accepting of diversity in culture, race, sexual orientation, religion, gender identity, and ethnicity
    • Ability to seek and accept supervision and guidance
    • Enthusiasm, good judgment, patience, adaptability and self-control
    • Ability to complete Lifeguard Training/CPR and Wilderness First Aid Training (courses are offered at camp prior to staff orientation)
    • Able to be a resident at camp from June 9, 2024 to at least August 11, 2024 
    • All camp staff must demonstrate proof of receiving a COVID-19 vaccination

    The Bar 717 Ranch is committed to core values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Working at Camp can be one of the most rewarding jobs of your life! We look forward to reading your application.

    Full job description can be found here.

    Farmer / Gardener

    Hayfork

    Camp Trinity on the Bar 717 Ranch is a co-ed, residential camp in Trinity County for kids ages 8-16. Our mission is to provide an outdoor camp experience where children have daily opportunities to have fun, develop friendships, challenge themselves, build character, learn new skills, gain a sense of community and make their own choices.

    We’re eager to hire people who will thrive in a child-oriented, outdoor environment. Our Gardener is responsible for maintaining two gardens, working with our kitchen staff to utilize garden produce in camp meals, working with counselors and campers to teach gardening skills, and introducing campers to the joys of working in the garden.

    Qualifications:

    • Minimum age 18 by June 2024
    • Possession of a valid Driver’s License
    • Experience in farming or gardening for food production preferred
    • Accepting of diversity in culture, race, sexual orientation, religion, gender identity, and ethnicity
    • Strong communication skills with children, peers, and supervisors
    • Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
    • Ability to seek and accept supervision and guidance
    • Enthusiasm, good judgment, patience, adaptability and self-control
    • All camp staff must demonstrate proof of receiving a COVID-19 vaccination

    Hours and Compensation:

    • Part time (20 hours/week) March, April, July, August
    • Full time (40 hours/week) May and June 
    • Benefits are not available for this position, but meals are provided during work hours for the duration of our summer camp season. Housing is also available.
    • This position may be filled by resident or non-resident staff, if you are interested in housing please let us know

    The Bar 717 Ranch is committed to core values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Working at Camp can be one of the most rewarding jobs of your life! We look forward to reading your application.

    Kitchen and Laundry Support Staff

    Hayfork
    $16.00 - $18.00 / hour

    Camp Trinity on the Bar 717 Ranch is a co-ed, residential camp in Trinity County for kids ages 8-16. Our mission is to provide an outdoor camp experience where children have daily opportunities to have fun, develop friendships, challenge themselves, build character, learn new skills, gain a sense of community and make their own choices.

    We’re eager to hire people who will thrive in a child-oriented, outdoor environment. Our Kitchen Crew and Laundry Staff play an essential role in Camp by preparing, serving, and cleaning for meals, doing laundry, and preparing guest rooms for visitors.

    Qualifications:

    • Minimum age of 18 by June 2024.
    • Accepting of diversity in culture, race, sexual orientation, religion, gender identity, and ethnicity.
    • Strong communication skills with children, peers, and supervisors.
    • Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
    • Ability to seek and accept supervision and guidance.
    • Enthusiasm, good judgment, patience, adaptability and self-control.
    • Ability to obtain California Food Handler’s Certificate.
    • Able to be a resident at camp from June 2, 2024 to at least August 11th, 2024.
    • All camp staff must demonstrate proof of receiving a COVID-19 vaccination.

    Hours and Compensation:

    • Full time (40 hours/week - work hours vary depending on the camp schedule)
    • Compensation dependent on experience, $16-18/hour
    • Benefits are not available for this position, but meals and housing are provided
    • This position may be filled by resident or non-resident staff, if you are interested in housing please let us know

    The Bar 717 Ranch is committed to core values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Working at Camp can be one of the most rewarding jobs of your life! We look forward to reading your application.

    View the full position description here.

    Horsemanship Counselor

    Hayfork

    Horsemanship staff are responsible for caring for the herd of horses (approximately 25 horses), leading trail rides, teaching lessons, and helping campers connect with the horsemanship program. We mostly operate a western riding program, with trail rides being our main activity. However, we also teach children english riding lessons, jumping, vaulting, and other arena-based activities.

    We want our barn staff to help kids learn about horsemanship, which means teaching them what it means to care for a horse, not just to ride. Barn staff need to be confident riders, and also confident in their ability to help others ride and care for horses on the ground. All of our barn staff are also responsible for a group of campers and participate fully in other camp activities outside of the barn as well.

    Qualifications:

    • Minimum age 19 by June 9, 2024
    • Passion for working with youth
    • Quick learner with strong problem-solving skills
    • Experience working with horses, both on the ground and under saddle; teaching experience is a plus
    • Strong interpersonal skills and collaborative attitude
    • Accepting of diversity in culture, race, sexual orientation, religion, gender identity, and ethnicity
    • Ability to seek and accept supervision and guidance
    • Enthusiasm, good judgment, patience, adaptability and self-control
    • Ability to complete Lifeguard Training/CPR and Wilderness First Aid Training (courses are offered at camp prior to staff orientation)
    • Able to be a resident at camp from June 9, 2024 to at least August 10, 2024
    • All camp staff must demonstrate proof of receiving a COVID-19 vaccination

    View the full position description here.

    View 1 more job opening
    Ranch Crew

    Grounds Maintenance and Irrigation Staff

    Hayfork
    $16.00 - $18.00 / hour

    Camp Trinity on the Bar 717 Ranch is a co-ed, residential camp in Trinity County for kids ages 8-16. Our mission is to provide an outdoor camp experience where children have daily opportunities to have fun, develop friendships, challenge themselves, build character, learn new skills, gain a sense of community and make their own choices.

    We’re eager to hire people who will thrive in a child-oriented, outdoor environment. Our Grounds Maintenance and Irrigation staff member is responsible for maintaining our domestic and irrigation water systems, maintaining the grounds and lawns, managing trash, assisting the kitchen with food pickups, and working with the ranch crew as needed.

    Qualifications:

    • Minimum age of 19 by June 2024
    • Possession of a valid Driver’s License
    • Accepting of diversity in culture, race, sexual orientation, religion, gender identity, and ethnicity.
    • Strong communication skills with children, peers, and supervisors.
    • Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
    • Ability to seek and accept supervision and guidance.
    • Enthusiasm, good judgment, patience, adaptability and self-control.
    • Able to be a resident at camp from at least June 9, 2024 to at least August 11, 2024, with the option to extend on either end.
    • All camp staff must demonstrate proof of receiving a COVID-19 vaccination

    Hours and Compensation:

    • Full time (40 hours/week - work hours vary depending on the camp schedule)
    • Compensation dependent on experience, $16-18/hour
    • Benefits are not available for this position, but meals and housing are provided

    The Bar 717 Ranch is committed to core values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Working at Camp can be one of the most rewarding jobs of your life! We look forward to reading your application.

    View the full position description here. 

About Bar 717 Ranch

For over 80 years the Bar 717 Ranch has welcomed children and families to 450 acres in the beautiful mountains of Trinity County to experience nature, form deep friendships and have big fun. Life on the Ranch is rustic and unplugged: we spend our days swimming, hiking, riding, caring for animals, gardening, and making music and art.
The Bar 717 Ranch is located on 450 acres of beautiful wilderness deep in the mountains of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest in Northern California.
More about Bar 717 Ranch

Camp Trinity on the Bar 717 Ranch is a residential summer camp for kids ages 8-16 on a working ranch in Northern California. Our mission is to provide an outdoor camp experience where children have daily opportunities to have fun, develop friendships, challenge themselves, learn new skills, gain a sense of community, and make their own choices. Campers choose freely from activities that range from horseback riding, animal care, gardening, crafting, ceramics, and woodworking to backpacking trips, campfires, singing, and much more.

For more than 90 years, the Bar 717 Ranch has welcomed children to the beautiful mountains of Trinity County in Northern California to experience nature, form deep friendships, and have big fun. At Camp, nature is our constant companion. By taking time to appreciate the beauty of the land, by swimming in rivers and climbing mountains, by growing gardens, raising our own food, and making compost, we foster in campers a deep understanding and appreciation of the environment.

We pride ourselves on fostering an environment where every kid can create a magical camp experience based on their interests and passions. We believe that children thrive in an atmosphere where both individuality and community are nurtured with warm, seasoned leadership. Campers return home with a newfound sense of self-reliance and a deep connection to the community.

Working Here

The Employee Experience

The staff experience is best captured by our recent staff themselves. Here are a few of the things they had to say about working at Bar 717 Ranch:

"This summer was my first on the ranch, although I know now it will be far from my last. Arriving as a new counselor I was apprehensive at first, but from the moment I stepped foot on the beautiful property and took a deep breath of the fresh air, I knew I had arrived somewhere very special. As I got to know my new Bar 717 family of counselors and staff, I soon came to know the true meaning and feeling of community that so many have come to love and appreciate about the ranch."       
- Alyssa W.

“Last summer was the best summer of my life. I’ve never connected with a group of people, a place, and a way of living so quickly and so deeply. Camp was such a unique, immersive experience – so much more than just a ranch and the people on it. Living a philosophy of simplicity and collaboration was amazing and deeply satisfying, and I walked out of the gate a different person than I was when I entered.” - Sam M.

“I loved my summer at The Bar 717. I was in such a unique environment, with immense support towards creativity, outdoor engagement, and overall joy. It is a one of a kind place that fosters your relationships with others and the world around you. I had never been in a place like this, and it is a blessing to be apart of such a family." - Ceili O.

"The time spent away from the modern-day demands of a fast-paced world gave me the chance to dig my hands down into the soil every day, share a living space with interesting people from around the world who I can now call my friends, listen to the sounds of the birds and crickets, and—quite literally—smell the roses. Bar 717 Ranch and the gardens within it hold a warm place in my heart, and I am forever grateful to have had the opportunity to spend my summer as part of such a lovely community."    - Hollyn H.

"The summer that I spent at the Bar 717 Ranch has definitely been one of the best of my life. Having grown up in a fairly built-up area in the UK the scale and sheer beauty of the ranch took my breath away from day one, and that was just the start of it. As someone training for a career in education, the ranch changed my perspective on a lot of things. I saw children learn more through the enjoyment of the wonderful environment here than in many classrooms I have been in. It has certainly made a big impact on how I plan to approach my life as a teacher.  More than that, the experiences here changed my outlook on life in general and I have taken the attitude of pitching in and working together as a big family to make things the best they can be back to my home life."    - Alex K.

Ideal Candidate

Our staff are the most important part of Camp. We are eager to hire people who will thrive in a child-oriented, remote outdoor environment. In our small community, people are interdependent and each individual contributes in a meaningful way. Our staff creates a mature and strong, responsible and reliable, sensitive and thoughtful community of adults who are willing and able to work in a way that serves the best interests of the children and the Ranch.

Qualifications:

  • Passion for working with youth
  • Quick learner with strong problem-solving skills
  • Strong interpersonal skills and collaborative attitude
  • Accepting of diversity in culture, race, sexual orientation, religion, gender identity, and ethnicity
  • Ability to seek and accept supervision and guidance
  • Enthusiasm, good judgment, patience, adaptability and self-control
  • Minimum age 18 (19 for counseling staff) by June 9, 2024
  • Counselors must complete Lifeguard Training/CPR and Wilderness First Aid Training (courses are offered at camp prior to staff orientation)
  • Able to be a resident at camp from June 9, 2024, to at least August 11, 2024*

* We have several options for end dates. The earliest end date is August 11th.

Employee Perks
  • Housing, meals, and laundry service provided 
  • Subsidized Lifeguard and Wilderness First Aid training for counseling staff
  • Training and professional development on working with youth, leadership, and outdoor skills
  • Supportive community of peers and supervisors

Living Here

Room and Board

Housing overview

We offer housing for all counselors and for support staff who want to live on site.

Room and board are included for counselors and support staff. Our campers and staff live on a ‘platform’ that has a floor, back wall, and roof but is otherwise open to the woods. Each platform has cots, shelves, a sink, and a bathroom. Showers are near platforms. Meals are sit-down and served family-style. The food is excellent, with much of what we eat grown or produced right here on the Ranch.

Support staff are not required to live on-site, but housing in the area is limited.

Getting Here and Getting Around

We are located in a fairly remote area of Northern California. If you have a car, we recommend bringing it as we have staff parking areas and that enables you to travel freely on your time off. Initial transportation to the ranch can be arranged through carpooling or airport pickup.

For Fun

The Bar 717 Ranch is on 450 acres of beautiful wilderness within the Shasta-Trinity National Forest at an elevation of 2,000 feet. The days are warm, and the nights are cool. We are located seventeen miles west of Hayfork, California and are seven miles from the small town of Hyampom. We are surrounded by forests of pine, fir, oak, and madrone. The ranch is comprised of mountains, meadows, pristine creeks, and pastureland.

Trinity County offers beautiful hiking and wilderness experiences and we are just a few hours drive from the coast of Humboldt County. Our staff members spend their days off relaxing by the river, exploring nearby hiking and climbing spots, getting to know the rural communities around us, and yes--resting. 

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How to Apply

Apply online or contact Emma Bundy, Staff Director, with questions at emma@bar717.com or 530-628-5992.

Apply Now
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