Location: Oakland,California,United States
Come join Fairyland as a Summer Camp Associate to create a memorable and impactful camp experience for young campers. A successful Summer Camp Associate is passionate about working with children in an outdoor environment and promoting a socially and physically safe learning space. The Camp Associate is focused on supporting the daily schedule and engaging in recreational activities for a cohort of 15+ children, ages 5-14. Reporting to the Camp Manager, this role partners closely with a Summer Camp Lead and collaborates with the entire camp team to regularly organize daily activities and ensure smooth camp operations. The Camp Associate contributes to providing an engaging, fun experience where children are exploring the intersections of storytelling, imagination, nature, arts, and play.
All successful candidates must undergo camp staff training, including First Aid and CPR certification (if not already certified), team building, and program preparation.The duration for this role is from May 26 - August 7, 2026.
Minimum of one (1) year of experience working with school-aged children in a school or camp setting
Strong commitment to providing child-centered, culturally responsive, and developmentally appropriate learning experiences
Demonstrated dedication to creating and maintaining a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment that supports social, emotional, and academic growth
Working knowledge of storytelling, imaginative play, and creative expression as tools for learning and engagement
Basic proficiency in arts and crafts, including the use of reusable and sustainable materials
Understanding of classroom and group management strategies that promote positive behavior and participation
Ability to recognize and support diverse learning styles, strengths, and needs of individual children
Experience communicating effectively with parents, guardians, and caregivers, including sharing updates and addressing questions or concerns
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Strong time management and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize lessons, manage daily schedules, and maintain orderly workspaces and materials
Flexible, dependable, and able to adapt to changing program needs and schedules
People-orientation- able to interact effectively, politely, and productively with all types of people from all types of backgrounds and experience and in all types of situations.
Professional maturity to manage composure during stressful interactions
Energetic, diplomatic, adaptable and with a good sense of humor.
Passionate about the mission, vision, and goals of Fairyland and possess an understanding of how this position contributes to the organization’s success.
Strong work ethic with an orientation toward process improvement.
Impeccable integrity and honesty
Completed high school diploma
Some college classes preferred
Experience in working with diverse groups of grade school aged children
This position is primarily located in an outdoor environment. Able to perform the following duties with or without accommodation:
Stand, sit, kneel, walk, bend, and perform repetitive motions for the duration of an eight (8) hour shift
Traverse safely over uneven terrain throughout the entirety of the 10-acre amusement park
Safely lift and transport items of up to 50 lbs.
Work safely without presenting a direct threat to self or others.
Respond quickly to sounds
See and respond quickly to situations
Communicate in clear, loud voice
Operate two-radio for communications with park personnel
Work in outdoor, seasonal weather conditions for 100% of shift
Ability to work on weekends and holidays
Proven track record of punctuality and attendance
Current COVID-19 Requirements: ability to provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination prior to start of employment;
This is a seasonal, full-time, non-exempt position. The rate of pay is $20.43 per hour. After an introductory period, team members get the following benefits:
To apply for a position with Fairyland, please complete the application here. Due to the size of our operations, we are unable to take phone inquiries about positions.
Children's Fairyland fully and actively supports equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Our commitment applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. We see candidates with a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, community building, and meaningful connection with a broad range of people and institutions.
Featured in the Wall Street Journal’s travel section on unique places to visit in Oakland and touted by BuzzFeed as “The Most Amazing Place to take Kids” in California, Children’s Fairyland is the first storybook theme park in America! In 1950, a group of visionary Oaklanders partnered with the city’s park superintendent and garnered support from enthusiastic citizens to build the outdoor 10-acre theme park on the shores of Lake Merritt in the heart of Oakland. Visited by Walt Disney as he was conceptualizing Disneyland, Fairyland has inspired many other fairytale-themed parks across the United States. Over 220,000 visitors enjoy Fairyland’s many activities and programs annually, and through our outreach program, free or reduced admission is offered to over 16,000 children and families every year. Fairyland operates 362 of 365 days a year, weather permitting.
Children’s Fairyland is America’s first storybook theme park. Since we opened in 1950, we’ve been a magical place for young children to create, imagine, play, and learn.
