If there is one thing that sets one summer resident family camp apart from all the others, it is the staff. Carefully selected from over 2,000 applicants, our counselors and specialists prove to be the best in the west!

Wonder Valley Family Camp pushes the limits when it comes to selecting counselors and staff each summer. The Oken family has been hosting River Way Ranch Camp, a children's resident camp since 1967, and has built a fine relationship with their staff team members.

Family Camp conducts several two-day workshops each spring in which all applicants are evaluated. Potential staff team members are carefully observed as they participate in scenerios which require them to demonstrate empathy, judgement, confidence and leadership ability.

Camp Director Jeff Nighbert

Staff arrive 7-10 days prior to the opening of camp. All are required to attend a minimum of seven days of intense staff training. Seminars include motivation, risk management, 101 ways to praise a child, safety, vehicle orientation, and building self-esteem. All lifeguards and waterfront staff must have certificates in CPR, First Aid and Lifeguard training.

In addition to the wonderful counselors, Wonder Valley has a support staff eager to make your stay stress-free. The head chef has been on staff for 20 years, and serves at least two main entrees at our "all you can eat" buffet-style meals. Housekeeping is also available daily, and a camp doctor lives on the facilityas staff for our fully-stocked infirmary.

For the many activities that are offered, Family Camp brings in specialized staff as instructors. There are specialists for water skiing, outcamp excursions, Ropes Challenge Course, Waverunners and Equestrian trainers.

Wonder Valley Family Camp is always on the lookout for qualified people who can meet the requirements of being a camp counselor or specialized staff member. For more information on how you might get into this elite group of enthusiastic people, visit the “Employment” page on this site, or call today at 1-800-821-2801.