WAGES or... "How much will I get paid at summer camp?"

Short answer: At least $210 per week for first year employees.

PSR Camp is required by California state law (labor code section 1182.4) to pay at least 85% of minimum wage based on a 40 hour work week. In July of 2014 that means:

($9.00 x 40) x.85 = $306 (per week)

However, camp is a really unique job because we also house and provide meals for employees. The State of California recognizes this, and allows us to subtract the 'fair value' of meals and lodging.

Don't worry, PSR Camp does not determine the fair value, we use a formula provided by the state.
   The value of a shared room per week in CA is: $31.06
   The value of meals per 6-day work week in CA is: $73.26
   The total amount that can be deducted for room and board in CA is: $104.32

So, now the formula looks like this:

($9.00 x 40) x.85 - 104.32 = $201.68 (per week)  <-- this is the minimum we are allow to pay by law. 


WAGE SCALE
Based on the state minimum requirements, PSR Camp builds a WAGE SCALE to make sure that people are paid based on their job descriptions.

We have derived the WAGE SCALE based on CA Labor Code section 1182.4, and created 5-tier system that meet the criteria, but also rewards our returning staff.

Level 5
Program Counselor 2: Leadership Staff (7 positions)
Year one starting pay: $270 per week/$45 per day

Level 4 
Program Counselor 1: Department Head Instructors (4 positions)
Year one starting pay: $255 per week/$42.50 per day

Level 3 
Student Employee 3: Student Nurse(s) & Department Head Assistant Instructors (5 positions)
Year one starting pay: $240 per week/$40 per day

Level 2
Student Employee 2 & Counselors: Department Instructors & Counselors (55 positions)
Year one starting pay: $225 per week/$37.50 per day

Level 1
Student Employee 1: Flex Staff, General Staff, Kitchen, and Student Lifeguard(s) (20 positions)
Year one starting pay: $210 per week/$35 per day

^$10 increase in pay for each summer employed by PSR Camp.
^Employees promoted to a higher level must make at least $15 more than the previous summer.

*PLEASE NOTE: This wage scale does not reflect bonus opportunities for employee excellence. Please look forward to a future blog-post on employee bonuses. 

FAQ's

Question: If I worked at another summer camp, will PSR include that experience when scaling my wages?
Answer: Yes, we offer credit of $5 for every years of experience at another summer camp.

Question: How much can I negotiate my wages?
Answer: PSR Camp wants to be as fair as possible when considering applicants, so please tell us about non-summer camp related work experience and how it has been a benefit to you.

Question: Why should I work at camp when I can make more money working at Burger King®?
Answer: You're right. If you're looking to make money during the summer... camp is not your best option. Many, but not all of our SDA colleges and universities offer matching scholarship programs for summer camp employment, which can certainly help when examining your financial options. However, we really believe that camp isn't a place where you work to make money, its a ministry to help campers develop relationships with Jesus in a beautiful outdoor setting.