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| 2015 Summer Camp Staff @ Big Event |
Summer camp employees are amusement and recreational industry workers as defined by California state law. Employee salaries are based on a formula derived from the minimum wage, and compensation in the forms of meals and lodging are regulated by the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) using established figures.
CA/DIR Figures that establish 'fair value' of meals and lodging (Effective January 1st, 2016)
The value of a shared room per week in CA is: $38.82
The value of meals per 6-day work week in CA is: $91.62
The total amount that can be deducted for room and board (per week) in CA is: $130.44
CA Minimum Wage Requirements for Summer Camp Employees (Effective January 1st, 2016)
85% of minimum wage based on a 40 hour work week.
[($10.00 x 40) x .85] = $340
$340 - $130.44 = $209.56 (per week) minimum wage
The $209.56 is actually lower than our 2015 base salary compensation, but not by much:
2015 PSR Summer Camp Employee Compensation (per week) for NEW EMPLOYEES
$210 for student employees
$225 for counselors & class instructors
$240 for specialized/certified instructors
$255 for head instructors
$270 for leadership supervisors
Beating the lowest prescribed salary is a long standing tradition at PSR since expectations for employees are high and because of our commitment to staff success. Most of our staff are college students who are participating in educational scholarships and their work at camp is viewed as a ministry that is accomplished with little financial benefit. However, most camp workers would agree that the intangible benefits (employment training, work experience, friendships with other staff, etc...) make a big difference in their lives.
Because we'd like to be ahead of minimum requirements, we're increasing our wages again despite not being required to do so by the DIR. Employees who join us for our 2016 season will be compensated at the following rates:
2016 PSR Summer Camp Employee Compensation (per week) for NEW EMPLOYEES
$230 for student employees
$245 for counselors & class instructors
$260 for specialized/certified instructors
$275 for head instructors
$290 for leadership supervisors
Employees who return to camp year after year earn automatic raises and often increasing responsibilities. We're always glad to retain great employees, but we are also proud of our staff members who decide to take other summer ministry opportunities or reach for personal success through education or promising careers.
2016 Returning Employee Scale
+$15 per week for second-year veterans
+$30 per week for third-year veterans
+$45 per week for fourth-year veterans
+$60 per week for fifth-year veterans
***Promoted Employees must make at least $25 per week more than the previous season.
Often at the end of the camp season we're also able to provide a small (taxable) bonus for most of our workers as an extra 'thank you' for their service. Here is total bonus amounts split among the staff who won awards in that season:
2013: $6,246 in bonuses.
2014: $6,670 in bonuses.
2015: $7,156 in bonuses.
While bonuses are small (split to some degree among 90 people), they're usually enough to buy a nice lunch for our employees who spent their summer with us at the Ranch.
Finally, during the summer season (and beyond) we often find special ways to do nice things for our seasonal employees. The annual Christmas party is just one example of a no-cost event for former staff and continues a tradition that has lasted many years.
While the financial responsibilities and salaries are important, most of our staff don't work at camp for dollars and cents. Instead, they come to camp to participate in an experience that builds community in their lives and brings them closer to God. Very soon we'll be taking applications for our 2016 season, and we expect more people to apply for a summer job at PSR Camp than ever before.
Please always feel free to contact us if you have any questions regarding camp wages and/or compensation.
Blessings!
~Jeremy Cruz
PSR Camp Assistant Director
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