Counselor, Cabin

Job Summary: 

Counselors are the primary caregivers for each camper.   The Counselor is responsible for planning, teaching, coordinating, and carrying out activities and guiding campers in their personal growth and daily living skills.  The counselor is responsible for living in the cabin with the campers for the duration of their stay at camp.

Responsibilities: 

• Assist in the direction, supervision, and organization of campers in their living unit, within activities and throughout the camp in order to meet the intended camper outcomes.
• Apply basic youth development principles in working with campers through communication, relationship development, respect for diversity, involvement and empowerment of youth.
• Assure campers are properly supervised at all times.
• Be aware of and implement safety guidelines.
• Participate in the development and implementation of program activities for campers within the mission and outcomes.
• Responsible for leading and assisting with the teaching of activities.
• Actively participate in all program areas as assigned.
• Provide for the progression of activities within the framework of individual and group interests and abilities.
• Assist in program areas such as waterfront, nature, all camp activities, and arts and crafts as directed.
• Maintain high standards of health and safety in all activities for campers and adults.
• Provide the daily care of each camper within your supervision including recognition of personal health needs.
• Ensure that campers receive their medications as directed by Health Coordinator.
• Be alert to campers and staff needs and assist them with personal and/or health problems, and discuss with Camp Health Coordinator and/or Resident Camp Director when appropriate. 
• Be alert to equipment and facilities to ensure utilization, proper care, and maintenance is adhered to; report repairs needed promptly to Camp Director.
• Be a role model to campers and adults in your attitude and behavior.
• Follow and uphold all safety and security rules and procedures.
• Set a good example to campers and others in regard to general camp procedures and practices including sanitation, schedule, and sportsmanship.
• Contribute to verbal and written evaluations and communication as requested.
• Participate enthusiastically in all camp activities, planning, and leading those as assigned.
• Participate as a member of the camp adult team to deliver and supervise evening programs, special events, overnights, and other all-camp activities and camp functions.
• Serve as a bus counselor to supervise youth traveling to and from camp.  
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements: 

• Must be at least an incoming senior in high school.
• Must be able to obtain or become certified in First Aid/CPR.
• Ability to interact with all age levels.

 Experience Requirements: 

• At least one year working with diverse populations
• Understand the development needs of youth.
• Ability to relate to youth and adults in a positive manner.
• Demonstrate knowledge and skill in designated camp program areas.

 Skills: 

• Ability to organize and plan activities for children ages 7-17
• Demonstrated verbal communication skills. 
• Ability to communicate and work with groups participating (age and skill levels) and provide necessary instruction to campers and staff.
• Ability to observe camper behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques.
• Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to the activity.
• Physical ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid. Must be able to assist campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury) and possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers.

 Physical Demands: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Some physical requirements of a General Counselor position could be endurance including prolonged standing, some bending, stooping, walking long distances, hiking, climbing, and stretching;   requires eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity to manipulate outdoor equipment and camp activities;   requires normal range of hearing and eyesight to record, prepare, and communicate appropriate camper activities/programs and the ability to lift up to 50 lbs;  willing to live in a camp setting and work irregular hours with limited or simple equipment and facilities;  and with daily exposure to the sun, heat, and animals such as bugs, snakes, bats, etc.

 Service Environment: 

The service environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  The noise level in the service environment is usually moderate.