What are the responsibilities and job description for the WildeCamp Counselor at The Wilds position at Columbus Zoo Family of Parks?
Overview
This position will be from 5/26/2025 to 8/7/2025.
WildeCamp Counselors are educators and counselors for the summer camp program at The Wilds. WildeCamp is a residential camp experience for children ages 8-18. Counselors spend weeklong periods, of up to six days and five nights, living at the camp facility with the campers. During these camp sessions, counselors work as a team to care for campers. Daily routines include teaching educational lessons, leading outdoor activities (swimming, fishing, canoeing, hiking, etc.), maintaining camp, and creating fun and memorable opportunities for every child. On-site housing is available (for nominal fee).
Responsibilities
- Lead education programs to people of all ages – especially focused on ages 8-18 years old for WildeCamp’s mission.
- Create fun and memorable opportunities for all program participants.
- Attend virtual trainings during the Spring (dates will be sent out upon selection of applicants)
- Attend in-person onboarding and first aid training (5/26/2025-6/3/2025).
- Drive school bus on Wilds’ property (will train as needed).
- Stay overnight at Wilds with campers for weeklong periods, of up to six days, five nights.
- Make safety a priority and maintain health records for campers.
- Supervise outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, archery, and swimming.
- Clean and prepare Education Camp for campers. This includes daily maintenance tasks such as cleaning the shower house/restrooms, sweeping yurts, and maintaining the kitchen/dining area.
- Monitor food safety including food temperatures, storage, and transportation.
- Maintain hiking trails and outdoor spaces at Education Camp.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Minimum of two years of college-level coursework completed in related field (education, science, etc.) or equivalent experience preferred.
- Experience with school age children
- Comfortable in and on the water, able to hike long distances, and willing to supervise and participate in outdoor recreational activities
- Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends and holidays
- All staff must be prepared to spend weeklong periods living at The Wilds
- Ability to adhere to standard operating procedures including but not limited to safety protocols
- Ability to work together with a team, and contribute to the positive and inclusive culture of camp
- Possession of a state issued motor vehicles operator’s license and a good driving record
- Must be willing to be trained to drive school bus while on Wilds’ property
- Ability to maintain a positive attitude in sometimes stressful situations
- Ability to communicate well both verbally and in writing
- Ability to provide excellent guest service by positively interacting with guests
- Current First Aid and CPR certification required (training will be offered)
- Current Lifeguard Certification is optional and compensated at $15/hr during swimming/canoeing.
- Ability to successfully complete a criminal history background check annually
Starting weekly Stipend at $520.00
Salary : $15
