LEAD CAMP COUNSELOR

Position: Lead Summer Camp Counselor – Seasonal starting in June 2025

Full-Time (40 hr weeks)

Reports to: Camp Program Coordinator and other full time Education Staff

Supervises: Camp Counselors, Summer Campers ages 3-12, and Junior Volunteers 13

Summary Of Responsibilities

As the Lead Camp Counselor, you will act as an extension of the Camp Coordinator assisting in managing the daily functioning of Zoo Camp. Along with fellow camp staff, you will develop and oversee the implementation of a summer camp curriculum for campers ages 3- 12. Zoo Camp focuses on educating our campers on wildlife conservation, zoo science, and expanding their love for animals and their environment. You will act as a supportive and fun leader to fellow camp staff and all campers. The Lead Camp Counselor must be self -reliant, thrive in a flexible environment and provide guidance to fellow counselors. A love of wildlife and conservation is highly recommended.

EPZ Team Member Responsibilities

• Assist the Zoo in fostering an appreciation of wildlife and their habitats that will inspire active participation in conservation
• Assist management in ensuring safety, cleanliness, and efficiency in all areas of operation
• To treat with confidentiality all information entrusted or known by you regarding guests, animals, business, employees, volunteers, incidents and any other sensitive information and to discuss it only with the proper management representatives
• Be available as per business needs
• Follow and adhere to all policies, procedures, and safety protocols for the Education Department and Elmwood Park Zoo
• Use proper radio etiquette and adhere to proper dress attire at all time
  
  

Lead Camp Counselor Specific Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Camp Coordinator to assist in the daily functioning of camp, acting as an extension of the Camp Coordinator around the Zoo
• Acts as the team captain for the camp staff by providing support and guidance to Camp Counselors especially if the Camp Coordinator is inaccessible
• Be the secondary communicator with campers’ parents/guardians regarding camper drop-off/pick-up, and assist in collecting late campers and early pick-ups when Camp Program Coordinator is unavailable
• Check in with each camp group to assist with bathroom breaks, lunches, and general check-ins with camp counselors throughout each day Take lead on managing camper anxieties, conflicts, minor injuries and following up with the Camp Coordinator for next steps
  
  

Zoo Camp Staff Duties

• Attend all required training sessions
• Adhere to and implement planned programming based on weekly themes
• Bring energy and enthusiasm to the full 10 weeks of camp
• Capable of managing minor camper conflicts, needs, and minor injuries within group
• Prepare and manage camp spaces including supplies required
• Work as a team and feel comfortable asking for support from fellow staff and Camp Coordinator
  
  

Education and Experience

Education

Minimum one-year completion of degree program in Environmental Science, Education, Biology, Zoology, Animal Science or related field or equivalent combination of education, skills, and experience

Work Experience

Previous experience caring for, teaching, or working with children

Leadership or Managerial experience within a team dynamic

Other Requirements And Skills

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Ability to adapt to a changing plans and handle multiple priorities
• Desire to teach wildlife, conservation and ecological concepts.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Great punctuality and organizational skills
• Great teamwork and problem solving skills
  
  

Preferred Skills

First Aid/CPR Certification

Experience working with children with special needs

Identification & Wage

Identification

Two forms of official valid identification are required.

Ability to pass background and child abuse clearances

Wage: $17.00/ hr, working 40 hrs/week