Summer Camp Counselor & Junior Counselor

Who we are

Ethical Culture Fieldston School is a progressive PreK-12 independent school that has been serving students from throughout New York City and the surrounding suburbs since 1878. ECFS offers a rich curriculum in the arts, sciences, and humanities. A co-ed, nonsectarian school, it serves a diverse community of about 1,700 students on two campuses - one in the Riverdale section of the Bronx and the other in Manhattan.

What is essential about working at our school

The Ethical Culture Fieldston School has a long history of equity and inclusion deeply rooted in our mission and the educational philosophy of our founder, Felix Adler. We embrace diversity of ancestry, family, identity, culture, and beliefs and seek a student body and faculty that reflect the pluralism and socio-economic diversity of metropolitan New York. We affirm both our differences and commonalities, and strive to balance individuality and community. In keeping with our progressive tradition, we are dedicated to increasing our students’ cultural literacy to help them understand multiple perspectives, and see the world beyond the self. 

We expect members of our community to engage in open dialogue about living and learning in a diverse environment inside and outside the classroom. We see this work, with its creative tensions, as a catalyst for individual and collective growth. On a daily basis, we are committed to making this vision of a democratic, pluralistic, and progressive school a reality. 

FIeldston Future Leaders Camp
The Fieldston Summer Camps have created valuable summer experiences for both campers and instructors! We are a six-week summer day camp for rising PreK through 8th-grade children. Both morning and afternoon sessions specifically cater to each camper’s interests. Fieldston Future Leaders Camp is a nurturing and safe environment filled with a fun and exciting way of learning. We have a strong emphasis on science, technology, engineering, math, and design-based programming that is experiential and project-based. All of our programs cater to leadership development, confidence building, and creativity because we recognize that each child has the potential to make an impact on the world.  

Position Summary
As a Camp Counselor, you are an active participant in all camp activities with the goal of creating a memorable and meaningful camp experience for our Future Leader campers. Counselors interact with our campers throughout the entire day, helping them make friends, try new things, and generally caring for their well-being. The role of a Counselor is to participate, build relationships, and have fun while ensuring every child's physical and emotional safety. Counselors are assigned to a group and specialty area. They create activities and games during downtime and enter a support role for instructors during camp classes. Applicants must demonstrate a strong aptitude in their specialty area and have experience teaching or coaching children.

Does this philosophy of a progressive camp resonate with you? Fieldston Future Leaders is currently seeking qualified counselors and junior counselors to work from  June 17, 2025, to August 1, 2025.

The hiring range for this position is $18.75-$25 per hour. When determining the rate, ECFS considers factors including, but not limited to:  the scope and responsibilities of the position, internal peer equity, key skills required for the role, the candidate’s work experience, education, and training, as well as market and organizational considerations.

Please note that this is an onsite role and not performed remotely. Ethical Culture Fieldston School retains its right to modify job duties in accordance with changing operational needs.

Responsibilities:
Specific responsibilities of the Future Leaders Counselor & Junior Counselor will include:

• Supporting youth development through camp activities;

• Supporting Instructor teachers;

• Effectively developing a positive rapport with participants; 

• Supervising campers during program hours, ensuring camper safety and the development of positive relationships;

• Appropriately addressing student behavioral issues and other challenges that may arise in order to maintain a safe environment and a sense of calm in such situations;

• Motivating campers with effective communication;

• Knowing and adhering to site specific safety standards;

• Maintaining a clean and safe work environment and notifying the supervisor of any hazardous issues;

• Encouraging campers to help support their social and emotional growth; 

• Participating in professional development, including pre-program training;

• The ability to attend staff meetings as assigned;

• Ensuring confidentiality of student information as necessary;

• Maintaining compliance with all school policies, state regulations, and educational standards; and

• Performing other projects, initiatives, and other duties as needed and assigned.

Requirements
Requirements for Counselors 

• A Bachelor’s Degree or some college level coursework; 

• Must have experience working with Elementary or Middle School age students; 

• Counselor experience is strongly preferred;

• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills;

• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills;

• Ability to inspire and motivate;

• The ability to manage time effectively, stay organized, and prioritize required tasks; 

• CPR/First Aid Certifications or the ability to obtain one;

• Flexible team player with the ability and willingness to work with adolescents, staff, and families;

• Ability to be a mentor and a resource to campers, staff, and families and embrace/foster cultural inclusiveness;

• Respect and appreciation for diversity in all of its forms;

• A positive attitude and the ability to listen effectively and be receptive to feedback; 

• Inspire through creativity and be able to bring these talents to the campers;

• Reliability, punctuality, and consistent attendance; and

• A deep respect and appreciation for diversity in all of its forms.

Requirements for Junior Counselors 

• Must be at least 16 years of age;

• Must have some experience working with Elementary or Middle School age students; 

• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills;

• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills;

• Ability to inspire and motivate;

• CPR/First Aid Certifications or the ability to obtain one;

• Flexible team player with the ability and willingness to work with adolescents, staff, and families;

• Ability to be a mentor and a resource to campers, staff, and families and embrace/foster cultural inclusiveness;

• A positive attitude and the ability to listen effectively and be receptive to feedback; 

• Inspire through creativity and be able to bring these talents to the camp;

• Reliability, punctuality, and consistent attendance; and

• A deep respect and appreciation for diversity in all of its forms.

To apply
All candidates should visit our employment page at www.ecfs.org to apply. Please submit a resume along with an email and phone contact information of three professional references.

 EEO
ECFS is an equal opportunity employer. Our goal is to be a diverse community of professionals that broadly reflects the people of the metropolitan New York City area, our students, and families. We aim to align our hiring process with our mission and institutional goals. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion or religious practices, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, citizenship status, national origin, age, ability status, military status, unemployment status or any other category protected by applicable  local, state, or federal laws. ECFS takes affirmative action in support of its policy to employ and advance all qualified candidates.

Salary : $19 - $25