AmeriCamp-Unit Counselor, Summer Sleepaway Camp 2025-Temporary

Summer Sleepaway 2025 at Camp Kaufmann
Unit Counselor (AmeriCamp)

NOTE: this position is for international Americamp applicants only.

Position Description
Unit Counselors are responsible for creating a safe environment for campers and facilitating camp activities to help campers understand and develop an appreciation for the outdoors. They act in accordance with the New York Department of Health (NYDOH), Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA), and the American Camp Association (ACA) standards, and demonstrate the mission of Girl Scouting and the positive impact of camp.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the health and safety of all campers.
• Lead and support campers from diverse social, cultural, and economic backgrounds in daily camp activities and in emergency situations.
• Stay overnight in a housing unit (either a house or cabin) with campers, helping them learn to care for and respect themselves and others.
• Support each camper’s unique Nature Acclimation Process by introducing them to the outdoors safely and respectfully.
• Apply behavior management techniques to mediate conflicts between campers.
• Assist with planning, supply gathering, and leading badge activities for campers, following the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.
• Support Activity Specialists by supervising and instructing campers during activity periods.
• Lead and/or participate in structured and unstructured games, songs, crafts, and skits.
• Assist in maintaining the cleanliness and care of housing units and program areas.
• Provide basic first aid and maintain housing unit or program area first aid kits.
• Immediately report to the Camp Leadership Team concerning observations, incidents, or accidents and assist in preparing reports as required.
• Demonstrate quick thinking, excellent communication, sound problem-solving techniques, and ability to work as a team player.
• Comply with all policies communicated in staff training and staff manual.
• Set a good example for campers and other staff members regarding cleanliness, punctuality, mutual respect, appropriate language, and appropriate attire.
• Abide by the mission and values of the Girl Scouts.
• Provide excellent customer service to campers, caregivers, camp visitors, and other staff.
• Perform other tasks and responsibilities assigned by the Camp Leadership Team.

Minimum Qualifications

• Be at least 18 years old by July 1, 2025.
• High School diploma or the equivalent.
• Minimum of 6 months of experience working with and providing supervision to youth.
• Willingness to abide by the policies and practices of the Girl Scouts of Greater New York
• Desire and ability to work with and relate to campers and staff from diverse backgrounds in an outdoor environment.
• The acceptance and understanding that employment is at a sleepaway (overnight) camp and that work hours are long and irregular.
• Possess the strength and endurance required to maintain constant camper engagement and supervision daily throughout the summer.
• Patience, sense of humor, integrity, and an ability to adapt well to changing situations.
• Ability to accept guidance, performance feedback, and supervision.
• Ability to accept and follow directions in both verbal and written form.
• Clearance through the Sex Offender Registry and Criminal Background Check.
• Current certification in First Aid and CPR/AED, or willingness to complete certification.
• Willingness to prioritize the needs of Girl Scouts of Greater New York and Camp Kaufmann.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior camp experience and/or interest in the outdoors.
  Dates of Employment:
• Must live on site and be available to work the ENTIRE duration of:
  • Staff training: June 22 – July 5. Additional certification classes may be required.
  • Summer camp programming (5 sessions): July 6 – August 8.
  • Camp closing/clean up: August 9 – August 11.
  • Time off: Friday evening to Saturday evening weekly, except July 5th.
  • Applicants who cannot commit to these dates will NOT be considered.

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

• Ability to lift 40 pounds.
• Good health and the stamina necessary to work in a camp setting.
• Ability to stand and/or walk for long periods of time while leading programming.
• Bending, crouching, kneeling, climbing may all be a part of daily tasks.

Compensation

• USD $2,250 for the season plus room and board while at camp.
• $300 completion bonus for those who complete the entire camp program
• J-1 visa sponsorship via AmeriCamp/Intrax for the duration of employment.
• Cost of travel between NYC-area airport and Camp Kaufmann.
• Cost of travel to/from NYC weekly, plus other off-camp excursion opportunities.

No phone calls, please.

The Girl Scouts of Greater New York are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. This job description should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of this job. Incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this description. Any essential function or requirement of this job will be evaluated as necessary should an incumbent or applicant be unable to perform the function or requirement due to a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Reasonable accommodation(s) for the specific disability will be made for the incumbent or applicant when possible.