Middle School Day Camp Counselor

Middle School Day Camp Counselor

Position Description

ORGANIZATIONAL MISSION: Our mission is to bring out the limitless potential in young leaders through extraordinary experiences and nurturing relationships.

PEAK VALUES & BELIEFS: At PEAK, we know that with the right support and access to quality programs and experiences, all young people are able to achieve at the highest level imaginable. Below are the core values that we operate under at PEAK. Staff are expected to embrace and exhibit these values toward each other, participants, caregivers, and all stakeholders. 

• Every living being has inherent value.

We honor the unique identities of every person and uphold their right to a safe and fun environment where everyone belongs. We also treat our natural environment with care and respect.

• The community is better when everyone contributes.

We unite in sharing responsibilities, creating a strong community. We inspire one another to embrace our authentic selves, celebrating the diversity of perspectives and experiences we each bring forth.

• We can only grow when we are honest about our mistakes.

We accept accountability for our actions, look for ways to improve, and have opportunities to grow.

• Everyone has the power to change their world.

We all have the ability to influence and make a difference in our own lives and our communities around us.

POSITION SUMMARY: PEAK’s middle school camp offers staff a unique opportunity to mentor youth as they develop leadership and teamwork skills while working on a variety of projects designed to allow them to make discoveries about themselves, their peers, and the world. Each session offers a different theme for participants to explore. From creating a community art installation, to building a boat, to planning their own travel expedition, this position is an incredible chance for staff to both provide a safe, inclusive, and meaningful experience to campers while experiencing new things for themselves! 

POSITION AVAILABILITY:

Must be available Monday-Friday, June 16th- July 31st with the ability to work 8:00am- 4:30pm. There is a possibility of extended work day on July 3rd and hours for July 31st are 7:45am-6:00pm for all staff.

BASIC FUNCTION AND RESPONSIBILITY

• Guide a group of young people (Grades 6-8 ) on a journey of self-exploration, challenge, and fun for 6 weeks (3 two-week sessions).
• Deliver pre-designed programming that offers growth and meaningful progression for youth leadership development with a particular focus on collaboration, self-awareness and resilience. 
• Provide active supervision and attention to ensure campers are encouraged, safe, active, and accepted.
• Guide campers through their fear, frustration, lots of laughter, bumps, bruises, learning through failure and moments of absolutely amazing accomplishment.
• Support campers in setting and achieving their goals for the camp session, and write participation notes for each camper to acknowledge their achievements.
• May be expected to collaborate with and provide coaching to Leader in Training participant interns

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• This position is compensated at a rate of $650 per week, pre-tax.
• Summer seasonal staff are paid on a bi-weekly basis and are classified as exempt, seasonal employees.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• Experience and excitement about working with young leaders.
• Belief that with the right support and access to quality programs and experiences, all young people are able to achieve at the highest level imaginable. 
• Enthusiasm about new experiences and ability to self-manage to bring a consistent level of energy all summer long.
• Must be detail-oriented and able to document accurately.
• Ability to quickly learn new technologies and functions of the organization’s database system.
• Ability to receive constructive feedback and coaching from supervisor and make necessary adjustments.
• Ability to work collaboratively with co-workers to achieve program objectives. 
• Ability to support, and work with all camper age ranges at camp.
• Commitment to being punctual and adhering to a schedule provided by camp leadership.
• Possess strong communications skills and apply them with coworkers and supervisors, maintaining confidentiality of sensitive staff and camper information when necessary.
• Ability to perform job duties in a fast-paced environment and able to embrace change and be flexible. 
• Ability to provide job coaching constructively to team members. 

• While not required, bilingualism (Spanish/English) would be beneficial. 

REQUIREMENTS & CERTIFICATIONS

• Must be at least 18 and/or have a high school diploma or GED to apply

• While not required, Current CPR and First Aid Certification would be beneficial
• While not required, the ability to pass PEAK’s motor vehicle background check and driver training and safely drive/transport adults and children in PEAK vehicles, including a 12-passenger van, would be beneficial.
• While not required, lifeguard certification would be beneficial.

REPORTING AND RELATIONSHIPS

• The Middle School Camp Counselor reports to the Middle School Camp Coordinator. 
• The Middle School Camp Counselor may support and guide high school interns while they are assisting with programming. 

PHYSICAL & MENTAL DEMANDS & WORKING CONDITIONS

The mental and physical requirements and work environment conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

• The work environment includes a variety of settings including tasks performed outside, in the kitchen, health center, agency vehicles, and some off-site locations.
• Day Camp programming is in constant motion. Campers and staff are interacting and moving around, doing various vigorous activities throughout the day, indoor and outdoor. This position may spend a large portion of the day outdoors and may remain standing or on their feet for long periods of time.

• Must be comfortable working in a city park as a significant portion of time will be spent at the PEAK Program Center in Tiefenthaler Park.

• Middle School Camp Counselor may drive a large, 15-passenger van. PEAK will provide training.
• Staff are required to actively participate in all camper activities, including water-related activities.
• Staff must be ready for new experiences and maintain a consistent level of energy all summer long.
• Position requires standing, stooping, sitting, walking long distances on uneven terrain (5 miles a day), and occasionally lifting up to 40 pounds with or without assistance.
• Camp activities are often loud, involving many people talking, yelling, cheering, etc., in indoor and outdoor settings.
• The camp environment is often hot, rainy, with bugs or other wildlife. Staff must be able to work outside in a nature setting for sustained periods of time without air conditioning. 
• All PEAK Initiative properties, including Lake Valley Camp and the Milwaukee Program Center, are substance-free environments. Smoking, vaping, alcohol consumption, and the use of illicit drugs are strictly prohibited on all property regardless of whether or not staff are on break.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: 

The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made in appropriate circumstances to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

PEAK Initiative is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.

Salary : $650