Day Camp Head Counselor

We are seeking an experienced Head Day Camp Counselor to lead and mentor camp staff while creating a fun and safe environment for campers. This role involves supervising daily camp operations, coaching counselors, developing activities, ensuring safety procedures, and engaging with parents. Ideal candidates have childcare experience, strong leadership skills, CPR/First Aid certification, and the ability to manage camp logistics effectively. Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus.

Qualifications:

• Must be a minimum of 18 years old.

• Must have ONE of the following to qualify:
• 12 months childcare experience and high school diploma
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in early childhood/closely related field
• N.A.C., C.D.A, or C.C.P credential

• Must have valid CPR/First Aid/AED
• Must obtain a Food Handlers card upon first day of work.

• Must obtain a tuberculosis test upon first day of work.
• Must be able to read, write, and communicate in English. Bilingual English/Spanish is preferred.
• Must have previous experience programming youth activities and working with children, preferably in a camp setting.
• Must be capable of learning basic point-of-sale procedures and Traction database integrations.
• Must have experience teaching a variety of activities involving education, computers, sports, performing arts, fine arts and/or fitness.
• Must have experience or ability to coach others in teaching and leading groups of children in day camp setting, with biblical principles.
• Must have the ability to maintain a non-judgmental attitude in working with customers, clients, members and staff.
• Must be able to maintain strict confidentiality as needed.
• Must be capable of meeting the demands of day camp during a strenuous 40-hour workweek.
• Strong desire and ability to work well with children, parents, and staff in a capacity of leadership, counseling, and education including but not limited to:
  • Relate joyfully and sensitively to children of all ages.
  • Sensitivity to children’s individual needs
  • Use appropriate positive discipline consistently.
  • Dependability
  • Handle security and crisis situations calmly
  • Engage and maintain a child’s interest in activities.
• Working knowledge of integrated database applications and ability to use new software programs with basic training.
• Microsoft Word and Excel required.

Responsibilities:                                                                                       

• To know, explain and exemplify the mission, purpose, and values of the Kroc Center and the Salvation Army.
• Assist with spiritual and character development of camp participants and counselors.
• Lead and mentor day camp counselors.
• Instruct Day Camp staff to lead Day Camp and other recreation activities with enthusiasm, and according to training protocol and written lesson plans.
• Adhere to and implement positive discipline procedures created for campers and staff.
• Complete all necessary documentation to inform parents and supervisors of camper injury, behavioral issue, disputes between campers, etc.
• Ensure that program equipment and supplies are returned to the appropriate designated area upon completion of activity with group.
• Facilitate day camp sign-in and sign-out procedures according to protocol. Check ID of each person signing out camper daily, comparing against list of authorized persons for sign-out. Ensure all participant documents are distributed to parents and/or other authorized individuals.
• Handle disputes with participants, parents, and staff in a professional manner with guidance of Arts, Education and Camp Manager and Arts and Education Leads.
• Ensure the safe use of the facility and execution of activities through enforcement of facility and activity-specific regulations, ensuring that only registered campers participate.
• Protect, maintain, and be accountable for camp supplies.
• Maintain a safe working environment; report any and all facility defects/problems and any suspicious activities or persons to appropriate personal.
• Perform and oversee point-of-sale operations, cash handling, and Traction database management for all Day Camp programs.
• Assist in emergencies or treatment of injured campers, volunteers, and/or staff. Follow up with completion of appropriate paperwork as directed.
• Assist the Arts, Education & Camp Manager with planning and instruction of the annual Day Camp Staff Training.
• Assist with development, implementation and coordination of both daily and weekly activities and as directed.
• Act as primary leader for assigned camp unit, providing coaching, supervision, and correction when necessary to campers and camp staff.
• Responsible for creating all camp group schedules.
• Demonstrate integrity, enthusiasm and sound moral judgment.
• Recognize the spiritual need of individuals which may require referral to officer, pastor or Youth Ministries Lead.
• Follow and ensure the adherence to The Salvation Army Policies and Procedures and the Day Camp Code of Conduct.
• Perform other assignments/duties as directed.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation. A qualified person with a disability may request a modification or adjustment to the job or work environment in order to meet the physical requirements of the position. The Salvation Army will attempt to satisfy requests as long as the accommodation needed is reasonable and no undue hardship would result.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, stand, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl and reach with hands and arms on a continuous basis. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 20 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Must have the ability to operate telephone, a desktop or laptop computer, as well as the ability to access and produce information from a computer, and to understand written information.