What are the responsibilities and job description for the Summer Camp Junior Counselor position at Rural Arts Collaborative?
Jr. Counselor
WonderKids Summer Enrichment Program
About this Program:
Welcome to WonderKids, an exciting program by the Rural Arts Collaborative designed to help children
soar in creativity and emotional resilience! Our summer enrichment camp gives every child the summer
camp experience of their dreams, filled with laughter, exploration, and imaginative activities using natural
materials. Campers are onsite from 8:30-3:00 each day, with staff working on both sides of that timeframe
to prepare and clean up. WonderKids serves kids in grades K-6, Monday through Friday for 5 weeks in
July and August. Camp training begins in June.
At WonderKids, kids get to be kids! Our warm and nurturing environment is staffed by caring adults who
support emotional growth and foster collaboration among young campers. WonderKids has two main
components—an afterschool program during the academic year and a Summer Enrichment Program in
July and part of August—WonderKids is all about creativity and fun. We would like to work with qualified,
enthusiastic employees who want full-time summer employment, as well as energetic, passionate people
who are looking for year-round, part-time employment in both the Afterschool and Summer programs.
Position Description:
The Jr. Counselors will collaborate with the WonderKids Counselors, Activity Specialists, Coordinators,
Managers, and the Executive Director to ensure all children in the program are safe and successful. Jr
Counselors have the privilege of “doing life” with the campers, forming relationships based on trust and
respect, and helping the campers to have the best experience possible. Jr Counselors should expect to
work hard and be fully present and involved in the program. They will get dirty and wet and muddy and
paint-y and be on their feet for hours at a time. Jr. Counselors will be tired at the end of the day, but they
will also have the best opportunity to make an amazing impact on the kids in our program.
Responsibilities
- Clearly communicate with supervisors and ask for clarification when needed.
- Help create a welcoming and supportive environment for all campers, helping them to be safe,
- Follow through in all aspects of the work, including:
- Preparation
- Setup
- Execution
- Cleanup
- Debriefing as directed by supervisors
- Set a positive example by embracing all aspects of the camp experience, including:
- Chores
- Weather changes
- Schedule adjustments
- Enrichment activities
- Supervise children for safety during the program, which includes:
- Frequent counting and check-ins
- Providing behavior guidance and feedback
Duties:
- Assist with snack preparation, meal distribution, and food count reporting.
- Engage children with activities and the environment.
- Facilitate smooth transitions between activities for the children.
- Support children in understanding activities, being kind to each other, and managing themselves.
- Move supplies, cart materials and food, and set up spaces as needed.
- Follow instructions from Counselors, Activity Experts, and Coordinators regarding restorative
- Check email regularly during non-work hours for communications about programming.
- Participate in and/or complete staff reflection sheets.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Good organizational and communication skills.
- Ability to receive and follow instructions.
- Self-starter with strong initiative.
- Punctual and reliable.
- Transportation availability.
- Attention to detail.
- Experience working with children is a plus.
Estimated Hours Per Week:
- Summer enrichment: up to 35-40 hours per week, based on a five day week
- Direct interaction with campers: 6 1/2 hours per day
- Set up/clean up: ½-1 hour per day
Note: that if the program is closed due to a weather or other related incident then those hours may not be
made up.
Job Requirements:
Employees working with children will comply with Orleans Southwest Supervisory Union background
checks, complete the mandatory WonderKids training, and must sign a contract that describes their job
requirements. Employees must comply with Rural Arts Collaborative policies.
Must be able to:
- Lift program totes up to 30 lbs
- Must be able to perform extensive standing and walking for 3 hours at a time
- Carry heavier loads up to 20 lbs longer distances (from a classroom or storage area to a car in the
- Must be able to set up pop up tents, folding tables, and move folding chairs and other outdoor
- Must be able to bend, stoop, and reach materials
- Must be able to play with children outdoors, hike, and remain physically active for 3 hours at a
time in all weather conditions
