Counselor, Camp Pennwood

The Arc of York & Adams Counties is looking to hire a responsible, enthusiastic, caring, camp counselor for our 2025 season at Camp Pennwood.

Camp Pennwood is a recreational summer camp program for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, ages 6 to 21.

The 2025 camp season for campers is from July 7th to August 8th, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM.

This year's camp program is full of opportunities for campers to enjoy good company, make new friends, reconnect with old ones, and engage in seasonal, social, and leisure activities.

Camp staff must also be available for orientation on June 23rd, 24th, and 25th from 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM.

This summer day camp serves approximately 50 campers daily and employs about 25 staff members, who are led by the camp director and the director of community services.

Seeking to fill 8-9 counselor positions.

• Must be at least 16 years of age.

Job Type: Temporary/Seasonal

Pay: $15.00 per hour

Experience:

• Working with individuals with disabilities: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• CPR Certification (Preferred)

Work Location: In person.

• Camp Pennwood is located at 2400 Druck Valley Rd. York, PA. 17402
• The Arc’s main office is located at 497 Hill Street, York, PA. 17403

Summary:

Under the leadership of the Camp Director and Assistant Director, assures the safety and security of campers and other staff, works directly with campers during all aspects of camp programming, provides personal care to campers as needed, maintains the orderliness and cleanliness of the camp buildings and grounds, and communicates with support staff, parents, and other Arc staff in the best interests of the campers.

Duties:

• Be ever watchful to prevent injury and maintain the safety and security of every camper. Respond appropriately if a camper is injured.
• Assist campers with activities of daily living (toileting, eating, changing clothes, washing face and hands), with ambulation or operation of mobility technology, etc.
• Support the campers emotionally. Be attentive to their moods/emotional needs and to their behaviors that might suggest emotional upset, anger, sadness, etc. Respond appropriately to campers’ emotions and behaviors.
• Assist campers with the various activities offered by camp programming (sports, art, music, swimming, playground activity, etc.)
• Carefully follow directions given through camp policies and procedures and direct communication from supervisors (unit leader, Assistant Camp Director, Camp Director).
• Communicate significant information about campers to the unit leader/Camp Assistant Director/ Camp Director, and parents, as appropriate.
• Clean up assigned areas, put supplies and equipment away, and keep the camp orderly and safe.
• Other relevant tasks as requested by supervisors.

Key Characteristics:

• confidentiality
• reliable
• positive attitude
• patient
• adaptable
• responsible
• integrity, trustworthy
• emotionally stable
• caring
• work ethic

Physical Demands

Standing, Walking: Both - Frequently

Sitting: Frequently

Bending, Crawling: Somewhat frequently

Use of fingers, hands, and feet: Frequently

Use of arms and legs: Both - Frequently

Hearing: Frequently - could use a hearing aid

Vision: Constantly, could use corrective lenses, near vision, intermediate, and far vision

Speaking: Frequently (communication with the public, clients, volunteers & Arc staff)

Tasting: Infrequently

Lifting, pushing, pulling: Frequently; must be able to lift at least 25 pounds.

Environmental Demands

Indoors/outdoors: Outdoors frequently; indoors frequently

Impact of inclement weather: The weather highly impacts work. Can move from outdoors to Indoors.

Dirt, dust: Constant contact with woodland camp elements, including dust, dirt, and plants.

Noise level: Moderate noise level.

Moist/wet, dry: Weather dependent. Dry/humid inside. Dry/wet/humid outdoors. Must be in the pool water with campers when they swim.

Hot, cold: Weather dependent. Camp Lodge has central air conditioning for excessively hot days. Not cold during summer camp.

Insects and other pests: As is typical of the woodland camp environment (ants, spiders, bugs, bees, etc.)

Accommodations

The employee is responsible for making the employer aware of the need for accommodation. The Arc will make accommodations to the extent possible. Accommodations cannot impact the effectiveness of the employee and cannot cause undue business hardship to Camp Pennwood or The Arc.

Education:

Minimum 10th grade education

Experience:

Prefer applicant with experience working, living, or otherwise interacting with young people with ID/DD.

Knowledge:

Knowledge of appropriate interaction with children and young adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities. Safety precautions with children and young adults who are vulnerable to danger.

Abilities:

• Has ability to communicate effectively with campers, parents, and other staff.
• Make appropriate decisions about
• (a) the safety and security of campers,
• (b) interacting appropriately in all situations with campers,
• (c) prioritizing issues and assigned tasks; ability to work together with other staff as a team member and to take instructions from various leaders.

Other Requirements:

• Pass background checks by Childline, PA State Police and FBI.
• Dependable transportation to and from Camp Pennwood for daily attendance