Summer Camp Counselor (Ages 3-5)

Company Description

The Discovery School Day Camp is a special place for children to have fun, grow new friendships, discover nature, and have the freedom to be themselves!  We strive to inspire a culture of kindness, curiosity, and connection to one another as well as the world around us. 

Our Discovery kids spend their days exploring our 7 acre nature campus - climbing in our nature playground, building forts in the woods, relaxing by the pond, creating art, playing group games, and having water fun!

Job Description

PRIMARY PURPOSE: Playful Pollinator camp counselors are responsible for maintaining safety and caring for their camper group throughout the daily camp schedule. Counselors will work together to lead and facilitate camp programming throughout the day, including indoor camper group time and outside nature adventures.

PROFESSIONALISM:

● Report to work well rested, on time and maintain consistent attendance for all 8 weeks.

● Communicate necessary absences with as much advance notice as possible.

● Establishes positive and professional relationships with children, parents and colleagues.

● Support and uphold The Discovery School Day Camp philosophy and policies.

● Show initiative in problem solving and be open to new ideas. ● Approach challenges with imagination and a sense of humor.

● Maintain confidentiality about issues regarding children and families.

● Respect and appreciate individual learning styles, culture and point of views.

● Model conflict resolution by communicating directly with individuals involved and collaborating to develop solutions.

HEALTH AND SAFETY:

● Ensure the safety and general well being of all campers

● Document incidents and notify parents in a timely fashion.

● Understand and follow The Discovery School Health and Safety guidelines

● Follow state regulations regarding incidents of abuse or neglect.

● Be able to remain calm and follow the Emergency Plan in the event of an emergency.

● Be able to lift, move or hold children with a weight of up to 50 pounds or more if necessary.

● Familiarize yourself weekly with camper names, approved pick-ups, allergy information, lunch choices and any other information parents provide.

OPERATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

● Download and use the Jumbula app to access camper profiles and communicate with families.

● Maintain a well-organized, safe and clean camp environment.

● Develop a positive relationship with each child and promote the development of self-esteem.

● Follow our positive discipline approach and Code of Conduct as outlined in the sta and family handbook.

● Report any signs of illness, injury, emotional disturbance or other disorder to the director.

● Implement the daily program of activities with safety and fun in mind.

● Set up daily activities for campers, refreshing supplies as needed.

● Lead daily programming with your camper group

● Cleaning up as needed

● Lead all camper activities, games, and transitions, including lunch, snack and clean up time.

● Work together with the rest of the Playful Pollinator team to ensure the safety of all campers and a smooth daily routine.

● Establish a positive relationship with each child’s family by addressing them by name, welcoming them to camp, and sharing positive information about their child’s day.

● If/When sharing about something confidential, provide privacy and maintain confidentiality. Share and respond to families with sensitivity and respect.

● Be inclusive of children with disabilities and special needs. Modify activities and/or implement accommodations as outlined on an Individualized Camper Plan.

● Be willing to facilitate activities both indoors and outdoors in all weather throughout our 7-acre nature campus.

● Demonstrates a full range of motion to lift, reach, squat, climb, sit or otherwise fully participate in activities.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS:

● Must be 18 years of age.

● Must have a love and willingness to serve children and their families.

● Strongly support and execute The Discovery School Day Camp’s mission.

● Obtain all necessary clearances (See below)

● Educational requirements: High school diploma and/or actively pursuing or already obtained a college degree, preferably in a child-related field such as early childhood or elementary education.

● Be willing to obtain CPR and First Aid Certification during training week.

● Be able to manage multiple priorities and complete assigned tasks in a timely manner.

● Have the social skills necessary to relate to a variety of people in a highly collaborative environment, remaining positive even under stressful situations. Links to necessary

Clearances:

● PA Criminal Background Check

● PA Child Abuse Check

● FBI Criminal Background Check

● NSOR

● Act 31 Online Training

● Health Form

● Disclosure Statement

● Arrest or Conviction Form

● Required camp health and safety training

● Employment Verification Form(s): verification that you have had at least 2 years (2,500 hours) experience working with children.

● 2 non family reference letters

● A copy of your college transcripts

*Clearances and Act 31 training must be valid through August 1 , 2025.

Other Requirements:

● CPR/first-aid certified - included and paid for in summer camp sta training week

● Maintain consistent attendance for 8 weeks of camp

Additional Information

Position: Day Camp Counselor

Reports to: Camp Director

Time Commitment: M-F (40 hours/week); 6/2/25 - 8/1/25

Compensation: $18/hour