Summer Camp Counselor (Ages 6-11)

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!

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: Woodland Wonders camp counselors are responsible for maintaining safety and caring for their camper group (ages 6 - 12) throughout the daily camp schedule. Counselors will work together to lead and facilitate camp programming throughout the day, including camper group time, Discovery Stations and Foxes’ FirePit.

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 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.

● Lead daily programming at each Discovery Station. Set up and clean up each station as needed.

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

● Work together with other counselors to lead Foxes’ FirePit songs, activities and skits.

● 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.

Clearances:

● PA Criminal Background Check *

● PA Child Abuse Check *

● FBI Criminal Background Check *

● NSOR

● Act 31 Online Training

* *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: $17/hr