Summer Camp Junior Staff - Camp Junior

JUNIOR CAMP STAFF

Since its founding in 1877, The Fresh Air Fund, a not-for-profit youth development organization, has provided free life-changing summer experiences in the outdoors to more than 1.8 million children from New York City’s underserved communities. Young people also participate in year-round leadership, career exploration, and educational programs. For more information, visit www.FreshAir.org.

Position Summary

The Junior Camp Staff (JCS) program is Year 2 of our staff training program. Year 1 is the CIT Program. Those who successfully complete the CIT program are invited to apply to be a Junior Camp Staff member when 17 years old. The purpose of the JCS program is to further prepare young people for the future responsibilities of being camp staff. They further expand on their professionalism, group management skills, behavior management skills, and facilitation/programming skills. The program will focus on counseling skills, programming skills, and facilitation skills to help you become a well-rounded staff member who is familiar with all aspects of camp and can apply to be a counselor or program staff (teacher, lifeguard, farm or ropes) in the future.

Junior Camp Staff will report to the Village Leader/Head Counselor.

Responsibilities

Before Summer

1. Attend and participate in virtual meetings and in-person camp training weekends

During Summer

1. Assigned to work with a specific cabin group, campstead, or village to assist General Counselors in providing 24-hour-a-day direct supervision, leadership, and guidance to twelve campers.
2. Assigned to work with program staff or area to learn about lesson planning and facilitating activities.
3. Assigned to various areas of camp to shadow aspects of camp, including but not limited to the waterfront, office maintenance, and the kitchen.
4. Junior Counselors are never left alone in charge of a group or with an individual camper; they assist counselors with the group when necessary and as assigned.
5. Take over short-term group responsibilities under the supervision of staff and/or administrator.
6. Participate in on going leadership training program.
7. Depending on the camp, live in a cabin with campers and co-counselors for the full duration of each camp session.
8. Time off will be arranged by the Village Leader.
9. Understand that campers come first, and decisions should be made in the best interest of campers.

1. Address stressful situations appropriately in a fast-paced, interactive environment.
2. Be an active member of the camp community by participating in all camp programming, including camp-wide events, overnights, hikes in the woods, swimming, activities, and village meetings. At times, lifting heavy objects may be necessary.
3. Write daily reports and a final evaluation for each camper to help evaluate their needs, goals, and progress during their camp experience.
4. Strive to work cooperatively with fellow staff to achieve the goals of the program.
5. Explain and enforce the policies, traditions, and rules of the camp.
6. Invest time with campers to meet their needs, challenge their capabilities, and serve as a role model during their time at camp.
7. Take ownership of the use and care of camp equipment and facilities.
8. Be familiar with emergency procedures and follow them when necessary.
9. Additional responsibilities as needed and assigned.

Qualifications

1. Must be at least 17 years old.
2. Must be a CIT Program graduate.
3. Prior experience working with children is required. Staff must be passionate about working with children.
4. Interested in working and living in the outdoors for the summer.
5. Emotionally mature with a willingness to work as a team player and to maintain a positive attitude.
6. Flexible and willing to accept challenges and step outside your comfort zone.
7. Available for the entire duration of the summer program.

Employment Period: June 16, 2025 – August 16, 2025

Compensation: $1,600

Benefits: None