What are the responsibilities and job description for the Summer Camp Village Leader (Residential) - Camp Tommy position at The Fresh Air Fund?
VILLAGE LEADER / HEAD COUNSELOR
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
Village Leaders / Head Counselors help in the overall management of the camp by assisting in the day-to-day operations of the camp, supervising staff, coordinating camp schedules, and assisting with administrative work. This position is for applicants who have prior experience working at a camp and are looking for an opportunity to learn more about the inner workings of a camp program. Each Village Leader / Head Counselor is responsible for a specific age group of campers. They work directly with and supervise the staff working in those age groups. Village Leaders / Head Counselors provide guidance and support to campers and staff and organize activities.
Village Leaders / Head Counselors will report to the Assistant Director.
Responsibilities
- Responsible for directly supervising a group of 10-15 staff members and a village of 20 campers.
- Plan and supervise village activities and assist General Counselors in planning cabin and village activities.
- Guide and evaluate counselors and run staff meetings.
- Assume responsibility for the safety and well-being of campers.
- Maintain active communication with fellow administrators, counselors, campers and parents.
- Demonstrate and role model positive camper behavior management techniques for their staff and assist with camper-camper and camper-counselor behavioral issues / conflicts that may arise.
- Work with the Camper Support Services Liaison to provide counselors with behavior management skills and extra support for campers.
- Explain and enforce the policies, traditions, and rules of the camp.
- Be an active member of the camp community by participating in camp programming including camp-wide events, overnights, hikes, swimming, activities, and village meetings. This includes but is not limited to : going on hikes in the woods on camp property and going in the water during swimming activities. At times, lifting heavy objects may be necessary.
- Demonstrate a caring, supportive, and professional demeanor, including avoiding fraternizing with general staff while on / off duty.
- Be present at all village activities and assist the Camp Director with all camp activities.
- Maintain open communication between counselors and the administration.
- Address stressful situations appropriately in a fast-paced, interactive environment.
- Prepare and submit reports, staff evaluations, and inventories as requested.
- Understand that campers come first, and decisions should be made in the best interest of the campers.
- Strive to work cooperatively with fellow staff to achieve the program's goals.
- Invest time with campers and staff to meet their needs, challenge their capabilities, and serve as a role model during their time at camp.
- Understand that the position involves living in cabins with little to no privacy and eating all meals with campers in a large, noisy dining room.
- Time off during each encampment will be arranged by a supervisor.
- Assume responsibility for the use and care of camp equipment and facilities.
- Be totally familiar with emergency procedures and follow them when necessary.
- Additional responsibilities as needed and assigned.
Qualifications
Employment Period : June 8, 2025 - August 16, 2025
Compensation : $3,000 - $3,300
Benefits : None
Application Instructions
To apply, please submit a Village Leader application. We are hiring on a rolling basis and encourage interested applicants to apply as early as possible. No calls or recruiters, please.
The Fresh Air Fund is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to inclusive hiring, and dedicated to diversity in its work and on its staff. We strongly encourage candidates of all identities, experiences, orientations, and communities to apply.
