Summer Camp Counselor

The Mountain Retreat and Learning Center

The Mountain is an ecologically conscious retreat and learning center perched on a dramatic granite outcropping high above the beautiful Nantahala National Forest in Highlands, North Carolina. We offer group retreats and opportunities for outdoor recreation and learning, including an 6 week residential summer camp (MountainCamp) which has operated for over forty years. Our campus includes a lodge with sweeping mountain views, cabins and bunkhouses, a lake, an extensive network of trails, an old growth forest, and a farm focused on educating guests about sustainable agriculture.

More information is available at:

https://www.themountainrlc.org/mountaincamp/

Camp Counselor

Job Description

Camp Counselors supervise youth (ages 5-18), and plan and conduct trips and activities during our 6-week residential summer camp. Counselors live on-site during camp, and stay in a cabin with a co-counselor and 6-8 youth per session, whom they supervise for 5.5 days per week. Our goal during camp is to provide enriching programs filled with recreation, adventure, education and creativity. We strive to create a safe environment where youth are treated with respect, kindness, consideration and are celebrated for their individual talents.

General Responsibility To identify and meet camper needs
Specific Responsibilities:

• Learn about the environment in which each camper excels and is challenged in.
• Recognize and respond to opportunities for problem solving and conflict resolution in the group.
• Develop opportunities for interaction between campers and staff.
• Be knowledgeable about the eating habits and diets of campers and their health requirements.
• Provide opportunities for the group so that each individual experiences success during camp.

General Responsibility To carry out MountainCamp programming
Specific Responsibilities:

• Guide cabin and individual campers in participating successfully in all aspects of camp activities.
• See that health, safety and other standards are maintained and followed by all campers.
• Supervise and facilitate all assigned aspects of the campers’ day.
• Instruct campers in emergency procedures such as fire drills, evacuating cabins, etc.
• Lead or assist in leading activities, workshops, and trips.
• Teach an appreciation of the outdoors and Leave No Trace ethics.
• At all times, model and practice the philosophies and values of The Mountain, including responsible citizenship and community standards.
• Facilitate Family Councils.

General Responsibility Fulfill other staff administrative roles
Specific Responsibilities:

• Prepare for and actively participate in staff training and meetings.
• Set a good example for campers and others including cleanliness, punctuality, sharing clean-up of camp spaces and cabin chores, civility and table manners.
• Assure Cabin Duty responsibilities are fulfilled or help to find a substitute counselor to supervise if off or on a trip.
• Follow camp rules and regulations pertaining to smoking, non-violence, use of alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs.
• Encourage respect of personal property, camp equipment and facilities.
• Manage personal time off in accordance with camp policy.
• Maintain good public relations with campers’ parents.
• Submit all required reports on time.
• Clean and prepare cabins before, during, and after each session.
• Assume other responsibilities as assigned by the Camp Directors.

Essential Functions:

• Possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers.
• Possess mobility and agility over varying types of terrain throughout camp and off-site property.
• Physical ability to assist campers in emergency situations (fire, evacuation, illness or injury).
• Live, work and play in a cabin of 6-8 campers, ages 5-18 years old.
• Understanding of the needs, interests, and concerns of youth.
• Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to camp activities.
• Ability to communicate and work with groups participating (age and skill levels), and provide necessary instruction to participants.
• If 21 years of age, comfortable and willing to be trained in and drive a 15-passenger van.

REQUIREMENTS, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Well organized, manages time well detail-oriented person
• High energy level – upbeat, creative and resourceful with the ability to effectively work with youth and young adults in a spiritual and community-building environment
• Experience in Outdoor Education and Experiential education with youth and adults
• Understanding of risk management, good judgment, integrity, maturity and flexibility.
• Excellent communication skills with people of all ages, including listening, speaking and writing – ability to engage professionally with parents, guests, and volunteers as well as other staff. Able to give and accept constructive feedback modestly and non-defensively.

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Supervised By: Youth Programs Manager

AAP/EEO Statement
The Mountain Retreat and Learning Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to the full inclusion of all.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $300.00 - $350.00 per week

Work Location: In person

Salary : $300 - $350