SUMMER CAMP STAFF- SEASONAL

Do you have a passion for working with youth, a knack for balancing fun and safety, and a desire to provide the best experience possible for our campers and families?

Cary’s Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources department is seeking energetic and creative individuals to join our Youth Programs team in support of our Summer Day Camp! This is an exciting opportunity to serve as role models to elementary-aged children. 

The Summer Camp Staff will work varying hours within the program’s running time from 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM. No evening or weekend hours will be required. The camp locations include Bond Park and Mills Park, and the location will be determined by the hiring supervisor based off key considerations.

This is a seasonal non-benefited position, up to 40 hours a week, with a maximum of 999 hours.

This recruitment will be used to fill three (3) vacancies:

• Activity Specialist 
• Camp Counselor 
• Junior Camp Counselor

Applicants may apply for all three positions but will be considered based on qualifications.  

Please note: Anticipated starting rate for Junior Counselor is $14/hour, anticipated starting rate for Counselor is $16/hour, and anticipated starting rate for Activity Specialist is $17/hour. 

Junior Counselor Typical Tasks 

• Assists with the supervision and safety of all summer camp participants and activities.
• Uses group management skills to engage all children in daily activities.
• Takes initiative and properly identifies opportunities to help.
• Assists with camp opening and closing, including camper drop-off and pick up.
• Sets up, takes down, and cleans/sanitizes group equipment.
• Stays within our 1:12 staff to camper ratio.
• Performs other job-related tasks as required.

In addition to Junior Counselor Tasks, the Counselor will also:

• Manages the supervision and safety of all summer camp participants and activities.
• Assists with implementation of camp activities. 
• Carries out behavior management procedures and handles camper emergencies.
• Stays within our 1:12 staff to camper ratio.
• Performs other job-related tasks as required.

In addition to the Counselor Tasks, the Activity Specialist will also:

• Plan and implement age-appropriate recreational and educational activities to keep children active and help them develop skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
• Follow through and deliver high level activities in addition to the regularly scheduled programs.
• Stays within our 1:12 staff to camper ratio.
• Performs other job-related tasks as required.

• General knowledge of youth programs.
• General knowledge of equipment and supplies required for camp operation.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate with co-workers, supervisors, and the public verbally and in writing.
• Ability to acquire knowledge of Town of Cary policies, procedures, and services of the department.
• Ability to understand and carry out verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to effectively manage the activities, behavior, and safety of camp attendees.

Education and Experience

• Must be at least 16 years of age to be a Junior Counselor.
• Must be at least 18 years of age to be a Counselor or Activity Specialist.
• Requires a combination of education and experience equivalent to a high school diploma/GED to be a Counselor or Activity Specialist.
• Requires a First Aid/CPR Certification, or the ability to obtain one with supplied training in the first six months.

Preference for each position will be given to candidates who possess the following:

• Previous engagement with youth in a paid or volunteer capacity
• Experience in leading small groups of children, teens, or adults
• Experience in arts, crafts, clubs, sports, events, or similar areas

Physical Requirements for all Summer Camp Staff

Work in this class requires the ability to be physically active and to stand for long periods of time.   Work requires the employee to be able to work outdoors in challenging conditions, such as heat and humidity.  An employee must be able to hear and talk in order to communicate with the public and with groups under instruction.  An employee must be able to climb, walk unassisted and move about freely.  Visual acuity is needed to read typewritten and handwritten materials and to view a computer terminal.

Special Requirements

Requires drug testing and background check (which may include criminal check, education verification and credit history review) prior to employment. 

The Activity Specialist will require possession of a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

Salary : $14 - $20