Summer Camp Counseling Staff - Seasonal

Counseling Staff

Classification: Seasonal

Reports to: Program Director

Position Summary:

Counselors are the primary caregivers for campers. The Counselor is responsible for planning, teaching, coordinating, and carrying out activities and guiding campers in their personal, social, and spiritual growth and daily living skills.

Key Responsibilities:

Assist in the direction, supervision, and organization of campers in their living unit, within activities, and throughout the camp in order to meet the intended camper outcomes.

• Foster a welcoming and inclusive environment.
• Apply basic youth development principles in working with campers.
• Assure campers are properly supervised at all times.
• Be aware of and implement safety guidelines.

Participate in the development and implementation of program activities for campers within the mission and outcomes.

• Responsible for leading and assisting with the teaching of activities.
• Provide for the progression of activities within the framework of individual and group interests and abilities.
• Assist in program areas such as waterfront, nature, all-camp activities, and arts and crafts as directed.

Maintain high standards of health and safety in all activities for campers and staff.

• Provide the daily care of each camper within your supervision including recognition of personal health needs.
• Ensure that campers receive their medications as directed by the health care manager.
• Stay attentive to the needs of campers and staff, offering support with personal or health concerns as needed. Consult with a health officer or directors when needed.
• Stay attentive to equipment and facilities to ensure they are used properly, cared for, and maintained. Promptly report any needed repairs to the directors.
• Communicate camper needs and concerns to directors, specialists, kitchen, health, and facilities staff in a professional and timely manner.

Be a role model to campers and staff in your attitude and behavior.

• Follow and uphold all safety and security rules and procedures.
• Be a good example, for campers and others, by ardently following camp policies and procedures including sanitation, schedule, and sportsmanship.

Other Job Duties:

• Participate enthusiastically in all camp activities, planning and leading as needed.
• Participate as a member of the camp staff team to deliver and supervise evening programs, special events, overnight, and other all-camp activities and camp functions.
• Other duties as assigned by the Directors, including assisting in other areas of camp.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Must be able to obtain First Aid/CPR certification (course offered to staff during training).
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Ability to pass a criminal background check.
• Understand the development needs of youth.
• Ability to work on a team, relate and work well with others.
• Ability to accept guidance, direction and supervision.
• Ability to relate to youth and adults of all age levels in a positive manner.
• Demonstrate knowledge and skill in designated camp program areas

Physical Aspects of the Position:

• Ability to observe camper behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior management techniques.
• Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to hazards related to activities.
• Physical ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid. Must be able to assist campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury) and possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers.
• Some physical requirements of this position could be endurance including climbing, standing, swimming, some bending, stooping, and stretching. Requires eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity. Requires normal range of hearing and eyesight to record, prepare, and communicate appropriate camper activities/programs and the ability to lift up to 50 lbs. Willingness to live in a camp setting and work irregular hours delivering programs in the facility available. Operate with daily exposure to the sun and heat and varying environmental conditions.

Compensation and Benefits:

Salary: $3,060-$3,285 (Note: For international staff, this amount may be adjusted for applicable visa or agency fees.)

Room and board provided for the duration of the seasonal contract.

Bonuses available for obtaining and using lifeguard and/or ropes certification during the summer.

About Wanakee:

Wanakee is a traditional Christian summer camp and year-round retreat center, owned and operated by the New England Conference of the United Methodist Church. Our camp and retreat programming focuses on building loving relationships and communities of radical acceptance. Find us at or on most social media outlets @wanakeenh.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $3,060.00 - $3,285.00 per year

Work Location: In person

Salary : $3,060 - $3,285