Camp Counselor Jobs

Job Title: Camp Counselor

• Classification: Seasonal
• Reports to: Program Director

Position Purpose:

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

Essential Job Functions:

• 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.

• Apply basic youth development principles in working with campers through communication, relationship development, respect for diversity, involvement and empowerment of youth.
• Must sleep in cabin with campers every night. No Exceptions.
• 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.

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

• 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.
• Be alert to campers and staff needs and assist them with personal and/or health problems, and discuss with camp health manager and/or resident camp director when appropriate.
• Be alert to equipment and facilities to ensure utilization, proper care, and maintenance is adhered to; report repairs needed promptly to camp director.
• Ensure that campers receive their medications as directed by health care manager.

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

• Follow and uphold all safety and security rules and procedures.
• Set a good example to campers and others in regard to general camp procedures and practices including sanitation, schedule, and sportsmanship. The campers look up to you, so be a good role model.

Other Job Duties:

• Contribute to verbal and written evaluations and communication as requested.
• Participate enthusiastically in all camp activities, planning, and leading those as assigned.
• Participate as a member of the camp staff team to deliver and supervise evening programs, special events, overnights, and other all-camp activities and camp functions.
• Assist in the planning of any special events on or near the waterfront.

Relationships:

Counselors will have relationships with kitchen staff, program specialist, program director, and camp director. When counselors are assigned to a program the counselor must respect the program specialist and participate in program.

Equipment Used:

• Cleaning Supplies
• Must be able to learn how to use equipment of all programs

Qualifications: (Minimum Education and Experience)

• Must be 18 years of age or high school graduate.
• Ability to interact with all age levels.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to relate to youth and adults in a positive manner.
• Understand the development needs of youth.
• Demonstrate knowledge and skill in program areas designated camp program areas.

Physical Aspects of the Job:

• Ability to observe staff behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate management techniques.
• Ability to observe camper behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques.
• 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.
• Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to the activity.
• Ability to communicate and work with groups participating (age and skill levels) and provide necessary instruction to campers and staff.

Some physical requirements of a General Counselor position could be endurance including prolonged standing, some bending, stooping, walking long distances, hiking, climbing, and stretching; requires eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity to manipulate outdoor equipment and camp activities; 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; willing to live in a camp setting and work irregular hours with limited or simple equipment and facilities; and with daily exposure to the sun, heat, and animals such as bugs, snakes, bats, etc.

AAP/EEO

It is the policy of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.