Camp Counselor Job Description

Walton’s Grizzly Lodge; Redwood City (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A summer camp organization in Redwood City seeks a passionate camp counselor dedicated to mentoring youth and ensuring a safe environment. Responsibilities include overseeing camp programs, providing support and encouragement to campers, and enforcing safety regulations. The ideal candidate will possess strong interpersonal skills, the ability to lead activities, and the physical endurance required for various camp tasks. Members play a vital role in creating a positive summer experience for all campers.

Qualifications

• Ability to relate to youth and adults positively.
• Knowledge of camp program areas.
• Cognitive abilities to conduct group activities.
• Ability to enforce safety regulations.
• Physical ability to handle emergency situations.

Responsibilities

• Identify and meet camper needs.
• Carry out camp programs and supervise campers.
• Assist in staff training and camp setup.
• Provide mentorship and support to campers.
• Enforce camp safety regulations.

Skills

Positive interpersonal skills

Program knowledge

Communication abilities

First aid response

Physical endurance

Job description

Camp Goals: To provide a safe, happy and secure environment where kids can be kids. We believe hiring and training a mature, caring, fun loving staff is the key element in helping us achieve this goal each summer. We believe in providing a structured program for children that emphasizes a feeling of family, friendship and belonging and encourages active participation in a variety of experiences. We believe summer camp should be a positive growing experience for everyone involved.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Identify and meet camper needs
• Carry out camp program
• Fulfill other staff administrative roles
• Attend staff training during pre-camp and in-service training
• Assist in opening the camp, including activity area set-up, equipment unpacking, cabin setup and cleaning, and basic grounds
• Live in cabins with groups of approximately 8 campers and 2-5 counselors
• Supervise and counsel campers, including:
  • Oversee all assigned aspects of the campers’ day including: morning routine, meal times, dorm clean-up, announcements / sign-ups, rest period, free time, getting ready for bed, and after-hours duty as assigned
  • Provide encouragement, support, and mentorship
  • Help each camper have fun, make friends, and build their self confidence
  • Recognize issues and provide opportunities for problem solving in the group
  • Enforce camp safety regulations and other rules and policies
  • Carry out established roles for supervising camper health
• Communicate in a timely manner with a Director about any concerns related to the supervision of the campers as outlined above
• Help campers choose activities and encourage them to try new things
• Instruct campers in emergency procedures such as fire drills, evacuating the cabin/camp, etc.
• Teach and lead activities daily (as assigned)
• Prepare for and actively participate in staff training and meetings
• Set a good example for campers and others demonstrating punctuality, teamwork, sharing of clean up and chores, sportsmanship, manners, and a positive and collaborative attitude
• Follow and enforce all camp rules and policies
• Encourage respect for other people, the environment, personal property, camp equipment, and camp facilities
• Manage personal time off in accordance with camp policy
• Maintain good public relations with campersʼ parents and the local community
• Assist in camp closing as directed, including:
  • Basic grounds cleanup
  • Cleaning and organizing cabins
  • Packing and storing supplies
  • Examining, cleaning, packing, and inventorying equipment
• These are not the only duties to be performed. Some duties may be reassigned and other duties may be assigned as required

Essential Functions

• Ability to relate to youth and adults in a positive manner.
• Demonstrate knowledge and skill in program areas.
• Cognitive and communication abilities to plan and conduct individual and group activities with campers and staff to achieve camp goals.
• Ability to observe staff and camper behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate management techniques.
• Sufficient visual and auditory ability to monitor participants and staff, recognize potential hazards, and respond appropriately to ensure safety during all camp activities and programs.
• 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.
• Endurance including: prolonged standing, some bending, stooping, walking long distances, hiking, climbing, and the ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity to manipulate equipment and perform camp activities.
• Willingness to live in a camp setting and work irregular hours with limited or simple equipment and facilities, with daily exposure to the sun, heat, and animals such as bugs, snakes, bats, etc.
• Ability to listen to others, observe others’ actions, read text and information; comprehend instructions and manuals, and physical ability to move about the camp property in various environmental conditions.