Camp Counselor: OSU-Cascades Summer Academy 2025

Oregon State University; Oregon (IL); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

An established educational institution is seeking enthusiastic Camp Counselors to create a positive and engaging experience for high school students at the OSU -Cascades Summer Academy. This role involves facilitating various activities, ensuring camper safety, and fostering an inclusive environment. Ideal candidates will demonstrate strong leadership and communication skills, be adaptable, and have a passion for working with youth. This is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable experience while making a difference in the lives of young campers. Join a team dedicated to providing a safe and enjoyable summer camp experience!

Benefits

Room and Board during Summer Camp

Training in Child Safety and Leadership

First Aid/CPR Certification

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled in a high school, community college, or university.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate activities and ensure camper safety and well-being.
• Build positive relationships with campers and supervise activities.

Skills

Leadership Skills

Organizational Skills

Communication Skills

Ability to Lift 50 lbs

Adaptability

Education

High School Enrollment

Undergraduate Enrollment

Graduate Enrollment

Job description

Position Information

Job Title: Camp Counselor

Appointment Type: Student Employee

Job Location: Oregon State University – Cascades, Bend, Oregon

Position Appointment Percent: 100%

Appointment Basis: 12 months

Pay Method: Hourly

Pay Period: 16th - 15th of the following month

Pay Date: Last working day of the month

Min Hourly Rate: $14.70 (Standard); $13.70 (Non-Urban); $15.95 (Portland Metro)

Max Hourly Rate: $21.00 (Standard); $20.50 (Non-Urban); $21.50 (Portland Metro)

Position Summary

This recruitment will fill eight (8) part-time Camp Counselor positions within the Event Services Unit at Oregon State University – Cascades. Camp Counselors play an essential role in creating a positive, safe, and engaging experience for high school students attending the OSU -Cascades Summer Academy, a two-week residential and day youth camp for students entering grades 10-12. Camp Counselors are responsible for facilitating activities, ensuring camper safety and well-being, and fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Position Duties

• Camper Engagement and Safety:
• Build positive relationships with campers, encouraging their participation in all activities.
• Supervise campers during activities, meals, free time, and overnight in residential sessions to ensure their safety and well-being.
• Monitor camper behavior and enforce camp rules to maintain a safe and respectful environment.
• Address camper conflicts and minor behavioral concerns, escalating issues to leadership when necessary.
• Ensure compliance with safety protocols, including curfews and emergency procedures.
• Serve as a role model for professionalism, enthusiasm, and inclusivity in all camper interactions.
• Residential Supervision:
• Live on-site during residential sessions in assigned rooms to provide overnight supervision and support.
• Assist with camper check-in and check-out processes, ensuring smooth room assignments and logistics.
• Program Facilitation and Logistics:
• Assist with the planning, setup, and execution of camp activities, including educational, recreational, and team-building sessions.
• Adapt activities as needed to accommodate diverse camper needs and interests.
• Lead or co-lead specific activities, ensuring they run smoothly and meet program objectives.
• Administrative and Logistical Duties:
• Maintain accurate records, including attendance, incident reports, and activity evaluations.
• Communicate regularly with camp leadership regarding challenges, successes, and opportunities for improvement.
• Contribute to post-session evaluations to enhance future programming.

Minimum Requirements

• Must be academically enrolled in a high school, community college, or university and pursuing a program or course of study.
• Must meet Academic Standing Requirements; students on academic suspension are not eligible for employment.
• Must meet the applicable minimal enrollment standard:
• High School student: Regularly enrolled in a high school or participating in a home-schooling program.
• Undergraduate and post-baccalaureate student: 6 credit hours per term.
• Undergraduate international student: 12 credit hours per term.
• Graduate student officially admitted to Graduate School: 5 credit hours per term.
• Graduate international student officially admitted to Graduate School: 9 credit hours per term.

Additional Required Qualifications

• Ability to lift 50 lbs. and walk/stand for extended periods.
• Demonstrated leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to be reliable, punctual, and adaptable.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment.
• This position requires driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the university; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver’s license in their state of residence, and self-report convictions as per University Policy.
• This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a Criminal History Check and be determined to be position qualified.

Preferred (Special) Qualifications

• Be a current full-time Oregon State University student, OR OSU -Cascades student OR degree partnership student with OSU -Cascades and COCC with a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or higher.
• Previous experience working with youth in camps, schools, or childcare settings.
• Possess First Aid/ AED / CPR certification from the American Red Cross or another recognized provider (or willingness to obtain during Spring 2025 training).
• Possess Entry-Level Program Staff certification from the American Camp Association or another recognized provider (or willingness to obtain during Spring 2025 training).

Working Conditions / Work Schedule

• During the Spring 2025 training period, this is a part-time (5 hours per week) position with a set schedule designed to accommodate class commitments.
• During the Summer Academy camp sessions (July 20-25 and July 27-August 1), this is a full-time (40 hours per week) position, and includes a live-on requirement in the OSU -Cascades residence hall.
• Duties include a mix of physical and sedentary tasks, such as standing or walking for extended periods, lifting and moving materials, and working in office or outdoor settings.
• Work may occur in varying weather conditions and requires evening and weekend availability during camp sessions.

Compensation

• This position is paid at a standard rate of $18.00/hour, up to 5 hours/week during the Spring 2025 training period.
• This position is paid at a standard rate of $20.00/hour, up to 40 hours/week during the Summer Academy camp sessions. Incumbents are also compensated with room and board during the summer camp sessions.

Anticipated Hiring Schedule

• Application Period: February 3-28
• Interview Period: March 3-14
• Offer Date: March 17
• Summer Camp Sessions: July 20-25 and July 27-August 1

Provided Training

Students will complete online and in-person training, including:

• Child abuse prevention and reporting.
• Information technology security.
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Child safety and protection protocols.
• Leadership and communication skills.
• Team-building facilitation.
• Professional boundaries and ethical considerations in youth programming.
• Emergency response and safety procedures.
• First Aid/ AED / CPR certification through the American Red Cross.
• Entry-Level Program Staff certification through the American Camp Association.

Posting Information

Posting Number: P11795SE

Number of Vacancies: 8

Anticipated Appointment Begin Date: 04/14/2025

Anticipated Appointment End Date: 08/29/2025

Posting Date: 02/03/2025

Full Consideration Date: 02/28/2025

Closing Date: 06/20/2025

Recruitment Method: Competitive / Student - open to ALL qualified/eligible students