Head Counselor

Omaha Kroc; Minnesota; On-site; USD 19,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Room and board provided

On-site housing during summer

Job summary

The Salvation Army Northwoods Camp in Finlayson, MN, is seeking a Head Counselor for the summer season. The role supervises and supports counselors, guides a group of campers aged 6–17, and models positive behavior in a faith-centered environment. On-site residence is required for the duration of the summer program.

Compensation includes a $475 weekly stipend for a 40-hour week, plus room and board. The season runs mid-June through July 2027, with orientation and evenings/weekends involved.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• High School diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Prior experience in a youth summer camp setting or two years of related youth work experience preferred.
• Must have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and participate in religious activities.
• Must pass background checks.
• Flexible interpersonal and communication skills.
• Self-starter with attention to detail and initiative.
• Works with integrity and diligence.

Responsibilities

• Counselor Support: assist other counselors and help with scheduling and assignments.
• Safety and Monitoring: ensure health and safety of campers.
• Relationship Building: develop positive rapport with campers and colleagues.
• Camper Supervision: lead an assigned group in daily activities.
• Camper Guidance: provide guidance and reinforce rules.
• Program Participation: actively participate in camp programs and activities.
• Spiritual Guidance: attend nightly devotions and prayers with campers.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Initiative

Attention to detail

Integrity

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Experience with youth

Job description

The Salvation Army Northwoods Camp in Finlayson, MN, is “doing the most good” by providing summer camp opportunities to hundreds of youth from Salvation Army programs across Minnesota and North Dakota. The camp offers youth a safe, fun environment to develop physically, socially, and spiritually while participating in various activities, including swimming, fishing, boating, archery, music, and arts and crafts.

The Head Counselor guides and supports other counselors, ensuring adherence to policies, safety, and a positive environment. This role supervises and guides an assigned group of campers (ages 6 to 17), builds strong relationships, models positive behavior, and participates in spiritual activities to enhance the overall camp experience. The position requires on-site residence throughout the temporary summer employment.

$475 stipend per week, 40 hours per week

60402 Elbow Lake Rd, Finlayson, MN 55735

Please note that this is a seasonal and temporary summer position from June 2027 to July 2027.

Essential Functions (approximate time spent)

• Counselor Support (25%): Provide support and guidance to other counselors, ensuring adherence to policies and procedures. In coordination with management assist with scheduling and assignments.
• Safety and Monitoring (20%): Monitor campers and program areas to ensure the health and safety of all.
• Relationship Building (20%): Develop and maintain positive rapport with campers and colleagues, teaching and modeling positive relational skills to campers.
• Camper Supervision (10%): Supervise and lead an assigned group of campers in daily activities, including classes, free time, meals, and programming.
• Camper Guidance (10%): Provide guidance and positive reinforcement and assist camp leadership in holding campers accountable to follow rules and meet expectations.
• Program Participation (10%): Actively participate in all assigned camp programs and activities, providing support as needed.
• Spiritual Guidance (5%): Attend spiritual activities and facilitate nightly devotions and prayers with assigned campers.

Education and Experience

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• A High School diploma or equivalent is strongly preferred.
• Prior experience in a youth summer camp setting (at least one season) or two years of related experience working with youth is highly preferred.
• Must have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and be willing to participate in religious activities.
• Must pass background checks.
• Flexible interpersonal and communication skills.
• Self-starter with good attention to detail and initiative.
• Works with integrity, valuing honesty and diligence.

Working Conditions

• Must be able to attend staff orientation week.
• Room and Board provided in addition to a biweekly stipend. Required to live on-site at Northwoods camp during the summer.
• Position is seasonal, approximately mid-June through July, including nights and weekends.
• Perform all physical aspects of the position, including being mobile, bending, and reaching.
• Must be able to lift 25 pounds occasionally.
• Must be able to fully participate in activities and events (outdoors and indoors).
• Camp environment; not eligible for a remote-friendly work environment.
• Must be able to communicate clearly with campers and colleagues.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None.

Travel Requirements

None.

Other Duties

All employees recognize that The Salvation Army is a church and agree to support its religious mission as employees.

This job description is not all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions of the position. The supervisor may assign other duties, responsibilities, and tasks.

Additional Information

The Salvation Army Mission

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its Mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

The Salvation Army is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates who are back-to-work, US Veterans, people with disabilities, people who have been impacted by the justice system, and/or people without a college degree are encouraged to apply.