Summer Camp Counselor and Activity Leader

Southern Arkansas University; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 27,900 - 44,640; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Lodging provided

Meals included

Time off weekly

Job summary

Independent Lake Camp seeks a Summer Camp Counselor to mentor campers in various activities and promote their well-being. This live-in role is set in the Pocono Mountains, providing a unique opportunity to engage with children and develop leadership skills.

Ideal candidates should have expertise or a passion for activities like swimming, gymnastics, or music, alongside great communication skills and an energetic attitude. Lodging and food are provided, with professional growth opportunities.

Duration: June 13th to August 1st or August 17th, 2026.

Qualifications

• A positive outlook and ability to energize those around you.
• Great communication skills with children and colleagues.
• A focus on safety and mental well-being for the campers.
• A passion for teaching/coaching/leading.
• Initiative, problem-solving skills, and responsibility.

Responsibilities

• Teach your specialty activity for 5 periods each day.
• Live in a bunk with 6-12 campers and co-counselors.
• Support social and emotional well-being of campers.
• Supervise and mentor campers during meals and activities.
• Engage in daily group evening activities and camp events.

Skills

Circus

Gymnastics

Swimming

Lifeguarding

Music

Photography

Cooking

Job description

Summer Camp Counselor and Activity Leader

Calling all adventurers, athletes, coaches, creators, performers, and future role models - far and wide! Independent Lake Camp is on a mission to create the best summer ever for our campers, and we need you on board!

If you’re looking for a role where you can share your skills, teach and mentor kids, be surrounded by a unique and diverse team of young adults, and spend your summer in a high-energy environment filled with sports, creativity, friendship, leadership, and nonstop fun… look no further.

We’re currently working to build a balanced and diverse staff team, including increasing male representation among counselors.

About ILC:

Independent Lake Camp is a co‑ed, non‑traditional sleepaway camp located in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. ILC is dedicated to celebrating diversity, promoting creativity, and empowering individual growth through camper‑chosen individualized scheduling. Independent Lake Camp attracts campers and counselors from across the U.S. and internationally, serving kids ages 6‑17 in 2‑ to 8‑week sessions. ILC is located 2.5 hours north of New York City and 2.5 hours from Philadelphia in the small town of Orson, PA.

What We’re Looking For:

We are looking for counselors with expertise in any of the following — and a genuine passion for mentoring kids, building confidence, and sharing their talents with campers:

• Circus
• Gymnastics
• Horseback Riding
• Swimming
• Sailing
• Kayaking
• Water-skiing/Wakeboarding
• Boat-driving
• Lifeguarding
• Go-Karting
• BMX
• Skateboarding
• Rollerblading
• Music
• Guitar
• Bass
• Drums
• Music Recording & Mixing
• Cinematography
• Video Editing
• Basketball
• Soccer
• Volleyball
• Tennis
• Pickleball
• Golf
• Yoga
• Fitness
• Theatre
• Dance
• Tech Theatre
• Magic
• Rocketry
• Climbing Wall/High Ropes Course
• Nature
• Role Playing Games
• Acapella Singing
• Fine Arts
• Ceramics
• Photography
• Stained Glass
• Archery
• Cooking

…and more!

To Be Successful In This Role You Will Need:

• A positive outlook and ability to energize those around you
• Great communication skills with children and colleagues
• A focus on safety and mental well‑being for the campers
• You will need to be a team player
• A passion for teaching/coaching/leading
• You will need initiative, problem solving skills and be responsible
• To live and breathe the mission of ILC - Please take a moment to read our mission statement to understand how we operate.

What The Role Involves:

Day to day, our counselors are responsible for the following key tasks -

• Teach your specialty activity for 5 periods each day
• Live in a bunk with 6‑12 campers and co counselors
• Support social and emotional wellbeing of your campers
• Inspire and empower all campers to be the best version of themselves
• Supervise and mentor campers during meals, downtime and bunk activities.
• Engage and participate in daily group evening activities and camp events e.g.: bring the fun

What We Will Provide:

Independent Lake Camp will provide you with a summer of exponential professional growth, irreplaceable friendships, lifelong memories, and untold fun within the beauty of our natural mountainous setting. Our staff are the most important aspect of running a quality camp. We offer plenty of time off, one period every day and 4 nights per week. You will also receive one day off per week, not including the first and last week of your contract. This is a live‑in position, which includes lodging and food.

June 13th, 2026 - August 1st OR August 17th, 2026, depending on your availability.

Pre and Post camp work available upon request.