Summer Counselor

The Salvation Army; New Jersey; On-site; USD 19,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army in New Jersey seeks a dedicated Summer Camp Counselor to provide a safe, enriching environment for children. Under supervision, counselors lead activities, supervise campers, and model The Salvation Army’s values.

Responsibilities include maintaining headcounts, documenting attendance, enforcing positive discipline, assisting instructors, and ensuring safe release to guardians. Bilingual Spanish/English preferred; background checks and health requirements required.

Qualifications

• 18+ years of age
• Bilingual Spanish/English preferred
• Experience working with children of varied ages in an urban setting
• Must be reliable, dependable, willing to commit to the entire summer camp season
• Proven ability to exercise mature judgment and sound decision-making
• Must communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• Ability to work a flexible schedule to meet staffing needs
• TB test or chest x‑ray with insignificant results
• Physical by a doctor indicating eligibility to work
• Must pass a criminal background check, CARI check, and CHRI check (fingerprinting)
• Must provide three professional references
• Must understand and support the mission of The Salvation Army

Responsibilities

• Maintain a consistent headcount for all children.
• Document attendance, behavior, and incidents.
• Enforce rules with positive discipline and clear expectations.
• Assist instructors with activities.
• Supervise groups during activities per safety policies.
• Ensure proper child release to guardians.
• Support children's self-esteem and sense of self-worth.
• Maintain cleanliness and complete daily checklists.
• Communicate concerns with Camp Leaders.
• Follow NJ DoH and Kroc Center policies.
• Attend staff meetings and trainings.
• Support the mission of The Salvation Army

Skills

Bilingual Spanish/English

Communication skills (verbal & written

Reliability & dependability

Flexible schedule

Education

HS Diploma or GED

Job description

Overview

Under the leadership of the Summer Camp Supervisor and FYD Managers, this position is responsible for providing a safe, caring, and enriching learning environment for children enrolled in the Salvation Army Kroc Center’s summer camp. Counselors are responsible for leading groups of students in assigned activities, safeguarding students, and implementing disciplinary procedures. Counselors are responsible for adequately conducting themselves by setting an example for children, parents/guardians, and co-workers in alignment with The Salvation Army’s core values.

Responsibilities

Camper Supervision

• Keep a consistent headcount for all children present at the site.
• Communicate changes with other staff and maintain accurate documentation of each child's attendance, behavior, and incidents.
• Consistently demonstrate positive discipline, firmly and consistently enforce the rules, express clear expectations and accountability, and ensure that reprimands fit the misbehavior.
• Assist Instructors with and actively participate in program activities.
• Provide proper and continuous supervision for the assigned group during all activities while adhering to Keep Safe policies and protocols.
• Consistently adhere to and implement the process for child release from the program to the parent or authorized guardian.
• Help children develop positive self-esteem and a sense of self-worth.

Safety

• Assist in maintaining clean schedules to maintain the cleanliness of the Kroc Center, including completing tasks listed on daily checklists.
• Communicate with the Camp Leaders regularly regarding concerns/issues with the program, children, parents, or co-workers.
• Adhere to and ensure adherence to policies and procedures as stated in manuals, training, and meetings, including those of the Kroc Center, The Salvation Army, the Summer Food Service Program, and the NJ Department of Health.

Miscellanous

• Ensure that the ultimate goal of spiritual, emotional, and physical development of all people is represented and infused in all activities
• Attend all assigned meetings and training as scheduled, including weekly staff meetings.
• Other duties within the scope of the role, as assigned by the supervisors

Qualifications

• 18+ years of age; HS Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Bilingual Spanish/English preferred.
• Experience working with children of varied ages and abilities in an urban setting is required.
• Must be reliable, dependable, willing, and able to commit to the entire summer camp season.
• Proven ability to exercise mature judgment and sound decision-making.
• Must communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule to meet program staffing/planning needs.
• TB test or chest x‑ray with insignificant results required.
• Physical by a doctor or appropriate medical professional indicating eligibility to work.
• Must pass a criminal background check, CARI check, and CHRI check (fingerprinting).
• Must provide three professional references.
• Must understand and support the mission of The Salvation Army