Camp Counselor Job Description

Position

Summer Program Camp Counselor  

Status

Contractual or Volunteer  

Qualifications

• Have volunteer or professional experience working with children
• Be at least 18 years of age. If 16 or 17 (Junior Counselors), successful completion of the Counselor-in-Training program.
• Be active in the Christian faith and comfortable participating in and leading camper Bible studies.
• Have high standards of conduct and must live daily in such a way as to reflect these values. Recent trouble with law enforcement agencies or other authority figures is viewed with disfavor.
• Be able to perform the essential function of the position which includes active physical activities, as outlined below. Counselors should be able to lift approximately 25 lbs., and walk a short distance on moderately steep terrain without difficulty.
• Be certified in First Aid/CPR (training provided at Alkulana).
• New staff must sign a voluntary disclosure statement & be checked against the National Sex Offender Public Registry and receive a criminal background check.
• All new staff must provide at least two reference checks.
• All new staff must be interviewed by the Camp Director or a designated representative.
• All staff must attend staff training at the beginning of the summer camp season.

 

Supervisor

Camp Director  

Responsibilities & Duties

The responsibilities of an Alkulana camp counselor are many and varied. Our staff do not specialize, rather they are generalists in nature.  

• The counselor’s first and primary responsibility is the health and welfare of the campers.
• After the safety of the camper, a counselor’s primary focus is on building relationships with campers.
• Work with a team of staff members to create a safe and meaningful camp experience.
• Lead and guide a cabin group of 8-10 campers; supervises, guides and helps the group with cabin activities, maintain order within the cabin group and build community and rapport. Counselors live in the cabin with their campers and are responsible for his/her campers 24 hours a day; while not always with each camper, counselors ensure that campers attend activities and are always aware of where their campers are and what they are doing.
• Lead and guide an adventure group of 8-12 campers in daily activities such as hiking, canoeing, caving, rappelling, cooking out, and low ropes course.
• Lead and guide a daily interest group of 3-12 campers in activities such as team sports, craft projects, creative writing, nature walks, etc.
• During older camper sessions, leads an overnight camping trip and adventure activities (High Adventure).
• Teaches campers to know what is expected of them behaviorally, including counseling campers on choices of activities and mediating behavioral issues; Interprets and enforces health and safety rules for campers; Sees that campers are appropriately attired and reasonably clean.
• Makes necessary preparations prior to the start of the activity; cleans, repairs and returns all equipment after the activity.
• Attend staff training and complete evaluations; attend pre-session meetings and help to plan and implement camp-wide programs throughout sessions worked; attend and contribute to nightly staff meetings and morning staff huddles.
• Reports all accidents or unusual incidents to Camp Director and/or medical personnel.
• Assists in camp clean-up and maintenance before camp opens, during and after camp sessions.
• Attends to personal needs to ensure that they are rested in order to be effective staff member.

 

Other Duties

• Other duties as assigned.

 

Stipend and Benefits

• Staff stipends vary according to experience and skills. Inquire with Camp Director for specifications. Stipends are paid at the end of staff training and each session.
• All meals are provided during staff training and camp sessions.
• Lodging is provided in rustic cabins.
• Time off will be allotted as the program schedule allows– ideally two hours per day. A break of at least 48 hours is scheduled between each camp session.