Summer Recreation Counselor

Job Summary

Summer Camp Counselors will work directly with an assigned group of approximately 15-20 school-aged children to provide a safe, responsible, and well-supervised summer program. Camp Counselors are expected to act as positive adult role models, coaches, and mentors. Camp Counselors should express a genuine interest in the growth, development, and provision of a safe, nurturing, and fun environment for the campers in their group. A Camp Counselor’s ability to establish authority through leadership, communication, and most importantly patience, will be required to provide campers with the stable and nurturing atmosphere that is necessary for success.

The Summer Camp Counselor is responsible for planning and implementing summer activities that meet established BPRD requirements. Outstanding candidates can think on their feet, adapt and change daily plans as needed, as well as prioritize the safety of their campers to ensure an excellent camp experience. This position is seasonally based upon the summer calendar of June to the end of July and hours may vary.

Work Environment

This position is primarily outdoors and requires a candidate who can work in all weather conditions. Camp Counselors should be to accomplish desired objectives despite distractions or interruptions. Resource and equipment management are integral components of the position’s success. In addition, supervision of youth campers is a key component; Camp Counselors must be able to plan and implement activities while maintaining program area safety. The duties of a Camp Counselor may frequently call for activities outside in varying weather conditions; the employee may be exposed to sunny, wet, or humid conditions outside of their immediate control.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Minimum age 15 years
  • Ability to speak and write standard English appropriate to a public-school education setting
  • Ability to create and implement fun and engaging developmentally appropriate activities in the areas of STEAM, fitness and recreation, academics/enrichment
  • Reliable transportation to and from Summer Camp program sites
  • Ability to frequently stand, walk, stoop, sit, crouch, bend, talk, hear
  • Ability to engage in physical activity with members without limitation
  • Ability to lift, carry, pull, or otherwise move objects between 10 and 20 pounds

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

  • Previous FUNtastic Kidz experience preferred but not required
  • Ability to develop and implement age-appropriate activities
  • Knowledge of developmental needs of school-age children
  • Strong Math and English skills (K-12)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Leads a group of approximately 15-20 school-aged children in an instructional Summer Camp setting, maintaining high standards for behavior and safety
  • Serves as a positive adult role model for campers in the program through appropriate dress, speech, attitude, and courtesy
  • Ability to work with diverse personalities and ages
  • Ensures campers are taking regular water breaks
  • Ensures campers are not overexerting themselves in hot and humid weather conditions
  • Plans and implements a variety of daily recreational and enrichment activities that align with camp themes for small groups; continually interfacing with campers, volunteers, staff, and parents
  • Ability to lead and supervise small and large groups by recognizing potential issues and applying established BPRD procedures and problem-solving methods as needed
  • Ability to observe camper behavior, assess its appropriateness and apply appropriate behavior management techniques, positive redirection, or appropriate corrective action as necessary to support campers in making positive behavior choices
  • Identifies camper needs and communicates to Camp Directors
  • Leads and supervises camp activities in and outdoors
  • Assists and participates in daily camp activities and field trips including swimming, educational and recreational trips, and other summer children’s activities scheduled throughout camp
  • Accurately completes and submits time cards, incident reports, rosters, receipts, and other camp-related records, by established BPRD policy
  • Maintains cleanliness in all program areas; assists with setup and breakdown of activities, and contributes to ongoing efforts to keep the camp location clean and orderly
  • Ensures age-appropriate conversation among campers; promotes good manners and encourages common courtesies among campers
  • Evaluates camp daily and suggests improvements, needs, hazards, and trends to Camp Director for further evaluation
  • Observes each camper daily and check for bruises, cuts, scrapes, rashes, or other indications of injury or illness to report to Camp Director for further evaluation
  • Maintains accurate camper attendance records with roll calls and continuous camper counts imperative for the health and safety of all campers – administers mandatory roll calls during camp
  • Responsible for designated group and never leaves group unsupervised
  • Responsible for immediately reporting and documenting any injuries or incidents utilizing established BPRD procedures for notification to Camp Director.
  • Demonstrates reliability and punctuality by arriving on time for scheduled shift

 

 

RELATIONSHIPS:

  • Maintains a positive, professional, and supportive relationship with Camp Directors, BPRD administration, volunteers, and fellow camp staff
  • Maintains a positive, professional, and supportive relationship with campers, parents, and the community at large

Other Responsibilities:

  • During swim time at the pool, Camp Counselor is expected to actively work, monitoring BPRD campers who are swimming.
  • Camp Counselor is expected to wear appropriate camp uniform at all times
  • Attendance and participation at all required staff meetings/training
  • Adherence to all organizational policies and procedures
  • Any additional duties related to summer camp as assigned by the Camp Director or Recreation Coordinator