Summer Camp Counselor
(June & July)
REPORTS TO:
Director of Summer Programs
FLSA JOB CLASSIFICATION:
Non-Exempt Position (Hourly), Seasonal
JOB PURPOSE:
The Camp Counselor is responsible for ensuring the safety, well-being, and positive experience of campers during their time spent at camp.
This role involves assisting a variety of age-appropriate activities, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, and serving as a positive role model for campers.
The Camp Counselor engages in daily operations, such as taking attendance, completing daily routines, and communicating effectively with campers, supervisors, and fellow staff members.
The position requires adaptability, problem-solving skills, and a genuine enthusiasm for creating a fun and memorable camp experience.
The Camp Counselor will also undergo training, adhere to camp policies, and participate in ongoing professional development.
This is a seasonal, on-campus position, five days per week, Monday through Friday.
The Camp Counselor models the GDS Community Cornerstones of Respect, Kindness, Integrity, and Responsibility.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Ensures the safety and well-being of campers at all times
Supervises campers during activities, meals, and free time
Follows established safety protocols and emergency procedures
Identifies and addresses any safety concerns promptly
Fosters a positive and inclusive camp environment
Builds positive relationships with campers through effective communication and mentorship
Encourages participation and teamwork among campers
Serves as a positive role model for campers in behavior, attitude, and values
Demonstrates enthusiasm, patience, and a genuine interest in the well-being of campers
Assists with daily operations routines, such as snacks, and meals
Communicates effectively with campers, fellow staff members, and camp leadership
Provides regular updates to supervisors about campers' experiences and achievements
Collaborates with other counselors and staff to ensure smooth camp operations
Works collaboratively with other staff members to address larger challenges
Reports any significant incidents or concerns to camp leadership
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
Participates in pre-camp training sessions
Participates in staff meetings and training sessions
Stays informed about and adheres to camp policies and procedures
Seeks opportunities for professional development and growth
Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Summer Programs and/or Head of School
GDS Cultural Competencies
(All Employees)
GDS Employee Skills
(All Employees)
Human-Centered
Data-Informed
Empathetic
Collaborative
Professionalism
Technologically Fluent
Adaptable & Growth Mindset
Inclusive
Productive conflict resolution
Integrity
Welcoming
Respectful
Listens to Understand
Relationship-Focused
Student-Centered
Field Expertise
Coachable
Lifelong Learner
Kind
Camp Counselor Competencies
Kid Champion
Chief modeler of of respect, responsibility, kindness & integrity
Lover of learning for self and students
Culturally competent
Proactive, Effective, & Professional Communicator
Reflective
Responsive
Patient
Position Requirements
High school diploma or equivalent
Previous experience working with children preferred
Working knowledge of first aid procedures
Excellent communication skills
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Daily work requires being dressed appropriately to work with children (both indoors and outdoors).
The camp counselor must be able to participate in games, sports, and physical activities including water-based games and activities.
The camp counselor must be able to maintain attention and a high level of energy or excitement for extended periods of time.
The camp counselor must be able to spend the majority of the time outdoors and tolerate a variety of weather conditions.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
The camp counselor must be able to move quickly and frequently from standing to sitting with ease, lift up to 50 pounds, and sit on small chairs and the floor.
All camp counselors must be able to provide adequate supervision indoors and outdoors, and they must be able to ensure the safety of students during drills and emergencies that may arise from time to time.
This position has frequent exposure to loud sounds and high noise levels on a weekly basis.
DIRECT REPORTS:
There are no direct reports for the Camp Counselor.