Day Camp Junior Counselor

Job Description

Day Camp Junior Counselor

The Day Camp Junior Counselor plays a vital role in creating a safe, engaging, and meaningful summer day camp experience within a Christian environment. This position is responsible for actively monitoring, leading, and guiding a group of children, fostering positive interactions, and ensuring their well-being throughout daily activities and field trips. You will collaborate closely with children, fellow counselors, and staff, contributing to a supportive ministry team dedicated to enriching the lives of campers.

Essential Responsibilities

• Active Participation in Field Trips: Fully assist with and participate in all scheduled field trips, directly supervising campers (unless medically unable to do so).
• Camper Support and Supervision: Provide dedicated support to lead counselors, supervising a small group of youth aged 5-14 both on-site at the camp and during off-site excursions.
• Safety Adherence: Maintain constant awareness of and strictly follow all established safety precautions and procedures. It is critical to note that you are never to be solely responsible for your assigned group of children without another staff member present.
• Activity Planning and Execution: Collaborate with program staff to plan, prepare for, and execute daily camp activities as needed.
• Welfare and Well-being: Be directly responsible for the welfare and safety of all assigned campers, ensuring a positive and secure environment.
• Problem Resolution: Work constructively with appropriate staff members to address and resolve any problems or conflicts that may arise between campers.
• Communication with Leadership: Promptly inform the Day Camp Director of any significant issues concerning staff or campers.
• Activity Scheduling Support: Assist the day camp director and program staff in organizing and scheduling various activities for campers.
• Encouragement and Engagement: Enthusiastically encourage camper participation in all scheduled activities, including musical practices, Bible class, recreation class, arts & crafts, and other initiatives, fostering a constructive and positive atmosphere.
• Emergency First Aid: Administer emergency first aid as necessary, accurately record all treatments given, and properly document and report incidents to supervising staff.
• Constant Group Supervision: Always remain with your assigned group of children, only departing if another designated staff member has officially relieved you for a necessary reason.
• Staff Development: Attend all mandatory staff and training meetings, unless explicitly directed otherwise by the Day Camp Director, to ensure continuous professional development and alignment with camp objectives.
• Other Duties: Perform additional duties as assigned by camp leadership to support the overall success and smooth operation of the day camp.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 16 years old.

Education/Experience

• Previous Experience with Children: Prior experience working with children is highly valued and a significant plus.
• Supervisory Experience: Previous experience supervising campers is desired.
• Team Collaboration: A strong willingness to work cooperatively as an integral part of the ministry team alongside other staff members is essential.
• Or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Arts & Crafts Knowledge: Familiarity with arts & crafts techniques and activities is a plus.
• Music Knowledge: Basic music knowledge or ability is a plus.

Computer Skills

• Basic computer skills are required for administrative tasks and communication.

Certificates And Licenses

• Safety Training: Ability to complete “Safe From Harm” training and maintain current certification as required by the organization.
• First Aid / CPR: Must possess current First Aid and CPR certification, or have the ability to obtain certification within 30 days of hire.