Camp Counselor

Small resident youth camp on Chautauqua Lake, in southwestern New York State, serves youth ages 4 to 16 through resident and day camp programs. Opportunities to work in program areas including boating, swimming, nature, art, sports, and challenge courses. Options to begin in mid-May and/or continue to late August for additional pay available. Positions require residence at the Camp; housing and food are included. ACA accredited. Staff Training included in first week.

OPEN POSITIONS

1. Assistant Counselor

QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least 16 years old.
• At least two years previous camping experience, or one year of experience working in a structured situation with children between the ages of 8 and 15, (as a Leader-in-Training), or similar equivalent experience.
• Ability to assist more experienced staff members with small groups of campers in all camp programs, including boating/canoeing, swimming, nature, arts & crafts, and sports, singing, and other all-camp programs and activities

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead or assist with cabin, village, or all-camp evening special activities, as needed or assigned.
• Provides general instruction and leadership for all campers at all times.
• Work to maintain the safety and success of the Camp program.
• When chaperoning: Assume full responsibilities for a specific rotation group while moving children from class to class; Ensure camper safety by frequent “head counts” and close supervision; Assist area leaders in the execution of area programs; Enhance camper engagement through active and appropriate participation and encouragement
• When working in a specific program area: Become familiar with the safety rules and common hazards of the program area; Help the area leader prepare and execute daily plans and activities; Assist area leader in the development, creation, maintenance, and disassembly of the physical area site; Supervise and assist camper groups for four to five periods per day; Maintain engagement and constantly work to assist the area leader, campers, or staff during program periods
• Each Assistant Counselor will serve at least one week in the kitchen. (Assisting the cook and assistant cook in the preparation of food; Refilling food supply and portioning out food during meals. Storing unused food items properly; Maintaining a clean and orderly kitchen; Storing and organizing food deliveries; Dishwashing and general cleaning duties; Ensuring that all utensils and dinnerware are properly cleaned and put away
• Assume the responsibilities of the senior counselors in their absence. 
• Follow the direction of the Camp Director or his designee at all times.

2. Senior Counselor/Program Staff

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Successful completion of high school preferred.
• At least one year of previous experience (Leader-in-Training, assistant counselor) or equivalent experience working in a structured situation with youth between the ages of 7 and 15.
• Qualification or certification in a recreation or program area (ie. Lifeguard Certification) demonstrating an independent leadership role preferred; should be qualified to assist a more experienced staff member or to work informally with small groups of campers in other areas.
• At least one year supervisory experience in an organized camp setting or equivalent preferred.
• Demonstrated proficiency and skill in a variety of camp-related activities and recreation.
• Certification in one of the following areas: Lifeguarding, CPR/First Aid, Small Craft, Camp Crafts, etc, or course work in Childhood Education or related fields preferred.
• Enjoyment and knowledge of outdoor living.
• Ability to supervise and lead junior staff and campers.
• Good judgment, moral character, enthusiasm, work ethic, health, and integrity.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist Village Director with a village of two cabins of campers, helping each camper grow and adjust to other campers and camp life and program.
• Assume specific responsibilities for helping campers with areas including but not limited to, personal hygiene, schedule, meals, laundry, lost-and-found, and letter writing.
• Guide each individual camper in participation in the cabin, group, village, and all-camp activities.
• Supervise specific cabin groups in the dining hall, guiding good eating habits and maintaining a pleasant atmosphere.
• Assist and work with the Village Director and other area staff members to develop, plan, implement, and supervise specific village activities
• Assist Village Director and in developing, creating, maintaining, and disassembly of physical cabin site.
• Offer direction and guidance to the unit’s junior counselors, providing training and demonstrations.
• Assist and/or take responsibility for general Camp activities as directed to do so by Camp Director.
• Maintain the safety and success of the Camp program.
• When working on kitchen crew, assisting kitchen staff with: Assisting the cook and assistant cook in the preparation of food; Refilling food supply and portioning out food during meals. Storing unused food items properly; Maintaining a clean and orderly kitchen; Storing and organizing food deliveries; Dishwashing and general cleaning duties; Ensuring that all utensils and dinnerware are properly cleaned and put away
• When serving as a village guide: Assume full responsibilities for a specific rotation group while moving children from area to area; Ensure camper safety by frequent “head counts” and close supervision; Assist area leaders in the execution of area programs;; Enhance camper engagement through active and appropriate participation and encouragement; Develop relationships with village campers throughout the day, during meals, during evening programs, and through the evening and “cabin time”; Supervise cabin group / village at all times other than designated breaks​
• When working in a specific program area: Become familiar with the safety rules and common hazards of the program area; Help the area leader prepare and execute daily plans and activities; Assist area leader in the development, creation, maintenance, and disassembly of the physical area site; Supervise and assist camper groups for four to five periods per day; Maintain engagement and constantly work to assist the area leader, campers, or staff during program periods; Act as a mentor or guide to junior staff working in the area or as chaperones
• Other duties as assigned by the Camp Director or his designee

Salaries range from $2,000-$3,000 per summer, depending on level of experience, relevant certifications, and length of contract.

***Lifeguards strongly encouraged to apply.

How to apply:

For additional information or to submit an application, contact Camp Director Jon O'Brian at jonathanobrian@gmail.com.