Outdoor Adventure Summer Camp Counselor

This position works both independently and as a team within The Parklands and ensures that summer camp participants have a safe, interesting, informative and enjoyable experience while in the Parklands. The position works early mornings and in all types of weather. This is an hourly, full-time summer seasonal position that begins May 21, 2026, and ends July 31, 2026. There is a one-week break during the week of June 29-July 5 that we do not host camp. 

For more information on our camp programming, click here and look underneath ‘Camp Resources’. 

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

• Help write and implement a daily and weekly schedule for your camp group.
• Organize and lead a variety of small and large group activities each week. Activities include crafts, games, science experiments, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, creek activities, and fishing.
• Ensure camp participants have a fun, educational, and engaging experience.
• Identify and respond to camper behavior issues.
• Ensure that The Parklands classrooms, facilities, and supplies are kept clean and organized.
• Communicate with parents about participant’s experiences, and report concerns to Camp Leadership
• Assist in maintaining daily attendance
• Know and understand ALL emergency procedures associated with the camp program.
• Know, enforce, and follow all safety guidelines associated with the camp and all program areas.  This includes but is not limited to being responsible for your campers’ safety and their whereabouts at all times
• Help Camp Volunteers to have a deeper understanding of camp programming and safety measures
• Aid Parklands staff in attending the school bus service offered to scholarship students. 

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in camps, youth programs, recreation, working with children, or in a related field.
• Ability to lead, plan, organize, and implement program activities.
• Ability to work as a member of a team and the ability to accomplish tasks with little direct supervision.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to work with volunteers
• Basic knowledge of Kentucky flora & fauna and an understanding of Kentucky cultural history
• Previous teaching experience, or experience with summer camps, highly desirable

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must pass a criminal background check
• Upon hire, completion of Parklands provided First Aid and CPR certification
• Upon hire, completion of Parklands youth protection training
• Work independently in varied weather conditions.
• Individuals must be physically capable of operating vehicles safely, possess a valid driver’s license, and have an acceptable driving record.
• Must be able to lift 40 pounds and move easily in an outdoor setting with variable weather conditions.
• Some positions will require the performance of other essential and marginal functions depending on work location, assignment, or shift
• Ability to adhere to a Uniform Policy

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:

Applicants must be 18 to apply. Passion for the outdoors and ability to communicate effectively is required. Coursework in parks and recreation, natural sciences, teaching, or cultural history preferred. Experience with children’s camps or working with youth preferred.

BENEFITS:

This is an hourly, full-time summer seasonal position that begins May 21, 2026, and ends July 31, 2026. The position works Mon-Fri roughly 8:30am-4:30pm. Pay is $13/hour.

LOCATION:

This position will be based out of the Beckley Creek Park PNC Achievement Center as well as The Parklands Administration Building in Pope Lick Park, 20 minutes east of downtown Louisville near Middletown. Duties also require work outdoors and in other park facilities within The Parklands system.

How to Apply:

To apply, send an email containing (1) your resume (2) a cover letter to Director of Education and Programming Curtis Carman at ccarman@theparklands.org and Camp Coordinator Ryan Hynes at rhynes@theparklands.org. Applications will be accepted until positions are filled.

ABOUT THE PARKLANDS: The Parklands of Floyds Fork is a systemic, world-class addition to Louisville’s park system that includes four major parks linked by a park drive, a first-rate urban trail system, and a remarkable water trail, all tracing Floyds Fork, a classic Kentucky stream. Ongoing maintenance and operations are funded solely through private donations, earned income and an endowment fund. This public/private project is a unique and truly city-shaping model. This is the largest fully funded non-profit park system in the nation. Learn more at www.theparklands.org.