Summer Camp Counselor

Job Title: SUMMER CAMP COUNSELOR

Department:  Parks and Recreation

Reports To:  Summer Camp Supervisor

Directs Work Of:  NA

FLSA Status:  Non-Exempt

Pay Level:  Seasonal

EEO-4 Classification:  Service/Maintenance

Job Tracking Date:  2020

Work Schedule:  Varies

Education/Experience:  Requires a minimum of 1 year of high school and be at least 16 years of age.  Prefer high school graduate/some college education.  Prefer/preference for previous experience as a camp counselor, teacher, youth programs or recreation worker, or related experience working with children. First aid and CPR training and certification preferred. Ability to swim and no aversion to engaging with kids while in the swimming pool is required.

Position Summary:  Plan, implement and monitor programs and experiences for children ages 5 to 12 years old and enrolled in the City’s Summer Day Camp programs of 6 to 12 week duration.   Ensures the safety of camp participants while providing them quality indoor/outdoor educational and recreational experiences.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:  Other duties may be assigned.    

Plan and oversee Summer Camp participants’ activities. Communicate with parents/guardians regarding planned activities and offsite field trips.

Guide and teach a range of indoor and outdoor activities.

Instruct and organize Summer Camp participants’ projects.

Ensure camper safety and monitor their activities at all times. Know, follow and enforce safety and emergency procedures and guidelines. Respond immediately to emergency situations.  This includes but is not limited to being responsible for your campers’ safety and their whereabouts at all times.

Set up and ensure recreation equipment and/or activity materials are secure and stored properly.

Instruct participants in daily routines/activities and cleanup tasks. 

Work one-on-one with Summer Camp participants.  Assist campers at and in the pool, must wear swimsuit and engage with campers while in the swimming pool.

Maintain accurate program records including incident participant’s names and emergency contact data, activity reports and daily attendance. 

Competencies:  To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

Plan and Organize: Ability to lead, plan, organize, and implement program activities. Ability to multitask, prioritize, and manage time efficiently.

Communication - Speaks clearly and uses appropriate level vocabulary for audience; communicates effectively with children, their parents/guardians, co-workers and members the public. Speaks encouragingly to participants and demonstrates patience when instructing.  Addresses and appropriately defuses potential volatile situations between participants.

Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely and appropriate manner; Develops alternative solutions. Creative and innovative thinker and planner.

Team/Self Directed-Ability to work as a member of a team and the ability to accomplish tasks with little direct supervision. Ability to serve as a positive role model and mentor. Models enthusiasm, energy and positive manner at all times.

Safety and Security – Monitors assigned events/activities to ensure adherence of safety and security procedures at all events/activities; Reports and corrects potentially unsafe conditions and or equipment; Ensures the proper use of equipment and facilities. 

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience:  Requires a minimum of 1 year of high school and be at least 16 years of age.  Prefer high school graduate/some college education.  Strongly prefer/preference for previous experience as a camp counselor, teacher, youth programs or recreation worker, or related experience working with children. First aid and CPR training and certification preferred. Ability to swim and no aversion to engaging with kids while in the swimming pool is required.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Maintain a valid driver’s license; obtain and maintain certification in CPR and First Aid.

Other Skills and Abilities:                                               

Has knowledge of position relevant City and department policies, procedures, philosophy, and goals and the ability to apply and promote them.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing this work, the employee’s activities may include, but not limited to the following activities: semi – reaching to full-reach overhead, crouching, kneeling, twisting of the waist, shoulders, and legs, and lying on stomach and/or back. Must have the physical ability to lead and participate in Club activities which include, but are not limited to, hiking, canoeing, swimming, team building initiatives, physical games, and activities. Must have the ability to physically manage and support children when needed for safety in general camp activities (child weighing 50 - 200 pounds). Ability to perform a variety of tasks outdoor in varying weather conditions; the ability to hear noises and distress signals in indoor and outdoor locations and the ability to see and observe all sections of an assigned zone of responsibility, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Working conditions require the employee to work inside and outside in a variety of environments including swimming pools, athletics fields, City parks, indoor recreation areas etc.  Employee is regularly exposed to outdoor weather conditions and may be required to wear safety equipment/clothing.