Day Camp Counselor

Position Summary

The Coach/Counselor plays a critical role in creating a positive, safe, and supportive environment for children ages 3–12 across preschool, after-school enrichment, and summer camp programs. This role focuses on relationship-building, behavior support, mentoring, facilitating activities, and modeling emotional regulation and teamwork. The Coach/Counselor helps foster skill development, confidence, belonging, and fun while maintaining the highest standards of safety and professionalism.

Key Responsibilities

1. Child Supervision & Safety

• Maintain direct supervision of children at all times.
• Ensure all safety protocols, emergency procedures, and facility rules are followed.
• Conduct attendance, transitions, and headcounts consistently and accurately.
• Address conflicts, behavioral issues, and unsafe situations promptly and calmly.

2. Coaching / Mentoring

• Build positive, respectful, and consistent relationships with children.
• Support children’s social–emotional growth using age-appropriate guidance techniques.
• Model sportsmanship, teamwork, empathy, and problem-solving.
• Provide individualized encouragement and support when needed.

3. Activity Facilitation

• Lead or support planned activities including:
• Sports & physical fitness
• Arts & crafts
• STEM & sensory learning
• Games and team-building challenges
• Special events and enrichment clubs
• Ensure activities are developmentally appropriate, inclusive, and engaging.

4. Behavior Guidance & Emotional Support

• Implement positive behavior strategies aligned with program philosophy.
• Help children manage emotions through coaching techniques (breathing, redirection, choice-making).
• Document and communicate behavioral concerns to supervisors appropriately.

5. Communication & Professionalism

• Communicate effectively and warmly with children, parents, and staff.
• Provide clear updates to supervisors regarding incidents, accomplishments, or concerns.
• Maintain confidentiality and uphold ethical boundaries at all times.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and ongoing professional development.

6. Program Support & Operations

• Assist with setup, cleanup, and organization of program spaces.
• Support special events, field trips, and transitions.
• Ensure materials and equipment are used responsibly and restocked as needed.
• Follow all policies related to attendance, timekeeping, and professional behavior.

Required Qualifications

• Experience working with children in a school, camp, coaching, or youth development setting.
• Ability to create a warm, engaging, and structured environment.
• Strong communication, leadership, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to manage groups, resolve conflicts, and remain calm under pressure.
• Must pass background check and meet state licensing requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Coursework or degree in education, psychology, social work, recreation, or related fields.
• CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Experience in sports coaching, art instruction, STEM facilitation, or behavior support.
• Familiarity with social-emotional learning (SEL) or trauma-informed practices.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, run, and lift up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to supervise outdoors in various weather conditions.

Work Schedule

Varies by program:

• Preschool support hours
• After-school enrichment (approx. 2:30–6:30 PM)
• Full-day summer camp
• Occasional weekends for events

Core Competencies

• Reliability & professionalism
• Warmth & child-centered engagement
• Patience & emotional regulation
• Leadership & initiative
• Creativity & flexibility
• Safety awareness
• Communication & teamwork

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $16.00 - $17.50 per hour

Application Question(s):

• Have you worked at a summer camp before?

Work Location: In person

Salary : $16 - $18