What are the responsibilities and job description for the Specialist Head Counselor – Camp Kingfisher position at Chattahoochee Nature Center?
Position Overview
The Specialist Head Counselor oversees and helps to plan and implement all aspects of the specialty areas at Camp Kingfisher. The Specialist Head Counselor supervises 10-12 specialists throughout the summer season. Head Counselors also assist the Camp Directors with the daily implementation of camp programming. All camp staff must be fun, dynamic, and safety conscious. Specialty areas at Camp Kingfisher include the pool, canoe ponds, arts and crafts, and archery.
All staff at Camp Kingfisher are hired to:
- lead campers as a positive, caring role model
- provide campers with fun, positive outdoor learning experiences
- help campers grow and learn through challenges
Essential Functions
- Supervise and serve as a mentor to assigned groups of new and returning staff; set clear expectations in areas of camper care, technical skills, community care, and professional goals
- Supervise the development and implementation of specialist programming. (pond activities, arts and crafts, archery, and rain plans)
- Perform and submit weekly observations of assigned staff and provide performance tips and conduct mid-season evaluations for specialist staff
- Plan and implement all-camp activities, large raptor presentations, staff get-togethers, end-of-season celebrations, and more
- Lead weekly check-in meetings with specialist staff
- Participate in weekly planning meetings with the Camp Directors and fellow Head Counselors
- Execute daily carpool-style check-out process for campers
- Coordinate with fellow Head Counselors to oversee the daily aftercare program
- Maintain high standards of health and safety in all activities for the specialty areas of camp (including campers and staff)
- Assist as needed to lead middle school-age campers on canoeing trips on the Chattahoochee River
- Substitute as a counselor as needed
- Support program set up and break down daily
- Assist with orientation and ongoing canoeing training of camp counselors
- Complete additional duties as assigned
- Lifeguard for 2-4 after-camp programs such as camper overnights
- Keeping track of and recording hours worked, requesting director’s approval for any additional hours prior to work
- Interact and develop relationships with campers
Physical Demands and Work Environment
- Willingness to work outdoors during the summer season
- Must be able to lift over 20 pounds
- Valid driver’s license or state issued ID
- Current tetanus shot or willingness to obtain one
Skills
- Ability to coach, mentor, guide, and lead groups in an outdoor setting
- Current Red Cross Lifeguard certification, course provided
- 21 years old & 2 years of college preferred
- Current archery safety and teaching training, course provided
- Canoe Training- course provided
- Proficiency & passion for operating canoes and similar watercraft, canoe instruction- experience preferred
- Ability to adhere to and enforce Camp Kingfisher’s water safety procedures
- Comfortable in an outdoor setting
- Experience (and passion for) teaching or working with children
- Background in childcare, camps, prior lifeguarding, natural history, or environmental education