Summer Camp Counselor- Parks & Recreation Department

Camp is scheduled to start June 8, 2026, and run through August 7, 2026

The following duties are illustrative for this position.  The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification.  Other duties may be required and assigned.  

• Keeps the mission, vision, and values of the City of Port St. Lucie at the forefront of decision-making and actions; builds collaborative relationships and interacts with others in a manner that builds confidence and trust; provides excellent customer service while maintaining high levels of work quality and productivity.
• Participates in orientation and training; becomes familiar with and implements camp policies, procedures, and philosophy as outlined in the Summer Camp Staff Manual.
• Complies with all established policies, procedures, and regulations of the Parks & Recreation Department and the City.
• Assists with organizing, setting up, supervising, and breaking down programs and activities; gathers, distributes, and properly stores materials, supplies, and equipment.
• Actively participates in and supervises activities with campers; encourages and facilitates camper participation using appropriate strategies in coordination with supervisory staff.
• Monitors campers' actions and activities on site and during field trips to ensure adherence to established safety policies, procedures, guidelines, and operating requirements.
• Maintains a safe environment by observing campers daily and reporting signs of illness, injury, or safety concerns to supervisory staff. 
• Responds quickly, calmly, and appropriately in emergency situations in accordance with established procedures.
• Helps maintain cleanliness and order of all camp areas utilized by campers and staff.
• Ensures campers' belongings are accounted for and returned to parents or guardians.
• Serves as a positive role model for campers by demonstrating appropriate behavior, attitude, punctuality, respect for others, and sportsmanship.
• Other duties as may be assigned.

RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION TO ALL SITES AND ABILITY TO WORK VARIOUS HOURS BETWEEN 7:00AM TO 6:00PM REQUIRED. 

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

Must be at least 16 years of age before the start of summer camp. Minimum of six (6) months of experience working with children in a camp or childcare environment required with prior leadership experience being preferred. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• Ability to work the entire camp session is required.
• Knowledge and understanding of how to lead and/or participate in all aspects of camp activities.
• Knowledge of behavior-management techniques.
• Knowledge of safety regulations and emergency procedures.
• Knowledge of child development process and needs of youth.
• Knowledge of group management techniques.
• Knowledge of the limited abilities of youth as it relates to their ability to participate in recreational activities.
• Knowledge of environmental factors that could have a negative effect on campers, such as bad weather, or water hazards.
• Knowledge of various recreational activities and programs.
• Ability to coordinate weekly activities for youth.
• Ability to appropriately apply safety regulations to those youth participating in summer day camp.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with camp participants, parents of campers, employees, and the public.
• Ability to offer guidance in-group and camp wide activities.
• Ability to work as part of a team to ensure that all campers’ needs are met in a fair and appropriate way.
• Ability to remain calm and act resourcefully in an emergency and in stressful situations.
• Ability to recognize and respond to opportunities for group problem solving.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally.
• Ability to keep camp supplies and equipment in good shape.
• Ability to work with a variety of ages and skill levels.
• Ability to focus on the positive in every situation.
• Ability to model respect for individuals, teams, and the organization.
• Ability to stay centered when challenged.
• Ability to establish and maintain the trust and confidence of the department and public.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Ability to follow through with assigned tasks.

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 the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, hear, and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is frequently required to walk and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand and stoop, kneel, and crouch. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 5 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus.

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. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions that may be adverse and extreme (heat, humidity, cold, rain, etc.). The employee is frequently exposed to noise, dust, fumes, airborne particles, and uneven surfaces.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Salary : $18