What are the responsibilities and job description for the Summer Camp Counselor position at Easterseals Wisconsin Camps?
Purpose and Scope:
Easterseals Wisconsin camp staff provides intensive personal care and leads therapeutic recreation activities for individuals with disabilities, youth in transitions, and veterans and their families at Easterseals Wisconsin Camps in Wisconsin Dells, WI.
Selection Process:
To be considered for the AmeriCorps position, submit an application. Staff will review applications and invite the applicant to interview, if appropriate. If selected, the applicant will need to pass a state and FBI background check to become enrolled in the program.
To serve in AmeriCorps at Easterseals Wisconsin, member must be at least 18 years old, must be high school graduates, GED recipients, working toward attaining a high school diploma or GED, and be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
Respite Apprentice (Camp Counselor) Responsibilities:
This position is in partnership with AmeriCorps and provides hands-on experience for individuals in nursing, occupational therapy, recreation therapy, special education, and anyone interested in learning more about serving people with disabilities. Your title will be a Respite Apprentice and will provide the following:
- Direct services and care for campers with disabilities at Camp Wawbeek and Respite Camp. Easterseals Wisconsin Camps
- Provide caregivers a break from the strains of caring for a loved one with a disability.
General Responsibilities:
- Familiarize yourself with the needs of the camper(s) in your care. As appropriate, assist, instruct, and supervise campers in personal care skills, including dressing, toileting, eating, showering, lifting and transferring.
- Ensure campers are at the activities of his/her choice. Encourage and assist campers to participate fully in activities. Adapt activities as needed.
- Ensure campers receive medications on time.
- Assist staff and other AmeriCorps members when possible.
Leadership Responsibilities:
- Plan and lead therapeutic based programs as assigned, including sports and games, arts and crafts, drama, music and dance, and community trips.
- Train and provide leadership for Ropes Course or Lifeguarding duties.
- Assist AmeriCorps members and staff in programming and activity facilitation.
- Participate in all required AmeriCorps Orientations, trainings (Citizenship Training, Conflict Resolution and CPR/First Aid), and meetings, as provided by the AmeriCorps Program Manager.
- Participate in all required camp orientations and general trainings under American Camping Association (ACA) standards, as provided by the Site Supervisors.
- Make connections with individuals and volunteers in the community for program outreach and program enhancement.
- Assist volunteers that attend both Respite Camp and Camp Wawbeek sessions.
- Maintain a safe therapeutic and inclusive environment for all campers.
Attitude & General Responsibilities:
- Accept responsibility for overall health and safety of all campers, staff and AmeriCorps members.
- Serve as model representatives of Easterseals Wisconsin and AmeriCorps.
- Consult with supervisor(s) regarding any ideas, issues or concerns, offering analysis and solutions whenever possible.
- Practice sound health habits to effectively perform position requirements.
- Respect confidentiality of campers, staff and AmeriCorps members.
- Learn camp emergency procedures and follow emergency protocol if necessary.
- Assist with camp clean-up on last day of each session.
- Provide overnight on-call on-site for camper support during sessions.
- Report any accidents, illness, or sickness to supervisor(s) or nurse.
- Maintain all necessary records, monitoring and evaluation data regarding service activities they are due and that the reports are accurate.
Skill Requirements:
Essential functions include: the ability to: (1) lift 30 lbs to waist level, (2) physically assist both child and adult campers, (3) identify and respond to environmental or other hazards, (4) observe and assess for campers’ behavioral and physical well-being, (5) use expressive and receptive communication skills, and (6) enforce safety, emergency, and behavior management techniques.
The position requires eagerness to work with people with disabilities (a vulnerable population) and an ability to work as a team member, with minimum supervision, and to perform all position duties. Easterseals Wisconsin is an equal opportunity employer.
Time Commitment and Compensation:
The primary service site will be at camp located in Wisconsin Dells, WI. Members are expected to serve at camp from Sunday at 11am - Friday at 3:00pm. AmeriCorps Respite Apprentices will serve a minimum of 900 hours between May 18, 2026 to August 14, 2026. (Number of committed hours is agreed upon hiring)
Required dates for all members include the following. AmeriCorps orientation and training May 18-May 22. and also general staff camp training May 28-June 5.
Program Benefits: AmeriCorps members will be provided with room and board while serving during Camp sessions, training, and on-site community service. In addition, members will receive a living allowance totaling $6,500 distributed bi weekly during the summer for their full term of service.
After successfully completing a term of service, members are eligible to receive an education award. The education award can be used to pay education costs at qualified institutions of higher education, certification or training programs, or to repay qualified student loans. The education award will equal $3,697.50 if the full term of service is completed and is valid for 7 years post term completion.
Pay: $400.00 - $500.00 per week
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Tuition reimbursement
Work Location: In person
Salary : $400 - $500