What are the responsibilities and job description for the Summer Camp Counselor position at First Unitarian Society of Ithaca?
Summer Camp Counselor
First Unitarian Society of Ithaca, New York
Reports to: Camp Coordinator
Supervises: n/a
Effective Date: July 1st, 2026
Status: Part-time to full-time , temporary, July-August 2026
Job Overview: First Unitarian Society of Ithaca (FUSIT) is a mid-sized Unitarian Universalist congregation offering a three week summer program for ages 4-10 in the month of August.
A Summer Camp Counselor provides leadership and guidance for a group of campers, providing a quality experience to children and parents that focuses on connection and the UU values of justice, equity, generosity, interdependence, and love. A Summer Camp Counselor creates positive, nurturing relationships with children, while building cooperative relationships with parents/caregivers. Under the direction of the Camp Coordinator, the Summer Camp Counselor will be responsible for the safety of campers and assisting with the implementation of program activities
Physical Requirements:
The physical functions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made upon request to enable individuals to perform the functions of the role.
Daily requirements include (but are not limited to):
- Must be able to stand and walk for long periods of time
- Lift items (up to 20 lbs)
- Carry items (up to 20 lbs)
- Must be able to communicate verbally with good voice projection
Usual work environment/equipment used: This position operates in a summer camp environment with an expectation to interact with children and adults and to utilize standard office equipment.
Essential Functions:
In cooperation with the other camp counselors, provide a safe and loving environment for approximately six to fifteen children, ages 4-16, during the camp day.
- Supervise activities of children, including but not limited to music, games, art, field trips, and outside activities.
- Plan and implement a welcoming and inclusive camp program, seeing to the total development of the camper mentally, physically, and spiritually.
- Provide opportunities for development of awareness in each camper.
- Provide an enjoyable experience for each camper.
- Set a good example in promptness, manners, language, appearance, and health.
- Set a good example in respect and care for the facilities and the out-of-doors.
- Create and maintain group unity by including everyone in group activities.
- Contact parents of campers as needed during camp to maintain good public relations.
- Check group attendance each morning.
- Keep the safety of campers in mind at all times. Campers are never to be left unattended.
- Know whereabouts of the group at all times, including early morning arrivals, inside the building, while walking or taking the bus, field trips, etc.
- Keep all spaces and equipment in good operating condition and be responsible for assisting with cleaning up returning items to their proper place.
- Maintain required program records
- Maintain positive relations with parents and other staff
- Assist in maintaining and cleaning of assigned areas.
- Report all program changes and equipment needs to Camp Coordinator.
- Assist activity directors while participating in their activity.
- Report to the Camp Coordinator any difficult or unusual situations.
- Comply with FUSIT Safety Policies
- Comply with Expectations of FUSIT Professional Etiquette
Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Some high school education required.
Experience: Experience working with children required.
Licensure: Satisfactory background check. CPR certification preferred.
Knowledge and understanding of basic principles of child development. Demonstrated sensitivity to the needs of children. Knowledge of first aid procedures, or be willing to take a training course.
The employment of the successful job candidate is conditional upon receipt of a satisfactory background check.
EEOC & Affirmative Action Statement: Equal Employment Opportunity is a fundamental goal and policy of FUSIT. FUSIT recognizes and reaffirms all federal and state laws preventing discrimination against applicants and employees on the basis of any protected class or characteristic. It is the duty of FUSIT to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Pay: $18.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
Salary : $18