Sleep Away Counselor (Minor)

Position Summary

The Sleep Away Counselor (Minor) supports the Girl Scouts of Connecticut mission by assisting in delivering a safe, inclusive, and engaging residential camp experience for campers. Working under the direct supervision of an adult Unit Leader and other adult staff, the Counselor helps provide daily care to campers, supports unit activities, and participates in age-appropriate Girl Scout program experiences.

This role is designed for minor staff and emphasizes learning, teamwork, and positive role modeling. All duties are performed with ongoing guidance and oversight and in alignment with State Licensing Regulations, ACA Standards, GSOFCT policies, and Girl Scout Safety Activity Checkpoints.

Essential Responsibilities

Camper Supervision & Engagement

• Assist adult staff in supervising and caring for an assigned group of campers.
• Support a positive, welcoming, and girl-led unit culture through encouragement and appropriate role modeling.
• Help campers feel safe, included, and supported throughout the camp session.
• Maintain professional, age-appropriate boundaries in all camper and staff interactions.

Residential & Unit Support

• Reside in platform tents or cabins with campers alongside adult staff, as permitted by law and GSOFCT policy.
• Support daily routines, including wake-up, meals, transitions, and bedtime under adult direction.
• Assist with maintaining the cleanliness, organization, and safety of living units and common areas.

Program Support & Participation

• Assist the Unit Leader with unit activities, schedules, and camp programs.
• Help deliver age-appropriate activities aligned with camp themes and Girl Scout outcomes.
• Encourage camper participation and engagement in activities using the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE).
• Participate in all-camp programs, traditions, ceremonies, and special events.

Health, Safety, and Compliance

• Follow all camp safety rules and instructions provided by adult leadership staff.
• Observe camper behavior, energy levels, and well-being and promptly report concerns to adult staff.
• Immediately report accidents, injuries, behavioral concerns, or unsafe conditions to the Unit Leader.
• Participate in safety briefings and emergency drills as directed.
• Assist with maintaining safe and clean program and living spaces.

Team Collaboration & Communication

• Work cooperatively with Unit Leaders, adult Counselors, and fellow staff members.
• Communicate camper updates, concerns, or successes to supervising staff.
• Participate in required staff meetings, trainings, and check-ins.
• Demonstrate flexibility, reliability, and a positive attitude as part of the camp team.

General Responsibilities

• Participate in daily camp routines, including meals, flag ceremonies, kapers, cookouts, and arrival/departure days.
• Support camp opening and closing procedures as assigned.
• Assist with evening routines and overnight responsibilities under adult supervision and within legal work-hour limits.
• Perform other related, age-appropriate duties as assigned.

Work Hours & Scheduling (Minor Staff)

• Employment is subject to Connecticut child labor laws, GSOFCT policies, and state licensing regulations.
• Work schedules will comply with legal limits based on age and school status.
• Hours will not interfere with required school attendance.
• Late-night or extended overnight duties will be assigned only when legally permitted and approved by camp leadership.

Qualifications

• Must be 16 or 17 years of age (per GSOFCT hiring guidelines and state labor regulations).
• Interest in working with children in a residential camp environment.
• Ability to follow instructions and work under adult supervision.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills appropriate to age and experience.
• Positive attitude, reliability, and willingness to learn.
• Commitment to the Girl Scout Mission and to fostering a safe, inclusive camp experience.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in varied weather conditions, with reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to walk on uneven terrain.
• Ability to lift and carry light to moderate equipment (within appropriate age limits).
• Ability to observe and respond to camper and environmental cues.

Certifications

• First Aid/CPR/AED certification is not required for minor staff, but may be encouraged or supported if age-appropriate.

Other Requirements

• Room and board are provided and required as a condition of employment, in accordance with GSOFCT policy and applicable laws.

Mission Alignment

All staff are expected to promote and support the Girl Scout Mission: “Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.