2026 Day Camp Camper Leadership Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY

The Camper Leadership Specialist is responsible for coordinating and leading all youth leadership programs at camp, including Program Aide (PA), Counselor-in-Training (CIT 1, 2, & 3), and True North experiences. This role helps campers develop confidence, communication, and leadership skills through hands-on learning, mentorship, and experiential education.

Working closely with the Camp Director and/or Assistant Director, the Camper Leadership Specialist facilitates age-appropriate leadership curricula, mentors participants in practical camp leadership roles, and ensures all programs comply with State of Connecticut Youth Camp Regulations, ACA Standards, Girl Scout Safety Activity Checkpoints, and GSOFCT Policies. This position plays a central role in cultivating the next generation of Girl Scout leaders.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES

Leadership Program Coordination

• Coordinate, deliver, and evaluate Program Aide, CIT, and True North programs.
• ●Design and facilitate workshops, discussions, and skill-building sessions that promote leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and self-reflection.
• Implement developmentally progressive curricula to build leadership skills across age levels.
• Maintain notes and observations to refine and improve curricula.
• Schedule leadership participants in units, activity areas, or special projects according to training level and interests.
• Collaborate with the Camp Director and other staff to integrate leadership participants into daily camp operations.

Mentorship & Participant Support

• Serve as a positive role model and mentor for all leadership participants.
• Provide individualized feedback and guidance to support growth in leadership and confidence.
• Facilitate reflection and journaling sessions linking camp experiences to the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE).
• Support participants in setting goals and achieving program milestones.
• Recognize and celebrate participant accomplishments throughout the camp season.

Collaboration & Communication

• ●Work closely with Unit Leaders, Specialists, and Administrative staff to ensure participants are engaged in daily camp life.
• ●Communicate regularly with the Camp Director regarding participant progress, placements, and concerns.
• Maintain communication with staff hosting leadership participants to ensure positive experiences and clear expectations.
• Participate in pre-camp training, in-service training, and weekly staff meetings.

Health, Safety, & Compliance

• Maintain a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for all leadership participants.
• Enforce GSOFCT, ACA, and State of Connecticut safety regulations.
• ●Monitor participant well-being and promptly report any health or behavioral concerns.
• ●Ensure participants understand and maintain appropriate staff/camper boundaries.
• Complete required documentation, including incident reports and attendance records, accurately and on time.

Program Administration

• Track attendance, participation, and progress for all leadership programs.
• Maintain program materials, journals, and evaluation tools for each participant.
• Coordinate distribution of completion certificates or evaluations.
• Contribute to end-of-season reports and recommendations for program improvement.

Other Responsibilities

• Participate in camp opening and closing procedures.
• ●Assist with all-camp activities, ceremonies, and special events.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support camp operations and youth leadership development.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• ●High school diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor's degree in education, recreation, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in youth leadership, education, or mentoring roles.
• ●Experience developing or facilitating leadership programs for youth ages 10–17.
• ●Current First Aid/CPR/AED certification required; EpiPen/inhaler administration training preferred or willingness to obtain.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and organizational skills.
• Ability to motivate and inspire youth through positive role modeling.
• Commitment to the Girl Scout Mission and inclusive, girl-led leadership development.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in a variety of weather conditions.
• Ability to walk on uneven terrain and lift/carry up to 50 pounds.
• ●Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and behavioral cues.
• Ability to provide first aid and respond calmly and effectively in an emergency.