Camp Lakota Head Counselor

Position Information

Pay: $120 per day

Dates of Employment: June 2026 - August 2026  

Company Overview

Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles (“GSGLA”) is the largest girl-serving nonprofit agency in the Los Angeles region. Our mission is to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. www.girlscoutsla.org.

Our core values of Integrity, Clarity of Purpose, Accountability and Respect represent how we behave on a day-to-day basis. These are the specific behaviors that are imperative and encouraged in our company culture.

We are committed to building a diverse staff that reflects the communities we work alongside, and we value diversity, equity and inclusion in our workplace.

We encourage all qualified individuals to apply, and strongly encourage people from underrepresented groups to apply. In addition, reach out to us if you are a candidate whose disability prevents you from being able to complete our online application.

Position Summary

The Head Counselor reports to the Unit Manger. Head Counselor plan and deliver program activities and events, the unit leader works in conjunction with and oversees a small group of counselors and campers in their living space. Under the direction of the unit manager, assists in planning, the design and delivery of program activities that are safe, fun, and appropriate to the campers’ age and abilities.

GSGLA Lakota Overnight Camp

The Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles Camp Lakota is a state of the art, recently updated residential camp. Located just 90 miles from downtown Los Angeles, this premier camp site will host a full summer camp season. The camp will focus on providing a stand-out girl-led experience for campers of all ages and communities across our 6,272 square mile footprint. The camp offers a variety of specialty activities including a high ropes challenge course, horseback riding, swimming, and archery. 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

1. Oversee in the direction, supervision, and organization of campers and staff in their living unit, within activities and throughout the camp in order to meet the intended camper outcomes.
   1. Responsible for developing a unit schedule that encompasses the program specific promises, aligns with all camp program and meets the needs of campers and staff in designated unit.
   2. Role model basic youth development principles in working with campers through communication, relationship development, respect for diversity, involvement and empowerment of youth.
   3. Assure campers are always properly supervised.
   4. Be aware of and implement safety guidelines.
2. Participate in the development and implementation of program activities for campers within the mission and outcomes.
   1. Responsible for leading and assisting with the teaching of activities.
   2. Actively participate in all program areas as assigned.
   3. Provide for the progression of activities within the framework of individual and group interests and abilities.
   4. Assist in program areas such as high ropes, horseback riding, water activities, archery, and all camp activities, as directed.
   5. Ensure that campers are participating in their signed-up program.
3. Maintain high standards of health and safety in all activities for campers and staff.
   1. Provide the daily care of each camper within your supervision including recognition of personal health needs.
   2. Ensure that campers receive their medications as directed by health care manager.
   3. Be alert to campers and staff needs and assist them with personal and/or health problems and discuss with camp health manager and/or resident camp director when appropriate.
   4. Be alert to equipment and facilities to ensure utilization, proper care, and maintenance is adhered to; report repairs needed promptly to camp director.
4. Be a role model to campers and staff in your attitude and behavior.
   1. Follow and uphold all safety and security rules and procedures.
   2. Set a good example to campers and others regarding general camp procedures and practices including sanitation, schedule, and sportsmanship.
5. Participate as a member of the camp staff team to deliver and supervise evening programs, special events, overnights, and other all-camp activities and camp functions.
   1. Attend and prepare for daily meetings.
   2. Assist where needed on camper arrival and departure days.
   3. Provide check in/out support and provide outstanding customer service to families.
   4. Communicate with Unit Manager daily by ensuring nightly paperwork is completed and discuss positive moments and concerns.
6. Other duties as assigned.

Relationships:

Head Counselors work in conjunction with counselors. They work closely with other unit leaders and communicate regularly with program staff and Unit Manager. Head Counselors may communicate with kitchen staff and property staff regarding unit needs/requests.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• Completion of high school or equivalent.
• Documented experience supervising camp programs or staff.
• Ability to interact with all age levels.
• Must be able to obtain or become certified in First Aid/CPR prior to first day of work.
• Must submit health history form prior to first day of work.
• Must be committed to work the entire camp season and attend all pre-camp trainings.
• Ability to live onsite acting in an on-duty capacity for the duration of the camp season.

The preceding functions have been provided as examples of the types of work performed by employees assigned to this job classification. Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind work assignments.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above 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.

Recommended Education, Training and Experience

• Minimum one season of experience as a camp counselor or in a youth leadership role.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise and mentor staff and volunteers.
• Experience working with youth in outdoor, camp, or educational settings.
• Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

GSGLA Employee Requirements

• Comply with state-mandated reporter training
• Attend GSGLA signature events and/or other activities as assigned
• Must successfully complete a Live Scan and background check

Salary : $120