What are the responsibilities and job description for the Day & Junior Day Camp Counselor - Washington D.C. position at Headfirst Summer Camps?
The Position
At Headfirst, we design fun, intentional, and transformational camp experiences where every camper feels seen, known, and celebrated. Growth doesn’t happen by accident—it happens by design. Through thoughtfully planned activities and trained staff, we create what we call Headfirst Moments: when a camper tries something new, pushes through fear, and realizes, “I can do it.”
Headfirst Summer Camp Day & Junior Day Camp Counselors will lead campers in pre-written theme-based curriculum as our youngest campers try new things and experience camp through the power of play. We provide the training, curriculum & daily camp schedules along with all equipment for a successful camp day but need you to bring camp to life with your enthusiasm, dedication and un-matched energy.
Camper ages: 3-6 years old
Activities include: art, story time, swimming, sports and games, music and movement, moon bounce, playground, STEM
Weekly themes include: Animals, superheroes, insects, outer space
Role Information
Schedule:
In-season (late June through mid August): 7:45 am – 3:30 pm Monday – Friday
Pre-season (early June): select weekends for training and site preparation
Compensation: $17.95 / hour
What You'll Do
- Bring Camp to Life
- Lead a group of 12 to 16 campers with a co-counselor through a planned schedule
- Teach pre-written curriculum, and engage campers during break times
- Implement Headfirst’s safety protocols on supervision, bathrooms, emergency medications, and camper behavior management
- Lead music and movement, story time, sports and games, moon bounce, bathroom & sunscreen breaks, transitions, lunch & snack
- Support specialized staff during art, STEM, swim, morning and afternoon program meetings
- Execute morning and afternoon carpool as a key player, welcoming each family to camp by name with fantastic dance moves and coordinated carpool procedures
- Nurture Physical, Social & Emotional Safety
- Work directly with campers to support them in their emotional, physical, and social development through hands-on exploration and developmentally appropriate activities
- Represent Headfirst for Families & Facility Partners
- Represent the Headfirst brand daily to families at carpool and to school facility partners throughout the summer by being enthusiastic, helpful, hands-on, and in uniform
- Actively participate in our efforts to take care of our camp facility and community
- Be an Active Member of the Camp Team
- Arrive on time, communicate schedule changes promptly, be a loyal and consistent team member who shows up for the campers and your team
- Be flexible with your assignment and open to supporting other programs on site
- Handle the Curveballs
- Practice resiliency and arrive with a “How Can I Help?” mentality that puts camper experience and team success at the forefront through problem solving and trying new things
About You
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- If you are between 16-17 years old, please apply for our Junior Counselor Role
- Must be able to:
- Work around small children including, sitting, standing, running, and climbing stairs for the full day.
- Work in hot and outdoor environments while actively supervising campers and participating in dynamic activities for extended periods of time.
- Lift and carry up to 30 pounds occasionally.
- Committed to adhering to the Cell-Phone Free policy, powering down and putting away cell phones in a locked pouch for the duration of your shift.
Headfirst Summer Camps is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and inclusivity across our Headfirst community, and we strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented groups and those who might need reasonable accommodation to apply.
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About Headfirst
Headfirst delivers thoughtfully designed, high-quality summer and youth experiences built to elevate potential and exceed expectations. For over 25 years, we’ve partnered with families, schools, and organizations to create environments where kids feel supported, challenged, and confident trying new things.
What makes Headfirst different is intentionality. We don’t wait and hope growth happens - we design for it. Our programs are carefully structured, and our staff are trained to spot, create, and celebrate breakthrough moments. These Headfirst Moments - when a camper pushes past fear, tries something new, or surprises themselves - are built into every day.
We believe great experiences are built on relationships. Our teams prioritize genuine connection, creating welcoming environments where campers feel seen and known, staff feel supported, and families trust that every detail has been thoughtfully considered. Behind the scenes, a professional, year-round Headquarters team supports our seasonal staff with training, systems, and clear expectations so camps run smoothly and consistently.
When you join Headfirst, you’re joining a team that takes pride in doing things well. We care deeply about the experience we deliver, the people we work with, and the impact we have on kids and families. The work is meaningful, the standards are high, and the summers are unforgettable.
Salary : $18