What are the responsibilities and job description for the 4-H Residential Summer Camp Counselor position at Inside Higher Ed?
TITLE: 4-H Residential Summer Camp Counselor
DEPARTMENT: Cooperative Extension
REPORTS TO: 4-H Program Leader
CLASSIFICATION: Staff-Temporary
EFFECTIVE DATE: June 8, 2026 - June 27, 2026
LOCATION: On-Site-Main Campus
EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Temporary
EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Stipend
Job Summary
4-H Residential Camp Counselors for summer camp programming are employed by KSU to serve as on-site, residential program staff throughout the duration of the camp. Staff serve as campus guides, role models, chaperones, mentors, and assistant teachers, while ensuring the safety, supervision, and overall well-being of all program participants in both academic and residential settings.
This position will be for the 4-H Youth Innovators Empowering Agriculture - Research and Extension Apprenticeship Program (YEA-REAP). This immersive one-week summer camp is designed especially for high school students who are curious about agriculture, science, and the many career pathways that shape our food systems and communities. This residential summer camp is scheduled to take place from June 21, 2026 - June 27, 2026.
This position is responsible for the supervision, safety, and engagement of program participants across all aspects of the summer camp programming, including academic programming, residentially life, and emergency response.
Essential Job Functions
Participant Supervision & SafetyProvide continuous supervision of program participants (24/7 coverage across assigned shifts)
Ensure a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all participants
Accompany participants at all times unless otherwise directed by the Program Director
Conduct head counts during all transitions, including campus movement and field trips
Respond to and assist in emergency situations as part of the program’s response teamResidential Life & Overnight SupervisionMonitor assigned residence halls during designated hours, including overnight shifts
Lead and support morning and evening routines
Oversee participant accountability, including sign-in/out procedures
Assist with medication administration and maintain accurate medication logs (as assigned)
Provide immediate support to participants during residential hoursBehavior Management & Youth Development
Support student teams/groups and encourage engagement in program content
Ensure participants arrive on time and prepared for all scheduled activities
Communication & DocumentationMaintain clear and timely communication with Program Director and program staff
Complete and submit all required documentation, including:Daily Reports
Incident Reports
Medication Logs (as assigned)
Sign-In/Out Forms
Contribute to daily program updates and reporting processes
Collaborate with team members to ensure smooth program operations
Maintain communication systems between staff as needed
Attend and actively participate in required trainings, including:CPR and First Aid
Program Orientation
Subject Matter Training
Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Required
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to manage and resolve conflicts among adolescents
Ability to adapt to changing schedules and environments
Leadership, teamwork, and youth engagement skills
Commitment to positive youth development principles
Supervisory Responsibility
This position does have supervisory responsibility.
Other Duties
Other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Experience working with youth in group settings (20 participants preferred)
Experience in residential or camp setting preferred
Background in education, engineering, youth development or related field encouraged
All candidates must successfully complete a criminal background check.
Licensing And Certifications
None
Working Conditions
Frequent outdoor and physically active programming
Ability to work extended hours, including overnight shifts
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa
Internal candidates are encouraged to apply.
KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer
The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.
DEPARTMENT: Cooperative Extension
REPORTS TO: 4-H Program Leader
CLASSIFICATION: Staff-Temporary
EFFECTIVE DATE: June 8, 2026 - June 27, 2026
LOCATION: On-Site-Main Campus
EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Temporary
EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Stipend
Job Summary
4-H Residential Camp Counselors for summer camp programming are employed by KSU to serve as on-site, residential program staff throughout the duration of the camp. Staff serve as campus guides, role models, chaperones, mentors, and assistant teachers, while ensuring the safety, supervision, and overall well-being of all program participants in both academic and residential settings.
This position will be for the 4-H Youth Innovators Empowering Agriculture - Research and Extension Apprenticeship Program (YEA-REAP). This immersive one-week summer camp is designed especially for high school students who are curious about agriculture, science, and the many career pathways that shape our food systems and communities. This residential summer camp is scheduled to take place from June 21, 2026 - June 27, 2026.
This position is responsible for the supervision, safety, and engagement of program participants across all aspects of the summer camp programming, including academic programming, residentially life, and emergency response.
Essential Job Functions
Participant Supervision & SafetyProvide continuous supervision of program participants (24/7 coverage across assigned shifts)
Ensure a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all participants
Accompany participants at all times unless otherwise directed by the Program Director
Conduct head counts during all transitions, including campus movement and field trips
Respond to and assist in emergency situations as part of the program’s response teamResidential Life & Overnight SupervisionMonitor assigned residence halls during designated hours, including overnight shifts
Lead and support morning and evening routines
Oversee participant accountability, including sign-in/out procedures
Assist with medication administration and maintain accurate medication logs (as assigned)
Provide immediate support to participants during residential hoursBehavior Management & Youth Development
- Enforce the Code of Conduct and Conflict Resolution Plan
- Address and manage discipline issues appropriately and consistently
- Facilitate positive group dynamics and behavior management strategies
- Serve as a mentor and role model, supporting positive youth development
Support student teams/groups and encourage engagement in program content
Ensure participants arrive on time and prepared for all scheduled activities
Communication & DocumentationMaintain clear and timely communication with Program Director and program staff
Complete and submit all required documentation, including:Daily Reports
Incident Reports
Medication Logs (as assigned)
Sign-In/Out Forms
Contribute to daily program updates and reporting processes
Collaborate with team members to ensure smooth program operations
Maintain communication systems between staff as needed
Attend and actively participate in required trainings, including:CPR and First Aid
Program Orientation
Subject Matter Training
Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Required
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to manage and resolve conflicts among adolescents
Ability to adapt to changing schedules and environments
Leadership, teamwork, and youth engagement skills
Commitment to positive youth development principles
Supervisory Responsibility
This position does have supervisory responsibility.
Other Duties
Other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Experience working with youth in group settings (20 participants preferred)
Experience in residential or camp setting preferred
Background in education, engineering, youth development or related field encouraged
All candidates must successfully complete a criminal background check.
Licensing And Certifications
None
Working Conditions
Frequent outdoor and physically active programming
Ability to work extended hours, including overnight shifts
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa
Internal candidates are encouraged to apply.
KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer
The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.