What are the responsibilities and job description for the OWL Camp Counselor position at Ohio Wesleyan University?
Ohio Wesleyan University, a selective, private, undergraduate liberal art, residential institution founded in 1842 and located just 20 miles north of Columbus, is seeking candidates for the position of Summer Camp Counselor. This is a salaried, temporary position with no benefits.
Position Overview
OWL (formerly OWjL) Camp is a transformative summer camp for gifted and talented middle school students, offering enriching experiences that foster academic growth, creativity, and leadership development. As a Camp Counselor, you will be responsible for ensuring that campers have a fun, safe, and supportive environment to thrive. Counselors are expected to arrive on time and complete all job duties as assigned by the head counselors and camp directors each day. You will be a role model for the entire camp.
Specific Responsibilities
The following outline is not all-inclusive. This is meant to give a general sense of the position and responsibilities.
What We Offer
Ohio Wesleyan University offers a rewarding place to work! To discover why this should be your next work home, visit our website. As an equal opportunity institution, OWU has a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism. We do not discriminate on any basis including: race, religion, color, culture, national origin, sex and/or sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and/or expression, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, economic barriers, or any other legally protected factor.
Position Overview
OWL (formerly OWjL) Camp is a transformative summer camp for gifted and talented middle school students, offering enriching experiences that foster academic growth, creativity, and leadership development. As a Camp Counselor, you will be responsible for ensuring that campers have a fun, safe, and supportive environment to thrive. Counselors are expected to arrive on time and complete all job duties as assigned by the head counselors and camp directors each day. You will be a role model for the entire camp.
Specific Responsibilities
The following outline is not all-inclusive. This is meant to give a general sense of the position and responsibilities.
- Supervise Campers: Provide 24-hour supervision and care during residential camp sessions, ensuring camper safety and well-being.
- Assist Teachers: Assist teachers in classes and/or OWL office staff, and perform duties as assigned.
- Facilitate Activities: Help lead both academic and recreational activities, encouraging participation and fostering a positive group dynamic.
- Mentor Campers: Act as a mentor, guiding campers through challenges, promoting personal growth, and helping build positive relationships among campers.
- Oversee Daily Routines: Ensure campers adhere to schedules, follow rules, and engage in camp activities fully.
- Participate in Staff Meetings: Attend daily staff meetings to share camper insights, discuss challenges, and coordinate camp activities.
- Create an Inclusive Environment: Cultivate a respectful, welcoming, and inclusive atmosphere for all campers, valuing their diverse backgrounds and interests.
- Day Camp: Provide similar supervision and activity support during the two-week day camp program, ensuring camper engagement and safety.
- Education: Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from college/university.
- Experience: Working with middle school-aged children or in an educational setting is preferred.
- Leadership: Demonstrate strong leadership, conflict resolution, and communication skills.
- Team Player: Work collaboratively with fellow counselors and camp staff to ensure smooth camp operations.
- Adaptability: Must be flexible and creative, able to adjust to changing schedules and activities.
- Inclusivity: Commitment to promoting an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and encourages all campers to participate fully.
- Residential Camp:
- Applicants must have completed their college freshman year by the start of camp.
- Day Camp:
- Applicants must be 16 years old before the 1st day of camp.
- All counselors must pass a BCI background screening.
- All counselors must read the "Working with Minors" Training Document and complete the core checklist items.
- All counselors must complete Title IX Training provided by Ohio Wesleyan University.
- Counselor will have a minimum of 1 class period (1 hour 30 minutes off per day.
- Counselors will have scheduled time off between camp sessions as follows:
- June 12 at close of camp to June 15 at 1:00 PM (after week 1 Residential Camp).
- June 19 at close of camp to June 22 at 1:00 PM (after week 2 Residential Camp).
- June 26 at close of camp to June 30 at 8:00 AM (after week 3 Residential Camp).
- July 03 at close of camp to July 07 at 8:00 AM (after week 4 Day Camp).
- Residential Camp counselors receive room and board throughout the camp sessions.
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided daily to all counselors during the residential camp sessions (Monday-Thursday).
- Day Camp counselors who opt to stay on campus during the day camp weeks are provided room/housing at no cost. Board/food will need to be handled personally.
- Application period opens November 18, 2024 and remains open until all positions are filled.
- Interviews will be held on a rolling basis, with final decisions by May 1, 2025.
What We Offer
Ohio Wesleyan University offers a rewarding place to work! To discover why this should be your next work home, visit our website. As an equal opportunity institution, OWU has a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism. We do not discriminate on any basis including: race, religion, color, culture, national origin, sex and/or sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and/or expression, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, economic barriers, or any other legally protected factor.
