What are the responsibilities and job description for the Summer Program Counselor position at Open Window School?
Position Overview
Open Window School is a K–8 independent school located on Cougar Mountain, centrally situated between Bellevue, Issaquah, and Newcastle. Each summer, Open Window School offers a five-week enrichment program serving students entering Kindergarten through 7th grade from the local community.
Summer Program Counselors support the daily supervision, engagement, and well-being of campers across multiple program areas, including Adventure Programs, Innovation Programs, and Aftercare (S’More Fun). Counselors play a key role in creating a safe, inclusive, and positive experience for all students. Specific counselor assignments and schedules are determined in collaboration with the Summer Auxiliary Programs Manager, based on program needs and counselor strengths.
Program Areas May Include
Adventure / Innovation Counselor
Supports traditional day camp experiences and classroom-based enrichment programs. Responsibilities include supervising students, supporting activities and transitions, assisting instructors, and maintaining a positive group experience throughout the core camp day.
Typical hours: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
S’More Fun (Aftercare) Counselor
Supports afternoon and end-of-day programming, providing supervision and structured or unstructured activities for students enrolled in extended care.
Typical hours: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Special Counselor (Photographer / Float)
Provides flexible, program-wide support across multiple summer program areas. Responsibilities may include photographing and documenting camp activities for internal use and family communications using Open Window School–provided equipment; floating between program areas to provide supervision or coverage; supporting arrival, transitions, special activities, and end-of-day procedures; and assisting program leadership with operational or logistical needs. Hours may vary depending on program needs.
Typical hours: Will vary
Major Areas Of Responsibility / Essential Functions
Qualifications
Manager: Summer Auxiliary Programs Manager.
Compensation: $25.00/hour.
Classification: Seasonal (June 29 – August 7).
Hours vary depending on the Counselor position
When applying, please indicate which Counselor position(s) you are interested in.
Training
Required attendance at all or a portion of in-person training sessions at Open Window School, June 29 – July 2.
Compliance Note
All counselors are expected to follow Open Window School policies related to student privacy, confidentiality, and photo consent when interacting with or documenting students.
To Apply
Please submit a cover letter describing your interest in and qualifications for this position, your resume, and complete all application questions on our Career Opportunities website. Open Window School does not sponsor employment visas.
Please be prepared to provide up to three references if requested. If you have any questions about the position or the application process, feel free to reach out hr@ows.org. Applications should be submitted through the online system and not via email.
Open Window School does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, color, religion, creed, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, national or ethnic origin, or other status legally protected by local, state, or federal law.
Open Window School is a K–8 independent school located on Cougar Mountain, centrally situated between Bellevue, Issaquah, and Newcastle. Each summer, Open Window School offers a five-week enrichment program serving students entering Kindergarten through 7th grade from the local community.
Summer Program Counselors support the daily supervision, engagement, and well-being of campers across multiple program areas, including Adventure Programs, Innovation Programs, and Aftercare (S’More Fun). Counselors play a key role in creating a safe, inclusive, and positive experience for all students. Specific counselor assignments and schedules are determined in collaboration with the Summer Auxiliary Programs Manager, based on program needs and counselor strengths.
Program Areas May Include
Adventure / Innovation Counselor
Supports traditional day camp experiences and classroom-based enrichment programs. Responsibilities include supervising students, supporting activities and transitions, assisting instructors, and maintaining a positive group experience throughout the core camp day.
Typical hours: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
S’More Fun (Aftercare) Counselor
Supports afternoon and end-of-day programming, providing supervision and structured or unstructured activities for students enrolled in extended care.
Typical hours: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Special Counselor (Photographer / Float)
Provides flexible, program-wide support across multiple summer program areas. Responsibilities may include photographing and documenting camp activities for internal use and family communications using Open Window School–provided equipment; floating between program areas to provide supervision or coverage; supporting arrival, transitions, special activities, and end-of-day procedures; and assisting program leadership with operational or logistical needs. Hours may vary depending on program needs.
Typical hours: Will vary
Major Areas Of Responsibility / Essential Functions
- Supervise and actively engage students throughout the camp day.
- Support campers during structured activities, classes, and transitions.
- Lead or assist with games, activities, and group experiences.
- Maintain clear expectations, routines, and positive behavior support.
- Foster an inclusive, respectful, and welcoming environment.
- Support students’ social-emotional needs, including friendships and conflict resolution. Assist with activity setup, materials management, and cleanup.
- Supervise lunch, recess, and/or aftercare activities as assigned.
- Participate in daily morning and afternoon gatherings or rallies.
- Communicate camper needs, concerns, or incidents to program leadership.
- Support arrival, dismissal, and end-of-day procedures.
Qualifications
- assigned to support the overall success of the summer program.
- Must be 18 years of age or older by June 1, 2026.
- Experience working with children or youth in a camp, school, or group setting preferred. Ability to manage groups confidently and calmly.
- Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
- Positive, flexible, and professional demeanor.
- Interest in youth development and creating meaningful experiences for children. CPR/First Aid certification preferred.
- For the Photographer / Float role: ability to responsibly use school-provided equipment and follow expectations related to care, confidentiality, and appropriate use.
- Ability to participate in active camp programming, including games and movement.
- Comfortable working both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Physical stamina for standing, walking, and occasional lifting throughout the day.
Manager: Summer Auxiliary Programs Manager.
Compensation: $25.00/hour.
Classification: Seasonal (June 29 – August 7).
Hours vary depending on the Counselor position
When applying, please indicate which Counselor position(s) you are interested in.
Training
Required attendance at all or a portion of in-person training sessions at Open Window School, June 29 – July 2.
Compliance Note
All counselors are expected to follow Open Window School policies related to student privacy, confidentiality, and photo consent when interacting with or documenting students.
To Apply
Please submit a cover letter describing your interest in and qualifications for this position, your resume, and complete all application questions on our Career Opportunities website. Open Window School does not sponsor employment visas.
Please be prepared to provide up to three references if requested. If you have any questions about the position or the application process, feel free to reach out hr@ows.org. Applications should be submitted through the online system and not via email.
Open Window School does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, color, religion, creed, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, national or ethnic origin, or other status legally protected by local, state, or federal law.
Salary : $25