Summer Programs - Panther Day Camp Head Counselor

The Head Counselor is a seasonal position that reports to the Panther Day Camp Director. This program will run from June 22-July 31, 2026 (no camp on July 4), with the week of June 15 (campus is closed on June 19) being the orientation and lesson plan preparation week. The expected hours of work are 8:30-3:30 pm, Monday-Friday.  The mandatory all staff training will take place on Tuesday, June 9 from 4:30 - 8:00 pm. The Head Counselor is an integral part of the Summer Camp Staff and plays a vital role in making summer camp a safe, fun and enriching experience for the campers.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Create weekly schedules and lesson plans for campers and ensure that both are implemented. Plan, lead and supervise age appropriate activities daily including but not limited to outdoor excursions, sports, arts & crafts, games, educational and recreational opportunities for the campers.
• Actively participate in all camp activities to help build relationships with campers.
• Collaborating and coordinating lesson planning and daily activities with Panther Day Camp admin team, other head and assistant counselors to ensure a well-rounded and engaging program for campers.
• Supervise campers at all times, including lunch time, prioritizing their well being and safety.
• Follow all safety protocols and procedures established by Summer@Potomac.
• Cleaning, maintaining and ensuring proper use of Summer@Potomac facilities and equipment.
• Use positive and proactive techniques to resolve any camper behavioral issues. If needed, report such issues to the Camp Director.
• Report any injuries or sickness to the Camp Director.
• Act as a positive role model, a mentor and trainer to the Assistant Counselors demonstrating leadership, responsibility and respect.
• Participate in staff orientations, pre-camp staff training, preparations for camp opening and meetings.
• Adhere to the procedures and policies outlined in the Summer@Potomac Handbook.
• Participate in both morning arrival and afternoon dismissal.
• Coordinate with the program director and the Summer Office to order program supplies in alignment with established guidelines and allocations. 
• Responsible for completing and submitting accurate inventory lists to the camp office, ensuring that all listed items match the materials returned to storage.
• Responsible for end-of-summer check-out procedures for assigned classrooms, ensuring all classrooms are left in better condition than they were found.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Must be 21 years of age and possess a high school diploma or the equivalent.
• Previous experience as a counselor, teacher, child care or a related field.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Responsible, energetic, enthusiastic and have a positive attitude.
• Ability to work collaboratively with the team.
• Physical ability to participate in activities with campers (run, sit on the floor, walk and stand for longer periods of time).
• Ability to recognize and respond to individual and cultural differences within a diverse population of campers and staff.
• All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background investigation which involves fingerprinting and TB screening.

In striving to fulfill its mission, The Potomac School seeks many different voices, viewpoints, and backgrounds. We recognize that differences are a source of strength, and we know that everyone is enriched when each person's contributions and perspectives are valued.