What are the responsibilities and job description for the 2026 Summer Camp - Wilderness Camp Counselor position at The Salvation Army USA Western Territory?
2026 SUMMER CAMP SEASON RUNS JUNE 15, 2026 - JULY 31, 2025
MISSION STATEMENT:
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
SCOPE OF POSITION:
Live with the campers day and night, provide day to day supervision of, care for, and leadership of a group of up to 12 campers assigned to your cabin. Aid in a camper's spiritual, physical, social, and emotional development through various activities, supervision during free times, participation in daily programs, planning and implementing cabin activities, leading cabin devotionals, and helping with hikes, large group games, swimming, and campfires. Must have a personal and growing relationship with Jesus Christ and have a passion for working with children ages 7-12.
EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE:
- High School Graduate, some college preferred but not mandatory
- Self-motivation, good communication, and people skills
- Experience working with children preferred
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
- Possess good leadership skills
- Possess good verbal and written communication skills
- Be able to pass a child safety background check
- Be detail oriented and well organized
- Must be knowledgeable in the areas of children/personnel safety, planning, problem solving, and crisis intervention
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Live in an assigned cabin with up to 12 children and provide leadership/supervision
- Provide leadership and guidance to campers on participation in the total camp program. Promote the best possible camping program for the children.
- Plan and conduct daily group devotions with campers
- Provide close supervision of camper health and safety
- Maintain a quiet and organized table during mealtimes. Encourage communication and reinforce good eating habits and proper nutrition.
- Ensure that campers maintain a high standard of personal and living quarters cleanliness
- Assist Program Leaders in teaching elective classes
- Participate in worship services, evening programs, campfires, carnivals, hikes, cookouts, and other program activities
- Encourage the campers to actively participate in spiritually oriented activities
- Promote a joyous and comfortable Christian experience as through personal witness
- Encourage, not pressure the campers to find a personal relationship with Christ
- Be sensitive to expected differences in religious and social upbringing
- Participate in retreats, as needed and scheduled
- Performs other duties as assigned
GENERAL DUTIES:
- Exhibit effective Christ-like conduct and service as an appropriate example for campers and staff
- Give support to the total camping program performing all other duties required to provide a consistently excellent program
- Attend and participate in all camp programs as required including, but not limited to evening programs, chapel activities, and staff meetings
- Follow all policies and procedures
- Maintain cleanliness and order in your person and living quarters
- Assist with cleanup of the total camp at the end of teach session and at the conclusion of the summer
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Sit, walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel, and twist on an intermittent or continuous basis
- Grasp, push, pull objects, and reach overhead
- Operate telephone and computer
- Lift up to 25 lbs.
- Understand verbal and written information
- Sweep, clean and perform other janitorial tasks as needed
Qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation. A qualified person with a disability may request a modification or adjustment to the job or work environment in order meet the physical requirements of the position. The Salvation Army will attempt to satisfy requests as long as the accommodation needed is reasonable and no undue hardship would result.
The Salvation Army is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled.
Education
Experience
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. The Salvation Army is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified job applicants, job candidates, and employees with disabilities to ensure they enjoy equal access to all employment opportunities and benefits of employment as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act. EEO is the Law.