Project Hope Summer Staff – Camp Counselor

Job Title: Camp Counselor
Job Type: Seasonal, Paid Position
Program Dates: July 6–31, 2026
Location: Project Hope Day Camp at Camp UNC – Tunkhannock, PA

About Project Hope Day Camp

Since 1970, Project Hope Day Camp has provided children from low-income families in Lackawanna County with a safe, supportive, and enriching environment during the out-of-school summer months. Campers are transported daily to Camp UNC in Tunkhannock, PA, where they participate in a traditional summer camp experience that includes mindfulness practices, arts and crafts, environmental studies, sports, outdoor adventure activities, and other recreational programming.

Project Hope supports children in building confidence, developing new skills, practicing healthy habits, and forming positive relationships with peers and caring adults.

Position Overview

Camp Counselors play a vital role in creating a safe, engaging, and inclusive camp environment for children ages 5–14. Counselors are responsible for supervising campers, facilitating daily activities, and supporting the overall camp experience. This position is ideal for individuals interested in gaining hands-on experience in education, youth development, recreation, psychology, social work, or related fields.

Key Responsibilities

Camper Supervision & Engagement

• Supervise and actively engage children ages 5–14 throughout the camp day
• Always ensure camper safety and well-being
• Foster a respectful, inclusive, and positive group environment

Program Implementation

• Assist in implementing structured and creative camp activities
• Facilitate games, projects, and recreational programming
• Support specialty instructors and program staff as needed

Team Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with fellow counselors and camp leadership
• Communicate effectively regarding camper needs and group dynamics
• Serve as a positive role model for campers

Schedule & Time Commitment

• Camp Dates: Monday–Friday, July 6–31, 2026
• Camp Hours: Daily hours provided upon hire
• Mandatory Staff Training: Three training days required: June 22 – 24 2026
• Transportation: Transportation to and from camp is provided from designated meeting points in Scranton
• Meals: Meals are provided for counselors during camp days

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• High School Diploma or GED
• Availability for the full four-week camp session
• Attendance at mandatory staff training

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with children in a camp, school, recreational, or youth-serving setting
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Ability to take initiative and contribute positively to a team environment
• Multi-language skills encouraged but not required

Learning Outcomes & Professional Development Benefits

Staff members will gain practical experience in youth supervision, program implementation, and team-based collaboration within a nonprofit camp setting. By the end of the summer, counselors will:

• Strengthen leadership and group management skills
• Build experience supporting structured youth programming
• Develop communication and conflict-resolution skills
• Gain exposure to nonprofit and community-based youth services
• Receive supervision and mentorship from experienced camp leadership

This position provides valuable experience for individuals pursuing careers in education, psychology, social work, recreation, public health, nonprofit leadership, and related fields.

UNC of NEPA is equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.