Summer Camp Counselor

Position Summary

The Summer Camp Counselor is responsible for creating a safe, engaging, and positive summer camp experience for children and youth. Counselors lead recreational, educational, enrichment, and team-building activities while serving as positive role models for campers. This position promotes youth development, ensures participant safety, supports social-emotional growth, and helps create a fun and inclusive camp environment.

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Key Responsibilities

Camper Supervision & Engagement

• Supervise and actively engage campers throughout daily activities and transitions.
• Build positive relationships with campers and encourage participation in all camp activities.
• Foster a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment for all participants.
• Serve as a positive role model by demonstrating professionalism, respect, and enthusiasm.
• Support campers in developing social skills, teamwork, leadership, and selfconfidence.

Activity Planning & Facilitation

• Lead and assist with recreational, educational, arts, STEM, sports, and enrichment activities.
• Facilitate games, special events, field trips, and group projects.
• Adapt activities to meet the interests, abilities, and developmental needs of campers.
• Encourage creativity, exploration, and active participation.
• Assist in preparing and organizing activity materials and supplies.

SFSP Meal Service Responsibilities

• Assist with the implementation and monitoring of the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) in accordance with USDA, state, and organizational guidelines.
• Support meal distribution during breakfast, lunch, snack, or supper service periods.
• Accurately complete meal counts and assist with required meal service documentation.
• Monitor meal service to ensure compliance with program requirements, including congregate meal consumption rules.
• Assist with meal delivery, setup, serving, cleanup, and proper storage procedures as directed.
• Maintain sanitary food service areas and follow all food safety and health regulations.
• Report meal shortages, quality concerns, or compliance issues to site leadership immediately.
• Participate in SFSP training and adhere to all federal, state, and organizational policies related to meal service.

Safety & Behavior Management

• Ensure the health, safety, and wellbeing of all campers at all times.
• Maintain appropriate campertostaff supervision ratios.
• Follow all camp policies, procedures, and emergency protocols.
• Address behavioral concerns using positive behavior management techniques.
• Report accidents, incidents, concerns, and injuries promptly to camp leadership.
• Assist with daily checkin, checkout, attendance, and camper accountability procedures.

Team Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with fellow counselors, camp leadership, and program staff.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development activities.
• Assist with setup, cleanup, and organization of camp facilities and equipment.
• Support special events, family engagement activities, and camp celebrations.
• Contribute to a positive team culture and overall camp success.

Family Communication

• Maintain positive and professional interactions with parents and guardians.
• Share appropriate information regarding camper participation and daily activities.
• Refer concerns or sensitive issues to camp leadership as needed.

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Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma, GED, or currently enrolled in high school or college preferred.
• Coursework in education, recreation, youth development, or related fields is a plus.

Experience

• Previous experience working with children or youth in camps, schools, childcare programs, recreation programs, or similar settings preferred.
• Experience leading group activities is desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse populations.

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Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Passion for working with children and youth.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to lead and facilitate group activities.
• Positive attitude, flexibility, and enthusiasm.
• Strong teamwork and problemsolving skills.
• Ability to maintain a safe and structured environment.
• Ability to handle multiple responsibilities in a fastpaced setting.

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Physical Requirements

• Ability to actively participate in indoor and outdoor recreational activities.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and move throughout the camp day.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

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Work Schedule

• Seasonal summer position.
• Monday through Friday schedule, with hours varying by camp location and program needs.
• Participation in precamp training and occasional special events may be required.

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Core Competencies

• Youth Engagement
• Leadership
• Teamwork & Collaboration
• Communication
• Safety Awareness
• Adaptability
• Positive Role Modeling
• Problem Solving

About Youthplaces

YouthPlaces has been a leading agency in positive youth development in the Pittsburgh region’s most vulnerable communities, servicing youth ages 12 – 18 years old. Working alongside communities, residents, and schools to ensure that all youth have access, opportunity, and exposure to the best life they dream possible! In 1997, YP began as the brainchild of the Youth Crime Prevention council and ventured to have sites in neighborhoods and communities where few other agencies were willing to go, and 26 years later, continues to do so. Throughout our history, YP’s footprint has been established in over 20 communities, has served over 16,000 young people supporting them through academic enrichment, mentoring, workforce development and college and career planning.