Summer Camp Staff

Camp Grace Summer Staff – General Job Description (Draft)

Purpose: Summer Staff serve on the front lines of Camp Grace’s mission to inspire and share the gospel with inner‑city youth by creating a safe, joyful, growth‑oriented camp experience. This description outlines expectations for all summer staff regardless of role (counselor, program, kitchen, maintenance, lifeguard, media, etc.).

Position Summary

Summer Staff are responsible for the day‑to‑day care and discipleship of campers, excellent facilitation of activities and programs, and stewardship of camp resources (people, property, and time). Staff work as a unified team to cultivate a Christ‑centered environment marked by safety, hospitality, and fun.

Core Responsibilities

1) Camper Care & Discipleship

Build positive, respectful relationships with campers; model Christlike character on and off duty.

Lead or support cabin devotions, small‑group discussions, and one‑on‑one check‑ins.

Promote inclusion, encourage participation, and manage group dynamics with patience and consistency.

Recognize and appropriately respond to homesickness, conflict, and behavioral challenges; escalate concerns per protocol.

2) Program Facilitation & Activity Leadership

Prepare, set up, and lead age‑appropriate activities (e.g., team games, ropes/challenge elements with certification, arts, waterfront, electives).

Adapt plans for weather, energy levels, or special needs while maintaining safety.

Maintain program areas: reset/clean spaces, inventory supplies, and report maintenance needs.

3) Safety, Risk Management & Supervision

Maintain line‑of‑sight and line‑of‑sound supervision as assigned; use the buddy system and attendance checks.

Enforce camp rules consistently and kindly; correct unsafe behavior immediately.

Follow emergency action plans (EAPs) for severe weather, missing person, fire, medical incidents, and waterfront emergencies.

Complete incident/accident reports accurately and promptly.

4) Teamwork & Communication

Participate in daily staff meetings, devotionals, and debriefs; offer and receive feedback.

Communicate clearly with leadership, peers, and volunteers; keep messages camper‑focused and solution‑oriented.

Support other departments during peak times (dishroom, grounds, program reset) as directed.

5) Operations & Stewardship

Keep cabins, bathhouses, program spaces, vehicles, and equipment clean and functional.

Practice good time management and punctuality; meet scheduled rotations, curfews, and lights‑out.

Protect camp property and steward resources wisely (minimize waste, maintain gear, lock facilities).

6) Administration & Documentation

Take accurate attendance, head counts, and swim checks; submit daily logs as required.

Complete required checklists (cleaning, area inspections, vehicle logs) and basic inventory.

Maintain confidentiality for camper information and medical needs; follow HIPAA‑adjacent privacy best practices.

Role Tracks (Examples)

While all staff share the core responsibilities above, individual assignments may include:

Cabin Counselor: Primary overnight supervision, discipleship, and cabin culture; leads cabin schedule and participates in activities.

Program Staff: Sets up and runs large‑group games, electives, evening programs, campfire, and special events.

Waterfront/Lifeguard: Supervises swimming and boating areas; enforces waterfront rules; maintains rescue‑ready posture (current lifeguard/CPR certs required for LG roles).

Challenge Course/High Ropes: Facilitates elements under current certification; performs daily inspections and logs.

Kitchen/Dining: Meal prep, service, dishwashing, sanitation, and dining hall hospitality.

Maintenance/Grounds: Daily facility upkeep, repairs, mowing, trash, campsite set‑ups, and turnarounds.

Media/Communications: Photo/video capture, daily highlights, social posts (per policy), and archive management.

Health Aide (as assigned/certified): Supports Health Center operations, meds distribution (per standing orders), and documentation with the Nurse.

Qualifications

Required

Personal commitment to Christian faith and alignment with Camp Grace’s mission and values; willing to participate in Christian practices in the scope of employment.

At least 18 years of age by start date (or as required for position/role); background check and references.

Demonstrated reliability, integrity, and teachability; able to work long, active days with limited personal tech time.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills; able to lead groups and manage behavior with empathy and consistency.

Ability to pass pre‑service training and performance checks for assigned program areas.

Preferred (role‑dependent)

Current First Aid/CPR/AED certification.

For lifeguards: current Lifeguard and Waterfront certifications.

For ropes/challenge: ACCT‑aligned training/certification or equivalent experience.

Valid driver’s license and clean MVR (for driving roles).

Experience working with youth from diverse, urban contexts.

Time Commitment & Schedule

Seasonal, full‑time, residential (on‑site) summer position.

Typical week: 5–6 days of program delivery with rotating rest periods; extended hours including mornings, evenings, and weekends.

Participation in Staff Training/Orientation (mandatory) beginning May 22, 2026 before campers arrive.

Housing & Meals

Included on program days; not provided on weekends.

Sample Daily Rhythm (varies by role/program)

7:00a Staff devo & leader meeting

7:30a Wake‑up & cabin clean‑up

8:00a Breakfast & announcements

9:00a–12:00p Rotations/Electives

12:30p Lunch & rest period

2:00p–5:00p Waterfront/Program blocks

6:00p Dinner

7:30p Evening program/campfire/worship

9:15p Cabin time, devotions, lights out

Compensation & Benefits (to be finalized)

Weekly stipend (amount based on role/experience) plus room and board (housing & meals provided on program days).

Professional development through training, certifications, and leadership opportunities.

Christian community, mentorship, and meaningful impact on campers.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

Regularly required to walk, run, lift up to 30–50 lbs, set up program equipment, and work outdoors in heat, sun, rain, or uneven terrain.

Prolonged standing and active participation in games and activities; adherence to hydration and rest protocols.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Accountability & Reporting Structure

Reports to Summer Leadership Team (e.g., Program Director, Head Counselor, Area Leads).

Participates in weekly performance check‑ins; follows chain of command for concerns and requests.

Policies & Requirements

Successful background check, reference checks, and completion of abuse‑prevention/safeguarding training.

Adherence to Camp Grace’s Code of Conduct, technology and social media policies, vehicle policies, dress standards, and safety procedures.

Compliance with medication, allergy, and special‑needs protocols; immediate reporting of incidents per policy.

Agreement with camp’s mission statement and participation expectations; respect for guests and staff of all backgrounds.

Performance Indicators

Camper safety records and incident reporting quality.

Camper and parent feedback; observable camper growth and participation.

Program execution quality (on‑time starts, preparedness, equipment care).

Team contribution, reliability, professionalism, and growth mindset.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should complete the online application, provide two references, and—if selected—participate in an interview. Offers are contingent on background checks, training completion, and role‑specific certifications.

Customization Placeholders (to finalize with leadership)

Season dates: Start June 1, 2026 – End: [Insert end date]

Staff training dates: Begin May 22, 2026 (exact schedule provided at hire) on-site

Weekly stipend ranges by role: [Intentionally omitted for now]

Age requirements by role: Counselors 18+; Kitchen 16+; Lifeguard 16+; Ropes/Challenge 18+; Leadership roles 18+

Required certifications provided/hosted on‑site?: Yes — Camp Grace provides/hosts required certifications (e.g., CPR/First Aid, Lifeguard, Ropes) during staff training.

Statement of Faith/Doctrinal summary: Available on the application page.

Contact email/phone for applicants: Josh Williams — josh@thecampgrace.com, 470‑782‑7008