Day Camp Counselor

Description: Join us for a summer of new adventures while expanding your network and building new skills as a camp counselor for our popular Summer Programs at The Ellis School.  The Camp Counselor plays a vital role of supporting our campers and camp programming.  Each counselor will be assigned to a designated group of 10-15 campers with a lead instructor.  Counselors are responsible for welcoming campers at check in, assisting instructors, coordinating small group games, and ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for campers in their summer experiences. 

Full day positions are available as well as the ability to pick up additional hours supervising the after care program. Camp runs Monday through Friday, June 8 - July 31, 2026 (Please note that camp is closed June 19 and July 3). In person pre-camp training is required (dates will be shared during the interview process). 

Counselors can work between 4 to 8 weeks depending on their schedule.  Staff hours are 8:00 am - 3:15 pm (12 pm for half day staff). After care runs from 3:00 - 6:00 pm. Limited positions are also available for staff who are interested in only after care hours.  Pay is $500 per week (prorated for holiday weeks) for full day counselors.

Responsibilities: 

• Assist instructors during activities, lessons, and events as an active participant
• Assist in the direction, supervision, and organization of campers in their camper group within activities and throughout the camp
• Maintain a safe and nurturing environment for all campers and staff by ensuring campers are properly supervised at all times and correcting unsafe situations and behaviors.
• Be a role model to campers and staff by being on time, being engaged, and displaying a positive attitude every day.
• Actively participate in all staff meetings, including pre-program staff training (dates to be determined)
• Other responsibilities and duties as assigned by the Director of Summer Programs.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be 18 years of age or high school graduate
• Current and valid PA Child Abuse Form, FBI Background Check, PA Criminal History Background and Mandated Reporter Training
• Experience working with children (can include babysitting)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• ­Understanding of the development needs of youth, specifically ages 3-9 and the demonstrated ability to supervise active children
• Ideal candidates will have or are pursuing a Bachelor’s degree, possess an enthusiasm for working with and teaching young children, as demonstrated by prior experience in a camp or other childcare setting
• A strong sense of community and teamwork, and excellent interpersonal communication skills.­

Physical Working Conditions:

• ­Ability to observe camper behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques.
• Physical ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid. Must be able to assist campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury) and possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers.
• Ability to lead and participate in camp activities which may include but are not limited to prolonged standing, bending, stooping, stretching and walking long distances
• Willingness to work outdoors as well as indoors with exposure to all weather conditions including sun, heat, rain, humidity, etc.

The Ellis School does not discriminate on the basis of age, ethnicity, gender identity, national origin, race, religion, or sexual orientation in employment. We do not discriminate in student recruitment, admissions, financial aid, or any other aspect of the School’s program, except on the basis of age and gender identity in fulfillment of the School’s mission.