Cabin Counselor and Activity Instructor
Cabin Counselor and Activity Instructor
2023 Job Description
Camp Birchwood for Girls
Camp Birchwood is seeking dynamic individuals who have a passion for working with children, leading by example, and modeling fun and safety in the outdoors. Our counselors lead groups of 8-14 campers in a cabin and teach an activity during the day. Our activities include:
- Archery
- Arts & Crafts
- Biking
- Canoeing
- Climbing
- Drama
- Horseback Riding
- Kayaking
- Literary Loft
- Metalsmithing
- Photography
- Pottery
- Riflery
- Sailing
- Sports
- Wilderness
- Tennis
- Waterfront (Lifeguard Certification)
Camp Birchwood is an all girls, traditional residential summer camp in Northern MN. Founded in 1939 by Lucy Goss, Camp Birchwood has remained committed to creating an environment in which girls can take healthy risks (like trying new activities), build long-lasting friendships, and embrace their own leadership and self. Our mission is to provide an opportunity for girls to gain self-confidence and build resilience through hands-on experiential learning. Check out our website to learn more: CampBirchwood.com
Camp Birchwood offers 2, 4, and 8 week sessions for campers. Cabin Counselors and Activity Instructors can expect to be placed in either a 2 or 4 week cabin with a co-counselor, taking leadership of that cabin for the duration of the session.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Manage and mentor groups of 7-14 youth (ages 7-17) while facilitating a diverse curriculum, including creating positive cabin cultures, fostering leadership development, instructing an activity, and upholding Camp Birchwood values
- Work with a co-counselor and activity team to plan and facilitate quality activity programming
- Manage and maintain safety standards for participants in your cabin and activity
- Lead by example in language, behavior, and actions to demonstrate respect, inclusivity, teamwork, and professionalism to peers and campers
- Complete all necessary paperwork
- Attend and complete all required staff training
- Weekly correspondence with parents regarding half of assigned campers in cabin
Minimum Qualifications:
- We are looking for enthusiastic individuals who are committed to and have a passion for working with youth. These individuals must also have a passion for living and working in the outdoors.
- Previous experience working with and/or relating to children (between the ages of 7 to 17 in particular)
- At least one year of post-high school education (college, university, or equivalent)
- Current certifications in Red Cross First Aid and Red Cross CPR (or an approved equivalent)
- Strong communication skills, including but not limited to peer support, conflict resolution, self advocacy, and professionally communicating concerns
- Coachability in emerging professional skills such as communication and team leadership
- Adaptability, Flexibility, and Problem solving skills
- Ability to work long hours and complete full term of contract
- Ability to teach designated camp activity four periods a day
- Ability to live respectfully with a cabin group of 8 to 14 campers and 1 to 2 co-counselors
- Ability to participate well in a team-setting (know when to lead and when to follow)
- Ability to role model respect, kindness, honesty, friendship, gratitude, generosity, and accountability
- Ability to appreciate differences in others and encourage individual expression in campers and staff
- Ability to interact with peers (co-counselors) in a healthy and positive way (be supportive)
- Ability to teach a specific activity based on experience or willingness to be trained to do so
Compensation: Cabin Counselor and Activity Instructors can expect to earn a competitive wage for the 2023 season.
Housing: All Cabin Counselor and Activity Instructors will be housed in our residential cabins for the duration of their contract. Each cabin is equipped with a separate sleeping area for counselors, and at least one toilet and sink per cabin.
Training: Cabin Counselors and Activity Instructors will undergo Staff Training roughly 10 days prior to the first day of campers arriving for the 2023 season (Monday, June 12th, 2023). Counselors and Instructors are expected to prepare for the summer by reading through their staff manual, seeking guidance and mentorship from veteran staff and directors, and engaging with ongoing professional development throughout the summer.
Duration - Approximately June 1st through August 8th, 2023
Contact - Georgia and Samuel Del Favero (info@campbirchwood.com) | (800) 451-5270
To Apply - Online Application