Summer Camp Counselor

The Fresh Air Fund, an independent, not-for-profit youth development organization, has provided free summer experiences to more than 1.8 million New York City children from low-income communities since 1877. Despite the challenges presented by COVID-19, The Fund continues to provide safe, fun, engaging and enriching experiences for New York City youth to keep the magic of summer alive through virtual and outdoor programs. Fresh Air children also participate in year-round leadership and educational programs. For more information, visit www.FreshAir.org. 

Position Description 

General Counselors play a critical role in the successful operation of our summer camp programs by providing 24-hour-a-day direct supervision of campers and participating in exciting and rigorous activities such as hiking and swimming. Counselors and their campers live together and travel as a cabin throughout the day, including meals and activities such as swimming, archery, ropes course, model farm, and other specialized activities. 

General Counselors report to the Village Leader / Head Counselor.  

Responsibilities  

1. Provide 24-hour-a-day direct supervision, leadership and guidance to campers with assigned co-counselors. This includes supervising the group in between and during the daily program, planning cabin activities, eating meals with campers and behavior management.
2. Assume responsibility for the safety and well-being of campers.
3. Live in a cabin with 6-12 campers and co-counselors for the full duration of each camp session. Time off during each encampment will be arranged by a supervisor.
4. Understand that the position involves living in cabins with little to no privacy and eating all meals with campers in a large, noisy dining room.
5. Assist Program Specialists during activity periods. This includes participating in activities and helping campers and Program Specialists as needed.
6. Understand that campers come first and decisions should be made in the best interest of campers.
7. Address stressful situations appropriately in a fast-paced, interactive environment.
8. Be an active member of the camp community by participating in all camp programming including camp-wide events, overnights, hikes, swimming, activities and village meetings. This includes but is not limited to: going on hikes in the woods on camp property and going in the water during swimming activities. At times, lifting heavy objects may be necessary.
9. Write daily reports and a final evaluation for each camper to help evaluate their needs, goals and progress during their camp experience.
10. Strive to work in a cooperative manner with fellow staff to achieve goals of the program.
11. Explain and enforce the policies, traditions and rules of camp.
12. Invest time with campers to meet their needs, challenge their capabilities and serve as a role model during their time at camp.
13. Take ownership of the use and care of camp equipment and facilities.
14. Be totally familiar with emergency procedures and follow them when necessary.
15. Additional responsibilities as needed and assigned.