Arts & Crafts Special Needs Camp Counselor - Paid Summer Internship

Looking for a paid summer internship where you can inspire creativity in young people while doing something you love?

If you’re passionate about arts and crafts and want to make a positive impact in a beautiful outdoor setting, this opportunity is perfect for you!

About Us:

Camp Starfish is dedicated to providing a transformative summer experience for children with emotional, learning, and behavioral challenges. As an Arts & Crafts Program Specialist, you'll have the unique opportunity to use creativity as a tool for personal growth, self-expression, and confidence-building, all while fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for campers.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and facilitate daily arts and crafts activities, guiding campers through projects that promote creativity, self-expression, and problem-solving skills.
• Live alongside youth campers in a cabin, providing 24-hour supervision and helping them to adjust to camp life and group living.
• Cultivate a physically and emotionally safe space for campers to explore their creativity and learn new skills.
• Collaborate with other camp staff to create a positive and inclusive atmosphere.
• Support campers' emotional and social development by incorporating restorative practices and behavior management techniques into your interactions.
• Nurture each camper's development, self-esteem, and personal goals.
• Fully immerse yourself in camp life to learn skills like facilitating, behavior management, and effective communication.
• Engage in outdoor activities like sports, hiking, high ropes, campfires, boating, and swimming, rain or shine.

Qualifications:

• Ideal candidates include college students interested in art education, psychology, social work, education, or a related field.
• Passion for arts and crafts with an ability to inspire creativity and self-expression in children.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and connect with children with diverse backgrounds and abilities.
• Strong mental resilience and the ability to handle challenging yet rewarding scenarios with empathy and composure. Being able to compartmentalize in the moment.
• Must be able to work the full summer season, including staff training dates.
• Must pass all required background and reference checks to work with vulnerable youth populations.
• At least one year of college, work, or life experience beyond high school.

Skills:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with both campers and fellow staff members.
• Ability to plan, organize, and execute arts and crafts projects for children with varying levels of experience and ability.
• Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a focus on fostering an environment where all campers feel valued and included.
• Physical capability to participate in outdoor activities in summer conditions (heat, humidity, lake water, etc.).
• Ability to work with challenging behaviors and implement appropriate behavior management techniques to help campers navigate emotional situations.

Development and Fellowship Opportunities:

• Course credit in art education, psychology, social work, education, or related fields.
• 140+ hours of hands-on training working with diverse children.
• Paid internship with eligibility for a 15-month Fellowship eligibility for further professional development.
• Weekly seminars on core values, restorative practices, self-regulation, and more.

Internship Includes:

• Beautiful, immersive nature experience with hands-on opportunities to lead and create.
• Room and board provided, including laundry services.
• Paid time off
• Travel stipend for staff traveling over 250 miles.
• Access to a supportive community and the chance to make lifelong friendships.

How to Apply:

Ready to inspire young artists this summer? Apply now to join us for a rewarding, refreshing, and life-changing experience. Help us make this summer unforgettable for the children who need it most!

Camp Starfish is an equal-opportunity employer. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply and bring their unique creativity to the team!