Summer Camp Counselor

The counselor lives, work and plays with the campers. He/She is parent and teacher, the person most influential in helping the camper develop acceptable behavior, wholesome attitudes, and a happy, adventurous, learning experience in camp. All other camp staff members support and help the counselor in this challenging responsibility. 

Minimum Qualifications
• A personal relationship with Jesus Christ and a desire to share your faith with others
• Minimum 18 years of age
• High school graduate and/or one-year experience working with children, counselor-in-training course, group leadership course, experience as youth leader preferred
• Desire and ability to work with children outdoors
• Ability to relate to one’s peer group
• Ability to assist in teaching an activity
• Good character, integrity, and adaptability
• Enthusiasm, sense of humor, patience, and self-control
• Current CPR and first aid certifications preferred

General Responsibilities 
1. Involvement in the total camp programs with responsibility to help in all areas as needed, including areas such as waterfront, dining room, campfire programs, children with behavior problems, dispensary, etc.
2. Attend and participate in staff meetings.
3. Promote observance of the spiritual emphasis programs and of the moral and ethical code affecting campers and staff.
4. Responsible for sharing with the Program Director all matters of mutual concern relating to the total welfare of the camp.
5. Display creativity and innovation in programming.
6. Responsible to observe set curfew.
 

Specific Responsibilities
1. Direct, supervise, and organize campers in assigned living unit, within activities and throughout the camp to meet the intended camper outcomes.
• Apply basic youth development principles in working campers through communication, relationship development, respect for diversity, involvement, and empowerment of youth.
• Assure campers are properly supervised always.
• Be aware of, and implement, safety guidelines.
2. Participate in development and implementation of program activities for campers within the Star Lake mission and outcomes.

Responsible for leading and/or assisting teaching of activities,
• Actively participate in all programs areas as assigned.
• Provide the progression of activities within the framework of individual and group interests and abilities.
• Assist in any program areas as needed (Cool Clubs, Play Labs, EP’s etc.).
3. Maintain high standards of health and safety in all activities for campers and staff.
• Provide the daily care of each camper within your supervision including recognition of personal health needs.
• Be alert to camper needs and assist them with personal and/or health problems and discuss with Village Leader, Health Center Nurses, or Camp Director when appropriate.
• Be alert to equipment and facilities to ensure proper use, care, and maintenance is adhered to; report repairs needed promptly to Village Leader.
4. Be a positive role model for campers and staff.
• Ensure positive attitude, behavior and interaction with campers and staff always.
• Follow and uphold all safety and security rules and procedures.
• Set a good example to campers and others about general camp procedures and practices including sanitation and sportsmanship.
5. Participate in general planning and implementation of the total camp program, including evening programs and special days as scheduled by the Program Director and/or Village Leader.
6. Complete required forms as follows:
a. Population sheets
b. Clothing check lists
c. Camper reports
d. Incident reports
e. Seeker reports
7. Sit with campers at meals, as assigned.
8. Assume night duty on a revolving basis, as assigned.

Additional Responsibilities
1. Aid and support to all program areas as assigned.
2. Assist Program Director and Assistant Program Director in planning and preparation for total –camp activities.
3. Assist with preparation of tabernacle and other buildings for opening and closing days,
and other special programs. Preparation includes cleaning, moving chairs, sweeping, and
vacuuming.
4. Sit at camper overflow tables or monitor bathrooms in the dining hall as assigned on a rotating
basis.
5. Spend one night each session either sleeping out with cabin groups at the camp-out site or serving night duty for a cabin.
6. Assist with the registration and departure of campers.
7. Take part in evening programs as assigned by Program Director.
8. Arrive at least ten minutes early to scheduled activity periods, evening programs, evening
recreation, meetings, etc., to assist or lead in set-up or preparation of programs.
9. Attend and participate in weekly program staff meetings.
10. Serve as a rider as needed for children being sent home early.
 

Staff Responsibilities
1. Clean living area daily.
2. Work as a team player.
3. Committed to the development of campers spiritually, physically, educationally, emotionally,
and socially.
4. Willing to work with all staff members regardless of their positions.
5. Maintain a high level of interaction with campers and staff.
6. Be a constructive member of the staff contributing in every way possible to the health, harmony,
and happiness of the Star Lake Camp family.
7. Pray that each camper comes to know Christ as Savior.
8. Attend weekly staff Bible studies. These take place one evening per session.
9. Attend staff worship.
10. Voice criticisms to the Camp Director first.
11. Be in accord with camp aims and policies, being loyal to camp always.
12. Assist where needed for the benefit of the campers and the smooth operation of the camp.
13. Respond positively to the direction of the Program Director when he/she makes schedule changes.

Essential Responsibilities
1. Ability to participate fully in the total camp program*.
2. Ability to communicate and work with groups of various ages and skills levels, and provide
necessary instruction to campers and/or staff.
3. Physical ability to respond appropriately and quickly to situations requiring first aid.
4. Cognitive and communicative abilities to plan and conduct activities that achieve camper
development objectives.
5. Ability to identify and respond to hazards. Must be able to assist campers in emergency (fire,
evacuation, illness, or injury).
6. Respond immediately to assigned area in the event of a missing camper alarm.
 

- These are not the only duties to be performed. Some duties may be reassigned, and other duties may be assigned as required.
 

*Please note that full participation means that although you may not have an assigned responsibility you are required to attend and participate in the various daily programs of camp, such as evening programs, camper worship, cabin devotions, etc.…
 

MISSION STATEMENT OF THE SALVATION ARMY
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His Name without discrimination.