Camp Helen Brachman Overnight Camp Counselor (Summer Only)

Description

COA Youth & Family Centers     Job Description

Camp Helen Brachman Overnight Camp Counselor

Summer Only

Department:  Camp

FLSA Status:  Non exempt

Reports to:  Assistant Camp Director

Direct reports: None

Driver Status: N/A

Primary Location: Camp Helen Brachman, Almond, WI

Pay:   $450 ($500 if Lifeguard Certified)/week (June 11-August 8) &    includes room & board.

Other:   Must be 18 years of age.

Mission: COA Youth & Family Centers nurtures children, supports families, and builds strong and resilient communities - one child, one family, one community at a time.

Summary

The Overnight Camp Counselor at Camp Helen Brachman is responsible for supervising and mentoring a cabin group while helping ensure campers have a safe, positive, and meaningful camp experience. Counselors provide 24-hour supervision of their cabin (outside of scheduled time off), model respectful behavior, and help campers build community, cooperation, and problem-solving skills. They support campers in maintaining healthy routines, monitor camper well-being, manage behavior using encouragement and clear expectations, and communicate concerns with camp leadership when needed. Camp Counselors also plan and lead activities, support camp-wide programs and events, and contribute to the overall mission and culture of camp.

This position is not eligible for benefits other than those described in the Employee Handbook.

Main Job Responsibilities

Essential Functions

1. Understand and support the mission and goals of COA Youth & Family Centers and Camp Helen Brachman.
2. Help each camper have a safe, meaningful, and enjoyable camp experience by contributing positively to the overall camp environment.
3. Recognize and respond to campers’ developmental needs, including challenges such as homesickness, peer relationships, and confidence building. Use age-appropriate approaches to support positive peer interaction and behavior management.
4. Represent Camp Helen Brachman in a mature and respectful manner by participating fully in camp activities with energy and enthusiasm and by actively engaging in staff training and professional development.
5. Contribute as a supportive member of the camp team by communicating openly, addressing concerns respectfully with appropriate individuals, and recognizing the efforts of fellow staff members.
6. Demonstrate reliability and accountability by maintaining personal well-being and acting with maturity and compassion toward campers, staff, and volunteers.
7. Plan and lead cabin and activities that encourage cooperation, communication, trust, personal growth, and self-confidence among campers.
8. Ensure that all activities are conducted with a “Camper First” and “Safety First” approach.
9. Maintain a camper-centered mindset that recognizes the wide range of camper experiences and encourages healthy routines and safe hygiene practices.
10. Help maintain a clean and safe camp environment by caring for facilities and grounds and leaving spaces in good condition.
11. Fulfill all responsibilities outlined in the employment agreement, including attending required staff training and working the full summer camp season.

Qualifications

Education / Knowledge / Experience

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience working with youth preferred.
• Previous residential camp experience preferred.
• Lifeguard certification or willing to become lifeguard certified preferred.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification required.

Skills / Personal Qualities / Attitude

• Demonstrates the values of COA Youth & Family Centers.
• Passion for serving youth and families.
• Commitment to the mission and philosophy of camp and youth development.
• Strong organizational and youth leadership skills.
• Patience, positive attitude, and respect for cultural differences.
• Ability to remain flexible and work well under pressure.
• Demonstrated skills in designated camp program areas.
• Enjoyment of outdoor activities and active engagement with campers.

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions

The physical demands for this position include:

• Ability to stand, sit, and walk for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift at least 30 pounds.
• Strength and stamina to maintain active supervision of campers.
• Visual and auditory ability to recognize and respond to environmental hazards.
• Ability to respond appropriately in emergency situations and provide basic first aid when necessary.

This position works primarily in an outdoor camp setting and involves regular exposure to varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, and rain. Counselors must be prepared to participate in a wide range of activities and respond quickly to changing situations or emergencies.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

These characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while preforming the essential job functions.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

The above is intended to describe the general content and requirements of this job. It is not meant to be construed as an exhaustive statement