Camp Counselor - Summer Staff 2027

Black Diamond and Warm Beach Camp•Auburn, WA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Summer Counselors at Black Diamond Camps are responsible for ministering to the spiritual, emotional, relational, and physical needs of the campers in both of the Black Diamonds Summer Programs: Day Camp and Group Camp. This role requires cooperative behavior towards colleagues, guests, supervisors, volunteers, and guests, along with regular attendance and a commitment to professionalism, safety, and fun. Counselors will receive training in all summer needs and may be asked to participate in specific Summer Programs. They will also assist in daily behind-the-scenes programming, including cleaning, dishwashing, and necessary work projects to ensure the camp runs smoothly.

Requirements

Must be 18 years of age or older.
Have a sincere love for the Lord and be committed to the Lordship of Christ in every area of their life.
Have a burden and a love for all people and a desire to see them totally committed to the Lordship of Jesus.
Be willing to support the philosophy and goals of Warm Beach Camp Ministries and Black Diamond Camp through attitude, speech, and action.
Be willing to accept supervision and guidance.
High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or one to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Current CPR/First Aid Certification or ability to obtain.
Ability to obtain Lifeguard Certification.
Food Handler's Card.
Valid Driver's License (for those age 21 or older) to be authorized to drive camp vehicles.
Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
Ability to write simple correspondence.
Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one, small group, and large group situations.
Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals.
Ability to compute rate, ratio and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagram form.
Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

Nice To Haves

Ability to communicate and work with campers age 5-18 and volunteers of high school age, during their various camp activities and provide necessary instruction to campers.
Possess abilities to observe camper and volunteer behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce applicable safety regulations and emergency procedures and apply effective behavior-management techniques.
Being available and flexible for as needed projects or needs in other departments and programs.
Be prepared to assist campers during other recreational activities (training and support given).

Responsibilities

Communicate and work with campers aged 5-18 and high school-aged volunteers during camp activities, providing necessary instruction.
Respond to emergencies in accordance with training and camp policies.
Observe camper and volunteer behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply behavior-management techniques.
Build excitement for the opening day of camp each week and conduct oneself to encourage trust from parents and campers.
Work as a team member with other BDC staff and volunteers towards the overall goals of the camp.
Serve as a positive role model to summer staff in spiritual walk, self-respect, love and consideration of others, enthusiasm, and work ethic.
Guide and encourage staff and camper participation in all camp activities and functions through attitude, speech, and action.
Actively supervise assigned aspects of campers' day, including daily activities, meal times, clean-up, summing, recreational time, and evening activities.
Teach or lead all assigned activities.
Strive to meet the spiritual, emotional, relational, and physical needs of campers and volunteers.
Recognize and respond to opportunities for presenting the "Good News" of Jesus Christ.
Ensure assigned campers wear clean clothing and are appropriately dressed for the weather and activities.
Be aware of the health and well-being of assigned campers and report any problems to the Program Manager.
Be available and flexible for as-needed projects or needs in other departments and programs.
Assist campers during other recreational activities (training and support provided).
For Group Camp: Co-counselors will lead 20-30 junior high and high school students through purposeful and pre-planned experiences, co-creating flexible schedules, leading Bible studies, building relationships, and facilitating activities/group development. Counselors sleep in nearby dorms with other counselors unless the group requests otherwise.
For Day Camp: Counselors work with campers aged 5-12 (Kindergarten-6th grade) from parent drop-off through mid-afternoon pick-up. Counselors must be high energy with a passion for fun. This is a Monday-Friday camp, with other supporting camp roles throughout the rest of the work week. Counselors work in pairs to care for cabin groups and lead campers in activities, group development, Bible studies, and other high-energy activities. On occasion, counselors might be asked to sleep in cabins with same-gender campers for overnight camp add-ons.
Demonstrate competency to belay/spot elements and activities.
Demonstrate proper set up of gear on the ground and use of appropriate knots.
Be competent in instructing and supervising participants on different challenge course elements.
Demonstrate proper belay set up and belay method.
Demonstrate the ability to see and manage inherent risk to minimize the risk of injury.
Maintain up-to-date Lifeguard/First Aid & CPR certifications or be willing to obtain them.
Demonstrate effective patron surveillance of up to 100 swimmers with the aquatic team.
Demonstrate competency to recognize and respond to emergency situations.
Be able to properly open and close aquatic environments.
Be able to identify and manage environmental and other hazards related to aquatic activities.
Be competent in instructing participants in canoe procedures, pool rules, and/or basic swim instruction.