Camp Counselor

CAMP FIRE COLUMBIA•Sandy, OR

170d•$85 - $100•Onsite

About The Position

Camp Fire is committed to building a diverse team and culture. We encourage everyone to apply. If you believe in our values and mission and want to contribute to the work we do, we want to hear from you, even if you don’t meet every one of the qualifications listed. Camp Fire Columbia strives to create an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the diversity of the people we serve. We foster fairness, equity, and inclusion to create a workplace environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity. At Camp Fire Columbia, we believe that every child should have the opportunity to find and pursue their spark– a passion that inspires and drives them to set and achieve goals for their future. Our Summer Camp Program was founded in 1924 and continues to serve youth ages 5-18. During the summer months, we offer overnight summer camp at our beautiful 552-acre camp, Camp Namanu, bordered by the vibrant Sandy River and presided over by century old trees. This position is responsible for ensuring a safe, fun, engaging, and educational experience for all campers. Counselors live in a cabin of 6-12 campers, attend trainings and meetings, provide supervision and community expectations, create positive environment for campers and peers, and assist in the cleaning and maintenance of unit areas.

Requirements

Ability to perform job duties required for this position with or without reasonable accommodation and without posing a direct threat to safety or health of employee or others.
Ability to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
Displays excellent communication skills including presentation, persuasion, and negotiation skills required in working with coworkers, volunteers, parents, and contractors; including the ability to communicate effectively and remain calm and courteous under pressure.
Has a 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.
Ability to prioritize multiple tasks, manages time and stress levels, and proactively solve problems.
Ability to interact with campers of varying age levels.
Ability to comprehend and interpret instructions.
Must be able to obtain a valid Oregon Food Handler’s card, First Aid & CPR certification and completion of Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse online training prior to June 2026.
Will also be required to complete online training prior to arrival at camp.

Nice To Haves

We are able to hire a small number of current high-school aged staff that are at least 17-years-old, but the majority of our staff must be 18 years or older.

Responsibilities

Sustain an inclusive and equitable learning and working environments by having respectful and considerate behavior, thoughtful and constructive speech to all.
Commit to learning and applying an equity lens to the delivery of youth programming and community building.
Work collaboratively in a team environment with a spirit of cooperation including supporting Namanu by assisting with duties outside of this role.
Be open to feedback and contributing to an environment of continual learning.
Act as role model for campers including setting clear cabin expectations and providing first line of support for campers needs including homesickness, conflict mediation, and team building.
Lead and live with a group of 6-12 youth including gathering camper interests for scheduling, setting and following community expectations and being a safe and supportive mentor during their time at camp.
Responsible for ensuring campers basic needs are met including sufficient sleep, hygiene, reasonable eating habits and cooperation with the Medical Staff and Camp Director in case of illness.
Ensure a safe social, emotional, and physical environment for campers and staff members.
Set clear safety and behavior expectations for campers.
Follow all Namanu safety and emergency protocols.
Provide timely follow up on any accident/ incidents reporting.
Collaboratively work with other staff in unit to maintain a clean and safe work environment, including end of season inventory of supplies.
Assist and lead various activities for campers to support intended camper outcomes and engagement within the camp community.
Assist program staff with songs, arts and crafts, science experiments, cooking projects, and field trip activities, etc.
Lead cabin unit in group activities, including games, songs, etc.
Assist in coordinating cabin, unit and all-camp activity planning and facilitation including events such as free choice, campfires, group games, skit night, etc.