Camp Counselor - West Loop

First Ascent LLC•Chicago, IL

3d•$19•Onsite

About The Position

First Ascent Climbing & Fitness is seeking a highly motivated and energetic Summer Camp Counselor. First Ascent has a robust summer camp that operates inside of our Youth Recreation program. The program runs 5 days a week for 8 weeks in the summer from June 15-August 14, serving 30-40 campers ages 6-14. Counselors are responsible for their own group of 4-6 students throughout the camp day, ensuring that campers are safely and appropriately able to move through activities according to the camp schedule. Counselors provide support through daily activities (lunch, breaks, climb times, free times, arts & crafts, games, etc.) as well as provide belay lessons, climbing feedback, and running large group games. Counselors are responsible for ensuring students are using best practices for climbing safety, and coordinating with the Head Counselor to ensure that day-to-day operations of summer camp are running smoothly. Counselors will arrive at the gym by 8:00am Monday through Friday in order to prepare for camp to begin at 8:30am. The camp day ends at 3:30pm, and counselors should plan to spend 15-30 minutes cleaning up each day. Optional extended day hours available. Counselors can expect to work 40 hours a week for the duration of camp. This position will report to Julia Cooley (Program Director).

Requirements

Applicants must be able to work a minimum of 2 full weeks of camp - preference will be given to applicants with more than 2 weeks of availability
1 year of experience working with children is required
6 months or more of personal climbing experience is required
Ability to pass First Ascent’s belay test at or before camp training days
High level of energy to match the energy of kids who are always “climbing the walls!”
Be safety focused and vigilant
Possess good communication skills with both children and adults
Be dependable and timely
Upstanding reputation in the climbing community

Nice To Haves

The ideal applicant will have previous experience teaching rock climbing to children

Responsibilities

Execute daily activities according to camp schedule
Ensure camper safety by following camp policies
Implement creative and flexible changes when necessary to maintain camper engagement and adapt to the needs of the gym
Report on needs and successes to the Head Counselor
Independently run daily climbing lessons and activities
Effectively communicate with co-counselors and head counselor
Respond to physical and emotional needs of campers
Assist in setting and cleaning up camp activities