Camp Counselor - Camp Felix

The New York Foundling•Kent, CT

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The New York Foundling is a nonprofit organization that supports children and families, individuals with developmental disabilities, and provides health and mental health services. Camp Felix is their overnight summer camp, offering children and teens in their programs a safe, enriching break from the city through outdoor activities, peer connection, and supportive mentoring to build confidence, resilience, and community. Camp Counselors work under the guidance of a Unit Leader to ensure a safe, fun, and enriching summer camp experience, helping campers build positive relationships, develop new skills, strengthen self-esteem, and form healthy habits in a supportive, engaging environment.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age
Experience working with children in a professional or structured setting (e.g., education, childcare, afterschool programs, recreation, or instruction)
Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with campers, peers, and supervisors
Ability to serve as a positive role model by demonstrating patience, kindness, responsibility, honesty, and compassion
Genuine interest in making a positive impact on the lives of children and youth
Familiarity with, or willingness to learn about, the needs of children involved in the child welfare system
Ability to follow camp policies, procedures, and supervisory guidance
Enthusiasm for participating in all camp activities and encouraging camper engagement (e.g., swimming, sports, performing arts, group games)
Reliable, punctual, and committed to being an active team member and leader
Availability for required training and for at least one full camp session
Demonstrated commitment to camper and staff safety

Nice To Haves

High School Diploma or G.E.D. preferred, but not required
Prior experience in a summer camp setting (day or overnight) preferred

Responsibilities

Ensure the safety, well-being, and emotional support of campers in an assigned cabin
Live in the cabin with campers and provide consistent supervision and care
Maintain a clean, safe cabin environment and promptly report maintenance or safety concerns
Supervise campers at all times, ensuring protection from bullying, abuse, public health risks, or unsafe situations
Maintain constant awareness of campers’ whereabouts through visual and verbal supervision
Lead and participate in daily scheduled activities, ensuring timely transitions to and from programs
Actively engage campers in a wide range of activities, including arts and crafts, sports, hiking, swimming, dance, music, and theater
Supervise campers during meals, rest periods, showers, and evening routines, including overnight supervision when assigned
Proactively identify and reduce risks to prevent dangerous situations
Respond to emergencies in accordance with Camp Felix policies and procedures
Support camper growth through positive reinforcement, guidance, and age-appropriate discipline
Use positive, supportive strategies to manage behavior and resolve conflicts
Participate fully in pre-camp training and staff development
Assist with camper transportation, including supervision during bus travel and loading/unloading
Perform additional duties as assigned to support a safe, inclusive, and successful camp experience