Camp Program and Counselor Lead

GIRL SCOUTS OF NORTHEAST TEXAS • Sumner, TX

45d • Onsite

About The Position

The Camp Program and Counselor Lead is responsible for assisting the Camp Director and staff team with daily operations of troop and family camp. They will plan, organize, and host daily camp life and operations, including singing trees, trading post, and evening activities. They will engage the camp community through high-energy, positive interactions. They will also assist with staff training and support and with camper and family care and support. This includes supporting counselor belonging, development, effectiveness, wellbeing, and growth through mentorship and check-ins, observation and feedback, and tokens of encouragement. This position will oversee counselor staff to ensure that campers have a safe, fun, and enriching camp experience through both structured activities and free play. Assist with mediating conflicts and resolving challenges. Collaborate closely with Camp Director in the coordination and support of daily camp life. The position reports to the Camp Director. Paid staff training is provided at the beginning of the summer and takes place at Camp Gambill in Sumner, TX. The position holder lives on site during sessions.

Requirements

• College degree, or within one year of completing degree
• Organized, participant-focused, and safety conscious
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism
• Excited about working with youth and young adults of all ages and with variable needs
• At least two summers of experience as a camp counselor or similar participant-focused role in a youth camp setting, or equivalent work experience with similar functions and responsibilities
• Ability to address staff and camper conflicts, concerns, and questions in an equitable and developmentally appropriate manner
• Ability to live, eat, teach, and play respectfully and fruitfully with diverse staff and campers all day, with limited privacy and personal time
• Willingness to live in camp setting with exposure to wildlife, including bugs, spiders, and snakes
• Willingness to be active outdoors all day in variable weather conditions (high heat over 100°F/38°C, high humidity, rain, wind, possible tornadoes) and to walk extensively around camp
• Willingness to role model respect, positivity, smiling, cheerfulness, kindness, patience, honesty, inclusion, good mental hygiene, and accountability and to self-regulate emotions respectfully in a variety of circumstances
• Willingness to listen to, learn from, and cooperate with others
• Willingness to embrace a simple living environment while staying on camp
• Ability to work long hours all day and all week with possible need to respond to campers / emergencies overnight (staff get personal breaktime each day)3
• Ability to complete full term (all weeks) of camp agreement
• Demonstrate and promote a climate of courtesy, respect and professionalism to coworkers, the volunteers served by this council, and others with whom this job puts them in contact
• Upon employment, employee must register as an adult member in the Girl Scout organization and subscribe to the tenets of the Girl Scout Promise and Law
• Attendance is an essential job requirement defined as having regular, consistent, reliable, punctual and predictable attendance including the ability to work regular hours and shifts, before and after hours, and on weekends, when required
• Must complete and pass a criminal background check

Nice To Haves

• Experience serving youth in a work or volunteer setting
• Experience attending summer camp or going camping
• Prefer a valid US drivers’ license and meet GSNETX driving record & automobile insurance requirements

Responsibilities

• Champion a positive, inclusive, caring, safe, and fun camp environment and promote the values of the Girl Scout Promise and Law, including serving as a positive role model for youth in language, dress, culture of inclusion, behavior, and attitude
• Lead and participate in camp program activities and administration, including meals, activities, rest, free time, kapers (chores), staff trainings and meetings, planning and preparation, and cleanup
• Assist with staff training and mentoring and work closely with camp administrative staff
• Assist with coordination of response for any emergencies that arise
• Facilitate positive group relationships, including addressing conflict in constructive ways
• Advocate for camper and staff confidence, responsibility, challenge seeking, teamwork, learning, goal setting, relationship skills, coping strategies, and opportunities for personal and group success
• Adhere to camp schedule and uphold schedules with others
• Assist in care of campsite facilities, equipment, and supplies, including managing resources wisely
• Practice all camp safety standards and emergency procedures and uphold them with others
• Work independently and as part of a team to meet camp program and operation needs and to implement solutions to problems that arise
• Participate in staff trainings and meetings as requested
• Stay overnight on camp to facilitate staff oversight and camper support.
• Plan, organize, and host daily camp life and operations, including singing trees, meals, trading post and mail, evening activities, and camper check-in and check-out.
• Engage camp community through high-energy, positive interactions.
• Assist with staff training and support and with camper care and support.
• Assist with mediating conflicts and resolving challenges.
• Collaborate closely with Lead Counselors in the coordination and support of daily camp life.

Benefits

• Summer camp changes lives for the better! Join an amazing community where you will make new friends, develop personal and professional skills, engage your body and your mind in an outdoor environment, overcome challenges, and be the best version of yourself, plus have tons of fun!
• As part of a team mentoring, teaching, and helping, you get to make an incredible impact on staff and campers, who remember the sense of belonging, friendship, growth, and magic of summer camp for their entire lives.
• All positions include meals when camp is in session, housing (if applicable), paid training and certifications (if applicable), plus invaluable work experience that prepares you to succeed in future careers.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 51-100 employees