Counselor II - Woodshop
About The Position
The Woodshop Area Leader is responsible for leading a safe, engaging, and inclusive woodworking program that fosters creativity, skill-building, and independence among campers. This role oversees all aspects of woodshop instruction, safety, adaptive techniques, staff training, and equipment management. The Woodshop Area Leader collaborates closely with camp leadership and counselors to ensure a supportive, accessible, and dynamic camp experience while actively contributing to the broader camp community. Examples of Activities include: Train campers and staff on proper tool use and comprehensive shop safety practices. Teach adaptive tool grips, safe handling techniques, and non-visual woodworking methods. Instruct alternative measuring and alignment techniques, including tactile measuring systems, jigs, and reference cuts. Teach basic home repair and independent living skills, such as doorknob and lock installation, simple plumbing repairs (e.g., toilet adjustments), and general household troubleshooting. Guide campers in creating small, take-home projects such as boxes, stools, birdhouses, or Braille plaques. Facilitate collaborative group builds, such as constructing a bench, picnic table, or camp improvement project. Support campers in developing problem-solving skills, confidence, and craftsmanship through hands-on learning. Adapt projects to meet a wide range of ages, skill levels, and support needs.
Requirements
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- High School graduation
- Current First Aid and CPR certifications
- Previous work in a camp, school, or community service setting
- Must be willing to live on camp premises
- Must be able to lift 70 pounds
- Ability to enforce safety and emergency procedures
- Ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to the activity
- Physical ability to respond appropriately to situation requiring first aid
- Must be able to assist campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness or injury)
- Possess the endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers
Nice To Haves
- Some college education preferred
- Experience working with individuals who are blind/visually impaired preferred
- Knowledge of Braille and/or sign language preferred
Responsibilities
- Plan, direct, and supervise a safe, engaging, and skill-building woodshop program.
- Lead and instruct woodworking classes and hands-on projects using shop tools and equipment.
- Design age- and ability-appropriate projects that support creativity, independence, and confidence.
- Assess and evaluate the success of woodshop programming and camper skill development, making improvements as needed.
- Train staff on their responsibilities in the woodshop, including proper supervision and safe tool use.
- Ensure all campers and staff consistently follow established safety procedures and accessibility guidelines.
- Provide instruction on adaptive and non-visual techniques to support safe and inclusive participation.
- Support counselors in developing simple woodworking or take-back projects for cabins or special events.
- Set up, organize, and maintain the woodshop and related program areas.
- Teach, model, and monitor proper use, storage, and care of tools, equipment, and materials.
- Secure tools and equipment when not in use.
- Conduct daily safety, cleanliness, and condition checks of the woodshop.
- Maintain an inventory of tools and supplies, ensuring timely repair or replacement as needed.
- Assist with camper placement in woodshop activities based on interest, ability, and support needs.
- Supervise and evaluate volunteers, Counselors-in-Training (CITs), and counselors assigned to the woodshop, providing feedback to the Assistant Director.
- Step in as a camp counselor when necessary to support camper supervision and overall camp operations.
- Participate enthusiastically in all aspects of camp life, leading and assisting with activities as assigned.
- Help organize and support evening programs, special events, overnights, and all-camp activities.
- Attend and actively participate in staff meetings and training sessions.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
High school or GED
