Counselor New

NovusWay, Inc • Hawthorne, FL

6d • $3,000 - $4,500 • Onsite

About The Position

Counselors are a key part of the camp experience and are expected to have a genuine love and appreciation of children, youth, God, and the outdoors. They complete two weeks of training and then staff eight weeks of summer programming. The workweek begins at noon on Sunday and ends after the staff meeting on Friday, typically in the evening. Assignments may change weekly and can include cabin counselor, support staff, special assignment, day camp, or disaster response. Counselors are expected to participate in and support all camp activities related to their assignments.

Cabin counselors supervise groups of up to approximately eight campers in grades 1–12. They serve as facilitators, guides, and role models, helping campers enjoy camp, experience Christian community, and grow in their relationship with Jesus. Responsibilities include building cabin unity, managing bedtime and morning routines, leading games and activities, using sound judgment when handling camper situations, and leading worship and devotional time. Cabin counselors sleep in the cabin with campers. The role involves responsibility throughout the day and night, with one hour off per day Monday through Thursday. A typical camp day runs approximately 7:00–7:30 a.m. to 9:00–11:00 p.m., depending on the campers’ age group.

Support staff counselors cover breaks, set up and take down activities, maintain facilities, and help wherever needed. They remain on site and ready to serve, and can expect at least one hour off in the afternoon or evening each day.

Day camp counselors may travel in teams of three to seven to programs hosted by churches throughout the Southeast. They lead day camp activities from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., including games, songs, crafts, Bible study, and skits, and serve as cabin group leaders. Housing may be at the church, in a host home, or in another facility provided by the church; host churches provide meals. These assignments include more time off each day.

Counselors may also be assigned to overnight hurricane disaster response programs in the Panhandle and Tampa Bay areas. High school campers stay in bunk rooms or bunk trailers with their counselor, and groups participate in hurricane response and relief projects.

The position offers a starting salary of $3,000 for 10 weeks, with additional compensation determined by experience, and room and board for the duration of employment. Two weeks of pre-camp training cover camp programming, child safety, behavior support, group management, and Christian faith formation. Counselors join a staff community united around shared faith, purpose, and fun, and have the opportunity to contribute to campers’ experiences while growing in their own faith.

Requirements

• At least 18 years of age and at least one year out of high school.
• Organization and communication skills.
• Problem-solving and people skills.
• Demonstrated leadership and group management skills.
• Christian faith and the ability to share it.
• Positive attitude and growth mindset.
• Adaptability to change.
• Ability to lead and participate in physical activities such as hikes and games.

Nice To Haves

• Previous childcare experience.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and care for campers, prioritizing their physical and emotional needs and promoting safety and inclusion.
• Facilitate campers’ participation in camp life and activities related to the assigned role.
• Build cabin unity and manage campers’ morning and bedtime routines when assigned to a cabin.
• Lead and engage campers in games and other activities.
• Use sound judgment when handling camper situations and anticipate potential safety risks.
• Lead worship and devotional time and support campers’ spiritual growth.
• Cover counselor breaks, set up and take down activities, maintain facilities, and provide other support as needed when assigned as support staff.
• As part of a traveling day camp team, lead games, songs, crafts, Bible study, skits, and other programming at local churches.
• Participate in hurricane response and relief projects with camper groups when assigned to disaster response.
• Communicate with the Senior Staff supervisor, ask for help when needed, and accept feedback.
• Collaborate with staff, help resolve problems and conflicts, and contribute to the camp community.
• Plan and lead fun, meaningful activities, taking initiative and adapting to changing circumstances.
• Uphold camp policies and rules, set behavioral expectations, and hold campers accountable with care.
• Model Christian faith, servant leadership, active listening, humility, grace, and compassion.
• Manage time and schedules and take responsibility for personal health and well-being.

Benefits

• Starting salary of $3,000 for 10 weeks; additional compensation is determined by experience.
• Room and board provided for the duration of employment.
• Two weeks of training in camp programming, child safety, behavior support, group management, and Christian faith formation before campers arrive.
• A staff community united around shared faith, purpose, and fun.
• Opportunity to contribute to a camper’s life-changing week and grow in personal faith.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed