Head Counselor

The Salvation Army USA Central Territory•Pine Lake Township, MN

23d•Onsite

About The Position

The Head Counselor works at The Salvation Army Northwoods Camp in Finlayson, Minnesota, which provides summer camp opportunities to youth from Salvation Army programs across Minnesota and North Dakota. The role guides and supports counselors to promote compliance with camp policies and procedures, safety, and a positive environment. The Head Counselor also supervises an assigned group of campers ages 6 to 17, builds relationships, models positive behavior, and participates in spiritual activities. The position requires living on-site at camp for the duration of the temporary summer employment. The position is seasonal and temporary, approximately mid-June through July 2027, and pays a $475 stipend per week for 40 hours per week. Room and board are provided in addition to a biweekly stipend. Staff orientation week is required. The camp is not a remote-friendly work environment, and the position includes nights and weekends.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age.
Must have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and be willing to participate in religious activities.
Must pass background checks.
Must attend staff orientation week.
Must live on-site at Northwoods Camp during the summer.
Must be able to communicate clearly with campers and colleagues.
Must be able to perform physical aspects of the position, including being mobile, bending, and reaching; lift 25 pounds occasionally; and fully participate in indoor and outdoor activities and events.
Flexible interpersonal and communication skills.
Self-starter with good attention to detail and initiative.
Works with integrity, valuing honesty and diligence.

Nice To Haves

A high school diploma or equivalent is strongly preferred.
Prior experience in a youth summer camp setting for at least one season, or two years of related experience working with youth, is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide support and guidance to other counselors, ensuring they follow policies and procedures; assist management with scheduling and assignments.
Monitor campers and program areas to support the health and safety of all.
Develop and maintain positive relationships with campers and colleagues, and teach and model positive relational skills to campers.
Supervise and lead an assigned group of campers in daily activities, including classes, free time, meals, and programming.
Provide guidance and positive reinforcement, and assist camp leadership in holding campers accountable for rules and expectations.
Participate in assigned camp programs and activities and provide support as needed.
Attend spiritual activities and facilitate nightly devotions and prayers with assigned campers.