Overnight Camp Counselor - Linden

Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan•Linden, MI

7d•Onsite

About The Position

To further the mission of Girl Scout Camp by serving as the primary caregivers for each camper. The camp counselor is responsible for leading and caring for groups of campers; planning, teaching, coordinating, and carrying out activities; and guiding campers in their personal growth and skill development. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Provide daily care for and supervise each camper within your supervision at all times. Be alert to and assist with campers’ physical and emotional needs. Discuss with camp health director and/or camp director when appropriate. Assist campers with choices and activity selection. Self-regulate personal behavior in a fast-paced community environment. Adapt activities as necessary based on the needs and experience of the participants. Be a role model to campers and staff in your attitude, behavior, and following camp procedures. Ensure enforcement of camp rules and communicate them positively and effectively to participants. Facilitate program areas based on activities learned in staff training, such as target sports, aquatic activities, arts and crafts, outdoor skills, team building, high adventure activities, and more. Actively participate in all camp activities, planning and leading those as assigned. Apply youth development principles to empower campers, embrace diversity, aid in competency development, and build connections. Assist in camp chores and caring for program materials. Take the initiative to ensure that everyone has a great summer at camp. Other duties as assigned. Camp Linden is a magical place! It is a wonderful experience for youth and staff role models of all kinds. It is important for every staff member to understand the essential nature of the Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan program and Girl Scout Leadership Experience to ensure participation, with or without accommodation. You should be able to supervise campers at all times while on duty at camp, which is broadly described in the following: A communal living situation that means actively socializing and being surrounded by other campers and staff from when you wake up until you go to sleep. Lots of active outdoor activities, such as sports, horses, swimming, boating, rock climbing, archery, low ropes course, and similar activities that every camper must attend with a focus on collaboration and teamwork. 3 daily meals in a dining hall with up to 150 people who create a busy, bustling, and often loud environment, with excited talking, cheering, large group singing, and games A screen-free environment (during work hours) in which we disconnect from cell phones, video games, and the internet, and campers do not use devices during any part of the program day nor are campers permitted to wear headphones outside of their unit. It is important to remember that by the nature of overnight camp: You will likely have a lot less “alone time” than you might find at home. Camp Linden is a rather large property that spans over 400 acres. You should be comfortable walking long distances. Your schedule may change with little notice due to weather or other circumstances, and flexibility is key. The typical schedule is Sunday through Friday, though some Saturdays may be required. You should feel ok being away from home and having an independent group-living experience with a hundred other kids and staff.

Requirements

18 years old or 17 years old with a high school diploma
Must become a member of Girl Scouts.
Must have belief in and/or ability to speak with conviction about the mission and values of Girl Scouts, be willing to subscribe to the principles expressed in the Promise and Law and be aware of the needs of youth in our pluralistic society.
Must be able to pass State and National background check.
Current certification in Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED or willingness to obtain.

Nice To Haves

previous experience with children's camps or working with children preferred.
Previously demonstrated knowledge and skill in camp and outdoor adventure programming, including but not limited to target sports, aquatic activities, camping skills, STEM activities, etc. preferred

Responsibilities

Provide daily care for and supervise each camper within your supervision at all times.
Be alert to and assist with campers’ physical and emotional needs.
Discuss with camp health director and/or camp director when appropriate.
Assist campers with choices and activity selection.
Self-regulate personal behavior in a fast-paced community environment.
Adapt activities as necessary based on the needs and experience of the participants.
Be a role model to campers and staff in your attitude, behavior, and following camp procedures.
Ensure enforcement of camp rules and communicate them positively and effectively to participants.
Facilitate program areas based on activities learned in staff training, such as target sports, aquatic activities, arts and crafts, outdoor skills, team building, high adventure activities, and more.
Actively participate in all camp activities, planning and leading those as assigned.
Apply youth development principles to empower campers, embrace diversity, aid in competency development, and build connections.
Assist in camp chores and caring for program materials.
Take the initiative to ensure that everyone has a great summer at camp.
Other duties as assigned.