Summer Camp Counselor

Humane Society Pikes Peak Region•Colorado Springs, CO

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Summer Camp Counselor is responsible for implementing the Camp Whiskers & Wags initiatives, nurturing a sense of compassion, respect, and fostering humane attitudes toward all living beings. Under the direction of the Youth Education Manager and along with other camp counselors, the Summer Camp Counselor assists in implementing the summer camp curriculum. This role involves hands-on activities and animal interactions with children, preparing teaching materials, monitoring camp supplies, and acting as a positive role model for humane treatment of animals. The position also includes administrative duties related to the camp program, such as managing schedules, attendance, parent communication, presentations, and check-in/out procedures. The counselor will work cooperatively with staff and presenters, modifying camp materials and activities as needed, and monitoring children at all times, reporting any concerns to supervisors. Injury documentation is also a responsibility.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Minimum 3 months experience (460 hours) working with school-age children in education or related field and can provide verification of experience.
Knowledge of animal behavior and animal handling experience preferred.
First aid/CPR training preferred.
Knowledge of learning styles and age-appropriate behavior.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Must be able to pass extensive background screenings.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of animal behavior and animal handling experience
First aid/CPR training

Responsibilities

Practice positive behavior management of children.
Facilitate hands-on children's activities and animal interactions.
Prepare teaching materials and monitor camp supplies.
Treat animals humanely, acting as a positive role model.
Assist with administrative duties associated with the camp program, including schedules, attendance, parent communication, presentations, and check-in/-out.
Work cooperatively with staff and presenters, assisting with logistics and behavior management of campers.
Modify camp materials and activities as needed.
Monitor children at all times, reporting any concerns to Youth Education Manager and Summer Camp Supervisor.
Complete injury documentation for accidents and injuries.
Cultivates and maintains relationships with Supervisors, Junior Camp Counselors, as well as camp attendees and their families.
Provide a safe, clean, and healthy environment for children and animals involved in the camp program.
Promote a safe work environment, actively monitors the safety compliance of staff and volunteers; takes immediate action to correct hazards.
Properly reports, documents, and addresses animal behavior issues.
Ensure and promote a safe work environment; following all safety guidelines and modeling safe work practices.
Actively monitor the safety compliance of staff and volunteers and report concerns to appropriate managers.
Take immediate action to address any safety concerns and that could put a staff member, volunteer, client, animal, or the organization at risk.
Represents HSPPR in a professional light and promotes our mission and goals.
Communicate effectively and professionally with campers, parents/guardians, co-workers, and the public at all times.
Documents staff and volunteer complaints.
Handles complaints and/or concerns from, or about, Camp staff or volunteers with professionalism and good judgment.
Evaluates volunteer performance and addresses issues promptly.
Involves Youth Education Manager as necessary.
Communicates with and provides regular feedback and/or coaching to Camp volunteers in a professional and timely manner.
Informs Youth Education Manager of developments that may affect HSPPR or the department including department progress, media exposure, public image, client concerns, and personnel issues.
Supports staff and volunteers; provide quality services to clients, volunteers, and employees recognizing their individual contributions to the success of our organization.
Assists with maintenance and inventory of supplies and equipment for the camp program.
Plans and organizes in anticipation of future needs.
Assist to train, work with, and supervise adult and teen volunteers in camp activities.
Commitment to the mission, values, goals and success of HSPPR.
Appropriately documents observed animal behaviors utilizing objective language as required in relevant procedures and/or policies.
Perform all other duties as assigned.