Village Lead Counselor
About The Position
Camp Mendocino is a residential summer camp located in Northern California, four hours north of San Francisco and spread over 2,000 acres. We provide transportation between San Francisco and Camp at the start and end of the summer. All Camp employees are expected to live, sleep and work at Camp. As a program of the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco (BGCSF), we are dedicated to providing children and teens with safe, fun places to learn and grow, with professional staff to offer support and guidance, serving as caring mentors and role models. We’re not just a summer camp—we’re a community. We provide a safe, transformative outdoor experience for youth from diverse backgrounds including youth from some of San Francisco’s least resourced neighborhoods; grounded in diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and joy. Our staff culture values growth, teamwork, professionalism, and fun. You are a youth-centered role model with strong emotional intelligence, integrity, and a love for the outdoors. You collaborate well, bring creativity and patience, and are eager to learn, grow, and support a diverse community of campers and staff. Lead counselors manage a small team of Camp counselors (6-8 staff) and are responsible for a group of up to 20 youth, ensuring a positive camp experience, managing behavior issues, and participating in all Camp activities.
Requirements
- Minimum 2 years experience in youth development.
- Experience working with middle school-aged youth.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively and communicate with coworkers, parents, and campers.
- Ability to handle challenging or stressful situations in a professional manner.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Nice To Haves
- Experience working with youth from disadvantaged circumstances.
- Experience working with youth in an overnight camp setting.
- Experience supervising staff.
Responsibilities
- Foster camper growth in the areas of: life skills, self-care, and interpersonal skills.
- Ensure the safety of all campers in their group including setting clear safety expectations, observing and engaging campers while in their care, assessing the appropriateness of camper behaviors.
- Manage and coach counselors ensuring proper supervision of youth, including running daily team meetings.
- Ensure the physical and emotional needs of staff and campers in their group are being met.
- Oversees the daily schedule and activities schedule for campers is adhered to.
- Lead & plan traditional Camp activities, including but not limited to: arts & crafts, archery, hiking, environmental education, and sports.
- Facilitate mediation, mentoring, and conflict resolution.
- Work as a liaison between youth and staff to sustain a positive, safe, and fun environment.
- Contact parents/guardians and ensure consistent communication with camper families.
- Ensure campers’ medical needs are met through consultation with infirmary staff.
- Attend all required meetings and training.
- Maintain accurate documentation and paperwork.
- Foster character development consistent with BGCSF philosophy.
- Engage campers with positivity, including participating in cheers, talent shows, and overnight hikes.
- Directly supervise youth in activities or in a cabin overnight.
- Other duties as specified by the direct supervisor.
Benefits
- Onsite lodging is provided for all staff.
- Three cooked meals per day are provided onsite, including on days off (gluten-free, vegan, & vegetarian options).
- Free onsite laundry.
- Employee Assistance Program: in-person counseling + 24/7 confidential mental health support.
- Onsite workout facilities.
- Free Wifi access in the staff lounge.
- Free 1-year membership to the American Camp Association
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
Number of Employees
101-250 employees
