Head Counselor Camp
Columbus, OH
Purpose PLEASE NOTE - THIS IS A JOB DESCRIPTION ONLY. THIS IS NOT A POSTING FOR A VACANCY To see a list of job postings, please click HERE Assists with the planning, coordination and daily operation of outdoor summer day camps for children ages 5-12 with various outdoor themes. Supervises the activities of Camp Counselors and serves as the Head Camp Counselor over a specific nature camp.
Example of Duties
Assists camp team with the planning, coordination and daily operation of summer outdoor camps designed to provide quality outdoor activities in a natural setting.
As a Head Camp Counselor, directs activities of assigned counselors; provides leadership at assigned camps ensuring a high quality program; and maintains frequent open and honest communications with Camp and Community Events Supervisor.
Assists in the creation and development of camp programs and activities. Assists with and participates in camp-wide activities as required; involves all members of the group in activities; promotes spirit and enthusiasm throughout the outdoor camp experience. Participates in staff meetings and training. Works camp registration periods.
Guides and directs assigned campers in a variety of camp activities; increases campers' understanding of the environment and outdoor recreation; sets a good example for campers, and encourages respect for personal property, camp equipment and facilities.
Ensures the safety of campers at all times; keeps camp areas clean, and demonstrates a concern for the environment.
Adheres to all applicable laws, policies and procedures.
Maintains good working and professional relationships with internal and external customers, employees, visitors of Metro Parks, parents of campers, and campers.
Performs duties as required or assigned.
Qualifications
Education/Experience: High School graduate with some camp experience preferred. Excellent communications and interpersonal skills, public relations, organizational and planning skills. Moderate skill and knowledge in the use of personal computers and Microsoft Office. Excellent problem identification, problem resolution, time management, customer service, communications and interpersonal skills.
Language Skills: Ability to communicate verbally and in writing with coworkers, supervisors, children, parents, the general public; ability to prepare meaningful, concise, and accurate reports; ability to give presentations.
Attendance: Being present at the designated camp is an essential function and is required as part of a regular 40-hour work week.
Language Skills: Ability to communicate verbally and in writing with coworkers, supervisors, children, parents, the general public; ability to prepare meaningful, concise, and accurate reports; ability to give presentations.
General Description: The Camp Manager position is for those applicants who can demonstrate progressively responsible experience at a camp or recreation facility. This position is responsible for supervising day-to-day functions of the camp program including orienting Camp Counselors and Assistant Counselors to daily schedules and expectations; monitoring staff performance including adhering to work schedules and adequately performing job functions; planning and implementing activities including all-camp activities; ensuring completion of daily checklists including equipment checks, open/close procedures and emergency drills; maintaining paperwork in an orderly fashion; supporting Camp Counselors and Assistant Counselors in managing camper behavior; communicating with parents/caregivers; and, communicating needs for program supplies, equipment, facilities maintenance, etc. to the appropriate staff.
Camps are held in City of Gahanna parks; Camp Managers are typically assigned to one primary site, but may alternate between locations and programs, based on camp needs. Typically, Camp Managers work up to 40 hours per week, during the camp season, and ideally are available for all weeks of summer programming. Approximately 120 hours prior to the camp season is required for planning purposes, as well as additional pre-summer trainings and in-service staff meetings throughout the summer.
* Plan, organize, implement, and coordinate specific summer camp program(s) being held at given park location, assuming the role of site supervisor for said location, by responsibly managing and overseeing daily operations, counselor coaching and supervision, camper behavior and participation, and specialized program areas.
* Ensure the safety and well-being of camp participants and fellow staff, adhering to all camp policies, procedures, and applicable emergency protocols, as described in the staff manual.
* Act as a role model to camp staff, participants, and parents in both attitude and appropriate behavior, remaining professional and respectful, as described in the staff manual.
* Maintain camper supervision and discipline, as necessary, in a manner that is appropriate and consistent with policies described in the staff manual.
* Abide by all mandatory reporting and communication policies, as described in the staff manual.
* Evaluate camp programs and camp staff, providing constructive feedback to camp management team and supervisors.
Regular, predictable, and punctual attendance is required.
Any combination of education, training and experience as listed below, which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job. A typical way to qualify is a High School Diploma or equivalent and 2 years of experiences in general recreation programming or an Associate's degree in a related field of study and 1 year of experience in general recreation programming. Must be 18 years or older.
* Licensure and Certification Requirements: Current and valid Ohio driver's license with an acceptable driver's abstract, to meet criteria for insurability established by the City of Gahanna. First Aid/CPR/AED certification or willingness to obtain.
* Coordinate and supervise the development and implementation of program activities, working with Management Team and supervisor, as appropriate.
* Demonstrate enthusiasm while leading, assisting, and/or actively participating in all program areas as assigned.
* Maintain exceptional standards of cleanliness, health, and safety, in all camp operations, adhering to American Camp Association standards at all times.
* Be alert to equipment and facilities, to ensure utilization, proper care and maintenance is adhered to. Promptly report repairs needed to supervisor.
* Maintain appropriate level of formal/professional conduct, in an informal environment.
* Provide parents/guardians and public appropriate feedback and information, when addressing questions and concerns, with assistance from the Leadership Team or supervisor, as needed.
* Be available for camp staff trainings prior to the camp season and for in-service trainings/meetings during camp season; some of these may occur outside of regularly scheduled program hours.
* Other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of:
* Basic recreation principles
* Youth development
Skill in:
* Conflict resolution
* Team building
* Behavior management
* Leadership
Ability to: (Mental and Physical Abilities)
* Work independently, while being able to lead and supervise others.
* Assist Management Team in assessing staff performance and providing appropriate feedback, coaching and guidance.
* Assess appropriateness of participant behavior and respond accordingly, using positive behavior management techniques, as outlined in the staff handbook.
* Adhere to regulations, policies and procedures required by any and all applicable regulatory/governing bodies.
* Possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of participants, as well as a high level of accountability.
* Document, update, and appropriately communicate necessary camp records and logs, along with monitoring staff use and understanding of such.
* Identify and respond to environmental and other hazards, as well as assist staff and participants in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury).
* Assist Recreation Supervisor in evaluating camp programs, providing input and suggestions where necessary.
Working Conditions:
* Primary work location is outdoors, where the employee is subject to environmental conditions, extreme cold, extreme heat, noise, vibration, hazards and atmospheric conditions.
* This is medium work requiring the exertion of 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Work requires climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, and repetitive motions.