Camp Counselor
About this Program
Welcome to WonderKids, an exciting program by the Rural Arts Collaborative designed to help children soar in creativity and emotional resilience! Our summer enrichment camp gives every child the summer camp experience of their dreams, filled with laughter, exploration, and imaginative activities using natural materials. Campers are onsite from 8:30-3:00 each day, with staff working on both sides of that timeframe to prepare and clean up. WonderKids serves kids in grades K-6, Monday through Friday for 5 weeks in July and August. Camp training begins in June.
At WonderKids, kids get to be kids! Our warm and nurturing environment is staffed by caring adults who support emotional growth and foster collaboration among young campers. WonderKids has two main components—an afterschool program during the academic year and a vibrant Summer Enrichment Program in July and August—WonderKids is all about creativity and fun. We would like to find qualified, enthusiastic employees who are seeking year-round employment to work for both Afterschool and Summer programs, and we also want to seize the opportunity to work with energetic, passionate people who are looking for summer employment.
Camp Counselors play a vital role in this magical experience. They lead a spirited team, guiding Jr. Counselors and campers alike on their adventures. As a Camp Counselor, you'll leave a lasting impression on the kids, becoming a cherished part of their summer memories!
This position is part of a cohort of 12 interns working with organizations that support the Northeast Kingdom community. Funded by the UVM Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships, free housing for interns will be provided at Sterling College in Craftsbury, VT. Interns will participate in a week-long community orientation, weekly intern cohort workshops for professional development, networking, and reflection, and a final sharing event. Questions about the cohort? Contact UVM Internship Coordinator kristen.andrews@uvm.edu
View our photo gallery of camp for more details: ruralartsvt.org/summer-camp-gallery
Responsibilities:
- Positive Leadership: Guide Jr. Counselors and camp participants by fostering a fun and curious environment while ensuring their well-being.
- Supervision: Maintain safety and monitor behaviors during activities; report any concerns promptly.
- Orientation and Support: Help Enrichment Experts understand the environment and participants.
- Scheduling: Ensure groups adhere to the planned schedule with smooth activity transitions.
- Maintenance: Keep the activity space safe, tidy, and well-stocked.
- Collaboration: Work with Coordinators and Experts to prepare for activities.
- Model Behaviors: Exhibit a positive attitude towards all camp experiences, including chores and unexpected changes.
- Teamwork: Demonstrate responsibility by engaging fully in all camp tasks.
Duties:
- Receive and deliver camp activities as instructed by the Management Team.
- Ensure safety through supervision and monitoring of children.
- Manage behavior and address issues proactively.
- Participate in staff reflections and program improvement processes.
- Assist with daily camp operations including meals and activities.
- Daily duties may vary based on the needs of the camp and campers. Flexibility and a desire to serve the camp and the campers is important.
Qualifications:
- Experience with children in camp settings preferred.
- Strong organizational and communication skills.
- Ability to delegate, work independently, and execute plans.
- Reliable and detail-oriented.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and carry loads up to 30 lbs across distances.
- Capability to stand, walk, hike, and play outdoors with children for 3 hours at a time in all weather conditions. for extended periods and remain active outdoors.
- Set up pop up tents, folding tables, and move folding chairs and other outdoor classroom equipment.
- Bend, stoop, and reach materials.
Estimated Hours Per Week:
- Summer enrichment: up to 40 hours per week, based on a five day week.
- Direct camper supervision: 6.5 hours per day
- Preparation, set up +clean up: 1.5 hours per day
- Note that if the program is closed for any reason, e.g. weather or other related incident, then those hours may not be made up.
Job Requirements:
- Lift program totes up to 30 lbs
- Must be able to perform extensive standing and walking for 3 hours at a time
- Carry heavier loads up to 20 lbs longer distances (from a classroom or storage area to a car in the parking lot or out to the athletic fields)
- Must be able to set up pop up tents, folding tables, and move folding chairs and other outdoor classroom equipment
- Must be able to bend, stoop, and reach materials
- Must be able to play with children outdoors, hike, and remain physically active for 3 hours at a time in all weather conditions
Employees working with children will comply with Orleans Southwest Supervisory Union background checks, complete the mandatory WonderKids training, and must sign a contract that describes job requirements. Employees must comply with Rural Arts Collaborative policies.