Camp Counselor - Outdoor Programs Camp and Trip Assistant

Overview

The Outdoor Program with Blacksburg Parks and Recreation Department offers an array of outdoor adventure and environmental education programs for coed youth groups and adults. These programs range from 6 to 15 participants, and a co‑leader is provided. Activities highlight the natural beauty of the New River Valley and Southwest Virginia through canoeing, kayaking, climbing, camping, caving, hiking, biking, and environmental education.

The Camp Counselor for the Outdoor Division will supervise a group of 6–15 participants in outdoor camp programs for ages 11–16 years during day/night trips throughout the week, together with a co‑leader. The counselor will assist the Program Supervisor in planning and carrying out camp activities, provide sound judgment and decision‑making skills to ensure each participant’s safety, instruct and facilitate games, manage group dynamics, and foster a safe and energetic atmosphere where participants can gain an appreciation for the natural world.

Shifts may include weekdays, weekends, mornings, or afternoons, depending on specific camp or program schedules.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Supervises groups of 6–15 participants ranging from 6–15 years old on day/night trips throughout the week.
• Operates 15‑passenger vans with trailers in a safe and proper manner.
• Provides sound judgment and decision‑making skills to ensure the safety of each participant.
• Assists with the development and implementation of daily routine, schedule, programming and organization of all summer outdoor adventure and environmental education camp activities.
• Maintains control and discipline of a group of children at all times and in all locations.
• Assists in preparing required reports and forms.
• Prepares areas and locations in use during summer camp programs.
• Obtains and stores equipment in a proper area in an organized manner.
• Enforces all safety rules.
• Upholds and enforces department policies.
• Reports potential physical hazards in the facility and equipment to the Program Coordinator.
• Effectively communicates problems to the Program Supervisor, Department Program Coordinator, and Department staff or others.
• Administers lifesaving and emergency techniques covered by certified training.

• Applicants must demonstrate basic technical skills in canoeing, kayaking, climbing, camping, caving, hiking, biking, and environmental education and be in good physical condition.
• Possesses effective communication skills.
• Possesses sound judgment and decision‑making skills.

• High School Diploma or GED Certification.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Completion of a CPR, Standard First Aid, AED courses, or have the ability to obtain training, and any other training scheduled by the department.
• A valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Moderate experience in outdoor adventure and camp programs.

• Applicants should have or be willing to obtain a current CPR and Basic First Aid Certification.
• Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certifications are preferred but not required.
• Other outdoor certifications are a plus.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit, talk, see, and hear.
• The employee is frequently required to use hands and arms to write, throw, reach, and catch.
• The employee is frequently required to stoop to pick up equipment.
• The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to humid and hot conditions of a gymnasium…