Summer Day Camp Counselor

Position Summary

THIS POSITION REQUIRES EMPLOYMENT FOR THE FULL 8 WEEKS OF CAMP AND WORK SCHEDULE IS TYPICALLY 40 HOURS PER WEEK. This job classification is responsible for leading, instructing, and supervising children in recreational activities, sports, arts & crafts, special events and field trips during the eight‑week summer camp program. Work schedule is typically 40 hours per week. The following duties and functions are representative of the type of tasks performed within this classification.

• Participate in orientation training.
• Become familiar with and implement camp policies, procedures, and philosophy as stated in the Summer Camp Staff Manual, and learn the role of the camp counselor.
• Organize and set up programs and activities; submit activity plans; gather materials, supplies and equipment for use in implementing plans; and supervise recreational activities.
• Resolve differences that may arise during play.
• Assist at all camp check‑ins and check‑outs with assigned roles and responsibilities.
• Participate in all activities with campers; encourage and facilitate camper participation by implementing appropriate strategies, such as visual structure and reinforcements.
• Implement behavior‑management strategies according to the guidelines in the Summer Camp Staff Manual and discuss these strategies with supervisory staff.
• Greet the public; answer questions about registered participants from parents; meet parents/care providers daily or as needed and discuss the camper’s week with them.
• Ensure that all of the camper’s belongings are returned to guardians.
• Open and close the recreation building; check buildings; report any maintenance problems; and maintain order in the building.
• Comply with established policies, procedures, and regulations of the Recreation and Parks Department, the City, and Department of HRS.
• Maintain cleanliness of all areas of camp utilized by campers and camp staff; complete assigned cleaning jobs; store supplies appropriately after use.
• Upon exiting bus, complete an inspection to ensure all passengers have exited the bus.
• Take periodic head counts and perform a roll call of camper names throughout the day and during transitions to different activities or locations.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

• High school diploma or valid equivalent AND Six (6) months experience working and/or volunteering with children in a summer or other day camp or child‑care setting AND One (1) year of experience in Recreation or related field.
• Must possess (or be able to obtain within fourteen (14) days of hire) and maintain a valid Florida driver’s license.

• Effectively communicate with supervisor, employees, other departments, contractors, engineers, companies, vendors, outside agencies, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.
• Accurately and expeditiously receive and deliver messages and information to the appropriate individuals.
• Prepare accurate and thorough written records and reports.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions and complete assigned tasks with minimal supervisory direction.
• Understand and quickly and accurately follow brief oral and written instructions on moderately complex matters.
• Communicate with parent/guardians regarding child’s behavior or development throughout camp.

• Knowledge and understanding of how to lead and/or participate in all aspects of camp activities.
• Knowledge of behavior‑management techniques.
• Knowledge of safety regulations and emergency procedures.
• Knowledge of the child developmental process and needs of youth.
• Knowledge of group management techniques.
• Knowledge of the limited abilities of youth as it relates to their ability to participate in recreational activities.
• Knowledge of environmental factors that could negatively affect campers, such as bad weather, water hazards, poison ivy, and wild animals.
• Ability to plan and coordinate a weekly schedule of activities for youth.
• Ability to interpret and appropriately apply health and safety regulations to those youth participating…