Day Camp Counselor

Position

Day Camp Counselor – Seasonal, hourly (40 hrs/week; June 11–July 24)

Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (SVPH) is on a mission to inspire generations through discovery by sharing the legacies of the Kentucky Shakers. SVPH is committed to bridging historic preservation, land conservation, engaged learning and warm hospitality to present an unrivaled destination experience. It houses the country’s largest private collection of original nineteenth‑century buildings, is the largest National Historic Landmark in Kentucky, and offers onsite amenities including overnight accommodations, dining and catering, retail shops, event and meeting venues, historical exhibitions and tours, a farm and garden area, nature preserve, multi‑use trail system, equestrian stable, and an extensive calendar of special programs, activities and events.

The Program Department supports the mission of SVPH by inspiring guests through stories, activities and exhibits across the SVPH landscape that connect to our heritage, community and environment while expanding our understanding of the Pleasant Hill Shakers’ legacy.

Primary care and engagement of Shaker Village’s summer day campers, which includes children (ages 6‑12) enrolled in Explorer Camp as well as teens (ages 13‑16) enrolled in Teen Service Leadership and Leaders in Training. The camp runs Monday‑Friday, 7:30 am – 5:30 pm, with a Friday overnight campout. Candidates must commit to a week of training (June 1‑5) and seven weeks of camp (June 8‑July 24), with a typical 40‑hour week.

Pre‑existing summer commitments may be considered if disclosed.

Limited onsite/nearby housing may be available through Shaker Village. Please disclose during the hiring process if this is something you need to be considered for the Camp Counselor position.

• Ensure the safety and health of all campers in accordance with Kentucky Department of Health requirements.
• Implement and monitor camp activities including archery, arts/crafts, hikes, farm‑and environmental‑based programming.
• Communicate positively and enthusiastically with campers, guardians, camp personnel and other SV staff.
• Treat each child with dignity and respect.
• Engage with campers and adapt activities to age, ability and weather conditions.
• Maintain all equipment and property, minimizing damage and communicating any needs or issues with superiors.
• Ensure cleanliness of facilities and property.
• Report all accidents and incidents involving self, participants, guests or other employees.
• Prepare for and implement emergency procedures as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Must be at least 18 years of age by June 1, 2026.
• Must attend onsite training to receive certification in First Aid, CPR, AED and Epi‑Pen administration.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Positive attitude, problem‑solving, and flexibility.
• Ability to engage and educate children through experiential programs.
• Ability to work in a collaborative team structure.
• Show flexibility and creativity in support of all Shaker Village activities.

• High school diploma required.
• Bachelor’s Degree (or current enrollment in a degree‑bearing program) in a related field with relevant professional experience preferred.
• Experience working with children ages 6‑16.
• Knowledge of outdoor and environmental education, crafts, group games and sports, or other relevant topics relating to youth programming.

• Ability to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear and taste or smell.
• Ability to sit, stand and walk for considerable lengths of time (must lead hikes/walking programs on Preserve trails).
• Must be able to ascend and descend stairs on a frequent basis.
• Requires close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Regularly lift and/or move up to 25 lb.; lift heavier loads with a team as needed.

• Regularly exposed to wet and/or humid conditions.
• Frequently exposed to outside weather conditions.
• This position requires working some evenings; counselors may be expected to work an afternoon/evening shift on several Fridays throughout the summer.
• This position requires working near farm animals.
• Requires leading programming in a variety of locales, including hiking trails on the Preserve, SV’s Farm/garden, historic structures/museums, and near the Kentucky River or Shawnee Run Creek.
• Position is subject to a background check and drug testing.

Entry level

Full‑time

Other

Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos