Rec Well Summer Camp Counselor; Summer

Position: Rec Well Summer Camp Counselor (Summer 2026)

Department Overview

Join the Rec Well team as we move Badgers to play hard, get fit, and live well. As one of the largest student employers at UW, we practice customer service, problem solving, critical thinking, professionalism, team building, and other skills that you can talk about in an interview with a future employer. We believe we’re more than a building. We’re building a movement.

And we want you to be part of it! Visit recwell.wisc.edu for more information.

Anticipated Start Date

In-person training begins June 8, 2025. Online training starts upon hire. Camp sessions will begin June 15.

Anticipated End Date (If Applicable)

August 14, 2025. There may be opportunity for academic year employment with our single-day camps.

Remote Work Eligibility Detail

Not Remote

Anticipated Hours Per Week

Minimum: 20 hours;
Maximum: 40 hours

Schedule

Shifts will occur Monday-Friday between 7:45 am to 5:15 pm. Each Wednesday, there will be a mandatory staff meeting from 5 pm to 5:45 pm. Vacation time must be requested upon hire. Availability and vacation requests are conditions of employment. Minimum average of 4 shifts per week (each shift is 5 hours).

Salary/Wage Range/Lump Sum

Minimum: $15.00 per hour

Number of Positions

38

Qualifications

• A desire to work with young children.
• Communicate effectively with people of all ages.
• Valid Adult & Pediatric CPR/AED/FA Certification or ability to obtain prior to first day of camp.
• Successful completion and passing of a certified background and National Sex Offender Registry check.
• Must be able to attend all training/orientation dates and Wednesday staff meetings throughout the summer.
• Mandatory Staff Orientation will occur Monday-Friday between June 8 – June 12.
• Preferred applicants will have experience in youth activities and summer camps and/or completed coursework in Teaching, Physical Education, Human Development and Family Studies, or related fields.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Excellent communication (Participants, Grown-ups, Co‑workers, Supervisors).
• Organizational skills (Attendance keeping, activity timing).
• This position may count as an internship if needed.

Position Summary /

Job Duties Safety & Wellbeing

• Maintains a safe space for campers, including careful supervision of campers and communicating any safety concerns to camp supervisors.
• Clearly communicates camp rules and expectations with campers and staff.
• Enforces and follows all camp rules and expectations.
• Consistent with rules and follows through with consequences and rewards.
• Appropriately responds to and uses behavioral management methods effectively as needed to mitigate camper behavioral issues.
• Maintains ratios.
• Follows Two-Deep Policy.
• Follows safety procedures such as head counts and safe travel actions.
• Builds and creates an environment that supports and encourages camper and staff wellbeing.
• Set up and take down activity space. Ensure spaces are clean and organized.

Engagement

• Actively participates with campers in camp activities and conversation.
• Organizes and facilitates small and large group activities.
• Encourages campers to try new activities, share their opinions, or help facilitate activities.
• Acts as a role model by participating in camp activities and building relationships.
• Builds relationships and successfully collaborates with all campers and coworkers.
• Takes initiative to develop and execute plans for implementing new ideas and/or activities.
• Avoids using devices for personal use throughout the day.
• Creates and encourages a welcoming work environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their opinions and beliefs.
• Shares responsibility and leadership by taking on different roles (facilitator, behavior management, etc.).
• Shares knowledge and experience with others.

Communication

• Uses age-appropriate language with campers.
• Communicates early, often, and thoroughly with campers, coworkers, supervisors, and professional staff.
• Uses professional and appropriate communication with grown-ups and/or communicates with supervisors about grown-up discussion topics in a timely manner.
• Completes required forms and includes all pertinent information or ideas.
• Communicates clearly using the radio.
• Keeps track of time throughout the…