What are the responsibilities and job description for the Overnight Summer Camp Counselor position at Cal-Wood Education Center?
Cal-Wood Education Center is a 1,200-acre outdoor classroom in the Rocky Mountain foothills, 15 miles northwest of Boulder. We connect youth and families with nature through environmental education and camping programs. This summer, Cal-Wood is providing 5 weeks of science programs for high school students and 2 weeks of programs for middle school kids. We are looking for responsible Overnight Summer Camp Counselors who are excited to work with kids ages 10-17 while camping in a beautiful mountain setting!
Overnight Summer Camp Counselors will be responsible for a group of campers during evenings, overnights, and mornings. It is essential to pay attention to your campers' social, physical, medical, and emotional needs, so that they feel fully supported and cared for while at Cal-Wood. You will help lead evening activities, including campfires, night hikes, team building activities, and more. You'll also run dinners and breakfasts, as well as set a good example for behavior and attitude for your campers. You will be camping outside for five (5) weeks (either in a Cal-Wood provided tent or you can use your own tent/hammock) and staying in a cabin for two (2) weeks. You will also serve as a liaison between campers and administrative staff, and provide regular feedback to administrators to ensure efficiency and effectiveness of camp operations.
Responsibilities of Overnight Summer Camp Counselors:
- Stay overnight with your assigned campers Monday PM - Friday AM (5 weeks of outdoor camping, 2 weeks in a cabin).
- Lead campers through various outdoor and indoor activities such as campfires, night hikes, games, crafts, and star gazing.
- Facilitate meals and supervise mornings and evenings.
- Be alert to the needs of campers and act accordingly and appropriately.
- Communicate the needs of campers to the administrative staff when appropriate.
- Be a good role model by demonstrating positivity, cleanliness, punctuality, sharing, chores, sportsmanship, and table manners.
- Instruct campers on emergency procedures and ensure procedures are followed correctly when necessary.
- Maintain high standards of health and safety in all activities for campers and staff.
- Participate in debrief meetings at the end of each week and preparation for the following week of programs.
- One week of camp includes Hunter Education, archery and shooting practice, if desired.
Qualities and Qualifications:
- Must be at least 21 years of age
- Must have access to a reliable vehicle (preferably 4WD or AWD to drive up/down a steep dirt road)
- Experience and enthusiasm for working with youth (10-17 years old)
- First Aid/CPR certifications required (can be completed during staff training)
- Spanish ability is highly desired, but not mandatory
- Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and fingerprinting
Benefits:
- Live and work in the beautiful Rocky Mountains all summer!
- Continuous housing/camping provided from May 28 to July 26
- Weekends off and no work commitments from 9:30 am - 5 pm on weekdays
- Access pro-deals on outdoor gear
- Learn new skills for leading campfires, night hikes, and other evening camp activities
- Complete Hunter Education, if desired (would require some extra daytime work hours, outside of your normal overnight schedule)
Employment dates: May 28 - July 26 (including one unpaid week off, July 1-5)