Summer Camp Program Counselor 2024 Summer Camp Program Counselor (Farm, Low Ropes/Zip/Challenge Course, and more) - Sky High Ranch at Sky High Ranch
Make a difference in the lives of children and spend an unforgettable summer in the Rocky Mountains! Sky High Ranch is located forty-five minutes west of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Activities include arts and crafts, backpacking, boating, horseback riding, zip lining, farm with ranch animals, dance & drama, archery and sports, low-ropes, international cultures, nature and science, astronomy, homesteading, gardening, and outdoor skills. Sky High Ranch is licensed by the State of Colorado and accredited by the American Camp Association.
Summer camp is a great way to add work experience and desirable skills to your resume - especially for those pursuing a degree in education or recreation!
DATES OF EMPLOYMENT: Late May to Mid-August 2024 (approximate dates TBD)
Pay: $510/wk (plus food and lodging valued at $200)
Benefits:
- Employee Assistance Program - 100% Employer Paid.
- Sick Pay in accordance with Colorado Law.
Program Counselor Duties: The Program Counselor lives with and provides programming for units of 12-24 campers during 3-day, 6-day, and 9-day residential camp sessions. The Program Counselor will plan, direct, and implement activities in one or more assigned specialty themes each week for a unit of 12-24 campers. Daily and weekly schedules are developed under the direction of supervisors and in cooperation with other unit staff, based on camp program, activity planning, and camp goals. This role works on a team of 2-5 other cabin staff implementing all camp duties and responsibilities in order to support and counsel the unit of campers in daily living, camp activities and developing peer relationships all while carrying out camp goals. A primary function of this, and every other job at the Sky High Ranch, is to ensure that each member, guest and visitor receives the highest caliber of service.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Create and maintain a positive rapport and communication with campers, parents, volunteers, and staff.
- Guide campers in developing peer relationships which includes and appreciates all members and accepts individual differences.
- Get to know camper's strengths and weaknesses regarding the program. Consistently show interest in the campers.
- Work in conjunction with Unit Staff, CITs, PAs, and Volunteers providing adequate support.
- Demonstrate a recognition and understanding of good customer service in all dealings and interactions as an employee of Girl Scouts of Colorado by maintaining constructive relationships with co-workers, members, parents, volunteers, and the community.
- Talk to parents to share information, to get input, to reassure them and to promote a positive image of camp.
- Provide support to volunteer staff as needed.
- Orient, teach, and supervise staff assigned to assist with activities.
- Give direction to cabin staff responsible for the group.
- Support and delegate tasks to staff who accompany campers to an activity who are interested, qualified, and assigned to assist.
- Verify staff competence before assigning them supervisory roles; monitor their performance throughout the season.
Participate in and provide engaging educational and fun programs.
- Implement program based on camp program goals, policies, and procedures to provide a quality outdoor education experience for campers.
- Guide planning, activities, and experiences in the unit to carry out program goals using democratic government and activity planning appropriate to age and readiness.
- Develop and direct a program of activities based on specialty themes, which provides opportunities for campers to experience variety, challenge, and progression suitable to their age, readiness, and ability.
- Incorporate camp skills and environmental awareness into the program. Use site resources.
- Carry out activities to encourage personal growth, learn skills, and provide challenges appropriate to age, ability and readiness.
- Supervise campers at meals and all-camp activities.
- Implement the written criteria and expectations for the conduct of activities; make written recommendations for change.
- Plan, coordinate and evaluate activities with campers and cabin staff; serve as a resource to cabin staff.
- Be prepared with activities for all kinds of weather and/or other changes in the usual routine.
- Coordinate activities with those of the entire camp.
- Supervise campers at meals and all-camp activities. Attend and participate in other camp programs, such as unit campfires and cookouts and sleeping in units as assigned.
Routinely display concern for an effective implementation of health, safety and emergency policy and procedures.
- Maintain high standards of health, sanitation, safety, and security to prevent accidents and to respond appropriately in emergency situations.
- Implement and interpret Girl Scout, state, and American Camp Association (ACA) (and ACCT where applicable) standards for all program areas.
- Implement security procedures and inspect site daily for hazards. Alert supervisor to potentially hazardous conditions or security situations and take steps to minimize risk.
- Practice good housekeeping and sanitation practices in all areas (including staff areas). Encourage good hygiene practices by campers.
- Use methods of discipline that are appropriate and in accordance with policies of Girl Scouts of Colorado.
- Teach and participate in rehearsals of emergency procedures.
- Notify the Health Team of health problems/concerns of campers or staff. Assure that campers receive medications as directed by the Health Supervisor, including on hikes and overnights.
- See that campers are properly dressed for camp activities.
- Administer first aid until the Health Supervisor or other professionals arrive (if necessary).
- Implement security procedures. Alert supervisor to potentially hazardous conditions or situations.
- Keep records, write reports, and submit recommendations as directed.
- Respect the confidential nature of all information pertaining to staff, volunteers, or campers.
- Adhere to all safety and security procedures at all times.
- Check area first-aid kits at least weekly and re-supply if needed; submit accurate records of illness, accident, and incident according to procedure.
- Teach emergency procedures for the activity. Call for and participate in rehearsals.
- Verify that equipment is in safe condition before each use, and is properly sized if this is a safety factor.
- Maintain, use, store, and inventory equipment and facilities, ensuring good and safe working condition. Make needed repairs or submit written report to supervisor.
Demonstrate responsibility, accountability and overall maturity of judgement.
- Supervise and participate with campers in their activities and kapers.
- Assist Unit Staff by organizing the group, maintaining discipline, and assisting with the instruction if qualified.
- Present a positive image to campers, parents and visitors through attitude, dress, and courtesy.
- Perform other duties to foster a cooperative climate and a smoothly operating camp.
- Open and close unit sites as directed, including cleaning, doing inventory, and moving and storing equipment.
- Participate in pre-camp and in-service training, attend staff meetings, and contribute to the planning and coordinating of the work of the total staff team.
- Participate in supervisory conferences and in the staff evaluation process.
- Submit itineraries, food, and supply requisitions accurately and on time.
- Keep records, write reports, and submit recommendations.
- Open and close activity area and other areas at the beginning and end of the day and season as assigned.
- Act as unit counselor as assigned.
PRIMARY CROSS-FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Consistently reports to work as scheduled, and in a timely manner.
- In accordance with the philosophy of Girl Scouts of Colorado, the person filling this position may occasionally be required to carry out or assist with other tasks in addition to the duties listed on this job description.
- Upon first day of employment you will be registered as an adult member of Girl Scouts of Colorado (GSCO). In becoming a member of Girl Scouts, you will be expected to uphold the policies and guidelines set forward by Girl Scouts of U.S.A. As a role model and representative of GSCO you will be expected to:
- Participate as a professional member of the total staff in providing effective staff service to GSCO.
- Be an active member of the Girl Scouts of the U.S.A., demonstrating the principles of the Girl Scout Promise and Law in all activities of the job.
- Contribute to positive relationships and demonstrate sensitivity regarding diverse racial, ethnic, and social individuals and groups in GSCO as a whole, and between the diverse individuals employed by GSCO or giving volunteer service.
- Support the efforts and commitments of Girl Scouts of Colorado in pluralism and diversity throughout the organization and within each community served.
- Embrace diversity and inclusiveness by contributing to positive relationships between diverse racial, ethnic, and social groups in the Council as a whole and between employees and volunteers.
JOB QUALIFICATIONS
Education and/or Formal Training
- High school diploma or GED, preferred.
- Must possess, or be willing to obtain, current First Aid/CPR certification.
- Must be willing to obtain any other certification and/or training sessions as required by GSCO.
Experience
- Experience leading or creating a program with lesson plans.
- Experience in a specific area such as: Low ropes, zip line, farm/animals, survival, etc.
- Experience teaching children in an informal outdoor setting.
- Experience with encouraging children to take positive risks.
- Experience with group and behavior management.
- Experience with developmental needs of children.
- Experience in record keeping.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Experience working with children.
- A desire to work with children.
- Ability to be flexible and adaptable.
- Adaptable to the camp setting and community life.
- Ability to work as a team member.
- Ability to meet emergencies with good judgement.
- Ability to work with children and adults of diverse backgrounds. Ability to recognize potentially hazardous conditions.
- Ability to work under pressure.
- Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
- Ability to provide documentation of legal employment status.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Must be able to work quickly and efficiently.
- Must be able to work well as part of a team.
- Must be able to work well under pressure.
- Ability to maintain personal cleanliness.
Additional Requirements
- Must be at least 17 years of age, 18+ preferred.
- If over 21 years of age, may be required to drive and pass driving requirements.
- Documented training, experience or certification in program areas which satisfies ACA, ACCT, Girl Scout Safety Activity Checkpoints and/or Childcare Licensing standards where applicable.
- Must pass any and all background checks required by GSCO, ACA, and CDHS.
- Must be able to work non-traditional hours including early mornings, evenings, nights, and/or weekends.
For more information about Sky High Ranch please visit our website!
https://www.camp.girlscoutsofcolorado.org/sky-high-ranch-1
We encourage applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds, including people with disabilities. Our workplace is inclusive, and we strive to create an accessible and accommodating environment for all employees. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations regarding accommodations for disabilities, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you are invited to interview and require accommodations, please inform us in advance so that we can make the necessary arrangements to ensure a smooth and accessible interview experience. If you have questions about accessibility or need assistance with the application process, please contact Human Resources at careers@gscolorado.org or 877-404-5708. We are here to help.
Girl Scouts of Colorado celebrates diversity and values the strengths that come with having a diverse community. People from historically marginalized groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
Girl Scouts of Colorado (GSCO) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Prohibits Discrimination and Harassment of Any Kind: GSCO is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at GSCO are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations where we operate. GSCO will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.