Summer Residential Counselor (RA) @UPenn- Multiple Opportunities

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

Are you a high-energy college student or recent graduate looking for an awesome residential summer camp job in Philadelphia? You've just found it! BOLD Summers is hiring motivated individuals to be Residential Assistants (Counselors) who live on campus with the students and are responsible for the residential life component of one of our pre-college summer programs. Staff and students live in the dorms on the University of Pennsylvania's campus in Philadelphia.

Available Programs and Positions

ProgramDatesAvailable PositionsCompensationComputer Science Summer Program

Friday, June 18 - Saturday, July 25, 2026
(5.5 weeks)

1

$3,100 + free housing, meals, trips/activities, and gym reimbursement up to $40Penn Medicine Summer ProgramWednesday, June 24 - Saturday, July 25, 2026
(4.5 weeks)0$2,700 + free housing, meals, trips/activities, and gym reimbursement up to $40Engineering Summer Academy at PennWednesday, July 8 - Saturday, August 1, 2026
(3.5 weeks)2$2,100 + free housing, meals, trips/activities, and gym reimbursement up to $40

Why BOLD Summers?

• Inspire Young Minds : Make a meaningful difference in the lives of teens while receiving comprehensive training and support.
• Unleash Your Potential : We offer internships, fieldwork, and overall professional development opportunities.
• Become a Leader : Gain valuable leadership experience as you supervise and mentor children.
• Positive Environment : Experience being part of a team guided by BOLD Core Values.

Extra Perks:

• Housing and meals: These are included and covered in your agreement.
• Transportation: Once you’ve arrived in Philadelphia, our team will pick you up from Philadelphia International Airport or 30th Street Station.
• Gym Stipend: Residential staff are provided a gym reimbursement stipend
• Global team: Our residential teams consist of members from multiple countries and states
• Employee Referral Bonus Program: Increase your earnings through referrals from your network.
• Weekend Trips: As part of your chaperone duties, you will visit tourist attractions on the East Coast and popular Philadelphia locations.

Position Scope

• Staff will arrive for day one of training by 12:00 PM EST for check-in at the University of Pennsylvania. The BOLD Summers team delivers orientation, training, and equipping. Staff are required to stay for the duration of the program, including July 4th, and will depart by 10AM on the last day of their contract.
• Staff will have one full day off each week (once classes start). Additionally, staff will have allocated time slots of time off during each day

Requirements

• Age Requirements : Minimum age is twenty (20) years old.
• Education: Must be either in college or recently graduated
• Experience: Prior experience working with teenagers; examples include but are not limited to teaching, coaching, tutoring, summer camp counselor
• Safety & Supervision: Chaperoning groups of 10 or more students for at least eight city blocks to and from their academic program building.
• Communication: Outstanding communication skills
• Required Training: Complete all training, background screenings, and other pre-employment credentials required by BOLD Summers and the state of Pennsylvania.
• Dress Code: Maintain the BOLD Summers camp uniform look at all times when on duty.

Essential Job Responsibilities

Besides meeting new friends and having fun together, our Residential Advisors/Counselors work hard, too, with their primary functions being:

• Positive Group Management & Safety: Supervise and care for the campers/students [ages 15-18] during the program.
  • Provide a fun and safe environment for the students.
  • Familiarize yourself with private student data, including health information and personal wellness concerns.
  • Take turns attending/chaperoning certain academic activities or field trips as needed.
• Dive into the Experience! Plan fun, age-appropriate evening and weekend activities for teens
  • Actively participate in all activities and trips
• Quality Programming & Logistics: Assist the Academic Program Director and the Residential Director in successfully implementing the program academically, logistically, and residentially.
  • Brainstorm, plan, create, and deliver evening and weekend activity programming.
  • Familiarize yourself with the operational aspects of the job.
  • Prepare the campus for the student’s arrival with signage.
• Teamwork: Work effectively with co-counselors and collaborate on daily responsibilities.
• Be the Ultimate Role Model: Serve as a positive and encouraging role model for the students and peers.
  • Demonstrate BOLD Summers Core Values & Code daily, from “Gratitude” to “Bring It” daily.
  • Model the BOLD Summers Virtues of Character (Gratitude, Respect, Trustworthiness, Effort, Kindness, Positivity, Resilience, and Community) in camp daily.
  • Adhere to all company policies.

• Photography & Video, including editing & cataloging:
• Capturing high-quality photos and videos of all program highlights (guidance provided to identify opportunities); minimum 10 photos per day
• Taking video clips of a “day in the life” student activities and special events.
• Uploading photos and videos to a designated location
• Flexibility is Important: Other logistical responsibilities are assigned throughout the program to ensure the smooth running of the program.
• Have fun!

Additional Requirements:

• Push/pull, lift, and carry a minimum of thirty-five (35) pounds on campus.
• Respond swiftly, calmly, and responsibly to emergency situations.

Organization Overview:

BOLD Summers is powered by ESF Camps & Experiences. ESF has been a vital influence in the camp industry since 1982. ESF (Education, Sports, and Fun) features award-winning camp programs in PA, NJ, NY, CT, MD, and DE for people of all ages. We are considered one of the country’s leading camp companies and people developers.

Our portfolio includes 40 nationally recognized day camps in multiple states ( baseball camps with the Philadelphia Phillies, and basketball camps with the Philadelphia 76ers along with the Brooklyn Nets. In the coming year, ESF has recently launched new programs, including BOLD Summers, our pre-college academic program. We also have 2 non-profit foundations: Dream Camp, offering after-school mentoring & summer camps for underserved youth in PA & CT, and Acting Without Boundaries, providing unique acting programs for youth with physical disabilities.

Reporting Relationships

• Residential Assistants (counselors) report directly to the Residential Director and the Bold Summers full-time directors.

This job description is subject to change.