Summer Camp Counselor - Des Moines

Job Details

Location: 100 45th St, Des Moines, IA 50312

Camp Dates: 6/8/2026 (Mon) - 8/14/2026 (Fri) -- (additionally, one weekend to set up, one weekend to breakdown, and an orientation date)

Hourly Wage: The hourly rate for this position is $15.50 - $18.00 per hour. The pay range listed here is what Steve & Kate's Camp in good faith anticipates offering for this job opening. Actual compensation offers within this range will depend on experience and other relevant business or organizational factors.

At Steve & Kate's, we put radical trust in kids so that they learn to trust themselves. Campers choose minute-to-minute how to spend their time because making decisions today helps to build the self-confidence they’ll need to wrangle unknowns tomorrow. We value empowering our staff to be their whole authentic selves because everyone in our community needs to feel included! Sound like something you can get behind? If so, we're looking for team members who are motivated babysitters, teachers, coaches, students, athletes, artists, and anyone ready to play hard and be goofy. As a Steve & Kate’s staff member, you’ll sharpen your inherent leadership skills, learn some new ones, and collaborate with interesting people, all while immersing yourself in creativity and play.

Job Responsibilities

Staff members will be responsible for facilitating activities, making connections, and monitoring safety and wellness. Some staff members will create and/or oversee activity spaces in which campers will self-select activities, while other staff will work in rotating support roles throughout camp . The best way to find out what your specific responsibilities would be is to speak with your local director, but activities include sewing, stop-motion animation, maker space, performing arts, arts and crafts, lounging, recreation, and so much more!

Additional Job Responsibilities

• Actively supervising campers

• Maintaining an organized and approachable activity space

• Ensure compliance with Camp Policies

• Reporting & Recording details of notable concerns or incidents, and of injuries to campers, other staff members, or self

• Keeping track and being aware of camper allergies and dietary restrictions

• adding daily updates and photos to campers’ profiles

How do you know if you’re the right candidate? 

• Does the idea of guiding kids while they make decisions for themselves excite you?

• Are you calm under pressure and able to calm those around you?

• Are you comfortable leading groups of kids on your own while still collaborating with a team?

• Do you have the stamina to keep up (literally) with 4-12 year old’s bursting with energy and creative potential? And, can you bench press a kindergartener (just kidding -- can you lift up to 40 pounds)?

• Are you passionate about sharing your knowledge & learning something new (even if a third grade is doing the teaching)?

Job Requirements

• At least 16 years of age 

• Minimum of 2 months experience working with camp–age children, with 1 year preferred, in either a professional, personal or volunteer setting. 

• First Aid & CPR certified prior to Day 1 of Camp (some locations may require additional certifications)

• By applying and accepting an offer, you are giving Steve & Kate's permission to email or text you.

• You may be asked to chaperone campers on an off-site Field Trip where locations demand.

Physical Requirements

This position requires the employee to comply with all applicable federal, state, local, Steve & Kate's Camp, Bright Horizons’, and client site requirements concerning immunizations, employment physical/screening, and health and safety training. If hired, you will work in person in a schooled-aged camp setting to provide supervision, care, program delivery, and services per Steve & Kate's Camp and Bright Horizons’ policies, procedures and guidance, in compliance with any applicable laws and regulations, and in a manner that will ensure the safety of children in Steve & Kate's Camp's care and the employee. 

Steve & Kate's Camp and Bright Horizons comply with all laws that require reasonable accommodations for qualifying disabilities and/or pregnancy-related limitations. The full set of physical requirements for this role are as follows:

• Maintain and follow all safety and health rules of the location.

• Organize and maintain clean and accessible activity spaces.

• Assist in camp set-up and breakdown during move-in and out weekends.

• Stand for long periods while supervising children and facilitating activities.

• Participate in athletic games.

Benefits:

• Where local regulations mandate, this position is eligible for sick time.

Deadline to Apply: This posting is anticipated to remain open until April 15, 2026. 

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