Counselor Returning

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionCounselorJob DescriptionReports to:Senior Staff, Program TeamJob Summary:Our camp's counselors are the most crucial factor in a week at camp impacting a camper's life. Those applying for a counselor position must have a genuine love and appreciation of children, youth, God, and the outdoors. Counselors will undergo a 2 week training and then staff 8 weeks of summer programming. The counselor’s week begins at 1pm every Sunday and ends at the end of staff meeting on Friday, typically around 8pm. Counselors may serve in several capacities over the course of a summer, including in-cabin, on general duty, on special assignment, or on a Lutheroad day camp. Staff assignments change weekly, and staff will likely serve in all capacities over the course of the summer. Counselors are expected to be engaged in and support all camp activities related to their assignment. Cabin Counselor- Counselors may be placed in cabins supervising a group of around up to 8 campers at a time between 1st and 12th grade. As a cabin counselor, one's involvement in camp life is a twenty-four hour per day responsibility, with one hour off per day (Monday-Thursday). A typical day at camp begins around 7:00-7:30am and ends between 9:00-11:00pm depending on the age group. The cabin counselor is a facilitator, guide, and role model for the campers in their care, enabling the group to have fun at camp while they experience Christian community and grow in their relationship with Jesus. A cabin counselor is responsible for creating cabin unity, managing bedtime and morning routines, leading and engaging campers in games and other activities, providing sound judgment in handling camper situations, and leading worship and devotional time for campers. Cabin counselors sleep in the cabin with campers, in a private counselor quarter. Over the course of an 8 week summer, counselors can expect to be cabin counselors between 3 and 5 times on average. General Duty Counselor- General Duty counselors act as support staff during the week of camp by serving in the dining hall, maintaining the facilities, and filling in where needed. All General Duty counselors are expected to remain on site at all times and be ready to serve where needed, and can expect at least one hour off in the afternoon or evening each day. General Duty counselors sleep in cabins with co-workers. Over the course of an 8 week summer, counselors can expect to be General Duty counselors between 1 and 2 times on average. Special Assignment Counselor (Lutheridge)- Counselors may be assigned to on-site programs that do not require staying overnight in cabins with campers. These assignments may include accompanying family camp, grands camp, day camp, preKamp; or sometimes they may serve as lifeguards (if certified) or assistants in the craft lodge. These counselors sleep in cabins with General Duty or other special assignment counselors and can expect at least one hour off each day. These counselors are expected to remain with their assignment until the program ends for the day. Lutheroad Counselor (Lutheridge)- Counselors may be assigned to a team for a traveling Day Camp program hosted by churches throughout the southeast. These teams of three to seven staff spend a week leading a day camp program (9am-4pm) at local churches. During that time, they act as cabin group leaders, lead games, songs, crafts, Bible study and skits, and generally create fun and unique programming at each site. These counselors may be housed at the church, in a host home, or in a separate facility provided by the church. Meals are also provided by the host church. Lutheroad counselors enjoy time together in new locations and more time off each day. Over the course of an 8 week summer, counselors can expect to be Lutheroad counselors between 1 and 3 times on average. Qualifications:At least 18 years of age and one year out of high schoolPrevious childcare experience preferredOrganization and communication skillsProblem-solving and people skillsDemonstrated leadership and group management skillsChristian faith and the ability to share itPositive attitude and growth mindsetAdaptivity to changeAble to lead and participate in physical activities such as hikes, games, etc. What We Offer:$3,000 starting salary for 10 weeks; additional compensation determined by experienceRoom and board provided for the duration of employment*2 week training in camp programming, child safety, behavior support, group management, and Christian faith formation before campers arrive.A community of staff united around shared faith, purpose, and funThe chance to be part of a camper's life-changing week — and to grow in your own faith alongside them* on weekends, we provide housing but no meals between Friday dinner (provided) and Sunday lunch (provided). There is a kitchen on site where staff may keep and prepare purchased food.Core Competencies:Camper First:Recognizes and addresses campers' physical and emotional needs, prioritizes quality experience for campers, and promotes sense of safety and inclusion for all campers.Embodies servant leadership and models a “camper first” culture for counselors in all interactions with campers, families, and guests.Communication:Provides clear and consistent check-ins with Senior Staff supervisor and can ask for help when needed. Communication is respectful without blaming or generalizing. Openly accepts feedback.Collaboration:Able to see their role as part of a larger team and work collaboratively to support the whole of camp. Actively participates in the community and engages generously in helping others. Shows team building skills and works productively and directly to solve problems and conflicts that arise with other staff.Attitude:Models enthusiasm for job and camp, engaging people positively and joyfully, with a demeanor of optimism and abundance. Maintains a reliable, consistent, and self-motivated work ethic. Serves joyfully and demonstrates trust in leadership, reporting concerns directly to a supervisor.Judgment/Critical Thinking:Applies skills learned in staff training appropriately. Demonstrates good judgment and can manage resources (people, time, resources) to accomplish tasks. Plans activities thoroughly and implements strategy for set up and clean up.Creativity:Plans and leads fun and meaningful activities. Able to adapt quickly to changing circumstances and uses creative methods to handle situations that arise.Leadership:Demonstrates the ability to lead others. Models camp values of servant leadership, active listening, and a growth mindset.Takes initiative to lead activities and do tasks without having to be told.Professionalism:Ability to manage time and schedulesand take responsibility for their own health and well-being. Uses appropriate tone with staff and guests. Interacts appropriately with adult guests, parents, and volunteers and represents the ministry with confidence and trust.Risk Management:Upholds camp policies and rules. Sets clear expectations about behaviors and rules with campers and holds them accountable in a spirit of love. Demonstrates vigilance about safety and anticipates potential dangers.Faith Formation:Promotes spiritual growth in campers through leading worship, modeling discipleship, and integrating faith into the camp experience. Able to design thoughtful and creative worship experiences and lead them using prayer, songs, blessings, and nature to help form faith. Models Jesus’ love and demonstrates humility, grace, and compassion.