Midwest YouCan Foundation

VOLUNTEER CAMP COUNSELOR 

JOB DESCRIPTION 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

1. At least 19 years of age. 

2. Ability to accept supervision and guidance. 

3. Ability to observe camper behavior and assess its appropriateness, apply appropriate behavior management techniques, and enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures. 

4. Ability to physically and mentally assist in taking care of 8 to 10 campers 24 hours a day, each day. 

5. Possess the mental and emotional strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of, and interact with campers over the course of camp while remaining alert, friendly, and patient. 

6. Ability to creatively plan and facilitate an activity as assigned. 

7. Ability to lift up to 25 pounds. 

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES: 

1. To be directly responsible for the oversight, supervision and engagement of children in order to achieve the mission of Camp You Can. 

2. This position reports to the Camp Directors.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES: 

1. To live in the cabin with campers serving as a leader, supervisor, and role model. 

2. To help campers have a safe, happy, and empowering experience. 

3. To provide opportunities for campers to experience success during camp. 

4. To develop and enhance positive interaction between campers and staff. 

5. To empower campers to problem solve on an individual and group basis. 

6. To clearly develop goals and expectations with campers and review these goals and expectations with campers on a regular

7. To provide supervision and assistance in all aspects of the campers’ daily life including, but not limited to: 

• meals/camper dietary needs 
• cabin clean up 
• camper hygiene 
• prompt attendance at all activities 
• rest hour 
• taking of scheduled medications 
• cabin chat/ bedtime activities 
• lights out 

9. To help organize, lead and take part in all cabin activities including but not limited to, cabin time, camp songs, arts and crafts, camp dance.

10. To provide assistance in handling all camper related issues including and not limited to missing home, behavior management, disclosure, and medical needs. 

11. To develop and enhance positive interaction between volunteers and staff. 

12. To bring to the attention of the Camp Directors any camper related issues including, but not limited to, missing home, aggressive behaviors, disclosure issues, and non-compliance. 

13. To ask for help and feedback. 

14. To do a thorough clean-up of cabins at the end of the session. 

15. To manage personal life to ensure capability of performing job up to standard. 

16. To fully participate in all staff trainings and all staff meetings. 

17. To know, adhere to, and implement the policies and procedures of Camp You Can. 

18. Cognitive and communication abilities to plan and conduct the activities to achieve camper development objectives. 

19. Must possess strength and endurance. For example, must be able to lift and carry a minimum of 25 pounds and walk a minimum of three miles daily on uneven terrain. 

20. Must be able to meet the physical and cognitive requirements of being responsible for minors in an outdoor living situation. 

21. To perform any other duties deemed necessary by the Camp Director. 

WORK EXPOSURES: 

Environment 

While performing the duties of this position, the volunteer staff member is regularly exposed to outdoor weather conditions, including heat, sunshine, rain, and thunderstorms. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate and often loud. 

Physical Demands 

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit. The employee must occasionally lift up to 25-50 pounds. The employee must physically be able to participate in the camp program without assistance. The employee must be able to walk on sometimes uphill and rough terrain throughout camp. The employee must possess the physical strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of and interaction with campers throughout the duration of camp.

Emotional / Mental Demands 

The employee must cognitively be able to participate in the camp program without assistance. The employee is required to communicate and work with campers aged 7-17 and provide necessary instruction and information to campers and/or staff. The employee must be able to identify and communicate safety concerns and emergency situations and procedures to campers and fellow staff. The employee must possess the mental and emotional strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of and interaction with campers throughout the duration of employment while remaining alert, friendly, and patient. 

COMPETENCIES: 

• Innovation - displays original thinking and creativity; meets challenges with resourcefulness; generates suggestions for improving work; develops innovative approaches and ideas. 
• Judgment - exhibits sound and accurate judgment; supports and explains reasoning for decisions; includes appropriate people in decision-making process; makes timely decisions. 
• Professionalism - approaches others in a tactful manner; responds well under pressure; treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; follows through on commitments. 
• Interpersonal - focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; maintains confidentiality; listens to others without interrupting; keeps emotions under control. 
• Team Work - exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; puts success of team above own interests; able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; supports everyone's efforts to succeed; recognizes accomplishments of other team members. 
• Oral Communication - speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions; demonstrates group presentation skills and public speaking; participates in meetings. 
• Engagement – actively involved and enthusiastic about working with children and adults 
• Self-Care- takes care of self to ensure clear and accurate decision making capability and ability to plan effective and safe programs. 

2024 Details! 

Camp is an awesome experience for not only campers, but our staff too!

-Camp is located in Nebraska City at Girlscouts Camp Catron. 

-We have an application process which involves an online application, phone interview, require two professional references, and a background check. We always have a handful of  camp counselors who return to camp year after year because they are passionate about what we do! 

-Camp Counselors will be at camp Friday, Aug 2-Tuesday, August 6. 

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Counselors should arrive Friday, August 2nd at 5:00pm. We like to give them a chance to unpack their stuff, get a tour of camp, and just have some time to relax before campers arrive on Saturday, August 3rd starting at 9:00am. August 2nd will include seizure training, rules of camp, how we handle different behaviors/autism at camp, and plenty of time to ask questions. Counselors will also be given a list of the campers that will be in their group/bunk throughout camp, and will learn about their types of seizures, likes/dislikes, etc.  Then we do plenty of fun get to know you games, learn camp songs, and will have a yummy dinner and snacks!

-As mentioned above, campers arrive at 9:00am on Saturday, Aug 3rd. Counselors will have schedules for each day of what activities they have, where to be and when. There are tons of fun activities that counselors are welcome to do! Zip line, rock wall, ropes course, archery, swimming, etc. We also have a camp dance, s'mores galore, and art! 

-We're going to try to give counselors some time off each day to check their cell phones, have some quiet time, etc. 

-Counselors will sleep in a bunk bed with mattress provided. Indoor showers. 

-There are 4 registered nurses and an Epileptologist (neurologist specializing in epilepsy) on site 24 hours a day. Our Camp Doc, Dr. Paige comes all the way from Columbus, Ohio, where he serves as Clinical Epileptologist and Professor. 

I know this is a lot of info, but I just wanted to paint a picture of the awesomeness of camp! Our camp counselors make a huge difference in the lives of these campers! 

Contact meg@midwestyoucan.org for more info. 

402-770-3936