Camp Counselor

Position Purpose:

Counselors are the primary caregivers for each camper.  The Counselor is responsible for planning, teaching, coordinating, and carrying out activities and guiding campers in their personal growth in God and themselves.

Essential Job Functions:

1. Assist in the direction, supervision, and organization of campers in their living unit, within activities and throughout LOMC in order to meet the intended camper outcomes.
   • Apply basic youth development principles in working with campers through communication, relationship development, respect for diversity, involvement and empowerment of youth.
   • Assure campers are properly supervised at all times.
     • This includes staying overnight in camper accommodations and supervising campers overnight.
   • Be aware of and implement safety guidelines.
2. Participate in the development and implementation of program activities for campers within the mission and outcomes.
   • Responsible for leading and assisting with the teaching of activities.
   • Participate in a mandatory two-week paid staff training sessions to learn how to effectively implement program activities, songs, Bible studies, and other trainings assigned.
   • Actively participate in all program areas as assigned.  Includes all worship, devotional, Bible study, prayer activities, music, and all other religious aspects of working at a Christian camp.   
   • Provide for the progression of activities within the framework of individual and group interests and abilities.
   • Assist in program areas such as aquatics (canoeing & pool), archery, team building elements, arts and crafts, nature learning and all camp activities as directed.
3. Maintain high standards of health and safety in all activities for campers and staff.
   • Provide the daily care of each camper within your supervision including recognition of personal health needs.
   • Ensure that campers receive their medications as directed by the Health Center Coordinator.
   • Be alert to campers and staff needs and assist them with personal and/or health problems, and discuss with camp Health Coordinator when appropriate.
   • Be alert to equipment and facilities to ensure utilization, proper care, and maintenance is adhered to; report repairs needed promptly to the Maintenance Department.
4. Be a role model to campers and staff in your attitude and behavior.
   • Follow and uphold all safety and security rules and procedures.
   • Set a good example to campers and others in regard to general camp procedures and practices including sanitation, schedule, and sportsmanship.

Other duties and expectations.

• Participate enthusiastically in camp activities.
• Contribute to verbal evaluations and communication as requested.
• Participate enthusiastically in all camp activities, planning, and leading those as assigned.
• Cover breaks for other counselors.
• Participate in weekly cleaning of cabins, staff housing, pool house, boat house, and restrooms.
• Must be willing to work at least one weekend if needed.  Additional weekend compensation would apply.  

Equipment Used:

• If you are 21 or older we may ask you to obtain a JO2 driver’s license in order to drive the camp van to transport campers.

Relationships:

Counselors generally have regular relationships with kitchen staff, camp grandparents, maintenance staff, volunteers and support staff.

Qualifications:

• Must be 18 years of age.
• Must be able to be certified in First Aid/CPR/AED and food handling.
• Must submit health history record form prior to first day of work.
• Ability to interact with all age levels.
• Must have a clear background check completed by LOMC.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of LOMC grounds will be required.
• Knowledge of LOMC and its mission.
• Ability to work well with others.
• Understand the development needs of youth.
• Understand basic ELCA Lutheran Theology.
• Lead Bible studies and prayers.
• Ability to relate to youth and adults in a positive manner.
• Demonstrate knowledge and skill in LOMC program areas.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to communicate and work with groups participating (age and skill levels) and provide necessary instruction to campers and staff.
• Ability to observe camper behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques.
• Ability to observe staff behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate management techniques.
• Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to activities.
• Physical ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid. Must be able to assist campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury) and possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers.
• Willingness to live (not required if local) in a camp setting and work irregular hours delivery program in the facility available.
• Operate with daily exposure to the sun, heat, and varying water conditions.
• Endurance to be on your feet and on the go while working irregular camp hours.
• Willing to live in a camp setting during the week (not required if local) with limited or simple equipment and facilities; and with daily exposure to the sun, heat, and bugs.
• Endurance for walking long distances, hiking, and canoeing.