Overnight Head Camp Counselor – Summer 2025

Overview

Job Title: Discovery Overnight Camp Head Counselor

Department: Camp Programs

Dates of Employment: May 19, 2025 – August 16, 2025

Housing Available: Yes (staff are required to live on campus)

Compensation: $600 per week base rate, 10% boost for Spanish speakers, 3% boost for returning camp staff.

The Discovery Camp Head Counselor works with the Overnight camp program. This position is responsible for planning, teaching, coordinating, and facilitating a wide variety of summer program activities in conjunction with the other Discovery Camp Head Counselors and the Discovery Overnight Camp Leads. This position is the primary caregiver for each child in their assigned living space. They are also responsible for guiding children in their personal growth and daily living skills. Head Counselors will also coach, mentor and provide constructive feedback to Discovery Camp counselors. It is the responsibility of the Discovery Overnight Camp Head Counselor to be completely familiar with the daily schedule, the client room, cabin and tent assignments, and the overall energy of the Overnight program.

Main areas of focus:

80% Teaching and Facilitation

10% Support staff duties (e.g. facilitation of meals, setup/clean up, transportation, student free time).

10% Staff coaching and mentorship.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Plan, prepare, and teach age-appropriate activities;

Maintain quality programming by focusing on program development, delegation, implementation, training, and evaluation;

Oversee up to 32 children in one dormitory or tents during each 4-12 day session – the maximum capacity of students in the overnight programs is 90;

Oversee up to 13 children on one overnight camping trip and challenge hike session;

Oversee, mentor, train, and evaluate counselors in conjunction with the Discovery Camp Lead and Overnight Camp Programs Manager;

Plan, oversee, and support a wide variety of KSS programs and activities, which includes but is not limited to: camper choice activities/freeplay, evening programming, special events;

Implement all logistical and operational tasks for Overnight programs, which includes but is not limited to: fulfilling weekly schedules, overseeing group and dorm/tent assignments, etc.;

Oversee and maintain high standards of health and safety, and follow Risk Management policies in all activities;

Actively interact with and engage children during KSS programs;

Participate as a mentor in the Counselor Assistant Program (CAP) by providing learning opportunities, constructive feedback, and writing final letters and evaluations to each overseen CAP;

Provide an electronics-aware experience for all children and enforce an electronics-aware environment with counselors;

Set up before children arrive and clean up after children depart from KSS campus;

Maintain storage of all KSS equipment, including teaching materials, gear, keys, toys, etc.;

Attend all staff meetings as assigned;

Tagged as: Backcountry Skills, Camp Counselors, Camp Staff

Qualifications:

Have an interest in, respect for, and ability to work with children;

Have an interest in, respect for, and ability to work with people with diverse backgrounds;

Ability to create an inclusive learning environment for students from a wide range of backgrounds;

Experience with risk management practices of the outdoor and environmental education industry;

Ability to be creative, adaptable, and flexible while managing children in a variety of situations;

Required Skills:

Candidates will be asked to provide verification of 460 hours of experience working with school-age children;

Current Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and CPR certifications, from an approved vendor, or the ability to obtain before the first day of employment;

Age 20+ with an excellent driving record and a valid driver's license;

Must be able to successfully pass a comprehensive background check.

Preferred Skills:

Ability to communicate verbally and teach in Spanish;

Proficiency with Google Drive and CampSite camp management software.