Description:
JOB TITLE: Counselor
DEPARTMENT: Camp (40) - Camp Silver Creek
REPORTS TO: Unit Lead
LOCATION: Camp Silver Creek
STATUS: Seasonal
PAY RATE: $582+ DOE/week
Our Culture
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.
Position Summary
Who We Are:
Since 1938, generations of campers have come to experience the joy and beauty of Camp Silver Creek. Located deep inside Oregon's Silver Falls State Park, historic Camp Silver Creek is a magical place for children and adults alike. Towering evergreens and a stream flow through the camp’s four units. In the center of camp, a beautiful field is perfect for field games and the lake welcomes boaters, fishermen, and even the early morning polar bear swimmers. We are actively hiring great role models who are energetic, collaborative, and hard working to join the team for this summer.
The Role:
Each Overnight Camp Counselor is directly responsible for a cabin group of approximately six campers, living alongside them and providing supervision throughout the day. Counselors foster a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment, building positive relationships with their campers while guiding them through all aspects of camp life. In addition to supervision, counselors lead activities, encourage personal growth, and serve as role models in all areas of camp. This position requires flexibility, enthusiasm, and a commitment to creating a meaningful camp experience.
Essential Functions
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Lead and support a cabin group of approximately six campers, assisting them with daily living skills while ensuring their safety, personal hygiene, and overall well-being.
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Plan and facilitate a variety of engaging camp activities tailored to the age and interests of campers, including small and large group games, campfires, transition games, values discussions, sports, crafts, and choice-time activities.
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Supervise and actively participate in all camp activities, ensuring campers are engaged, safe, and having a positive experience.
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Actively engage in unit activities and encourage collaboration with other camp staff to foster a strong camp community.
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Supervise campers during all key times, including campfire, bedtime, meals, values discussions, and transition periods.
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Attend and fully participate in all required training sessions, orientations, and staff meetings to stay informed and prepared.
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Serve as a professional role model, demonstrating positive behavior, effective communication, safety awareness, and appropriate language use.
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Treat all children with dignity and respect, ensuring a camp environment that is welcoming, inclusive, and supportive for all.
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Support and contribute to a safe, clean camp environment, including the daily care and maintenance of equipment and program areas ensuring they remain in excellent condition and meet ACA accreditation standards and State Park agreement standards.
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Ensure that cabins and areas of responsibility are cleaned and reset at the end of each session and before departure to prepare for the next group of campers.
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Support and assist peers and colleagues in all aspects of program operations and development, fostering a strong, team-oriented culture.
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Manage personal time in accordance with camp policies, maintaining professionalism and reliability throughout the camp season.
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Demonstrate commitment to quality, YMCA core values, and enthusiasm for working with youth.
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Participates in required mid-season leadership planning and training sessions to support program quality, staff alignment, and end-of-season readiness.
This job description may not be all inclusive and employees are expected to perform all other duties as assigned and directed by management. Job descriptions and duties may be modified when deemed appropriate by management.
Requirements:
Entry Requirements
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At least 18 years of age
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Prior leadership or childcare experience.
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Strong work ethic and desire to grow as a leader.
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Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively collaborate with staff, campers, and leadership.
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Ability to respond appropriately to safety and emergency situations.
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Completion of all training and onboarding prior to program start date or training due dates. Training is provided as needed after hiring.
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Must be CPR and First Aid certified or willing to become certified within the first 30 days of employment prior to camp start. (Certification classes available upon employment.)
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Current Oregon Food Handler’s Certification, or ability to obtain certification.
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Note, while being a lifeguard is optional, any staff with a Red Cross Lifeguarding Certification who are able to guard at camp will be given an additional $60/week stipend.
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Must be available during all of the following date:
June 14 - June 21 (Mandatory All-Staff Training)
June 22 - August 23 (Camp Season & Move-Out)
Note: Off from 1:00pm on Wednesday, July 29th through 9:00am on Sunday, August 2nd.
Physical/Mental Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
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Must be physically capable of observing and listening for stressful situations at all times.
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Must be physically capable of lifting 40 pounds.
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Must be able to quickly reach a person and/or situation to prevent harm.
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Capable of effective and appropriate mental, emotional and social responses in a constantly changing, youth centered environment.
All candidates must have reliable transportation. Job offers are contingent upon completion of a rigorous criminal history background check.
