Position: Cabin Counselor – Catalina Sea Camp

Location: CIMI @ Toyon Bay/Fox Landing, Catalina Island

Work Year: Summer

Responsible to: Camp Director/Assistant Camp Director/Head Counselor

**This estimated start date is contingent and could change due to COVID-19 guidelines from the CDC, the State of California, and County Public Health Officials.**

What is the job of a CSC counselor like?

Though an immensely rewarding job, this is a HARD JOB TO DO! The job of a camp counselor is physically and psychologically demanding. Counselors must be physically and mentally fit to adapt to the long days, lack of privacy, and constant needs from campers. Not only must counselors be able to work under these conditions, but they also must retain the essential counselor qualities of patience, kindness, honesty, integrity, emotional stability, maturity of judgment and a desire to work hard.

Previous experience with school-age children is helpful and desirable, but Catalina Sea Camp believes that it is more important for counselors to have a sincere and unselfish desire to learn about the children entrusted to their care. Though we can't lay claim to the description, it's apt to characterize the prospects of being a camp counselor as “the hardest job you'll ever love.”

Catalina Sea Camp maintains a policy that ensures that campers are supervised 24-hours a day for the duration of their stay. THE WELL-BEING OF EVERY CAMPER IS PARAMOUNT! Cabin counselors share living spaces with campers, grouped in cabins according to age and grade. These counselors will live and sleep in the dorms, spend cabin time with the campers, supervise camper living habits, and guide the campers in their selection of activities. At mealtimes, counselors will sit at each table with 5-10 children. Counselors are involved in those activities where their teaching skills can be best utilized. On occasion, though, counselors may be asked to “assist” in activities in which they are not particularly experienced. (However, they are not expected to be the Head, but rather they assist and help with supervision.) We have great confidence in our staff to carry out all duties and responsibilities; however, discussion and/or questions are encouraged should special situations arise.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

Duties & Responsibilities

General Responsibility:

The counselor is responsible for the needs of the campers and assist in the supervision and facilitating of programs, camp rules, and regulations.

Specific Responsibilities (Examples of Duties):

• Learn the names and likes/dislikes of your campers. Be knowledgeable about the needs of campers including special diets, eating habits, etc.
• Assure the cleanliness of dorms and areas daily.
• Counsel campers when necessary.
• Create a cohesive bond within the camper group.
• Supervise and participate in recreation programs, keeping control of the group.
• Adhere to safety rules and company policies and procedures for the well-being of the campers and staff.
• Assist groups with programs. This may include lifeguarding, conducting hikes, or other recreational activities during all recreational periods.
• Assist with meal supervision of food services, including set up and clean up. Sit with the campers during meals.
• Assist with group arrival and departure procedures as assigned.
• Be able to respond to emergency situations when necessary.
• Assist with other departments when required, potentially for an extended period. This includes additional cleaning duties as required (wiping surfaces, extra cleaning of living spaces, etc)
• Other duties as assigned by Camp Director, Assistant Camp Director, or Head Counselor.

Essential Functions:

• Must be able to effectively work with the campers, counselors, supervisors, and other staff.
• Ability to communicate any problems with staff or campers to Camp Director, Assistant Camp Director, or Head Counselor.
• Ability to assist campers and staff in the transition of camp life.
• Good physical condition with mobility, visual and auditory skills to maintain control of 8-10 campers in a variety of environments (in the dorms, on hikes, in learning sessions, in the water, etc).
• Ability to lift, carry and move heavy objects when necessary.
• Good communication and organization skills are necessary to ensure a good experience for the staff and campers.
• Ability to properly respond to emergency situations and enforce appropriate safety rules.

Benefits:

• Housing
• Full meals at the camp dining hall when the kitchen is in operation.
• Workers compensation insurance and state disability insurance.
• Ability to participate in camp programs.
• Opportunity to live and work in a beautiful outdoor environment.

Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Staff may perform other related duties as required to meet the ongoing needs of the organization. Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind work assignments and to make reasonable accommodations as needed.

If traveling to our camps:

The employee member is subject to environmental conditions found working indoors/outdoors. The employee member is frequently subject to extreme heat, with temperatures up to 110 degrees while moving around in and outside of camp during the summer season. The employee member is frequently subject to loud noise when working in or around the camp. The employee member is subject to hazards which include proximity to moving mechanical parts, equipment found in kitchens and food service areas, sharp objects, and exposure to cleaning chemicals and animals. Other hazards may include slick floors and hot stoves, cookware, plate ware, or glassware. The employee member is occasionally subject to atmospheric conditions such as fumes, odors, or dust.

(To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions).

Salary:

First-year counselors will receive $500.00 per week.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must have completed one full year of college.
• Must be at least two years older than the oldest camper age group (oldest camper=17 years old).
• Past experience working with youth as a camp counselor, recreation leader or other similar experience.
• Must have strong communication and human relation skills.
• Certification in lifeguard training, first aid and CPR preferred (not required).
• Able to accept supervision and guidance and assist in activities where needed.
• Desire to live and work in remote camp community.
• Desire to work with children and ability to supervise them in related activities.
• Good character, integrity, flexibility and adaptability.
• Enthusiasm, sense of humor, patience and self-control.
• Must be able to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.