Camp Counselor

Job Title: Camp Counselor

Reports to: Camp Coordinator

Direct Reports: none

Status: Non-Exempt, Seasonal

Hourly Range: $960 weekly salary + lodging and food during camp sessions

Schedule:

Training:

6/6/24-6/9/24- At camp/overnight

Camp Weeks:

3/31/25-4/4/25

6/15/25 - 6/20/25

6/22/25 - 6/27/25

7/13/25 - 7/18/25

7/27-25 - 8/1/25

Additional weeks/weekends may become available. Dates Subject to change.

Program Information:

Camp Woodcraft, a program of Woodcraft Rangers, has a storied legacy of fostering inclusion and access in the outdoors since its founding in 1902 by author and naturalist Ernest Thompson Seton. As a pioneer in youth development and outdoor education, Seton's vision laid the groundwork for many of today's outdoor education programs. Woodcraft Rangers has stood apart by ensuring all youth, regardless of race, religion, or socioeconomic background, can experience the healing the power of nature-because every child deserves a safe space to belong, connect, and grow.

Since launching its scouting and camping programs in Los Angeles in 1922, Woodcraft has championed whole child development and providing enriching opportunities for youth at little to no cost, exemplifying a commitment to a Camp-4-All. This commitment remains central to Woodcraft's mission, eliminating barriers to participation and empowering young people to explore pathways to purposeful lives with positive mentorship and a supportive community.

For over a century, Camp Woodcraft has operated in picturesque Southern California locations like Lake Arrowhead, Big Bear, and Lake Castaic. Its new permanent home in Big Bear Valley continues this tradition, offering a year-round retreat where participants build confidence, curiosity, and lifelong memories.

True to its founding principles, Camp Woodcraft blends tradition with innovation, offering transformative, accessible experiences that empower youth to discover their potential in a safe and inclusive environment. With every campfire story, hike, and shared adventure, Camp Woodcraft inspires the next generation to step out of their comfort, embrace challenges, uncover a love for nature and endless possibilities!

Position Information:

The Camp Counselor is responsible for the social, emotional and physical well-being of campers. Additionally, the Camp Counselor is responsible for implementing the Woodcraft Rangers program model.

Position Responsibilities:

Camp Season (June-August):

• Focus on camper development (social skills, communal living skills, responsibility, self-esteem, leadership development, etc... )
• Ensure the safety and well-being of each camper
• Be a role model to campers and staff, follow rules and procedures and set a good example in regard to camp procedures (sanitation, schedule, sportsmanship, teamwork, etc…)
• Participate in the development and implementation of program activities for campers
• Lead activities with unit and entire camp during all-camp activities
• Assist in program areas such as nature, archery, low ropes and other camp activities as directed
• Maintain all safety procedures, health care and emergency procedures
• Implement program activities and schedule
• Implement camper behavior expectations
• Participate enthusiastically in all camp activities, planning, and leading those as assigned.
• Participate as a member of the camp staff team to deliver and supervise evening programs, special events, overnights, and other all-camp activities and camp functions.
• Ensure campers have fun!! It's camp!
• Other responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Minimum High School Diploma or GED (AA Degree in Child Development or a related field preferred); prior experience working with groups of K-12 students in an academic or recreational setting preferred.
• Must be First Aid/CPR certified. (Training provided by Woodcraft Rangers)
• TB Clearance
• Successful completion of livescan/background check with DOJ, FBI
• Must submit health history record prior to first day of work.
• Possess attributes that contribute to camper success (enthusiasm, integrity, compassion, trustworthiness, patience and respect)
• Experience working with youth in a camp environment preferred, a minimum of one year working with youth in any setting.
• Ability to perform traditional camp activities (hike, chants, stand for extended periods of time, etc.)
• Possess the cognitive, auditory, and visual abilities to perform described duties at camp
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and projects
• Woodcraft Rangers will require proof of vaccination for ALL employees providing any in-person work with staff or clients.
• Must be able to stay at camp in Big Bear Valley, CA during camp season

Physical Demands:

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.

The physical requirements of a Camp Counselor could be endurance including prolonged standing, some bending, stooping, walking long distances, hiking, climbing, and stretching; requires eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity to manipulate outdoor equipment and camp activities; requires normal range of hearing and eyesight to record, prepare, and communicate appropriate camper activities/programs and the ability to lift up to 50 lbs; willing to live in a camp setting and work irregular hours with limited or simple equipment and facilities; and with daily exposure to the sun, heat, and animals such as bugs, snakes, wildlife, etc.

Work Environment:

Some physical requirements of a counselor position could be endurance including standing, some bending, stooping, and stretching. Requirement for eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity to manipulate equipment. Requires normal range of hearing and eyesight to record, prepare, and communicate appropriate camper activities/program. Willingness to live in a camp setting and work irregular hours delivering program in the facility available. Operate with daily exposure to the sun and heat and other environmental conditions.

THE ABOVE DECLARATIONS ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE AN "ALL-INCLUSIVE" LIST OF THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE JOB DESCRIBED OR OF THE SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED TO PERFORM THE JOB. RATHER, THEY ARE INTENDED ONLY TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE JOB.