Horse Camp Counselor - Summer Staff 2027

Description

SUMMARY

Counselors are the primary caregivers for each camper. Counselors will assist the Assistant Horsemanship Director in planning, teaching, coordinating and carrying out activities, and guiding campers in their personal growth and daily living skills. The person in this position shall at all times, demonstrate cooperative behavior towards colleagues, guests and supervisors. Regular attendance is essential for this position.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following; other duties may be assigned:

1. Assist in the direction, supervision, and organization of campers (ages 10-18) in their living unit, within activities and throughout the camp, in order to meet the intended camper outcomes.

• Apply basic youth development principles in working with campers through communication, relational development, respect for a diverse community, establishing behavioral goals, involvement transformation opportunities, and empowerment of youth.
• Ensure campers are properly supervised at all times.
• Be aware of, and implement safety guidelines.
• Learn (to the best of your ability) about each camper; their likes and dislikes, how they connect to others, etc.

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, including games, songs, and horsemanship lessons, using provided materials.
• Actively participate and demonstrate knowledge and skill in all program areas as assigned.
• Provide for the progression of activities within the framework of individual and group interests and abilities.
• Assist in program areas such as swimming, unmounted horse science classes, all-camp activities, spiritual activities, and arts and crafts as directed.
• Wear costumes and perform songs or skits in front of a live audience.
• Lead and assist in Bible studies, personal conversations, worship, prayer and model Christian community for each camper.
• Recognize and respond to opportunities God gives you to speak into the lives of campers and other staff members. (i.e. life with Christ, eternity, ways God has spoken to you, etc.)

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 and dietary intake.
• Recognize inappropriate behavior, respond appropriately, enforce applicable safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques.
• Ensure that campers receive their medications as directed by health care provider (camp nurse).
• Be alert to campers' and staff needs, and assist them with personal and/or health problems, and discuss with camp health provider (nurse) and/or Assistant Horsemanship Director when appropriate.
• Be alert to equipment and facilities to ensure utilization, proper care, and maintenance is adhered to; report repairs needed promptly to Assistant Horsemanship Director.
• Properly listen to, respond, and report and any all allegations of abuse (mental or physical) to the Assistant Horsemanship Director.

4. Be a role model to campers and staff in your attitude, behavior, and spiritual disciplines.

• 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, respect towards teachers and other counselors, times of worship and spiritual development, and sportsmanship.
• Maintain punctuality for yourself and your cabin group.
• Prepare for and actively participate in staff orientation, meetings, and functions.

OTHER JOB DUTIES

• Contribute to verbal and written evaluations and communication as requested.
• 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, chapel, camp-fire, Bible studies, and other all-camp activities and camp functions.
• Assist in the planning of any special events such as Fourth of July parties, staff trips, camp tournaments/new activities, etc.
• Care and cleaning of horse camp facilities and equipment; includes taking inventory of supplies and reporting those to the Assistant Horsemanship Director.
• Use cleaning chemicals and techniques to maintain sanitary washroom conditions for staff and guests.
• Follow all dress code requirements of Warm Beach Camp.

RELATIONSHIPS

Staff members 18 and over are not permitted to enter into romantic relationships with volunteers or campers under the age of 18.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position has no supervisory responsibilities of other employees or volunteers. Yes for campers.

MINISTRY STATEMENT

Warm Beach Camp Ministries exists to share the hope and love of Christ through camping ministries and experiences in the Pacific Northwest.

At Warm Beach Camps and Conference Center, we exist to provide Christ-centered environments, experiences and resources to draw people to God through camping ministries, conferences and events.

CLASSIFICATION

This is a seasonal, contract position.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

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

1. Must be 18 years of age or older.
2. Must be able to obtain or become certified in First Aid/CPR. Ability to interact with all age levels.
3. Understand the development needs of youth.
4. Ability to relate to youth and adults in a positive manner. Demonstrate knowledge and skill in designated camp program areas.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

High school diploma or general education degree (GED)

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one, small group and large group situations to campers.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.

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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to taste or smell. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. The employee must have the endurance to be able to stand for prolonged periods of time. Must possess eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity to manipulate outdoor equipment and camp activities; must be willing to live in a camp setting and work irregular hours with limited or simple equipment and facilities. This position also requires a walk up a hill with campers on an almost daily basis.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is moderate to high.

ON-CAMP HOUSING CONDITION

The employee in this position is required to live on the camp premises in staff housing at the Horse Camp Facility, in order to provide round-the-clock supervision of campers and fulfill the program requirements of this position.