Camp Counselor

JOB TITLE: Camp Counselor

LOCATION: Timber Pointe Outdoor Center, 20 Timber Pointe Lane, Hudson, IL 61748

Position Objective:

Counselors set the tone for how great a camper’s experience will be as they accompany, encourage, and support them throughout camp adventures with enthusiasm and unconditional love. Counselors will be assigned 1-4 campers, depending on their individual needs, and will be by their campers’ sides, guiding them throughout their day, providing direct care, and utilizing strategies to promote positive behaviors and choices. They foster the development of life skills, independence, confidence, and a love of the outdoors as they encourage campers to create meaningful friendships and try new things. Counselors further the mission of Timber Pointe Outdoor Center by nurturing a culture of safety and inclusion, maintaining a physically and emotionally supportive environment for campers and other team members.

Counselors will be cross-trained in activity areas, including canoeing, archery, fishing, arts and crafts, nature, and more! Counselors will adapt and modify activities based on individual camper needs so that everything is accessible for each and every participant, making them feel 100% included and 100% empowered.

Counselors will spend the majority of camp weeks working overnight camp sessions, which include sessions of our own Timber Pointe campers as well as sessions of partner camps such as St. Jude Peoria’s Camp Hope for children with cancer and bleeding disorders, Camp JOA for adults with juvenile-onset myotonic dystrophy, and more. All counselors will work at least one week of day camp (will be assigned on a rotational basis).

Position Pay:

Counselors will be paid a rate of $400/week (total of $3,600-4,400 over the summer, depending on # of weeks worked - see “Employment Dates”). Staff members are required to live on-site during the season but may leave during off-times. Meals will be provided throughout each camp session (we are inclusive and accommodating of any dietary restrictions), and a refrigerator/microwave will be available for use. Cabins are climate-controlled, and laundry facilities are available on-site. In addition, camp staff may use watercrafts (canoes, kayaks, etc.) and the pool during off-times if there is no programming running and all camp policies regarding the use of these areas are followed.

Employment Dates:

Counselors: May 26- August 10th, 2024. Counselors are required to attend mandatory training (Staff Development) prior to the camp season, which will be held May 26th-May 31st. Camp Season runs June 2nd- August 10th, 2024.

Counselors must begin on the start date listed and be available for the entirety of the dates listed, with the exception of July 13-20 and July 27-August 3. These weeks are partner camps that do not utilize our counselors. Therefore, counselors can “opt-in” to take an unpaid break/vacation during these two weeks. If choosing to work, counselors will serve in an activities capacity, assist in the kitchen, or help with other duties as assigned. If there is a prior commitment (wedding, family gathering, etc.) outside of these two weeks, please state during your interview, and we will try our best to accommodate.

Counselors will receive at least one day off per week and additional times off specific to which program they are supporting that week (TPOC Day Camp, Partner Camp, TPOC Overnight Camp).

Job Functions:

• Familiarizes self with campers’ individual backgrounds, abilities, interests and support needs by reading camper information before their arrival. Holds knowledge of allergies and dietary restrictions.
• Communicate orally and in writing with campers, coworkers, and supervisors.
• Participates in and provides supervision to active/outdoor activities that are spread out over many acres.
• Identifies and responds to environmental hazards at camp; responds to written emergency plans and verbally issued instructions; assists campers safely and effectively during potential emergencies.
• Provides constant supervision of campers (except for off-times) with limited breaks, including wake-up, cabin clean-up, meals, rest time duty (as assigned), daily activities, bedtime routines, and nighttime duty (as assigned). Sleep subject to the understanding of being woken up during the night to assist campers, if necessary. Assists campers as needed with personal care, feeding, transferring, toileting, showering, dressing, and other activities of daily living. Know the location of assigned campers at all times when under your responsibility.
• Nurtures campers’ development, self-esteem, and independence in areas including but not limited to behavior, social interaction, and emotional regulation.
• Monitors camper health, hygiene and safety daily, promptly communicating any unusual physical symptoms, changes in dietary patterns, incidents of injury, seizure activity, psychosocial concerns, etc. to nursing and/or support staff.
• Completes required paperwork, including weekly “Camp-unications”, incident/accident reports, etc.

Marginal Responsibilities:

• Attends and participates fully in mandatory training (“Staff Development”) at the beginning of summer, learns and retains information presented in a variety of learning environments (including role-play scenarios), and utilizes this knowledge to provide the best possible care.
• Assists with set-up, decorating, and clean-up of camp.
• All other duties as assigned to best ensure the success of camp.

General Expectations:

• Live with campers of all ages and abilities in a cabin, helping them adjust to camp life and grow in understanding of other campers and the dynamics of community living.
• Provide a physically and emotionally safe environment for campers and coworkers where they feel comfortable trying new things and communicating concerns. Set campers up for success, recognizing that success looks different for each individual.
• Participate fully in the camp program, including but not limited to: leading or assisting with activities, managing behavior, following the daily schedule, engaging with campers during “down times,” and putting an enthusiastic effort into camp traditions, dress-up days, camper awards, songs/cheers, etc. (the goofy parts of camp that make it truly magical!)
• Possibility of mentoring/coaching volunteers, Counselors-in-Training, or other camp staff.

Education/Experience Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• College experience in Therapeutic Recreation, Special Education, Psychology, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, or a related field is preferred, but not required.
• CPR and First Aid Certification is preferred, but not required.

Competency Requirements

• Demonstrates the emotional resiliency to handle extended, repeated stressful situations appropriately and be capable of “self-management” of his/her/their own conditions with reasonable accommodations, which can be made without altering the requirements of this role.
• Emotional and physical stamina to joyfully and enthusiastically engage with a community of campers and staff for 9-11 weeks in a summer camp environment.
• Patience, willingness to learn, integrity, adaptability, flexibility, enthusiasm, and self-control.
• Ability to understand, role model, and follow Timber Pointe Outdoor Center policies and procedures and to utilize strategies/tools taught during training for professional development and interactions; ability to seek/accept supervision and guidance.
• Accepting of differences in ability/religion/ethnicity/culture/race/gender/sexual orientation and/or other diversities. Willingness and ability to treat all campers and staff fairly regardless of background/preferences.

Physical Requirements

Due to the fast-paced schedule, stimulating sensory experience of large-group living and dining, and emotionally/physically demanding role of a staff member, all team members must have the physical, cognitive, and mental ability, as well as strength and endurance to perform all job functions and expectations listed:

• Ability to independently navigate, participate in and provide supervision to active/outdoor activities spread out over Timber Pointe’s 170-acre facility, which may include without limitation walking long distances, running, paddling, crouching, reaching, pulling, and lifting 50 pounds or more.
• Emotional and physical stamina to joyfully and enthusiastically engage with a community of campers and staff for 9-11 weeks in a summer camp environment.

Work Environment

• Outdoor camp environment with exposure to all types of weather and conditions, including extreme heat, cold, snow, rain, and specific environmental realities (humidity, wind, bugs, lake water, etc.)
• Reside in camp cabins in a bunk-bed with limited privacy and infrequent, minimal access to technology (internet, cell phone, etc.)

Prior to applying to Timber Pointe Outdoor Center’s 2024 Summer Team, please be ready to commit to providing the safest camp environment possible. 2024 Timber Pointe Summer Team members will be required to practice intentional COVID safety and consciousness for the entirety of their summer agreement. All staff will be required to be tested weekly and practice safe hygiene protocols. Masks may be a requirement (for our current weekend camps, all campers/staff/volunteers mask when going through the meal line and when participating in cooking class). While vaccination is not currently required, it is highly recommended.

Easterseals Central Illinois is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Easterseals is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, call 309.686.1177.