Support Summer Camp Counselor Job Description
Position: Support Counselor – Seasonal – Full Time (40-hour weeks)
Reports to: Lead Summer Camp Counselor, Camp Coordinator and other full time Education Staff
Supervises: Summer Campers ages 3-12, and Junior Counselors 13+
Summary of Role:
As a Support Camp Counselor, you will be the first support to fellow camp counselors. This role can include assisting with preparing materials, covering bathroom breaks or lunches and working across multiple age groups. Along with fellow camp staff, you will develop and implement a summer camp curriculum for campers ages 3- 12. Zoo Camp focuses on educating our campers on wildlife conservation, zoo science and expanding their love for animals and their environment. You will provide exceptional conservation education, supportive care and a fun experience to campers. The Support Camp Counselor must be ready to jump into projects, multitask when needed, and thrive working within a team. A love of wildlife and conservation is highly recommended.
EPZ Team Member Responsibilities:
– Assist the Zoo in fostering an appreciation of wildlife and their habitats that will inspire active participation in conservation
– Assist management in ensuring safety, cleanliness, and efficiency in all areas of operation
– To treat with confidentiality all information entrusted or known by you regarding guests, animals, business, employees, volunteers, incidents and any other sensitive information and to discuss it only with the proper management representatives
– Be available as per business needs
– Follow and adhere to all policies, procedures and safety protocols for the Education Department and Elmwood Park Zoo
– Use proper radio etiquette, call numbers, and adhere to proper dress attire at all time
On Call Counselor Specific Responsibilities:
-Assist fellow counselors in daily tasks, including prepping materials, running bathroom breaks, covering lunch breaks, and maintaining camp spaces and supplies
– Assist Camp Coordinator with After Care when needed
Work with Lead Counselor and Camp Coordinator to provide smooth transitions for camp groups
– Flexible to take over for group activities for Camp Counselors when necessary
– Work with a variety of campers age 3-12
– Communicate with fellow camp staff and work well in a team environment
ZOO Camp Staff Duties:
– Attend all required training sessions
– Adhere to and implement planned programming based on weekly themes
– Bring energy and enthusiasm to the 10 weeks of camp
– Capable of managing minor camper conflicts, needs and injuries within group
– Prepare and manage camp spaces including supplies required
– Work as a team and feel comfortable asking for support from fellow staff and Camp Coordinator
Education:
– Minimum one-year completion of degree program in Environmental Science, Education, Biology, Zoology, Animal Science or related field or equivalent combination of education, skills, and experience
Work Experience:
– Previous experience caring for, teaching, or working with children
– Experience working within the special education field
– Previous experience working within a team dynamic
- Ability to adapt to a changing plans and handle multiple priorities
- Desire to teach wildlife, conservation and ecological concepts.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Great punctuality and organizational skills
- Must have great teamwork and problem solving skills
– First Aid/CPR Certification
– Two forms of official valid identification are required.
– Ability to pass background and child abuse clearances
– $16.00/ hr, working 40 hrs/week Monday-Friday
– Camp Counselors are expected to be present for at least 1 week of training and the full 10 weeks of camp. Time off can be requested in advance and given upon approval.
