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Camp Counselor or CIT

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COUNSELORS: 

The summer staff counselors and aides are to provide leadership and guidance to all campers through various games, crafts, sports, hiking, and camping activities. Counselors should express a genuine love and appreciation for the outdoors and be able to work in an outdoor environment for long periods. They must be able to observe and assess camper safety in all situations, maintain high energy levels and enthusiasm, and show compassion, maturity, and sensitivity in dealing with special needs children. The counselor should seek to understand the campers they work with and use the uniqueness of the camp setting and program to help fulfill the Camp Wamp’s mission: It’s not what you can’t do …it’s what you CAN do!

WHAT DOES A CIT DO?

A Counselor in Training is a person who would like to learn more about camp counseling through on-the-job training. The role of a CIT is not just about assisting but also about personal growth and development. Under the supervision of a senior counselor, they will make the camp a fun place to be, help to devise and plan games and activities, supervise cleaning and meals, and help provide a safe and supportive atmosphere for campers.

All CIT applicants should be interested in working with children and possess maturity, flexibility, a strong work ethic, and the ability to have fun.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Must be at least 18 years of age (14 to work as an aide).
  • Experience in working with children.
  • Experience in working with people with disabilities is ideal but not required.
  • Valid First Aid and CPR Certificates are a plus but not required.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Must be creative and energetic.

RESPONSIBLE TO

  • Camp Directors

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

  • To provide leadership and guidance to all campers through a variety of games, crafts, sports, hiking and camping activities.

SPECIFIC DUTIES

  • Assist in program planning based on pre-arranged educational/recreational themes.
  • Guide campers in participation of all activities.
  • Supervision of campers and activities at all times.
  • Adapting programs to include all campers.
  • Providing emotional support and encouragement to campers.
  • Work as part of a team.
  • Assist in tidying up after activities.
    Be familiar with the special needs, medical conditions, dietary concerns, and/or behavioral problems of the campers and act according to directions provided by the Camp Medic/parent or guardian. Provide personal care, feeding, and toileting for campers as required.
  • Be a positive role model to campers and be available at all times.
    Ensure that safety standards are maintained at all times.
  • Report any accidents/incidents to the Camp Medic and Director (incident reports).
  • Other duties as required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The summer staff counselors and aides are to provide a leadership role in a day camp program. Counselors should express a genuine love and appreciation for the outdoors and nature and be able to work in an outdoor environment for long periods. They must be able to lift and carry equipment up to 35 pounds. (a cooler, program equipment, etc), have the ability to observe and assess camper safety in all situations and maintain high energy levels and enthusiasm throughout the day. All staff members must be able to complete orientation and training and a background check before the start of camp. The counselor should seek to understand the campers they work with and use the uniqueness of the camp setting and program to help fulfill Camp Wamp’s mission: It’s not what you can’t do …it’s what you CAN do!

EXPERIENCE

Ideal candidates are certified professionals in special education or social work. Applicants with experience working with children with special needs will be preferred. We welcome college students who are currently seeking degrees in special education, medicine, physical therapy, social work or psychology. Counselors will receive on-the-job training before camp begins. Applicants with no related experience will still be considered and will begin in an aide/assistant counselor role to gain experience.

SKILLS

Camp counselors/CIT’s must show compassion in dealing with special needs children. Maturity and sensitivity are required personality traits in a special needs camp counselor/CIT. They must have patience and should also display energetic attitudes. Counselors/CIT’s must be able to identify problems and brainstorm solutions. Counselors/CIT’s should also be physically strong to assist campers with physical handicaps.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Camp Counselors are assigned on a one-to-one ratio for whom they are responsible. C.I.T’s are always around to help and support counselors and campers. They must pay attention to each camper’s individual needs. Camp Wamp welcomes children ages 8-18 with varying conditions. Counselors/C.I.T.s must assist those children who require dressing, feeding, and bathroom help.

Counselors may lead arts and crafts activities and must assist children with manual dexterity deficiencies. They must break down steps in a way that campers can understand. They must encourage special needs campers to be active and to create friendships. They should instill confidence in the campers to improve their self-esteem.