Summer Camp Junior Counselor

Continue your journey and help us create kind, confident, and curious kids through nature-based outdoor adventures this summer!

Summer ushers in a 12-week whirlwind of summer camps for children ages 5-12. A Junior Counselor is responsible for working as part of the field team to successfully deliver summer day camp programs in service of the Schoolhouse mission. This position is responsible for assisting with a camp group of children, communicating with Schoolhouse staff, modeling Schoolhouse values, and ensuring the physical and emotional safety of participants. Our Junior Counselor program is part of our Leadership Training program for 16 and 17 year olds, with preference given to those with camper and/or CIT experience at Schoolhouse of Wonder.

A Schoolhouse of Wonder Junior Counselor takes pride and joy in mentoring children through outdoor adventures, games, stories, and songs. These individuals can partner energy with patience and responsibility with fun.  A Junior Counselor is a mentor worth remembering and emulating. 

 

General Responsibilities 

Junior Counselors are expected to:

  • Safeguard the physical, emotional, and intellectual safety of campers and students. Model Schoolhouse values like kindness, curiosity, and empathy. Patiently process conflict and disagreements.
  • Participate in all aspects of programs using Schoolhouse methodologies. Actively engage participants and deliver consistent and exceptional supervision of children. Be a good example and role model at all times. Play the games, sing the songs, wade in the river, hide in the leaves, build forts, and enthusiastically join in on all aspects of our programs.
  • Prepare for programs. Take part in training and staff meetings. Prepare materials, set up and break down programs, and clean and maintain program spaces.
  • Deliver activities. Partner with your Camp Leads and Counselors to create and run high-quality, exciting, nature-based activities.
  • Communicate with participants, their families, and other Schoolhouse staff. Create established lines of communication built on trust and empathy.
  • Provide exemplary adherence to Schoolhouse’s values, policies, and procedures.
  • Elsewhere as needed. This list highlights major parts of a Junior Counselor’s responsibilities, but there are plenty of other parts to the job!

 

Please Apply If You…

  • Are at least 16 years of age by the beginning of your first session 
  • Are committed to Schoolhouse’s mission and values
  • Are kind, curious, and confident with a “can-do” attitude
  • Have a passion for the outdoors and are comfortable working in the outdoors in all kinds of weather
  • Have some experience and interest in working with children (e.g. Counselor in Training)
  • Are able and willing to accept and effectively act on feedback and guidance
  • Desire a cooperative, team-oriented work atmosphere
  • Have a desire to develop your mentoring skills, including effective communication, enthusiasm, resourcefulness, sense of humor, and patience
  • Have good verbal, interpersonal, and listening communication skills

 

We require current pediatric and adult CPR and First Aid certification by the first day of work. We accept certifications from the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI). If you don’t have an in-person training previously on record with us, we require in-person training. If we have record of your previous in-person training, you may complete an online only course.

 

Junior Counselor Sessions

Junior Counselors are typically hired for one of two sessions, although we occasionally can offer some flexibility to this schedule. In your application, please let us know what session(s) you are available for. 

  • Session 1: June 16 – July 18, 2025
  • Session 2: July 21 – August 22, 2025

This position requires online training to be completed before in-person training. Mandatory in-person staff training weekend is May 17 & 18, 2025.

 

Evaluation

A formal review will be conducted by the supervisor to establish and assess progress against employee goals.  Ongoing feedback provided through regular supervision and work plan development/review sessions.

 

Location, Hours, and Travel

The work of the Wake Summer Camp Junior Counselor is typically performed at Umstead State Park, I-40 Reedy Creek Entrance, 1800 N. Harrison Ave, Cary NC 27513.

The work of the Orange Summer Camp Junior Counselor is typically performed at Brumley Forest Nature Preserve, 3223 New Hope Church Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27514.

The work of the Durham Summer Camp Junior Counselor is typically performed at West Point on the Eno City Park, 5101 N. Roxboro St, Durham NC 27704

Travel to off-site locations is occasionally required. 

Hours are dependent on organizational needs. Hours typically total between 40 hours and 55 hours per week and range from 7:15a – 6p Monday through Friday. Any hours worked beyond 45 during any single week will be classified as overtime. Occasional weekends and/or evenings may be required.

 

Compensation

Wages for Junior Counselors begin at $11 per hour. Returning Junior Counselors receive an increase to $12 per hour. Benefits include professional development opportunities, mentored growth, leadership skill development, unlimited vitamin D, and a steady stream of (mostly funny) stories.

Application Instructions

The Junior Counselor application deadline is January 12, 2025. Only complete applications will be reviewed. We’ll begin reviewing applications by January 2025, so don’t worry if you don’t hear from us over the holidays.

There are a limited number of Junior Counselor positions. Preference will be given to applicants who are available for the entire session and have attended as a camper or CIT. 

You’ll need to upload the following information in your application:

  • First, make sure you have the following:

    • A cover letter that explains your interest in working as a Counselor at Schoolhouse of Wonder (maximum one page). Please include your email and phone number.
    • Your resume (maximum one page). Do not include photos of yourself on your resume.
    • Three references (excluding friends and relatives). Please note: you don’t need your references to write you a recommendation letter — we’ll reach out to them with a form to fill out if we make you an offer. We only need their name and contact information!

Current certification in CPR and First Aid and a successful background check are required before work can begin. Schoolhouse will pursue both indicated and non-indicated references.

APPLY NOW

 

This is an “at will” position that reports directly to the Site Manager of Durham, Wake, or Orange County.

Qualified women, minorities, and bilingual candidates (English/Spanish) are encouraged to apply. Schoolhouse of Wonder is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, disability, national or ethnic origin, or sexual orientation.

Organization

Founded in 1989, Schoolhouse of Wonder’s mission is to create kind, curious, and confident kids through nature-based outdoor adventures. We seek to achieve this mission through year-round, outdoor day camps, curriculum-aligned field trips, and leadership training for teenagers.

 These core values guide our behavior and help us make decisions.

  • We model and teach self-awareness and empathy
  • We celebrate individuality; Different is just different
  • Everyone deserves to be witnessed, heard and respected
  • In nature, we’re all students
  • Life should be filled with adventures and a sense of wonder
  • We send every kid home dirty, tired, and happy