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.
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.
Application Instructions
- 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.
