Initial applicant review begins March 31stSpend your summer leading youth ages 6-12 at Camp Windjammer! The Seasonal Camp Counselor is the heart and soul of the campers’ experience, acting as a dedicated mentor who ensures every child’s safety and well-being while fostering an encouraging, inclusive, and high-energy environment. Camp Counselors will be responsible for leading a group of campers through a structured, daily schedule of programmed events, guiding the group through the day’s adventures so the fun never skips a beat! Beyond following the set curriculum, camp counselors will use creativity and initiative to spark “in between moments of magic”, leading impromptu games, team building challenges, or creative projects that keep the excitement building throughout the day. Ultimately, the camp counselor is here to provide the positive support that helps each camper feel brave enough to try something new, safe enough to be themselves, and so inspired that they can’t wait to do it all over again!
Work activities involve multiple skills and may include, but are not limited to, any or all the following depending on area of assignment, operational necessity, emergency services, special projects, and seasonal factors:- Actively supervise campers at all times, including during planned activities, transitions, mealtimes, and spontaneous play to provide a consistent, caring presence and a watchful eye to ensure the physical, social, and emotional safety of all campers.
- Identify and respond to individual camper needs to create an environment of genuine belonging for everyone. Provide the encouragement and group leadership necessary for campers to participate fully, feel safe being themselves, and gain confidence throughout the week.
- Facilitate a pre-planned schedule of activities with enthusiasm, ensuring campers are engaged and instructions are clear.
- Exercise initiative by developing and leading “moment of magic” activities (games, songs or crafts) during downtime or transitions to keep the momentum going.
- Adapt activities on the fly to meet the energy level or interests of the group while maintaining the day’s flow and ensuring that any changes preserve the original spirit and intended goal of the activity.
- Maintain punctuality and reliability, adhering to the camp’s daily schedule to help facilitate a seamless experience for campers and staff.
- Manage group dynamics and behavior with a positive, inclusive approach that aligns with camp values.
- Prepare and set up activity areas using the provided supplies, ensuring everything is ready to go for the campers as soon as possible so the fun can start without delay.
- Ensure all equipment and activity areas are used safely and returned to their proper place, taking every opportunity to teach the campers the importance of cleaning up after themselves and respecting their shared environment.
- Maintain accurate records as well as open and professional communication with Camp Leadership regarding camper attendance, progress or any safety concerns.
- Provide basic first aid in cases of minor injury, carefully document all injuries and health incidents and promptly notify the Camp Lead to ensure accurate and timely parental notification.
Associated Functions:- Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
- Assist in the planning and development of new recreational programs and activities.
- Assist with City of Oak Harbor Parks and Recreation events and represent the City of Oak Harbor Park and Recreation at various community events.
- May operate a city vehicle for the purpose of transporting program participants or supplies in related program activities.
Performance Requirements (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities):To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required, with or without reasonable accommodation.- Knowledge Of:
- How to interact with children in a way that is age appropriate, encouraging and professional.
- The importance of active supervision and what it means to maintain a safe and inclusive environment for campers and staff.
- Fundamental concepts of how to lead a group and ensure all individuals are participating and included.
- Skill in:
- Effective communication, both orally and in writing, to give clear instruction to campers and relay information to both campers and camp leadership.
- Problem solving and resolving disputes with facts and a professional demeanor.
- Managing time and materials efficiently, ensuring activities are prepared, transitions are smooth and spaces are maintained.
- Ability to:
- Lead groups of all ages in various recreational activities in a fun and engaging way.
- Maintain a positive attitude and a high level of energy to inspire campers to develop an interest in the recreational activities provided.
- Foster an inclusive environment recognizing the needs of the individual campers while providing the necessary support to ensure every child feels welcome.
- Adapt to change, adjusting the delivery of a task or activity based on the group’s needs while staying focused on the intended goal.
- Follow professional standards by demonstrating reliability through punctuality, consistent attendance, and adherence to all documentation and communication policies.
- Remain calm and collected when faced with unexpected changes or challenges during the day.
An equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential job functions may be considered.- Minimum of 18 years of age.
- High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
- Must participate in city provided training to obtain and maintain CPR and First Aid Certification within three (3) month of hire.
- Must participate in city provided training to obtain and maintain a Food Handler’s Permit within three (3) months of hire.
- Complete a comprehensive background screening to include Washington Child and Adult Abuse background check prior to hire.
- Valid state driver’s license and ability to provide a driver’s abstract showing a good driving record.
- Must be available to work and lead recreational programs during a majority of summer camp (June 22 to August 28). Possible scheduled hours are Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm.
Preferred Qualifications:- Experience working with children ages 6-12 in a recreational setting.
- Interest and knowledge in various recreational activities including (but not limited to) sports and fitness, visual arts, performing arts or STEM activities.
The physical demands and characteristics of the work environment described here are representative of those occurring in the performance of the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.Work is performed indoors in the office or program area and outdoors at City of Oak Harbor parks and facilities. Activities may include moving throughout facilities and parks to assist participants, as well as traveling to various locations for recreational programming. Requires ability to sit, walk or stand, to remain stationary and move for extended periods of time, ability to move and lift items with assistance up to thirty (30) pounds. This position also requires the ability to participate in recreational activities which requires the ability to move at a rate to keep up with competitive recreational play as well as maintain the ability to observe, analyze and manage play by participants. Work requires the ability to communicate information and ideas, ability to observe details at a close range, and normal visual and hearing acuity. May include evening and weekend work. May require strenuous physical activity.
Safety Statement:We expect employees to ensure compliance with all applicable safety practices and policies, including those established by OSHA/DOSH regulations and the City’s Accident Prevention Program (APP). This includes, but is not limited to, actively identifying, and correcting potential hazards that may affect employee and public safety, including those identified by co-workers. Leading by example to promote a positive culture of workplace safety through everyday action, emphasizing safe completion of work throughout all aspects of developing and carrying out work plans.
