Camp Counselor in Veneta, Oregon

The Summer Camp Counselor’s primary function is to provide positive, safe, empowering, inclusive, supervision to campers while effectively facilitating Camp Wilani programs. Summer Camp Counselors are the frontline in creating memorable, enriching, enjoyable experiences for participants. Summer Camp Counselors work closely with program staff and one another to support the emotional and physical well-being of all campers at Camp Wilani. Camp Counselors stay with a small cabin group of 8-10 youth and guide them through fun activities.

Essential Job Functions:

• Implements the Camp Wilani youth program.
• Participates in the supervision, mentorship, and guidance of eight to ten campers per week within their group.
• Assists in maintaining adherence to Camp Wilani policies and American Camp Association Standards.
• Is well versed in camp Emergency Protocols and has the ability to aid in the facilitation of rescue and evacuation procedures if necessary. • Adheres to a daily schedule and maintains timely attendance to meals, program activities, etc.
• Models risk management techniques in every aspect of camp activities.
• Models and inspires collaborative leadership methods.
  • Effectively facilitates camp activities while maintaining positive behavior management.
• Assists in managing the proper use, care, and maintenance of program supplies and camp assets.
• Assists in keeping organized and confidential camp records.
• Communicates in a clear, positive, and timely manner with camp leadership, parents, and coworkers.
• Identifies and works to solve problems collaboratively with coworkers and leadership.
• Treats all participants with patience and loving-kindness.
• Promotes a positive environment that fosters fun, safety and promotes Camp Fire values.

Other Job Duties:

• Participates enthusiastically in camp activities and in the planning and leading of activities as needed.
• Aides in the cleaning and preparation of camp between sessions.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Minimum age of 17.
• Must have a minimum of one year working in the camp, outdoor education, youth development, or recreation programs.
• Must possess exceptional decision-making skills, sound judgment, and maturity.
• Ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to camp activities.
• Ability to observe camper behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply positive and appropriate behavior-management techniques.
• Strong willingness and desire to work with diverse populations.
• Spanish speaking is a plus, but not required.
• Ability to communicate in an effective, timely, and positive manner.
• Physical ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid. Must be able to assist staff and campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury) and possess the strength and endurance required to maintain a rigorous summer schedule.
• Must provide three professional references.
• Must pass a criminal background check.
• Must be able to adhere to the Camp Fire’s zero-tolerance drug, alcohol, and tobacco policy.

What are the amazing parts?

• Belonging to a community of caring, positive people.
• Dynamic work environment.
• Making a real difference in the lives of youth.
• Truly meaningful work.
• A welcoming environment that honors all backgrounds.
• Disconnecting from electronics and immersing yourself in nature.
• Enjoy fun activities with our youth and families: canoeing, zip line, swimming, low ropes course, archery, arts and crafts, hiking, and campfires.
• Organized weekend excursions.
• Camp Wilani and Oregon are beautiful.
• Housing is provided.
• Grab-and-go meals and snacks (frozen and shelf-stable) are provided during day programs, regular meals are provided during overnight programs when food is served.

What are the challenging parts?

• Being physical without devices (phones, tablets, laptops, etc.) except during designated times.
• The only cell phone service out at the site is Verizon, and there is very limited wifi in one location.
• Living in community – shared sleeping and restroom spaces, shared cleaning duties.
• Different food than you may be accustomed to. • Staying in cabins with campers during residential programs.
• Being away from home, family, and other support systems.
• Changing weather, camper, parent, and other situations.
• Kids can be challenging: homesick or emotional
• Long (but rewarding) workdays.
• Simple (rustic) cabins and bunk beds.
• Lots of physical activity throughout each day.
• No drugs, alcohol, smoking, vaping, or other controlled substances.

Who are we? Our organizational focus is on building positive developmental relationships with youth. We understand the power of a caring adult mentor taking an interest in the life of a young person. Research shows that one caring adult mentor can change the life of a struggling child and affect the entire trajectory of their academic, interpersonal, and professional life. We value Youth Voice and give space for youth to inform their own experience and growth. We use nature education and outdoor experiences as an entry point.

Who are we looking for? We are continuously looking for positive, curious, committed people who are passionate about youth development. We seek collaborative, team-oriented people who get excited about learning new skills, offer their own insight, and are solutions-oriented. Camp Fire Wilani is committed to giving you the tools you need to deeply understand and practically apply your new and existing skills to our work with youth. We seek to discover the intersection between who you are and our mission and values. We value self-reflection, personal accountability, flexibility, adaptability, and a growth mindset.

How will it inform my future career?
Internationally recognized training in highly applicable skills:

• Working with Youth and Positive Behavior Management
• Advanced Risk Management • Child Abuse Prevention – Praesidium • Intensive Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Training
• Building Developmental Relationships – The Search Institute, Michael Brandwein
• Leadership Development: Progressions in leadership, responsibility, and title each returning season.
• Training in the low ropes course, zip line, canoeing, archery, and waterfront safety.
• Teamwork, Collaboration, and Overcoming Adversity
• Creative and Critical Thinking Skill Development
• Deep understanding of Pacific Northwest Ecosystems.
• Connection Collaboration Celebration

CONSIDERATIONS

• VACCINES: Proof of COVID-19 vaccines and booster required.
• PRESENTATION EXPECTATION • Staff should present neat and clean, with no stained or torn clothing. • No perfumes or cologne are allowed. • Clothing should be neutral and free of swear words, political statements. sexual imagery, religious imagery, violent, racist, or misogynistic imagery. • Staff should plan to shower at least every other day and keep their staff shirt clean and unwrinkled. • Closed-toed shoes and socks are required during program times and during training.
• PHONES: The only coverage for cell phones at Camp Wilani is Verizon. There is limited which is only available at the Health Center on a limited basis. In Veneta (5 minutes away) and Eugene (30 minutes away), there is full coverage from all American carriers.
• INTERNET: Limited internet at the Health Center only, on off-time only. Also at the Veneta Library, 1.6 miles from camp.
• POLICIES: Alcohol, tobacco, vaping, marijuana, drugs of any kind are strictly prohibited. • Staff should wear t-shirts and will be given staff shirts for arrival and departure days. • Shorts or long pants are required. • Closed-toed shoes with socks are required for training and programs times. • Staff may not leave the site during program times unless for a work assignment or illness/injury and departure must be approved by their supervisor. • Foul language, sexual subjects, yelling, screaming, swearing, etc. is no appropriate behavior for camp. • Gossip and divisive behavior are not tolerated. • Bigotry, sexism, misogyny, racism, or other such behaviors are not tolerated. • Cell phones are left in the camp office during program times. • Staff must have headphones for calls, video calls, music, or other sounds played on electronics and they may not be played out loud. This preserves an amicable work environment.
• COMPENSATION • $550 per week • Bi-monthly direct deposit or written check as requested. Direct deposit is strongly preferred. Staff should bring banking information for direct deposit.
• HOUSING • Housing is onsite in simple cabins. • Cabins have light, electricity, heath, fans, an air purifier, and clean camp mattresses. • Bathrooms are in nearby bathhouses with hot showers, flush toilets, and sinks. • Cabins have bunk beds and wooden floors. • Staff should backlight and bring a sleeping bag and pillow. • Our camp is in the forest. Is was established in 1960 and it is a beloved children’s camp. It is not a resort. We love its simplicity and rustic feel. We liken it to “glamping” or glorified camping. There is wildlife, mosquitoes, bees. and occasionally mice (which we attend to), there are squirrels and chipmunks. Food must be secured in air-tight containers and should not be kept in cabins. • Very limited food storage is available. • Heat-and-eat frozen meals are available for day camp and non-program times along with snacks and coffee.
• COVID-19 Precaution(s): Complete, up-to-date vaccinations and available boosters required. No exceptions. Remote interview process Personal protective equipment provided or required Temperature screenings Social distancing guidelines in place Sanitizing, disinfecting, or cleaning procedures in place
• COVID-19 considerations: Our success has been entirely based on our collaborative commitment to strict COVID-19 safety protocols. Complete vaccines and available boosters are required. We provide hand sanitizer and sanitization kits.