Summer Camp Head Counselor: Odyssey Camp

1 week ago

River Hills, WI, United States University School of Milwaukee Full time
General Summary: The Head Counselor for Odyssey Camp is a key leader responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of Adventure Camp, ensuring alignment with the core mission of USM Summer Camps. This role drives a successful and enriching summer experience by overseeing instruction, executing logistics, and implementing effective classroom and behavior management strategies. The application will include written questions focused on the role that will be used to further conversation within the interview process.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Coordinates with summer staff and teachers to ensure daily activities and lessons run smoothly, safely, and as planned.
  • Collaborates with Activity Counselors to prepare and gather materials and equipment as directed by summer faculty, ensuring smooth daily programming.
  • Serves as a resource and support when the regular instructor is away and may step in to lead the group when needed to keep camp activities running smoothly.
  • Provide active supervision for 5th - 8th grade campers during all activities, transitions, lunch periods, and field trips ensuring a safe, smooth, and friendly environment
  • Provide active supervision for middle school aged campers during all activities, transitions, lunch periods, and field trips ensuring a safe, smooth, and friendly environment
  • Actively manages Lead and Junior Counselors and conducts regular staff check-ins and evaluations within Odyssey Camp to support performance, consistency, and program quality.
  • Enforce positive camper expectations and manage behavior across all settings to maintain a safe, friendly, and adventure-ready atmosphere.
  • Cultivate a warm, energetic, and safe learning environment where every camper feels supported, encouraged to participate, and motivated to explore, learn, and build friendships.
  • Be familiar with camper needs and your group (allergies, ailments, specialty needs) and how best to support them.
  • Works collaboratively with faculty, staff, and administration to support the diverse needs of campers and ensure a positive camp experience for all.
  • Supports snack operations as part of daily camp flow.
  • Participates in a car circle daily.
  • Serves as the lead for AM or PM extended time care.
  • Must be available to work 9 weeks of the summer (Certain days off can be discussed in advance).
  • Supports camp leadership with other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Possesses a solid understanding of early childhood and elementary-age camper development and learning needs.
  • Skilled at managing and effectively redirecting staff to ensure alignment with goals and priorities.
  • Ability and desire to work with young children.
  • Demonstrates strong behavior management skills and the ability to effectively supervise, engage, and work with a diverse student body.
  • Exhibits strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively
  • Knowledge of and ability to facilitate and lead group activities and games.
  • High level of maturity, confidentiality, and assertiveness.
  • Ability to maintain positive, professional relationships with campers, families, and staff, utilizing tact and diplomacy.
  • Possesses strong organizational skills
  • Demonstrates a high degree of self-direction, initiative, and motivation
  • Displays flexibility and patience when managing various camp situations.
  • Flexibility and patience.
Education and Experience:
  • High School Diploma, some college coursework preferred
  • Some experience working in an educational environment preferred
  • 1-2 years of summer camp experience preferred
  • 1-2 years of experience working with 5th-8th grade students preferred

CPR/AED Certification (or willingness to procure)

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