SUMMER CAMP COUNSELOR #00071582

Kummer Center for STEM Education

Camp counselors will assist in implementing activities designed to fuel camper interest. Counselors will be role models and mentors for campers; they will assist camp directors/coordinators and work with individual or small groups of campers when needed.

Counselors should:

• Be outgoing and enthusiastic individuals who can effectively communicate with all ages
• Maintain a high level of energy while supervising and interacting with participants of summer camps
• Be ambassadors for Missouri S&T in building positive experiences for campers, ages 6-18, and their families
• Serve as one of the primary adults responsible for the safety and enjoyment of campers attending Missouri S&T summer camps
• Assist camp directors/coordinators in implementing, planning, coordinating, and carrying out activities related to summer programming
• Effectively communicate with all campus community members including professors, camp staff, and other counselors
• Serve as a mentor and role model to campers and fulfill the role of representative of Missouri S&T

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Assist summer camp staff in creating training presentations for future summer camp counselors, including interactive learning opportunities and activities to prepare counselors to respond appropriately in unique situations that arise during summer camp sessions
• Manage and create an effective schedule for all summer camp counselors to follow
• Ability to take direction from coordinators/STEM Center staff
• Function as the first point of contact for problem resolution with counselors, then work to resolve issues by contacting the appropriate coordinator or the assistant camp director
• Hold counselor debriefing meetings in order to wrap up each week of camp
• Be knowledgeable of all safety and security rules and procedures that apply during camps
• Assist in the direction, supervision, and management of campers while transferring campers to and from activities, while in activities, during daily free times, and at night in the residence hall
• Apply basic youth development principles in working with campers through communication, relationship development, involvement, and empowerment of youth
• Assure campers are properly supervised at all times according to youth protection requirements and ratios
• Engage campers in all arranged activities following the designated schedule
• Ability to quickly pivot to alternate activities when needed to keep campers engaged is an essential skill for this position
• Be aware of privacy requirements and appropriate interaction with students under the age of 18
• Actively participate in all program areas as assigned including but not limited to assisting or leading in team builders, icebreakers, group challenges, etc.
• Maintain high standards of health and safety in all activities for campers and staff
• Daily guidance regarding self-care of each camper and recognizing personal health needs
• Be responsive to camper and counselor needs, assist them with personal and/or health problems, and discuss any concerns with the camp director/coordinator when needed
• Be alert to equipment and facilities to ensure utilization, proper care, and maintenance are adhered to, and report repairs needed promptly to the director/coordinator
• Be a role model to campers and staff in attitude and behavior
• Lead by being an exceptional example to campers and others regarding general camp procedures and practices including sanitation needs, following scheduled times, and by demonstrating sportsmanship and respect for differences
• Engage fully in all camp activities, including assisting Camp Directors to plan and lead those as assigned
• Maintain professionalism in all communication and interactions with campers, their families, and S&T staff
• Observe campers' behavior, assess its appropriateness, and apply applicable behavior-management techniques if needed
• Ensure campers are escorted to all activities and workshops, also help with clean-up
• Demonstrate respect for personal property, camp equipment, and facilities
• Needs to actively participate and assist in planning pre-camp training and weekly meeting agendas
• Assist camp directors/coordinators in loading and moving camp supplies for on-campus activities
• Work cooperatively with the summer programs team to ensure the welfare of the campers and campus community
• Notify the camp director/coordinator immediately regarding any personal, medical, or social concerns about the campers and/or staff

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be available to attend certified CPR training if needed, which is provided by the department
• Must also attend all Summer Camp Counselor Training dates and times scheduled by the summer camp team

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to relate to youth and adults in a positive manner
• Experience with teaching or tutoring youth
• Understand the development needs of youth
• Demonstrate ability to practice flexibility, frequent and last-minute changes, and patience
• Ability to communicate and work with groups and provide necessary instruction to campers and staff
• Proactively identify and quickly respond to any environmental or other hazards that may endanger campers or staff
• Responds appropriately to situations requiring first aid and takes immediate action during emergencies that may arise. Has the ability to direct campers by using clear and easy to follow instructions in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury) situation while continuously supervising all campers.
• Physical requirements of a Summer Camp Counselor position may include prolonged standing, bending, stooping, walking long distances on uneven surfaces, and climbing stairs. Also hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity to manipulate outdoor equipment during camp activities; ability to hear at a normal range, and see in order to record, prepare, and communicate appropriately during active and possibly noisy activities/programs. Activities may require the ability to lift up to 50 lbs.; willingness to work irregular hours, and the ability to care for children while being exposed to the elements including the sun, wind, and possible temporary exposure to the rain.
• One (1) year as a student at a university or college is preferred

$3,600 for 6.5-week session

Room in Thomas Jefferson Hall will be provided for the duration of employment and counselors are required to live in the residence hall while camp is in session. Full Board will be provided for 6 weeks of employment (meals will not be provided during weeks where camp is not in session).

Applications will be accepted until this position is filled.

This position is not eligible for University benefits. Individuals in non benefit eligible positions may choose to participate in the Tax Deferred Annuity Plan (403b). For information about this plan, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 573-341-7734.