The junior counselor is responsible for assisting the lead counselor with the environmental education, the recreational activities, and the safety of the assigned group of children, aged 6 to 11 years, during each camp week. Must be 15 years of age or older. Applications are accepted on or after February 1st.

Responsible for safety and care of campers 75% of total job

• Responsible for knowing the location of all assigned children at all times.
• Identify and meet individual camper needs.
• Reinforce positive behavior among campers.
• Responsible for following all safety rules and regulations.
• Assist in maintaining the cleanliness of camp buildings and other areas used by camp.
• Assist lead counselor to plan and teach environmental educational learning sessions.
• Assist lead counselor to plan and lead activity sessions for your designated group.
• Plan and take part in activities throughout the week as scheduled.
• Conduct yourself in a manner appropriate for working with children.
• Will exhibit enthusiasm when working with children.
• Ability to work on own with minimum supervision.
• Report any safety concerns to supervisor.
• Maintain confidentiality about all health issues relating to campers.
• Supervise all aspects of the campers’ day including arrival, departure, lunch, recess, swimming and field trips.

Participate in staff training and BCCD policies 15% of total job

• Attend and participate in all camp staff training.
• Follow all BCCD personnel policies and camp procedures.
• Complete necessary BCCD paper work.
• Actively participate in staff meetings and evaluations.

Other Functions 10% of total job

• Assist lead counselor in all aspects.
• Work with other camp staff and District employees as needed.
• Assist with the public relations of the District programs and activities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education

• Currently enrolled in high school or possesses a high school diploma or equivalent.

Experience

• Experience working with children in an educational setting.
• Experience working outdoors and with the environment.
  

Enhanced Qualifications

• Experience working in a camp setting.
• Currently enrolled or hold a degree in natural sciences or related field.
• Knowledge of ecology and interrelationships of people and the environment.
• Fluency in Spanish language.
• Current certification as a lifeguard.
  
  

Specific Skills

• English Language – Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Speaking – Talking to others to convey information effectively
• Service Orientation – Actively looking for ways to help people
• Reading Comprehension – Understanding written English sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
• Writing – Communicating effectively in writing appropriate for the needs of the audience.
• Active Listening – Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Ability to speak in front of a group of at least 50 people
• Ability to contact people by phone, email, and/or letter
• Ability to learn and demonstrate skills used in fishing
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work – Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work
• Performing general physical activities – Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, jumping, walking, stooping, and handling of materials
• Visual ability – Able to recognize hazards in the camp setting as well as physical symptoms of camper injury or illness

Physical Functions -
Ability to:

• Accompany the campers to any of the camp activities
• Get into a swimming pool
• Engage in normal playground activities
• Hike at least ¼ mile at a time
• Remain drug-free
  

Equipment used

• Golf cart
• Brooms, dust pans, cleaning tools, cleaning chemicals
• Fishing poles
• Recreational sports equipment
• Arts and crafts supplies
• General 1st Aid equipment
• Radio/phones

Specialized Knowledge

• Certification in CPR/First aid (will be provided)
  

Working Conditions

• Ability to work in the out-of-doors in all types of conditions.
• Ability to work weekdays, evenings, nights, and weekends.
• Ability to work a varying schedule.
• Ability to work in conditions where there are biting and stinging insects.
• Ability to work in conditions where there are possibilities of exposure to minor cuts and burns.
• Ability to work outside during the hottest part of the day.
• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor in all aspects of the job.
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude under adverse conditions i.e. working outdoors during a very hot muggy day when being bitten by insects.
• Ability to remain calm in stressful and/or crisis situations.

Hours

• Position is seasonal from June to August. Average work week is thirty-eight to thirty-nine hours a week.
• There is also an opportunity to work extended hours providing before and after care to campers.