Hat Creek Summer Camp Counselor

Job Title: Summer Camp Counselor

Department: Youth Services

Job Status : Active

FLSA Status: Non - Exempt

Reports To : Camp Program Manager

Amount of Travel Required: Live on Site for 10 weeks (7145 Hat Creek Rd., Brookeneal, VA 24528)

Job Type : Seasonal

Work Schedule: 5/24/27- 8/3/27, Sunday-Friday

Pay Range: $275 - $375 per week based on experience

Benefits

• (College Students Only) Opportunity to apply for Educational Scholarship through FIVE18 Family Services
• Meals will be provided while summer programming is taking place at camp
• Lodging throughout employment
• Opportunities for post summer work during retreat season
• Optional Paid Training Certifications: First Aid, Lifeguard, High Ropes Specialist, Archery Instructor
• Home-base for living, working, and exploring in beautiful central Virginia
• Employment with an innovative company focused on improving the lives of others

POSITION SUMMARY

Hat Creek Camp Counselors are an instrumental part of making our campers’ experiences fun, safe, and memorable! We provide a home away from home where our staff are free to stretch their comfort zone, grow in ways they never knew possible, and discover the joy of summer camp. Camp Counselors have the unique opportunity to spend each day directly investing in campers while participating in a variety of fun-filled activities such as archery, swimming, kayaking, campfires, large group games, mealtime songs, and skits.

Every week is different at camp, and our Camp Counselors bring the energy, flexibility, and enthusiasm that help make each camper’s week special! Counselors lead and supervise their cabin group throughout the day, build positive relationships with campers, encourage participation, and help create a safe and welcoming environment where every camper feels known and included. Hat Creek Camp provides staff the opportunity to grow their skills in group management, age-appropriate programming, relationship building, leadership, and safety and supervision.

Staff will undergo a two-week training in preparation for summer camp. The training encompasses protocols and procedures as well as trauma informed care, games, bonding, and goofiness. Camp Counselors are supported by Lead Counselors and guided and supervised by the Camp Program Manager. Our staff form close, lifelong friendships that last long after summer camp is over.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Reasonable Accommodations Statement To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Create a positive and safe community for campers and staff.
• Provide direct supervision and care for assigned campers.
• Build positive relationships with campers and help each camper feel known, included, and supported.
• Facilitate and actively participate in all summer camp programming and activities.
• Maintain knowledge of camp schedules, programs, protocols, and procedures.
• Lead campers through daily routines, including meals, hygiene, cabin cleanup, activities, and bedtime.
• Manage camper behavior using positive, consistent, and age-appropriate strategies.
• Learn and lead camp songs, games, skits, and mealtime activities.
• Communicate camper needs and concerns to Lead Counselors and camp leadership.
• Work collaboratively with staff and participate in cleaning, program setup/cleanup, meetings, and debriefs.

COMPETENCY STATEMENTS

• Active Listening – Ability to actively attend to, understand, and respond to the comments and needs of others.
• Adaptability – Ability to adjust to changes in schedules, camper needs, weather, and programming.
• Accountability – Ability to accept responsibility and account for their actions.
• Communication – Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with campers, staff, and leadership.
• Conflict Resolution – Ability to address disagreements and challenging situations in a positive and appropriate manner.
• Empathy – Ability to understand and respond appropriately to the feelings and needs of others.
• Interpersonal Skills – Ability to build positive and effective relationships with campers and coworkers.
• Problem Solving – Ability to identify challenges and determine appropriate solutions.
• Teamwork – Ability to work effectively and cooperatively with others toward a common goal.
• Reliability – Ability to consistently fulfill responsibilities and follow through on expectations.

Requirements

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

SKILLS & ABILITIES

Experience: Leadership experience and/or experience working with kids preferred

Certification & Licenses: Current CPR and First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain certification during staff training

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Passion for working with children and making a difference.
• Ability to work Sunday-Friday during summer programming weeks.
• Willingness to get outside of your comfort zone.
• Ability to pass a background and reference check.
• Minimum 18 years old.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

N (Not Applicable) Activity is not applicable to this position.

O (Occasionally) Position requires this activity up to 33% of the time (0 - 2.5+ hrs/day)

F (Frequently) - Position requires this activity from 33% - 66% of the time (2.5 - 5.5+ hrs/day)

C (Constantly) - Position requires this activity more than 66% of the time (5.5+ hrs/day)

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Stand: C Walk: C Sit: F

Manually Manipulate F Reach Outward C Reach Above Shoulder F

Climb C Crawl O Squat or Kneel F

Bend C Grasp F Speak F

OTHER PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Vision (Near, Distance, Color, Peripheral, Depth) - Active supervision of campers and counselors

Sense of Sound - - Active supervision of campers and counselors

Sense of Balance

Active movement about 10 hours per day

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Camp Counselors work in an active, fast-paced summer camp environment serving children and youth. Work is primarily performed outdoors and throughout camp facilities, including cabins, activity areas, dining spaces, trails, and waterfront areas.

This position requires working in varying weather conditions, including heat, humidity, rain, and other changing outdoor conditions. Camp Counselors should be comfortable with extended periods of walking, standing, and participating in camp activities.

During camp sessions, Camp Counselors live on-site in staff housing and work a varied schedule that may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and overnight responsibilities. The position requires flexibility as schedules, camper needs, weather, and programming may change throughout the day.

The environment can be physically and emotionally demanding. Camp Counselors regularly interact with campers, counselors, volunteers, camp leadership, and other FIVE18 staff and are expected to contribute to a positive, safe, Christ-centered, and team-oriented camp environment.