Camp Courageous

Counselor Job Description

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Responsible to:  Program Director

Qualifications:

1. At least 18 years old. Most first year counselors have at least one year of college.
2. Sincere and genuine interest in working with individuals with intellectual and/or physical disabilities.
3. Emotional maturity and integrity.
4. Enjoyment and appreciation of nature.
5. Experience with individuals with disabilities preferred.
6. Willingness to obtain Medication Manager of Iowa certification or in-house course within 30 days. Adult and Child Mandatory Reporter.
7. Current Standard First Aid and CPR certification. Can be obtained during summer staff training.
8. Willingness to obtain Lifeguard certification.

Position Overview:

Counselors are responsible for supervising their campers and providing for their care, safety and well-being.  Counselors must be aware of and follow all the established safety rules and emergency procedures.  Developing a good rapport with campers enhances the experience for all.

A counselor must also:

• Interact and communicate effectively with all staff to ensure campers an enjoyable and worthwhile camping experience.
• Include campers in the scheduling of activities, that best meet the needs and interests of the group.
• Supervise and participate in all experiences with the assigned camper group, encouraging full participation. Provide a safe experience for each camper.

Position Responsibilities:  Counselor

1. Participate in staff orientation.
2. Familiarize yourself as much as possible with campers’ individual backgrounds and needs by reading camper applications before they arrive.
3. Prepare cabins for camper arrival by:
   1. Labeling bed and personal item containers.
   2. Arrange beds according to specific camper considerations.
4. Greet campers and introduce them to their new environment. Assist in unpacking personal belongings.  Mark items for easy identification.
5. Familiarize yourself with each camper’s needs and/or wants regarding program activities and expectations during their stay at camp.
6. Arrive at the cabin at 7:30 a.m. each morning and 2:15 pm in the afternoon
7. Contact Program Director or Assistant Program Director if you are too ill to work.
8. Do assigned rest hour and night cabin duties. Assist campers as needed.  Remain in assigned area to provide proper supervision.
9. Attend staff meetings to:
   1. Work as a team with all staff to ensure quality care and programming.
   2. Create weekly schedule for campers during the Winter, Summer and Fall seasons keeping in mind camper’s interests and capabilities.
   3. Arrange campout and cookout activities.
   4. Review special needs list thoroughly.
10. Assist and supervise campers in personal care as needed. For example, dressing, eating, toileting, brushing teeth, showering, personal needs, etc.
11. When assisting campers with person care needs at least two staff must be present.
12. Make sure campers are on time for:
    1. Medication
    2. Meals
    3. Activities
13. Participate fully with campers in each activity, evening program, or special event.
14. Promptly report to the Nursing Staff:
    1. Any unusual physical symptoms.
    2. Change in dietary pattern.
    3. Unusual appearance or lack of bowel movements.
    4. Incidents of injury, damage or loss of property.
    5. Seizure activity.
15. Ensure that campers are appropriately dressed for weather conditions and planned activities.
16. With co-counselor complete Take Home Report for each camper by Thursday at 2:15 pm during the Winter, Summer and Fall seasons, including activities attended throughout the week as well as personal care and behavioral needs.
17. Choose and design special awards for individual campers in your group to be presented at the end of the session.
18. Perform other duties as assigned for the purpose of Camp Courageous and the services it provides.
19. Follow all rules and regulations including no alcohol, tobacco, or firearms at camp.

Supervision Ratios

For campers with special needs the following ratios are advised.

Every effort should be made to minimize the potential of any staff being one on one with a camper when out of sight of others.  This includes in rest rooms and shower areas, during personal care and when in healthcare setting.