Overview – Being a cabin counselor is similar to being a parent—you are on call 24 hours a day! In addition to leading and teaching activities, you will live with and be responsible for a group of campers and their daily routines, including wake-up, cabin clean-up, meals, hygiene, rest hour, and ensuring they transition smoothly between activities/ You are expected to work hard, learn from others, and understand that while perfection is not required, a commitment to growth and improvement is.
Responsibilities – Counselors are expected to fulfill the following responsibilities:
Assume responsibility for the emotional and physical well-being of campers 24/7.
Serve as a leader and positive role model for campers.
Demonstrate professionalism in all tasks.
Exercise care and sound judgment when making decisions affecting campers’ well-being.
Review cabin dynamics with Camp Directors and report any problems or concerns.
Communicate with parents about their child’s progress through written evaluations twice per summer.
Assist with or plan programs and activities.
Instruct campers in one or more activity areas.
Counselor Functions – As a counselor, one of your key responsibilities is to act as a “parent” for campers. This role involves ensuring that campers feel cared for, safe, and supported. Parents want to trust that their child is safe, healthy, clean, respected, and encouraged. The following areas are priorities for all counselors:
Be aware of health and physical risks associated with every activity.
Ensure the emotional safety of campers at all times.
Establish and enforce rules to maintain camper safety.
Prevent accidents and respond promptly to any issues.
Ensure campers eat adequately and make healthy choices.
Monitor food intake and ensure medications are administered as needed.
Encourage proper table manners and respectful behavior.
Observe camper interactions, moods, and overall well-being.
Always be punctual and ready to work.
Monitor camper behavior for any subtle signs of issues or concerns.
Health & Wellness – Counselors play an essential role in maintaining campers’ hygiene, health, and overall wellness:
Regularly remind and assist campers with personal hygiene, including changing clothes, brushing teeth and hair, and trimming nails.
Establish routines for maintaining good hygiene within the cabin group.
Ensure campers use essential hygiene products like shampoo, soap, and toothpaste.
Encourage hydration and the use of sunscreen on sunny days.
Create and enforce a bedtime routine that allows campers to get adequate sleep.
Assist campers with bagging laundry and ensure bed sheets are changed and blankets are shaken weekly.
Perform nightly tick checks and monitor campers for scratches, rashes, or other health concerns. Notify nurses or the Camp Director when necessary.
Ensure campers are taking their medications as prescribed.
