Camp Counselor

Recruiting Opportunity Closes:  10.17.2024

Hourly Wage:  $15.20

Hours Per Week:  29

Status:  Non-Exempt - Part Time or Temporary– Variable Hours

               School Year – Part Time or Temporary up to 29 hrs

               Summer Year – Full Time - Temporary up to 40 hrs

Number of Positions: 3

Department:  Fine Arts & Education

Position Title:  Camp Counselor

The Salvation Army Mission Statement:

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church.  Its message is based on the Bible.  Its ministry is motivated by the love of God.  Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Application Instructions:

Complete the online job application.

To apply online go to:    Camp Counselor

To apply in person go to 1865 Bill Frey Dr., Salem, OR 97305.  Complete the job application provided to you. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Questions, contact Kimberly Landers at kimberly.landers@usw.salvationarmy.org or call 503-798-4814. Ms. Landers is the sole point of contact for questions regarding this position.

Recruiting Accommodation Statement:

To obtain assistance with accommodations related to the American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA) concerning your application process, please contact 1-888-887-6528 or email thq.reporting.line@usw.salvationarmy.org, attention Eric Hansen or Sheila Jordan.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Scope of Position:

The primary function of this position is to assist the Camp Lead Counselor 1 in both large and small groups of campers. Counselors will be expected to assist with maintaining the safety, health, happiness, discipline, cleanliness, character, and skill development of all campers. Camp counselors will help campers carry out activities, promote camper participation. Overall, a camp counselor will help with activities for all day camps, after school camps, and children’s programs while ensuring the campers’ safety and well-being.

Counselors work with youth ages 4-13. Must have the ability and desire to work with children, parents, volunteers, and peers. Counselors supervise and lead activities for all day camp events, after school events and other children’s programs. Counselors ensure campers’ and children’s safety and wellbeing of campers while they are in our care.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

General: Effective verbal and written communications, ability to multi-task. Must be able to read, write and communicate in English. Must have ability to work and relate well with people. Must have a positive attitude toward helping and fostering children in their development.

Organization: The ability to maintain a directed schedule along with the ability to lead a large group through multiple projects in a timely manner. This position must be responsible, detail oriented, and have the ability to take projects from beginning through completion.

Professional: The ability to work in a distinctively Christian environment. The ability to interact with co-workers and the public in a positive, professional manner in conformity with The Salvation Army Mission Statement. The ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds and circumstances. Able to work with limited supervision, and work in a team setting with other professionals. Exercise good judgment and comfortable taking initiative with projects.

Equipment: Telephone, computer, and copy/fax machines

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Will be responsible for leading assigned group of campers through camp activities and recreational activities with enthusiasm according to training protocol and written lesson plans.


• Will Adhere to and implement discipline procedures created for campers and staff.


• Will communicate any camper, parent, or staff issues with the Lead Counselors and Camp & Early Childhood Supervisor immediately. Follow up with appropriate documentation as directed.


• Will keep camper and staff issues confidential. Do not share issues with other campers, parents or patrons, news organizations or staff who are not involved.


• Ensure equipment is returned to Camp storage or appropriate designated area upon completion of activity with group unless otherwise arranged.


• Ensure each program area used by camper groups is cleaned before they head to the next camp activity.


• Will maintain an accurate head count of assigned camper group at all times.


• Facilitate day camp check in and out procedures according to protocol. Check the ID of each person signing out a camper.


• Will interface respectfully with peers, supervisors, and customers of various socio-economic backgrounds.


• Provide information and answer questions about available programs.


• Maintain a safe working environment: report all facility defects/problems to the Camp & Early Childhood Supervisor.


• Enforce all rules that pertain to the camp, children’s program, and facility on a consistent basis.


• Assist in emergencies or treatment of injured participants or staff. Follow up with completion of appropriate paperwork as directed.


• Assist in the development of lesson plans for assigned specialty camps, children’s programs, and athletic programs.


• Follow and ensure adherence to The Salvation Army Policies and Procedures.


• Maintain the Code of Ethics policy, which has been established for the Kroc Center.


• Perform other assignments/duties as directed.


•  Regular and punctual attendance is an essential job requirement.


• Flexibility and a cooperative spirit are crucial characteristics of the individuals who hold this important position.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to perform tasks of a repetitive nature without diminished performance.


• Must be able to carry up to 40 lbs. for short distances.


• Must be in excellent physical and mental health, capable of meeting the demands of the gymnasium and athletic field programs.


• Must be physically able to give emergency care if a situation arises.


• Must be able to walk, bend, stoop, squat, twist body, stand for short/long periods of time, kneel push, pull, have sense of touch, reach, grasp with hands and fingers, climb stairs, close vision, distance vision, smell, talk, hear, have eye-hand coordination, have manual dexterity, speak, and read English and work in noisy areas.


• May walk or stand on varied surfaces. Will require work outdoors in all types of weather conditions.

Working Conditions:

• This position may have frequent phone and in person contact with people from diverse backgrounds who may be angry, hostile, confused, or frustrated.


• Must be prepared to handle chemicals in a safe and appropriate manner as outlined by OSHA and MSDS standards.


• Some camp programs may require the use of chemicals during projects or clean up. The person in this position must be prepared to wear appropriate safety materials when handling chemicals. Including face masks, gloves, aprons, and respirators as needed.

This position has access to confidential and private information.  It is essential that confidentiality and privacy be observed.

Miscellaneous:

The candidate chosen for this position will be required to pass a criminal history information check. Conviction of a crime will not automatically preclude employment. The circumstances involved in the conviction(s) will be considered.

Qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation.  A qualified person with a disability may request a modification or adjustment to the job or work environment in order to meet the physical requirements of the position.  The Salvation Army will attempt to satisfy requests as long as the accommodation needed is reasonable and no undue hardship will result.

When you are on your 15-minute break you must stay on the premises.

Education and Work Experience:

1. Education –

• Preferred class work in childhood development or related field.


• S. Diploma or GED preferred.

1. Work/Professional Experience –

• Preferred camp counselor experience.

License and Certifications:

• CPR/First Aid certification or be able to obtain within 30 days of hire.


• Valid Food Handlers Card or be able to obtain within 30 days of hire.

Supervisor:    Camp & Early Childhood Supervisor, Kimberly Landers