Camp Counselor - Summer Staff 2025

SUMMARY

The Summer Counselors at Black Diamond Camps are responsible to minister to the spiritual, emotional, relational, and physical needs of the campers in both of the Black Diamonds Summer Programs; Day Camp and Group Camp. The person in this position shall, at all times, demonstrate cooperative behavior towards colleagues, guests, supervisors, volunteers and guests. Regular attendance is essential for this position. All team members are expected to maintain an environment of professionalism, safety and fun. As a Counselor, you will be trained in all summer needs. Throughout the summer you will be asked to part of specific Summer Programs as needed. You will also assist in daily behind-the-scenes programming and work to keep camp running smoothly including cleaning, dishwashing and necessary work projects as needed.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Includes the following; other duties may be assigned:

1. Have ability to communicate and work with campers age 5-18 and volunteers of high school age, during their various camp activities and provide necessary instruction to campers.
2. Respond to emergencies in accordance to training and camp policies.
3. Possess abilities to observe camper and volunteer behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce applicable safety regulations and emergency procedures and apply effective behavior-management techniques.
4. Help build excitement for the opening day of camp each week and conduct oneself in such a way as to encourage the transfer of trust onto oneself by the parents and campers.
5. Work as a team member with the other BDC staff and volunteers toward the overall goals of the camp.
6. Be a positive roles model to the summer staff in his/her spiritual walk, self-respect, love and consideration of others, enthusiasm and work ethic.
7. Guide and encourage staff and campers participation in all camp activities and functions, through attitude, speech and action.
8. Actively supervise all assigned aspects of the campers' day, including daily activities, meal times, clean-up, summing and recreational time and evening activities.
9. Teach or lead all activities as assigned.
10. Strive to meet the spiritual, emotional, relational and physical needs of the campers and volunteers.
11. Recognize and respond to opportunities for presenting the "Good News" of Jesus Christ.
12. See that assigned campers wear clean clothing and are appropriately dressed for the weather and activities of the day.
13. Be aware of the health and well-being of assigned campers and report any problems to the Program Manager.
14. Work as a team member with the other BDC staff and volunteers toward the overall goals of the camp.
15. Being available and flexible for as needed projects or needs in other departments and programs.
16. Be prepared to assist campers during other recreational activities (training and support given).
17. Perform the duties and tasks of being a counselor in either program as listed below:

Group Camp: Each week co-counselors (mostly working in co-ed teams) will lead 20-30 junior high and high school students through purposeful and pre-planned experiences. Counselors are part of creating flexible schedules that cater to each group's needs; they lead Bible studies, build relationships and facilitate activities/group development that provide opportunities for scripture to come to life. Counselors sleep in nearby dorms with other counselors unless the group requests otherwise.

Day Camp: These counselors work with our youngest campers, starting with campers entering Kindergarten-6th grade (ages 5-12). They begin first thing in the morning at parent drop-off through mid afternoon when parents pick up their campers. These counselors are required to be high energy with a passion and desire for fun! The day camp experience is a Monday-Friday camp, with other supporting camp roles throughout the rest of your work week. Counselors will work in pairs to take care of their cabin groups and work together to make sure their campers are having an incredible summer camp experience. Counselors are in charge of leading their campers in activities, group development, Bible studies, and many other high energy activities. On occasion counselors might be asked to sleep in cabins with same gender campers for overnight camp add ons.

18. Include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Activities/Adventure Elements:

• Demonstrate competency to belay/spot elements and activities.
• Demonstrate proper set up of gear on ground and use of appropriate knots.
• Competent in ability to instruct and supervise participants on different challenge course elements.
• Demonstrate proper belay set up and belay method.
• Demonstrate the ability to see and manage inherent risk to minimize the risk of injury.

Lifeguard (demonstrated upon training):

• Maintain up-to-date Lifeguard/First Aid & CPR certifications (if you don't already have these certifications, be willing to obtain them).
• Demonstrate effective patron surveillance of up to 100 swimmers with the aquatic team.
• Demonstrate competency to recognize and respond to emergency situations.
• Able to properly open and close up aquatic environments.
• Able to identify and manage environmental and other hazards related to the activity.
• Competent in ability to instruct participants in canoe procedures, pool rules and/or basic swim instruction.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

MINISTRY STATEMENT

Warm Beach Camp Ministries exists to share the hope and love of Christ through camping ministries and experiences in the Pacific Northwest.

At Black Diamond Camp, we exist to inspire Christ-like change through outdoor adventure, authentic relationships and biblical truth.

CLASSIFICATION

This is a seasonal, contract position.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duties satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Must be 18 years of age or older.
2. Have a sincere love for the Lord and be committed to the Lordship of Christ in every area of their life.
3. Have a burden and a love for all people and a desire to see them totally committed to the Lordship of Jesus.
4. Be willing to support the philosophy and goals of Warm Beach Camp Ministries and Black Diamond Camp through attitude, speech and action.
5. Be willing to accept supervision and guidance.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or one to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Current CPR/First Aid Certification or ability to obtain Lifeguard Certification or ability to obtain

Food Handler's Card

Valid Driver's License (for those age 21 or older) to be authorized to drive camp vehicles.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one, small group and large group situations.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to: stand, walk and/or sit for extended periods of time; use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently assist in the lifting and/or moving up to 75 pounds. Specific vision requirements of the position includes close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. The employee must regularly talk or hear. The physical demands described here are representative of the minimum physical requirements that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly exposed to high, precarious places and outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

ON-CAMP HOUSING CONDITION

The employee in this position is required to live on the camp premises in staff housing in order to provide round-the-clock supervision of campers and volunteers and fulfill the program requirements of this position.