Camp Counselor - Camp Felix

At The New York Foundling, we trust in the power and potential of people, and we deliberately invest in proven practices. From bold beginnings in 1869, our New York-based nonprofit has supported hundreds of thousands of our neighbors on their own paths to stability, strength, and independence.  We help children and families navigate through and beyond foster care. We help families struggling with conflict and poverty grow strong. We help individuals with developmental disabilities live their best lives, and we help our neighbors access quality health and mental health services—core to building lifelong resilience and wellbeing. Together, our interrelated programs provide a whole-person, whole-family, and whole-life approach that unlocks solutions for a lifetime.

Camp Felix is a sleepaway camp located in Kent, CT. Transportation will be provided to and from the camp site.  

Mandatory Staff Training: Tuesday -Thursday July 22-24 in Manhattan and July 27 in Kent, CT;

Camp Sessions: (Monday - Friday)

• July 28 - August 1
• August 4 - August 8

Salary: 600/week 

Position Description:

Camp Counselors work under direct supervision of the Unit Leader to achieve Camp Felix goals and objectives by delivering a safe, fun and enriching summer camp program that helps Camp Felix campers build positive relationships, learn new skills, improve their self-esteem and develop healthy habits. Specific responsibilities include:

• Ensure safety and well-being of campers in the assigned cabin.
• Sleep in the same cabin as campers.
• Arrange for proper upkeep of cabin; report maintenance problems immediately to supervisor.
• Supervise campers such that they are protected from any unreasonable risk to their health or safety, including bullying, abuse or any public health hazard.
• Maintain visual or verbal communications capabilities between camper and counselor during activities and a method of accounting for the camper's whereabouts at all times.
• Organize and supervise daily group activities according to schedule; ensure timely arrival and departure at all daily activities.
• Supervise campers during all activities, participate in activities with them, and encourage them to participate as much as possible (i.e. arts & crafts, sports, hiking, dance, music, theater, swimming, etc).
• Supervise campers during mealtime; serve food to campers and ensure that all campers are eating their meals.
• Supervise campers after lights out, if on duty.
• Supervise campers during shower time.
• Help to prevent dangerous situations by minimizing risks.
• Recognize and handle emergencies as per Camp Felix policies and procedures.
• Help campers grow and develop by providing positive reinforcement, guidance, support and care.
• Utilize positive and supportive techniques and strategies to resolve problems and enforce discipline among campers.
• Participate in pre-camp training.
• Assist during transportation to/from camp, supervise campers while on the bus, assist with bus loading/unloading at camp.
• Other duties as assigned.

The New York Foundling is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse employee population, the Foundling will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.

Other Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• High School or GED diploma preferred, not required.
• Ideal candidate will have the following qualifications:
  • Experience working with children in some professional capacity (education setting, childcare facility, afterschool programs, recreation, instruction, etc.)
  • Experience working in summer camps preferred (day camp or sleepaway).
  • Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with campers, colleagues, and supervisors. o Serve as a positive role model for children and youth: be patient, kind, honest, responsible, and compassionate.
  • Have a strong desire to positively impact the lives of children and youth o Knowledge of or familiarity with the issues/needs of children involved in the child welfare system preferred.
  • Ability to follow rules, guidelines, and policies enforced by supervisor/Camp Director.
  • Be willing to enthusiastically participate in all of camp’s activities with the campers and encourage them to participate as well (swimming, performing, playing sports, etc.)
  • A dedicated team player and leader
  • Be reliable and timely
  • Be available for training week/weekend and at least 1 of the 2 weeks of camp
• Demonstrated strong commitment to safety.