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Cabin Counselor/Instructor of Canoeing and Kayaking

General Description

This is a job with two components – the Cabin Counselor role, and the Activity Instructor role.

Cabin Counselors supervise a group of campers in a cabin during the course of the summer. Usually, two Cabin Counselors and a group of between 8 and 12 campers comprise a cabin. The age range of all campers in camp is 8 through 15 – however, each cabin is made up of campers all from the same grade level in school or age group. Responsibilities include:

• Helping the campers get ready in the morning
• Helping the campers clean the cabin during “capers” time
• Making sure Rest Hour (after lunch) is a peaceful and restful time
• Making sure campers get to their activities on time
• Helping campers plan skits for Talent Shows and Campfires
• Helping campers plan presentations for Vespers time on Sundays
• Making sure the cabin is a positive and supportive environment for all campers
• Making sure each camper is fitting in to their group – working with the Camp Director if there seem to be any issues
• Greeting parents and helping campers get settled into cabins on changeover days
• Writing letters home informing parents of camper progress
• Completing camper and cabin reports at the end of the summer, which are then filed with the Camp Director

The Activity Instructor role is the second component, and specific responsibilities vary depending on the area in which a staff member is teaching. Generally speaking, an Activity Instructor will:

• Teach 5 periods of organized, instructional classes per day
• Work with the Activity Director to understand and carry out lesson plans
• Work with the Activity Director to create program for an activity area
• Help maintain the equipment and will ensure cleanliness in an activity area
• Dress appropriately for the activity which they are teaching
• Work with groups and with individual campers in teaching specific activities
• Often work in the evenings to prepare special events in an activity area
• Provide feedback to Activity Directors on certain lesson plans and perceived interest level of campers
• Assist Activity Directors in completing camper progress reports at end of sessions
• Assist with skill-level record keeping during the course of a session

Counselors/Instructors work 6 days per week, and take one 24-hour period off during that week. These Staff Members will attend Staff Training week, and will workshop with Area Directors during that time to familiarize themselves with general practices in a specific activity area, and to refresh their skills on certain aspects of the activity.

Specific to Canoeing and Kayaking

In addition to the above, Counselors/Instructors in this area will also:

• Assist the Director with equipment repairs and maintenance
• Maintain excellent records of camper progress during sessions
• Participate in lifeguarding in-services and refreshers during the summer
• Possibly be asked to lifeguard for all-camp-swim periods
• Participate with campers – to maintain safety, and to provide feedback while in boat and on the water
• Possibly be asked to drive the safety PWC to monitor canoers/kayakers on the water
• Possibly be asked to arrive at camp early to obtain American Red Cross LG certification*

Employee Dates and Salary

Dates: 6/7/10 to 8/15/10 - 9 weeks, 6 days* (Includes ARC Lifeguard certification period.)

Salary: From $210 per week

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