Summer Music Clinic Residential Counselor

Department Overview

Summer Music Clinic, Badger Precollege, Division of Continuing Studies

June 19, 2026

July 4, 2026

Not Remote

Minimum: 60

This is a full time, live in the residential hall position. Each week of Summer Music Clinic is a 100% appointment where you are "on the job" all day. Please do not work other jobs while employed as a counselor.

Minimum: $575

10

Must be a high school graduate. New applicants who have never been a counselor for SMC before must provide two non-family reference letters. There are mandatory counselor orientations and trainings before camp both in person and online – This training is a requirement for employment and applies to all participating counselors. No exceptions. Counselor Training begins on June 19th.

Applicants with a music background and interest are highly desirable but not required. Applicants with experience working with youth and an interest in education are also desirable.

UW-Madison Summer Music Clinic counselors are hard working role models who provide support in a number of ways for a large number of young people participating in the Summer Music Clinic. Counselors are the driving force and heart of the camper experience. Staff members need to be vibrantly interested in working with students in middle school and/or high school, have an open mind, be enthusiastic about music, and be interested in working this job for the students first over themselves.

Teams of counselors share the responsibility for students who are grouped by age, grade, and gender identity in a residence hall on the UW-Madison campus. Counselors are responsible for general supervision, leading after-class recreation, assigned teaching assistantships, and organizing and running social activities. Staff eat all meals with the students in the cafeteria and are expected to be an integral part of the student experience including helping to keep a diverse group of students safe and well-supervised.

Counselors are expected to respond to campers’ concerns and problems within the guidelines and rules provided.

The Junior and Senior Session include a daily commuter option which is open to students completing grades 5-12. There is a team of camp counselors specifically designated to commuter students; please indicate if you are interested in serving on the commuter camper counseling team. While these campers do not stay overnight, this team of counselors still resides in a residence hall to help meet mandated adult-to-camper ratios for a residential camp.

• Before the Program:
  • Participate in mandatory training and orientation both in person and online. Counselors (both new and returning) must attend the ENTIRE training — no exceptions. This is essential to the creation of a team for the students.
  • Complete all employment forms, online trainings, CPR training, background checks, and send verification to Summer Music Clinic.
  • Prepare residence hall wings and lobby to create a comfortable, inclusive, and welcoming environment.
• During the Program:
  • Work as a member of a team of counselors, who, with the leadership of the SMC Director and Co-Directors of Residential Life and Student Engagement, will design and implement afternoon and evening activities for students.
  • Be directly responsible for the welfare and supervision of students assigned to you. When students are not in class or with an instructional staff member, they should be accountable at all times through sign in/sign out forms, attendance checks, etc.
  • Counselors must supervise all informal or formal activities and events.
  • Be a professional role model for the students and maintain a professional relationship with students AND staff. As role models, counselors are expected to conform to student rules within the confines of the program. Employees must be drug and alcohol-free when on duty and when in the presence of students.
  • Work with instructional faculty as needed and assigned to support campers’ musical and social experience in the program and to foster continuous communication with all program staff. Work with Residential Life Team, and Program Administrative staff on problem-solving issues that arise with students.
  • Other duties as emergencies arise, such as student or counselor illness, accidents, or absences; must be prepared to handle these as needed.
  • Eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner with campers.
  • Accompany students with health concerns to the University Health Services Office.
  • Escort students to/from classes, meals, meetings.
  • Take shifts running the Counseling Staff Office (CSO).
  • Attend and/or participate in the all-counselor performance.
  • Take attendance and sit with assigned campers during evening concerts.
  • Attend and be on time for all counselor staff meetings, meetings with instructional staff, and other…