RecSports Student Assistant – Youth Programs Camp Counselor

Job Description

The Department of Recreational Sports is currently looking for Youth Programs Counselors to join our energetic team and move Gators toward lifelong wellbeing! Youth Programs Camp Counselors serve Rec Sports by fostering experiential opportunities throughout the daily schedule of camp activities at various locations for youth participants, ages 5-14 years old.

STU-AST-NON-CLERICAL & ADMIN

• Develop professional relationships with co-workers, participants, and guests
• Uphold and exceed the expectations of the Cornerstones of Rec Sports Service: accountability, anticipating needs, attitude, and atmosphere
• Demonstrate a desire to learn and apply knowledge as a Rec Sports ambassador
• Take ownership of Rec Sports facilities and programs by exhibiting a responsible work ethic
• Promote and maintain cleanliness and appearance within and surrounding Rec Sports facilities
• Enforce Rec Sports policies and procedures to promote participant safety and satisfaction
• Respond to all emergency situations and adhere to established protocol including pre- and post-incident procedures
• All Rec Sports employees are expected to abide by the Rec Sports Student Staff Code of Conduct that clarifies shared expectations and standards in effort to best serve our patrons, develop each team member, and prepare student employees for future career endeavors.

• Fall Kick-Off is our all-staff event to discuss department-wide updates, facilitate unit training sessions, as well as cultivate community and positive energy within our Rec Sports team. All Rec Sports Student Staff are expected to attend and will be paid for their training time.
• Fall Kick-Off is scheduled for August 18, 2026. Please mark your calendars as this is mandatory for all-staff! In addition, please hold your calendars for August 12-18, 2026 for mandatory unit-specific trainings.

• Youth Programs mandatory staff training is scheduled for May 5 th through the 7 th , from 9:00a – 4:00p. A secondary, pre-camp training will be hosted the evening before camp on May 31 st from 7:00-8:00p.

Camp Counselors serve youth participants, ages five to fourteen years old, by fostering experiential opportunities throughout the daily schedule of camp activities at various locations. These opportunities include, but are not limited to: teambuilding, sport-development, fitness and wellness practices, nature immersions, and artistic adventures which promote, enhance, and support the development of participants’ healthy relationships with themselves, their peers, and recreational activities.

• Facilitate activities to promote and enhance individual and group growth, development, and wellness
• Demonstrate proficient skills in positive behavior modification strategies
• Maintain consistent supervision of small groups of youth participants throughout the entire camp season
• Provide effective verbal instruction and pre-activity safety briefings
• Manage risk and promote well-being of participants, teammates, and self
• Support Youth Program special events, facilities and services
• Assist with set up, take down, opening, closing, cleaning, and other duties as directed
• Develop professional relationships with co-workers, participants, and their families
• Assist campers with and promote proper usage of equipment
• Administer First Aid/CPR/AED when necessary
• Prevent injuries by eliminating hazardous situations and behaviors
• Enforce rules, regulations, and policies
• Complete reports including accident, incident, attendance, and daily staff notes
• Inspect facilities and equipment for unsafe conditions, remedy the condition, and or notify Supervisors
• Participate in departmental and unit trainings
• Assist supervisors and professional staff with additional duties as assigned

$15.50/hour

• Must have a valid driver’s license
• Must have current CPR, First Aid, AED, and Epi Pen Administrator certification or be able to obtain within 30 days of hire (we can assist with this)
• Will be required to successfully complete a DCF level 2 background check
• Maintain a clear criminal record
• Comfortable working in heat and moving for long periods of time
• Ability to work harmoniously with the staff, youth, and their families
• Remain compliant on all required UF HR trainings (including but not limited to: GET
  803, ITT
  102, OOC
  101, PRV
  802, YCS
  800, YCS
  100, GET
  811)
• Availability to work a regular schedule for 6 hour stretches Monday-Friday 7:30a-6:00p in the summer, and occasionally over academic breaks

• Youth Programs Leadership Course
• Experience providing exceptional customer service
• Previous youth group facilitation
• Experience designing, creating, and adapting youth program experiences to meet the needs of the participants

Upon review of materials the applicant may be invited for an audition and…