Lead Camp Counselor

Overview

Step into a leadership role as the curator of a magical summer, where thoughtful preparation and gentle guidance can turn a daily schedule into a seamless journey for the campers and staff. The Seasonal Camp Lead is the anchor of the camp experience, serving as a vital link between the program’s vision and its daily execution. The Camp Lead coordinates the camp plan at a high level, ensures activities are prepped, and provides counselors with the supplies and support they need to succeed.

The Camp Lead offers on-site leadership and assists with daily operations to help counselors manage their groups through daily and weekly schedules. The Camp Lead also serves as the primary liaison between parents, counselors, and management to maintain a strong connection and flow of information. By providing organizational clarity and professional leadership, the Camp Lead supports a team of counselors to deliver positive camp experiences for all participants.

Note: Work activities involve multiple skills and may include, depending on area of assignment, operational necessity, emergency services, special projects, and seasonal factors.

• Coordinate and implement the overall camp plan, ensure the daily schedule is followed, and bring the program’s vision to life each day.
• Oversee activity setup and supply management, ensuring materials are prepped, organized, and ready for counselors to minimize downtime.
• Anticipate logistical needs by reviewing the schedule in advance, ensure smooth transitions between activities, and provide what each group needs to succeed.
• Act as an operational anchor for counselors, assisting with day-to-day operations and guiding complex group dynamics.
• Mentor the counselor team with real-time guidance to help them feel confident, supported, and empowered to focus on campers.
• Step in as needed to manage high-energy moments or transitions, maintaining a steady and positive environment.
• Serve as the primary liaison between parents and the camp, keeping families informed about activities, check-in/out procedures, injuries, behavior concerns, and other updates.
• Facilitate communication between management and staff, translating leadership goals into daily tasks and relaying feedback to keep the program aligned.
• Manage and maintain all documentation and safety reporting, ensuring camp policies and procedures are followed.
• Conduct multi-group activities, assign counselors to appropriate roles, and provide clear instructions and shared task divisions.
• Develop and coordinate daily and weekly counselor setup and cleanup assignments to maintain a clean and safe space for everyone.
• Provide basic first aid for minor injuries, document incidents, and promptly notify parents with accurate information.
• Work with the Recreation Coordinator to develop and enforce behavior improvement plans for campers as needed.
• Provide operational coverage and group leadership by stepping into the role of camp counselor when needed to support breaks, absences, or staffing to maintain required ratios without disrupting the camper experience.

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
• Assist in planning and development of new recreational programs and activities.
• Assist with City of Oak Harbor Parks and Recreation events and represent the City at community events.
• May operate a city vehicle to transport program participants or supplies.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required, with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Knowledge of:
  • Age-appropriate behaviors and activities to guide campers and staff.
  • How to translate a high-level camp plan into daily execution, including supply management and scheduling.
  • Emergency procedures, first aid documentation, and reporting.
  • Professional parental communication and community relations expectations.
• Skills in:
  • Delivering real-time constructive feedback and guidance to counselors to support their growth.
  • Problem solving and resolving…