Lead Camp Counselor

Special Instructions

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:

• 1-page resume, including current and previous academic and relevant professional experience.
• 1-page letter of recommendation, from a current or previous employer or college professor.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.

This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a Criminal History Check and be determined to be position qualified as per OSU Standard  et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in Youth Programs may have additional Criminal History Checks every 2 years.

All job offers are contingent upon Human Resources final approval.

• Job Title:
  
  Lead Camp Counselor
• Appointment Type:
  Student Employee
• Job Location:
  
  OSU – Cascades, Bend, Oregon
• Position Appointment Percent: 100%
• Appointment Basis: 12
• Pay Method:
  Hourly
• Pay Period: 16th – 15th of the following month
• Pay Date:
  Last working day of the month
• Remote or Hybrid option:
  None specified
• Min Hourly Rate: $15.05 (Standard); $14.05 (Non-Urban); $16.30 (Portland Metro)
• Max Hourly Rate: $21.50 (Standard); $21.00 (Non-Urban); $22.00 (Portland Metro)

This recruitment will fill two (2) part‑time Lead Camp Counselor positions within the Event Services Unit at Oregon State University – Cascades, located in Bend, Oregon. Lead Camp Counselors play an essential role in the smooth operation of OSU – Cascades Summer Academy ((Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).), a two‑week residential youth camp. Acting as a liaison between camp leadership and counselors, Lead Camp Counselors support task delegation, camper conflict resolution, schedule/time management, and activity facilitation.

This position requires strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills, along with a commitment to creating a safe, positive, and engaging environment for all campers and staff. Lead Camp Counselors are expected to work up to 5 hours per week during the Spring 2026 training period and 156 total hours during the Summer Academy camp sessions (July 18–31, 2026). This is an academic year/summer (April 2026 – July 2026) position open to OSU students.

OSU is committed to ensuring students are prepared for success after graduation through intentional skill development as student employees. The competencies students develop while working at OSU are defined by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) as the essential skills employers seek in their hires. In this position, students learn and build vital career‑readiness skills in the primary areas below:

• Communication
• Critical Thinking
• Teamwork
• Leadership

• Professional Development:
  • Complete necessary virtual training modules focusing on youth development, access and belonging, youth protection, physical safety, and program development.
  • Complete virtual and in‑person First Aid / CPR / AED training (if needed).
• Program Development:
  • Co‑create program social and recreational activities, including draft schedules, materials lists, instructions, and contingency plans.

• Leadership and Team Support:
  • Serve as the primary liaison between camp leadership and counselors, ensuring clear communication and effective task delegation.
  • Provide guidance and mentorship to counselors, fostering a collaborative and inclusive team environment.
  • Support counselors in preparing and executing activities, ensuring they are equipped to meet program goals.
• Camper Engagement and Safety:
  • Ensure the well‑being and safety of all campers by addressing conflicts and behavioural concerns in a timely and professional manner.
  • Build positive relationships among campers, promoting a sense of belonging and mutual respect.
  • Serve as a role model for professionalism, enthusiasm, and inclusivity in all camper interactions.
• Residential Supervision:
  • Live on site during residential sessions in assigned single…