Lead Counselor

Under the direction of the Camp Coordinator, a Lead Counselor is responsible for executing the daily activities of Discovery Camp to include: identifying and meeting camper needs; carrying out camp programs; fulfilling other staff administrative roles, as well as providing a positive role model for all campers and staff. Have the ability to provide assistants to counselors with daily activities.

• Provide guidance and leadership with a group of 8-12 campers.
• Stay with assigned group at all times. This includes lunch, rest period, and off site activities.
• Supervise all assigned aspects of the camper's day including morning activities, group clean-up, meal time, rest hour, and evening activities.
• Supervise campers before and after camp hours.
• Assist with positive conflict resolution. Recognize and respond to opportunities for problem solving in the group.
• Keep the Recreation Program Coordinator and Camp Coordinator informed of any problems that may occur with your group. This will include accidents, discipline problems, etc.
• Instruct campers in emergency procedures such as fire drills, evacuations, etc.
• Carry out established roles for supervising camper health.
• Carry out established roles in enforcing camp safety regulations.
• Perform basic first aid skills.
• Develop alternative methods of completing projects for children with disabilities.
• Account for personal belongings of campers and maintain belongings in a central location (glasses, lunch boxes, book bags, etc.).
• Maintain order among camp group at all times.

• Develop group activity plans as assigned.
• Assist Camp Coordinator with the scheduling and execution of daily activities.
• Assist in teaching or leading an activity as assigned.
• Maintain and safely store all supplies and equipment.
• Understand all activities that will take place during the camp. This will include game rules and instructions.
• Participate in all camp activities including but not limited to: theme days, off-camp field trips, challenges, big events, etc.
• Implement the planned activities of the program as assigned by the Camp Coordinator.
• Perform any scheduled duties that are assigned.
• Create filler activities for children of various age groups based on weekly themes.
• Find ways of using given resources for project completion before new items are ordered.
• Keep variety within each program each day.
• Show great enthusiasm and knowledge for your chosen specialty.
• Teach by example through actions, words, and thoughts.
• Board busses with kids, lunches, and other equipment.

• Clean all areas used before leaving.
• Report any potential dangers to the Recreation Program Coordinator and Camp Coordinator, such as facility, equipment, and activities.
• Be at the camp site on time and prepared.

• Fill in for the Camp Coordinator in their absence.
• Maintain the policies and procedures set by Gainesville Parks and Recreation and the City of Gainesville.
• Prepare for, attend, and actively participate in all staff orientations, parent orientations, training sessions, and staff meetings that are scheduled.
• Complete all day camp related forms that are required and submit it to the Camp Coordinator. Accident reports and disciplinary actions must be given to the Recreation Program Coordinator immediately.
• Complete time sheets and leave requests before deadlines occur.
• Submit all required reports on time.
• Follow camp rules pertaining to smoking, use of alcoholic beverages, and use of drugs.

These are not the only duties to be performed. Some duties may be reassigned and other duties may be assigned as required.

• Preferred recreation major, or early childhood major or other related fields.
• Requires at least two (2) years' experience or background in adolescence, early childhood, or physical education training or programming.
• Must be at least 19 years of age.

• Current CPR and First Aid Certifications
• Valid State Driver's License
• Clean Motor Vehicle Driving Record
• Pass Alcohol and Drug Screen
• No Criminal Background

Desire and ability to work with children in recreational and out-of-door setting.

Under the leadership of the Recreation Program Coordinator and Camp Coordinator, the lead counselor must administer the various camp activities in accordance with the policies and procedures established by the Gainesville Parks and Recreation Agency. The lead counselor will enrich the campers' experience by maintaining enthusiasm and a steady tone throughout the camp program.

This person must be able to lead the day camp program if the Camp Coordinator is not present. Knowledge of the policies and procedures as well as the activities planned is a necessity. This person must have experience with counselor and camper supervision, coordinating activities, and first aid as related to a day camp setting.

This person must have the ability to relate to children from all social and economic segments of the community and have the ability to work with the public in a respectful…