Camp counselor h1.location_city

Salary: $14.25 - $16.25 Hourly
Location : Gahanna, OH
Job Type: Seasonal
Job Number: 20251201c
Department: Parks & Rec Camp
Opening Date: 12/01/2025
Closing Date: 6/1/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: 10

Job Summary

The Camp Counselor position is for those applicants who are 17 years or older and preferably have completed one year of college or equivalent life experience (recreation, education, childcare, or a closely related field preferred). Camp Counselors play an active role in organizing, planning, and implementing all aspects of summer day camp programs for youth of various ages. Camps are held in City of Gahanna parks and include structured group activities like sports & games, outdoor education, arts & creativity, special presentations, off-site trips including swimming pool visits, as well as plenty of free time for campers to independently select activities that they most like to do

Camp Counselors typically work up to 5 days/40 hours per week, but part-time schedules can be arranged. Normal working hours are between 7:15 a.m. and 5:45 p.m., Monday - Friday. Occasional evening or weekend work may be available/requested. Additional pre-summer trainings and in-service staff meetings throughout the summer are also required. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early to allow time to complete all new hire paperwork and screening so that they may benefit from the opportunity to fully participate in pre-camp staff training.

Essential Job Functions

• Ensure the safety and well-being of camp participants and fellow staff, adhering to all camp policies, procedures and applicable emergency protocols, as described in the staff manual.
• Act as a role model to camp participants, co-workers, and camp parents in both attitude and appropriate behavior, remaining professional and respectful, as described in the staff manual.
• Maintain camper supervision and discipline, as necessary, in a manner that is appropriate and consistent with policies described in the staff manual.
• Abide by all mandatory reporting and communication policies, as described in the staff manual.
• Evaluate camp programs and provide constructive feedback to support staff and supervisors.

** Regular, predictable, and punctual attendance is required.
Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of education, training and experience as listed below which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job. A typical way to qualify is completion of one (1) year of college or equivalent life experience. A willingness to work under direct supervision. Minimum of 17 years of age.

• Licensure or Certification Requirements: First Aid/CPR/AED certification or willingness to obtain. Current and valid Ohio driver's license with an acceptable driver's abstract, to meet criteria for insurability established by the City of Gahanna.

Important Job Functions

• Participate in the development and implementation of program activities that align with the camp mission and desired outcomes.
• Demonstrate enthusiasm, while leading, assisting, and/or actively participating in all program areas, as assigned.
• Maintain exceptional standards of cleanliness, health, and safety in all camp operations, adhering to American Camp Association standards at all times.
• Be alert to equipment and facilities, to ensure utilization, proper care and maintenance is adhered to. Promptly report repairs needed to the camp management team and/or supervisor.
• Maintain appropriate level of formal/professional conduct, in an informal environment.
• Provide parents/guardians and public appropriate feedback and information, when addressing questions and concerns, with assistance from the Leadership Team or supervisor, as needed.
• Be available for camp staff trainings prior to the camp season and for in-service trainings/meetings during the camp season; some of these may occur outside of regularly scheduled program hours.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Basic recreation principles
• Youth development

Skill in:

• Conflict resolution
• Team building
• Engagement techniques
• Behavior management

Ability to: (Mental and Physical Abilities)

• Work independently, while also being able to lead and supervise others.
• Assess appropriateness of participant behavior and respond accordingly, using positive behavior management techniques, as outlined in the staff handbook.
• Adhere to regulations, policies, and procedures required by any and all applicable regulatory/governing bodies.
• Communicate and provide necessary direction and instruction to camp participants.
• Possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of participants, as well as a high level of accountability.
• Document, update, and appropriately communicate necessary camp records and logs.
• Identify and respond to environmental and other hazards, as well as assist staff and participants in an emergency (i.e. fire, evacuation, illness, or injury).

Working Conditions:

• Primary work location is outdoors, where the employee is subject to environmental conditions, extreme cold, extreme heat, noise, vibration, hazards and atmospheric conditions.
• This is medium work requiring the exertion of 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Work requires climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, and repetitive motions.

Seasonal employees are eligible to participate in the Ohio Public Employment Retirement (OPERS).
01

This position requires employees to be at least 17 years old at the start of employment. Will you meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

02

Have you previously worked for the City of Gahanna?

• Yes
• No

03

Please indicate your level of experience working with youth ages 5-12

• None
• 1-3 years
• Four or more years

04

In order to remain compliant with the American Camp Association accreditation standards, you must require an email address for at least three references. Have you provided this information?

• Yes
• No

05

If you were referred for this position by someone, enter their name in the box below. If not, enter n/a.
Required Question