Camp Fire Heart Of Iowa Day Camp Counselor - DSM/WDM Des Moines, IA · Full time Company website

Apply for Day Camp Counselor - DSM/WDM

Camp Fire is an inclusive youth development organization founded with the intention of connecting kids with nature and helping them develop the skills needed for a happy, healthy life now and into the future. Our Mission: Growing up is hard. That’s why Camp Fire connects young people to the outdoors, to others, and to themselves. Our Vision: We envision a world where all young people thrive and have equitable opportunities for self-discovery, community connection, and engagement with nature. How We Do It: Camp Fire creates safe spaces where young people can have fun and be themselves. We do this through a variety of powerful youth experiences and programs including Community Clubs, Before- and After-School Care, Out-of-School Time Programs, Day and Overnight Camps, and Teen Leadership Development – collectively serving more than 1,500 central Iowa youth every year.

QUALIFICATIONS:  

1. Must be at least 16 years of age or older. 
2. High school diploma or GED. 
3. Must be able to pass a criminal background check. 
4. Valid driver’s license and clean driving record. 
5. Experience working with youth of diverse backgrounds and abilities preferred. 
6. Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making skills. 
7. Ability to work with children and teens in an enthusiastic and positive manner. 
8. Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships. 
9. Good character, integrity, patience, and adaptability. 
10. Have, or have the ability to complete during staff training, Mandatory Reporter, and First Aid/CPR certifications. Additional certifications may be required depending on program area. 
11. Interest and experience with activities in applicable program area (i.e. creative arts, outdoor skills). 

 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential job functions. 

1. Use of hands, fingers, arms, feet and legs to perform daily duties. 
2. Ability to speak and hear. 
3. Significant sitting, standing, walking, and physical activity. 
4. Significant amount of time spent outdoors. 
5. Ability to lift and carry fifty (50) pounds. 
6. Ability to constantly interact with the public in a professional manner. 
7. Ability to perform professionally in stressful situations. 
8. Ability to follow proper wearing, cleaning and/or replacement procedures of Personal Protective equipment (masks, gloves, etc.) all day in all climates. 
9. Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to the activity. 
10. Physical ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid/CPR. Must be able to assist campers in an emergency (fire, water rescue, evacuation, illness, or injury) and possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers. 
11. Eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity to manipulate program equipment. 
12. Operate with daily exposure to the sun and heat and varying weather conditions. 

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  

1. Ensure the safety and well-being of campers at all times: 

• Help campers have fun, take risks, make friends, resolve conflicts, and develop skills 
• Provide encouragement to all campers and motivate them to participate in new/challenging activities 
• Provide compassionate, respectful, and honest guidance/support to campers when they misbehave 
• Recognize and respond to opportunities for problem solving in the group 
• Provide First Aid to campers and staff as needed within counselor scope of practice 

1. Plan and implement activities: 

• Uphold program quality expectations in all activities 
• Create and execute (or assist with) at least three craft plans per week instructing campers in program activities 
• Ensure all relevant safety regulations and ACA standards are followed 

1. Be a positive role model for youth in language, dress, behavior, and attitude. 
2. Encourage respect for personal property and camp equipment, vehicles, and facilities. 
3. Teach and explain rules and expectations to campers. 
4. Work cooperatively with other staff.
5. Cooperate with parents of campers. Communicate any staff or parent concerns to the Administrative Team. 
6. Manage personal time off in accordance with camp policy. 
7. Submit all required reports, evaluations, and craft plans on time. 
8. Perform other duties as assigned by the Administrative Team.