Summer Camp Counselor in Columbus, Ohio at Africentric Personal Development Shop

Primary Purpose of Position

The Summer Day Camp Counselor will support Africentric Personal Development Shop’s S.M.A.R.T. 2.0 Summer Enrichment Program by creating a safe, structured, and engaging environment for children enrolled in summer programming. Camp Counselors serve as positive role models and are responsible for supervising campers, leading educational and recreational activities, promoting teamwork, and supporting social-emotional development in alignment with APDS’s youth development and violence-prevention mission.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide close supervision of campers during daily activities, transitions, meals, and free time.
• Lead and actively participate in games, sports, arts and crafts, enrichment activities, and outdoor programming.
• Support educational, social, and recreational activities that promote drug-free and violence-free lifestyles.
• Always ensure camper safety and follow all camp policies, procedures, and emergency protocols.
• Encourage participation, teamwork, positive behavior, and respectful peer interactions.
• Assist with planning, organizing, and implementing camp events and special activities.
• Communicate effectively with camp leadership, staff, parents/guardians, and campers.
• Respond appropriately to camper needs, behavioral concerns, and emergency situations.
• Serve as a positive role model consistent with APDS values.

Other responsibilities:

• Maintain up-to-date files in compliance with APDS standards for each camper enrolled in group/class
• Complete all required paperwork within designated timeframes and at the APDS standard of excellence
• Provide professional, on-going, timely correspondence regarding camper’s progress with authorized contacts for each camper assigned to your group
• Participate in weekly updates to camp director or designee
• Participate in regular supervision sessions as scheduled by camp director
• Participate in camp staff meetings and other meetings as assigned
• Maintain agreed upon required level of daily productivity
• Participate in data collection and reporting processes and activities as required
• Contribute to on-going program and curriculum enhancement and development
• Develop strategies and practice techniques which maintain and improve the retention of participants and families
• Be aware of and abide by all NCUS/APDS policies & procedures
• Participate in and volunteer to assist with other NCUS/APDS activities and events regularly
• Other duties/responsibilities as assigned

High School Diploma

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Employment is contingent upon background check report(s) regarding applicants
• Experience working with children or youth preferred.
• Strong communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).
• APDS is a drug free workplace and employment at APDS is contingent upon the results of applicant’s drug test
• reliable, patient, energetic, and enthusiastic.

Skills and Competencies

• Positive youth engagement and supervision skills.
• Ability to maintain structured routines while fostering fun and creativity.
• Strong situational awareness and safety-focused mindset.
• Effective time management and adaptability.
• Professional communication and teamwork.
• Alignment with culturally responsive and relevant family-centered values.
• Fun, supportive, and mission-driven work environment.
• Hands-on leadership and youth development experience.
• Willing to participate in training and skill-building opportunities.