Camp Counselor at Girl Scouts of Gateway Council Inc – Hawthorne, Florida

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Camp Counselor will assist in the operation of the camp unit and its programs to reflect the goals of the Girl Scout organization. The Camp Counselor must be able to work cooperatively with the Unit Leader; be able to supervise camper behavior; observe camper behavior; identify and respond to hazards; assist with planning and conducting program activities; assist campers in emergencies (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury); teach and promote respect for others; valuing and understanding differences and similarities of campers and staff; and possess the strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers. This is a 6-week residential position at Camp Kateri (Hawthorne, FL) that will run May 31, 2026 - July 3, 2026 and includes room and meals for the duration of the summer sessions. There is an option to extend until July 17, 2026 at Camp Kugelman (Lillian, AL). Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Oversee and ensure the safety of campers at all times, including during activities, meals, and transitions.

• Enforce camp rules and regulations to maintain a safe environment.
• Plan, organize, and lead a variety of camp activities, including sports, arts and crafts, games, team-building exercises, and other outdoor activities such as hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and archery.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all campers.
• Know the girls in the unit and help them to respect the rights of others and understand the differences and similarities of other campers.
• Encourage participation and build campers’ confidence in trying new activities.
• Serve as a role model, demonstrating respect, enthusiasm, and teamwork.
• Work closely with other counselors and camp staff to coordinate schedules and ensure smooth operations.
• Escalate significant concerns to camp leadership when needed.
• Maintain open communication with campers, fellow staff, and parents/guardians as necessary.
• Assist in maintaining unit sanitation, housekeeping, and care of supplies and equipment.
• Keep Unit Leader informed of day-to-day unit successes and concerns, as well as camper health and other unit issues.
• Keeps required records and reports as requested by Unit Leader and/or administrative staff.
• Assist with check-in and check-out procedures.
• Assist with the opening and closing of the entire camp.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Be a currently registered member of Girl Scouts of the USA or willing to become a member.
• Be at least 18 years of age. (If you are under the age of 18 you will be applying for a Junior Counselor position)
• Have good time management, organization and communication skills.
• Hold current certification in standard First Aid and CPR.
• Ability to clear a Florida Department of Law Enforcement Level 2 fingerprint / background screening and drug screening.
• Believe in the mission of the Girl Scout movement.
• Good character, integrity, adaptability, patience, sense of humor, and enthusiasm.
• Ability to accept guidance and supervision and relate to one’s peer group.
• Ability to keep accurate and detailed records.
• Knowledge of Girl Scout philosophy, standards, program, and systems.
• Experience and demonstrated sensitivity in working with people from various ethnic, religious and economic backgrounds.
• Excellent communications skills; excellent facilitation, conflict resolution, and presentation skills.
• Ability to remain calm and polite in stressful situations.
• Must be driven, self-motivated, and a strong leader to inspire staff and girls.
• Strong interest in working with youth and teens.

Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Daily exposure to seasonal weather conditions. Outdoor exposure includes elements of nature including shrubbery, vegetation (poison ivy), hills, rocky walk areas, etc. as well as bugs, wild animals and reptiles. Sufficient visual acuity to make appropriate judgments regarding Girl Scout materials.
• Physical ability to frequently stop, kneel, bend, crouch, reach overhead, grasp, push, pull, lift, and move objects up to 50 pounds at shoulder height, and occasionally lift more than 50 pounds.
• Demonstrated normal depth perception.
• See and read printed materials, with or without visual aids; distinguish colors; read and understand rules and policies, labels and instructions.
• Verbal communication including the ability to speak and hear at normal room levels.
• Other demands, as determined by the employer.

Disclaimer The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.Classification/FLSA Status: Exempt
Compensation: $425per week