Job Title: Camp Head Counselor Job or Internship-Field Experience 2021

Looking to make a difference in a child’s life? Interested in helping children reach their goals? Join our mission-driven team at ESF Camps & Experiences for a fun and rewarding summer as a Head Counselor! ESF is hiring motivated leaders with prior experience supervising children who believe in ESF’s mission, build positive relationships and ensure the well-being of others.

THE VALUE OF THE ESF INTERNSHIP, INDEPENDENT STUDY or FIELD EXPERIENCE- ESF offers offer paid summer jobs and internship/independent study/field experience opportunities. All positions include internship-related components such as training, mentoring, goal-based evaluations, and experience working with children in a structured environment with educational activities. ESF Team Members can experience these components as part of an internship/independent study/field experience or as a summer job.

To consider an ESF position for a summer job to gain valuable career experience, please review this posting and apply at www.esfjobs.com!

To consider an ESF position for an Internship/Independent Study/Field Experience, you have 2 great options!

Option 1 – Independent Study Program (for credit) with one of our college partners.

· Paid summer position

· ESF provides training, mentoring, and experience working with children.

· Pre-Camp seminars from experienced professionals: topics are related to education, working with children, leadership, and other relevant areas.

· Projects & assignments related to the seminars

· Formal ESF Trainings

· Weekly check-in’s during camp season, which includes journal reflections and discussions

· Formal performance evaluation process mid-summer and end-of-summer

· For credit program, fees apply

· Offered through Southern Connecticut State University, but available to undergraduate and graduate students at any college or university

Option 2 – Internship, independent study or field experiences with your own college/university

· Paid summer position

· ESF provides training, mentoring, and experience working with children.

· ESF communicates with you and your professor regarding academic requirements.

· ESF leaders are available for communication with your professor pre-camp and during camp season.

· Formal ESF Trainings and weekly check-in’s during camp season

· Formal performance evaluation process mid-summer and end-of-summer

Next Steps for job or internship/independent study/field experience (Option 1 or 2):

1. Apply online: Candidates view job posting and apply online at www.esfjobs.com

2. Review Position Description: Please see responsibilities & requirements

3. Interview process: Candidates go through ESF interview & selection process and indicate internship interest at that time.

4. College/University Approval Required: Internship/independent study/field experiences (credit or non-credit) are subject to approval from a professor or college official within a major.

5. Approval Process from College/University:

a. Student communicates internship/independent study/field experience interest to their professor/advisor and to ESF during the ESF interview process.

b. Approval process can be completed only if candidate receives and accepts an ESF job offer.

c. ESF works with the student and faculty member on internship requirements.

Position Summary:

At ESF, our Head Counselors are referred to as Group Specialists. Group Specialists hours are from 8:30am-4:00pm; Monday – Friday. Start and end times may vary depending on the location and camp. Group Specialists also have the opportunity to work extended hours for additional income. Depending on the location, Group Specialists work up to ten (10) consecutive weeks from mid-June through mid-August. A Group Specialist is responsible for the supervision of campers, promoting and actively participating in all camp activities, providing a safe and fun learning environment, and serving as a positive role model for campers.

Group Specialists are employed at the following camps:

· Day Camp: 1st – 2nd grade

· Young Leaders Program: 10th grade

Group Specialists may also be employed at the following camps, based on staffing needs:

· Senior Camp: 3rd – 7th grades

· Major & Tech Camps: Kindergarten – 8th grades

Essential Job Responsibilities:

· Group supervision of campers with attention to behavior and group management, health, safety, security, and personal and skill development

• Inform site director of any concerns regarding the health and safety of the campers.
• In order to provide the appropriate ratio, the site director must approve any non-contracted requests for time off, schedule changes, or alterations to the schedule.

· Implement ESF curriculum; bring lesson plans to life for campers through participation, support and guidance

• Use effective classroom management skills to lead the activity and effectively create an inclusive and fun environment
• Motivate campers by creating fun for them in your activity (i.e. songs, games, cheers, etc.)
• Encourage creativity and critical thinking
• Work effectively with fellow Group Specialists, Activity Specialists and Counselors; collaborate on daily responsibilities

· Complete assigned paperwork

· Serve as a positive role model to campers

· Outstanding communication skills which include the ability to use clear, concise and grammatically correct written and oral language in all aspects of professional interaction with campers, their families, peers, leadership team and the larger community

• Push/pull, lift and carry a minimum of thirty-five (35) pounds across campus
• Able to work outside, upright and mobile for six (6) to eight (8) hours per day
• Respond to emergency situations which may include running (up to 1 mile in some cases) and ascending stairs without undue exertion
• Possess physical capacity to fulfill all essential job functions

· Other responsibilities as assigned

Requirements:

• Prior classroom teaching/field work experience or two (2) years of ESF experience
• Previous experience working with children
• Previous camp experience preferred
• Teaching certification preferred

· College graduate pursuing an education/child-related career and/or graduate degree

· It is understood you will complete all trainings and pre-employment credentials required by ESF and the state you are working in.

Covid 19 Health & Safety Protocols

ESF has developed and will be implementing an Advanced Safety Plan to ensure our campers, team members, and parents thrive in a safe environment. This plan includes detailed safety measures in the following areas. Team members will be trained on all protocols and full compliance is expected.

· Limited enrollment and smaller group sizes

· Camper & staff screening with use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

· Cleaning, disinfection & handwashing

· Premier outdoor facilities

· Reasonable contact reduction, including social distancing practices

· Symptom Management Action Plan

· Specialized Safety Training

Other Requirements/Competencies for Success:

– Understand and support the mission of the organization

– Commit to the growth and development of youth

– Always have a positive, can-do attitude

– Demonstrate excellent judgment; identify problems and work quickly to find solutions

– Desire to make a difference in the life of a child

– Attendance and punctuality

– Demonstrate the ESF Virtues of Character (Gratitude, Respect, Trustworthiness, Effort, Kindness, Positivity, Resilience, Community) in camp on a daily basis

– Follow the ESF Code and maintain the ESF Look at all times

– Exhibit ESF Core Values at all times and to adhere to all company policies

Reporting Relationships:

· Reports directly to and takes direction from the Camp Director. May also take direction from and is overall accountable to the Site Director.

Description is subject to change at any time.

Apply online at www.esfjobs.com.