Camp Moonflower Seasonal Job Description: General Counselor

Position Title: General Counselor

Reports To: Camp Director

Purpose

General Counselors at Camp Moonflower play an essential role in creating a safe, inclusive, and inspiring environment for campers ages 12–17. Counselors help guide daily activities, foster friendships, and support each camper’s growth — emotionally, socially, and creatively.

This position is ideal for individuals who enjoy the outdoors, care deeply about youth development, and believe in the power of camp, mentorship, and community.

Key Responsibilities:

Camp Community

• Attend and participate in pre-camp orientation and training week to learn camp policies, safety procedures, and our approach to inclusion and youth support.

• Help create a welcoming, judgment-free environment where every camper — including those with diverse needs or 1:1 aides — feels seen, respected, and encouraged.

• Model Camp Moonflower’s values of kindness, respect, and cooperation in all interactions.

• Support daily routines such as meals, cabin time, and group activities while maintaining safety and structure in a fun, relaxed atmosphere.

• Participate fully in camp programs, traditions, and special events.

Camper Support

• Supervise and engage campers in their assigned cabin and during daily activities, ensuring both physical and emotional safety.

• Build positive, meaningful relationships with each camper by learning about their interests, strengths, and goals.

• Support campers through challenges such as homesickness, conflict resolution, or social adjustment with patience and empathy.

• Collaborate with 1:1 aides and specialized staff to ensure accessibility and inclusion for campers with diverse needs.

Activities & Leadership

• Help facilitate or assist in camp activities — from outdoor recreation and arts to leadership workshops and evening events.

• Encourage participation and teamwork, helping campers set small goals and celebrate successes.

• Contribute ideas for creative programming and bring enthusiasm to every camp day.

• Support setup and cleanup of activity spaces while ensuring equipment is used safely and respectfully.

Qualifications

• Minimum age 21+ (or turning 21 by the start of camp).

• Experience working with children or teens in a recreational, educational, or mentorship setting preferred.

• Current or willingness to obtain CPR/First Aid certification.

• Ability to work collaboratively in a team, stay positive, and adapt to the dynamic pace of camp life.

• Commitment to the mission of Camp Moonflower — fostering inclusion, confidence, and personal growth through creativity and outdoor adventure.

Training & Employment Details

• All staff are required to attend Pre-Camp Orientation (typically one week before the start of camp). Training covers:

• Camper safety, communication, and behavior support

• Crisis response and emergency procedures

• Inclusive recreation and neurodiversity awareness

• Leadership and mentorship skills

• All staff complete a background check and sign a seasonal staff contract outlining camp values, expectations, and code of conduct.

Essential Traits

• Kindness, empathy, and patience
• Enthusiasm and creativity
• Good communication and problem-solving skills
• Willingness to learn, grow, and support others

Position Title: Specialist Counselor

Reports To: Camp Director

Purpose

Specialist Counselors at Camp Moonflower bring unique skills and passions to camp life. In addition to supporting daily cabin and recreation activities, Specialist Counselors lead or assist in specific program areas such as sports, fitness, arts & crafts, theater, archery, paintball, water sports, survival training, or carpentry.

These counselors also serve as “floater staff”—helping cover cabins when General Counselors are off-duty—ensuring continuity of care and community throughout camp.

Key Responsibilities:

Camp Community

• Attend pre-camp orientation and training week to learn Camp Moonflower policies, safety standards, and youth engagement strategies.

• Help create a welcoming, inclusive environment where campers of all abilities and backgrounds— including those with 1:1 aides—feel supported and valued.

• Model kindness, teamwork, and respect through daily interactions with campers and staff.

• Participate in camp-wide activities, mealtimes, and evening programs to help build community spirit and connection.

Specialty Programming

• Lead or assist with daily specialty activities within your area of expertise (e.g., art, theater, sports, paintball, fitness, watercraft, or outdoor survival).

• Develop age-appropriate lessons and challenges that promote skill development, confidence, and teamwork.

• Maintain all equipment and spaces related to your activity area, ensuring a safe, clean, and organized environment.

• Collaborate with other specialists and program leads to create cross-disciplinary activities (e.g., “Survival Skills Theater” or “Art in Nature” days).

• Support campers in setting goals and celebrating accomplishments within each specialty area.

Camper Support & Cabin Life

• Actively engage with campers in daily activities, providing both supervision and mentorship.

• Step in as a floater counselor to help cover cabins on assigned days, ensuring consistency in supervision and care.

• Encourage healthy routines, teamwork, and self-expression through positive reinforcement and supportive communication.

• Collaborate closely with cabin staff, 1:1 aides, and leadership to address any camper needs or challenges.

Qualifications

• Minimum age 21 (or turning 21 by the start of camp).

• Demonstrated skill or certification in one or more specialty areas: arts, fitness, theater, sports, paintball, archery, watercraft, survival skills, or carpentry

• Experience working with youth in educational, recreational, or coaching settings preferred.

• Current or willingness to obtain CPR/First Aid certification.

• Positive attitude, creativity, and enthusiasm for working outdoors in a team environment.

• Commitment to Camp Moonflower’s mission of inclusion, confidence-building, and personal growth.

Training & Employment Details

• All staff must attend Pre-Camp Orientation, covering safety, inclusive recreation, crisis response, and mentorship training.

• All staff must complete background checks and sign a seasonal staff contract outlining camp values, responsibilities, and conduct expectations.

• Specialist Counselors report to Program Leads for activity coordination and to Cabin Heads when supporting bunk coverage.

 Essential Traits

• Leadership balanced with flexibility and collaboration
• Enthusiasm and initiative in both structured and creative settings
• Patience, empathy, and clear communication
• Commitment to safety, inclusion, and fun