Day Camp Counselor

As a Day Camp Counselor at Avid4 Adventure, your role includes co-leading daily outdoor programming, which encompasses activities such as mountain biking, rock climbing, kayaking, and more. You'll organize and engage campers in various camp games and rituals while ensuring their safety and wellbeing throughout the program. Furthermore, you'll serve as an exceptional role model by exhibiting appropriate behavior and attitudes, providing top-notch customer service to parents and participants, and potentially transporting campers if you're trained to do so.

To qualify for the Day Camp Counselor position at Avid4 Adventure, you should be at least 18 years old at the start of camp. Prior experience working with children in a professional or volunteer setting is preferred, ideally over one year. While experience in core sports like climbing or biking is beneficial, it’s not a requirement for Instructors. If you want to serve as a Specialist, demonstrating personal or professional experience in these core sports is necessary. Basic First Aid & CPR certification is a must by the start of the camp.

Compensation for Day Camp Counselors at Avid4 Adventure varies based on position, experience, and relevant certifications. For Instructors, starting hourly pay is around $18.81, while Specialists can earn between $19.25 and $20.20 per hour depending on their specific roles and expertise. You can also receive bonuses for relevant certifications, which could total up to $1,000!

As a Day Camp Counselor at Avid4 Adventure, you’ll typically work Monday through Friday, totaling between 35 to 40 hours a week. The training begins at the end of May, and day camps run through early June. This structured schedule allows you to dedicate your summer to inspiring youth while enjoying the incredible outdoors around Boulder.

Day Camp Counselors at Avid4 Adventure enjoy a variety of benefits, including affordable health insurance for seasonal staff and access to free gear. Additionally, we offer discounted pro deals on outdoor equipment, opportunities for professional development, and public transportation reimbursement to and from camp. Being part of our team means you’re not just working; you’re growing and embarking on an adventure!

To handle conflicts between campers, I would first separate the individuals involved and listen to each side of the story while remaining calm. This allows me to understand the issue fully before working towards a resolution. I would then guide them through problem-solving techniques and encourage them to express their feelings respectfully, fostering communication and understanding among the campers.

When answering this question, emphasize any relevant outdoor experiences you have, such as participating in sports like kayaking, rock climbing, or mountain biking. Be sure to highlight any leadership roles you’ve taken on within these activities, focusing on how you can leverage this knowledge to encourage and inspire campers to explore the outdoors confidently.

I prioritize safety by establishing clear guidelines before any outdoor activity and ensuring campers understand the importance of following these protocols. I check all equipment before use, review safety measures regularly, and maintain a vigilant presence during activities to address any potential hazards promptly.

My approach to customer service includes open and honest communication with parents. I believe in being approachable and available to address any concerns they may have. I'll provide regular updates on their child’s progress and experiences, showing that we value their feedback and partnership in creating a positive camp experience.

To engage disinterested campers, I would first attempt to understand their interests and preferences, then adapt activities to make them more exciting and relatable. Introducing team-based challenges or incorporating elements from popular games can ignite their interest, ensuring everyone feels included and motivated to participate.

Promoting teamwork involves creating activities that require collaboration and communication. I would encourage team-building exercises and games that require cooperation. Recognizing and rewarding team efforts can also foster a sense of camaraderie and build relationships among campers.

My background in education and my passion for outdoor activities make me a great fit for this role. I possess strong communication skills, a keen sense of empathy, and the ability to connect with children effectively. My experience leading groups in outdoor settings has equipped me with the skills to create safe, fun, and inclusive experiences for all campers.

It's important to address mistakes openly. I once misjudged the difficulty of an activity for my group. Acknowledging this error, I paused the activity, communicated with campers, and adjusted it to ensure everyone could participate safely. This taught me the value of flexibility and clear communication as a leader.

Incorporating environmental education can be done through activities that emphasize Leave No Trace principles and the importance of nature conservation. I would discuss these topics before excursions and create enriching experiences where campers can learn about local ecosystems and wildlife while enjoying the outdoors.

If a camper is feeling homesick, I would first offer them one-on-one support, giving them a safe space to express their feelings. I’d encourage them to connect with peers and engage in fun activities that could distract them. It’s essential to provide reassurance that their feelings are common and to keep them involved in camp life.