Unit Lead Counselor

FLSA Status:              Seasonal position

Starting Salary:           $800 per week, plus room and board

Employment Dates:   May 13 through June 30, 2024

The Unit Lead Counselor works directly with and supervise unit counselors and campers to provide an effective day, hybrid, mini resident, and/or resident camp and assist in the support the development and delivery of a safe and meaningful Girl Scout Leadership Experience and Camp Programming by serving as the primary caregivers for each camper.  The Unit Lead Counselor is responsible for leading and caring for groups of campers; planning, teaching, coordinating, and carrying out activities; and guiding campers in their personal growth and skill development. This position reports to the Administrative Staff and the Camp Director for providing and maintaining a high level of effectiveness and efficiency for all those participating in camp. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following; other duties may need to be assigned according to the particular needs of your council and areas of supervision.

Program

• Lead, cooperate and participate to the fullest in all planning, coordinating and delivery of ALL camp programs.
• Comfortable working with campers ages 5-18 and staff 18+
• Supervise campers during structured and unstructured times.
• Assist campers with choices and activity selection.
• Understand and know the campers and help them to respect the rights of others and to appreciate differences and similarities so that all campers get the most out of their stay at camp.
• Facilitate program areas such as arts and crafts, outdoors, team building, archery, etc.
• Adapt activities as necessary to create progression based on the needs and experience of participants.
• Assist in delivering session-long progressive programming tracks for all campers.
• Assist with program areas where another staff is leading the activity.
• Works collaboratively with the camp team to ensure active involvement of campers and staff in the overall camp program.
• Responsible for leading general activities such as arts and crafts, nature, science, sports, and games if the need arises.
• Help guide activities and experiences in the camp units through the use of girl planning and the GSLE Programs.
• Help to provide and maintain camp and unit cohesiveness by modeling constructive and enthusiastic participation in all program areas.
• Give direction and guidance as it is needed to ensure the quality and success of the camp program which will include but not limited to evaluating work performance of unit staff.
• Carry out duties as delegated and take a positive leadership role in program areas and camper units.
• Help to provide and maintain camp and unit cohesiveness.
• Ensure the proper care, use, and maintenance of equipment or materials used for camper activities.
• Participate in pre and post camp training, inventory, and general before and after camp clean-up as assigned.
• Work with other Unit Lead, Administrative Staff and from time to time, outside vendors to create weekly schedules.
• Coordinate use of facilities, supplies, and equipment to ensure unit schedules meet session goals.
• Submit records, reports and inventories as required.  Help to maintain equipment.
• Take time off in accordance with GSSNV and Camp policies as indicated by immediate supervisor.

Staff & Camper Support

• Be a role model to campers and staff in your attitude, behavior, and following of camp procedures.
• Provide daily care for each camper within your supervision.
• Provide supervision, support, guidance, regular feedback, and support to unit counselor, other team members/co-workers, and campers.
• Be alert to and assist with campers' physical and psychological needs.  Discuss with camp Health Supervisor and/or camp director when appropriate.
• Coordinate with Administrative Staff to review weekly unit counselor feedback to ensure staff are placed in appropriate working units.
• Maintain high standards of health and safety for campers at all times.
• Maintain positive, professional relationships with camper and staff.
• Apply basic youth development principles to empower campers to embrace diversity, aid in competency development, and build connections.
• Complete detailed and thoughtful Camper Badge Activity Sheets.
• Prioritize the needs of campers.
• Assist in the management and care of the camp and its facilities.
• Provide an environment where every camper/Girl Scout feels welcome, safe, and included.
• Supervise all assigned aspects of the campers' day including morning wake-up, cabin clean-up, unit program, mealtimes, rest hour, evening activities, getting ready for bed and other after-lights out duties.
• Help staff and campers to respect others, demonstrate hot to appreciate differences and similarities so that campers get the most out of their stay at camp.
• Do what needs to be done so that every camper and counselor has a great summer at camp.

Health & Safety

• Responsible for the health and safety of campers and staff including self.
• Ensure that unit activities are carried out in accordance with safety standards.
• Apply behavior management techniques alongside fellow counselors and leaders.
• Be familiar with the council emergency action plan and procedures.
• Follow and uphold all risk management procedures at activities, including equestrian areas and archery.
• Deliver First Aid/CPR and follow camp emergency procedures as needed based on training.
• Utilize camp provided transportation to drive campers and staff (*if 21+ and a council approved driver).
• Maintain the cleanliness of all facilities; including but not limited to camp staff living areas, bathrooms, restocking of necessary supplies, garbage/recycling, and campfire areas.
• Ensure camper and counselors health needs are met.  This includes and is not limited to knowledge of medication schedules, allergies, dietary restrictions, monitoring campers' water intake and use of sunscreen.

Systems & Communications

• Maintain strict confidentiality and professionalism when handling sensitive information regarding campers or staff members.
• Instruct staff and camper in established emergency procedures such as fire drills, evacuations, etc. and understand your role in crisis management.
• Adhere to established routines, schedules, and procedures for camp operation.
• Share camper and staff photos/stories regularly with administration for caregivers and camp social media purposes.

Positive Relationships

• Maintain clear and positive verbal communication with all campers, co-workers, and parent/guardians.
• Honor diversity by ensuring that all materials, activities, and programs are reflective of the interests, values, and needs of all campers.
• Address conflicts between staff and/or campers.

• Minimum 18 years of age or older with High School Diploma or GED.
• Current and valid First Aid and CPR Certification required - training provided.
• Desire and ability to work with children outdoors.
• Previous experience with overnight camp or working with children preferred.
• Previous experience with camp activities including archery, arts and crafts, team building, and STEAM preferred.
• USA Archery Level 1 Certification preferred or willingness to obtain certification.
• At least one season (six weeks) of experience in a camp setting preferred.
• Cognitive and communicative ability to manage multiple complex tasks and follow instructions.
• Excellent communication skills.  Ability to keep supervisor informed and aware of activities/problems with campers.
• 5-day work week required.
• Ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds and abilities.
• Knowledge of Girl Scout program desired, but not required.
• Willing to accept the beliefs and principles of the Girl Scout Movement and accept the relevance and compelling benefits of Girl Scouting.
• Support all GSSNV policies and procedures.
• Must be willing to become a member of Girl Scouts.

Physical Demands

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.

• Ability to share living quarters with other staff in the outdoors which may include, but not limited to sleeping directly on the ground, primitive camping, rustic cabins, or dormitory cabins.
• Self-regulate personal behavior in a fast-paced community environment.
• This position is designated as a safety sensitive position.
• Must possess strength and endurance, and emotional well-being required to maintain supervision of campers and other staff members.
• Ability to go without personal electronic devices for several day at a time while on duty.
• Prolonged standing, some bending, stooping, climbing, and stretching.
• Hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity to manipulate outdoor and camp equipment.
• Ability to lift and/or move items up to 20 lbs. and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.
• Daily exposure to the sun, heat, and animals such as bugs, snakes, bats, etc.
• Hiking or walking long distances; up to 3-5 miles per day.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. This job functions primarily out of Frias Frontier, located in Alamo, Lincoln County, which is up to 68-acre property at 3,449 plus feet. Frias Frontier is subject to extreme temperature, snow and wind.

Disclaimer: The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, nor to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.

Background Check Required as Condition of Employment
Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) located in Las Vegas, NV.