Location: Grand Rapids,MI, USA
IKUS Life Enrichment Services / Indian Trails Camp
Summer 2025 Cabin Life Lead
What We Have for You!
Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable journey? We're seeking enthusiastic and compassionate individuals to make this summer an extraordinary experience for campers with disabilities. As a Cabin Life Lead, you'll play a vital role in creating a safe, inclusive, and magical environment where every camper and counselor can shine! You'll be their supporter, their teacher, their entertainer, their encourager, and, most importantly, their friend.
Benefits:
* Be a leader for the counselor staff and help them grow.
* A summer filled with adventure, joy, and personal growth.
* Training and professional development opportunities.
* The chance to make a lasting impact on the lives of extraordinary campers.
* Lifelong memories, friendships, and an experience that will stay in your heart for years to come.
* Free housing for the entire summer and meals while camp is in session!
Job Summary
The Cabin Life Lead plays a crucial role in fostering a supportive, harmonious, and mentally healthy environment for the counselors. This role focuses on promoting team cohesion, offering emotional support, and implementing strategies to help staff manage stress, prevent burning out, and maintain a positive and productive atmosphere in the cabin and around camp. The Cabin Life Lead works closely with the staff to resolve conflicts, boost morale, and ensure everyone is equipped to provide the best care and experience for campers.
What We Expect of You
* Serve as the primary contact for cabin counselors, providing guidance, encouragement, and mediation to resolve interpersonal conflicts and challenges.
* Conduct regular check-ins with counselors to discuss well-being, cabin dynamics, and concerns, while promoting a culture of mental well-being and stress management.
* Develop and implement stress-relief techniques (e.g., peer support, quiet time, journaling) to support mental health and prevent burnout, making recommendations for time off or duty adjustments as needed.
* Collaborate with camp leadership and HR in training sessions on teamwork, conflict resolution, and mental health strategies, while providing ongoing mentorship and resources for counselors to improve communication, time management, and emotional regulation.
* Work closely with camp leadership, including the Assistant Camp Director, Camp Director, HR, and Camp Nurse, to address serious mental health concerns and provide feedback on staff well-being and morale.
* Assist with daily camp operations, including caring for campers' physical needs (e.g., dressing, feeding, toileting), and ensure cabin and camp areas are clean and organized.
* Provide breaks for counselor staff and assist in incoming/outgoing camp activities like check-in and cleaning.
Living Requirements
Summer Camp season runs for 10 weeks, from May to August with sessions beginning on Sunday afternoon and ending on Friday afternoon - time to enjoy your weekend away to recharge! As our Cabin Life Lead, you will live with the other lead counselors here at camp with all your housing and meals during camp sessions provided for you!
Qualifications
* A heart filled with compassion and dedication to the well-being of campers with physical, cognitive, and/or developmental disabilities.
* Minimum one-year prior camp counselor experience
* Ability to mediate conflicts in a calm, unbiased, and constructive manner.
* Enthusiasm, positivity, and a willingness to adapt to the ever-changing needs of our campers.
* Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
* Compassionate, patient, and empathetic with the ability to remain positive in challenging situations.
* Previous experience working with individuals with disabilities is a plus, but not required.
* Certifications: First Aid, CPR, and any relevant safety certifications (willingness to obtain prior to the start of camp).
* Clear background check from local, state, and federal agencies
* Complete all pre-summer paperwork, required training, and orientation activities.
* High School graduate or equivalent, or at least 18 years of age
* Ability to assist in teaching and assisting campers with activity participation
* Enthusiasm, sense of humor, patience, compassion, self-control and team player
Physical Requirements:
* Must be able to actively participate in camp activities, including assisting campers with mobility needs, responding to emergencies, and maintaining constant supervision.
* Ability to work outdoors in various weather, remain on your feet for long periods, and perform physical tasks like bending, crouching, and lifting.
* Maintain high energy and enthusiasm throughout the day
* No alcohol or drug use while at camp.
* Must have the physical, auditory, and visual ability to respond to critical incidents.
Position Information:
Job Type: Full time, seasonal, salary position.
Employment Dates:
* May 20th - May 31st: Summer Staff Training
* June 1st - August 8th: Summer Camp
* June 27th - July 7th Break Week
* August 8th - Final Night Party
Schedule: Live on campus from Sunday to Friday. Friday evening and Saturday evening are free, returning to camp by Sunday morning. Break times and time off throughout the week based on rotating schedule.
Pay: $400-450 per week.
Included:
Living quarters - in cabin with other lead staff.
All meals during summer camp sessions.
Free parking/storage if needed
Reports to: Camp Director
For more information about our company, visit ikuslife.org. EOE