Position Summary/Objective To further the mission of Girl Scouts by serving as the primary caregiver for campers and a leader in the unit. The Unit Lead is responsible for leading and caring for groups of campers; planning, teaching, coordinating, and carrying out activities; guiding campers in their personal growth and skill development, and serves as a mentor and oversees other Camp Counselors in the unit. Unit Leads serve as counselors and live in units alongside campers and Camp Counselors.
Essential Functions Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Be a role model to campers and staff in your attitude, behavior, and following of camp procedures so that everyone has a great summer at camp.
- Provide daily care for each camper within your supervision during structured and unstructured times, including high standards of health and safety.
- Assist in managing conflict that may arise between counselors or campers in a professional and cooperative manner.
- Be alert to and assist with campers' physical and psychological needs. Discuss with camp health director and/or camp director when appropriate.
- Check in with all Camp Counselors in your assigned unit to support their needs, monitor progress, and provide feedback and mentorship on a daily basis.
- Assist the Unit Director in conducting mid and end of summer Camp Counselor evaluations.
- Supervise campers during both structured and unstructured times.
- Maintain high standards of health and safety for campers at all times.
- Assist campers with choices and activity selection.
- Participate enthusiastically in all camp activities.
- Self-regulate personal behavior in a fast-paced community environment.
- Apply basic youth development principles to empower campers to embrace diversity, aid in competency development, and build connections.
- Facilitate program areas based on activities learned in staff training, such as target sports, aquatic activities, arts and crafts, outdoor skills, team building, high adventure activities, and more.
- Adapt activities as necessary to create a progression based on the needs and experience of the participants.
- Assist in delivering session-long progressive programming tracks for all campers.
- Assist with program areas where another staff is leading the activity.
- Follow and uphold all risk management procedures at activities, including high adventure areas such as the waterfront and archery range.
- Deliver First Aid/CPR and follow camp emergency procedures as needed based on training.
- Assist in the management and care of the camp and its facilities. Help keep camp clean and report issues to maintenance.
- Responsible for ensuring that daily and weekly functions of camp run in accordance with the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE) standards.
- Other duties as assigned.
Competencies - Behavior management
- Conflict management
- Teamwork orientation
- Youth development
- Activity instruction and facilitation
- Patience
- Flexibility
- Willingness to take initiative
Education and Experience - 18 years or older.
- Ability to interact with children of all age levels.
- Desire and ability to work with children outdoors.
- Previous experience with overnight camp or working with children. Previous experience in a Camp Counselor role preferred.
- Previous experience with camp activities including adventure areas (i.e. archery, boating, rock wall), outdoor skills, arts and crafts, team building, and STEM preferred.
- Previous experience with behavior management, conflict resolution, and missing home.
- Current certification in CPR/first aid or willingness to obtain.
- Ability to provide constructive feedback to staff to reinforce or modify behavior.
- Must have belief in (and ability to speak about passionately and with conviction) the mission and values of Girl Scouts, be willing to subscribe to the principles expressed in the Promise and Law, and aware of the needs of youth in our pluralistic society.
- Current certification in Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED or willingness to obtain.
- Must become a member of Girl Scouts.
- Must be able to pass State and National background check.
Work Environment Operates in a professional camp environment and will live on site. This role occasionally uses standard office equipment such as computers and phones. Ability and willingness to work in various activity areas within camp (archery, climbing wall, waterfront, horses, etc) in all types of weather from rain, snow, extreme heat and cold. Must be able to move around the camp property to assist campers in their activities. Will spend majority of hours each day standing and interacting with children.
Work Schedule - Position requires flexibility with schedule, typical schedule is Sunday through Friday, though some Saturdays may be required.
- Position requires living on site and working evenings.
Supervisory Responsibility This position serves as a mentor and oversees Camp Counselors under the supervision of the Unit Director.
Compensation - Room and board.
- $75 per day (position requires a 6-day workweek).
- Paid training and certifications.
- Professional development.
- Leadership development training.
- Access to an extensive Girl Scout alumni network.
Location & Employment Dates Camp Merrie Woode: June 16th through August 20th, 2025
Equal Employment Opportunities Statement Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, results of genetic testing, or service in the military. Equal employment opportunity applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training.Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Pay Range: $75 per day