Camp Rappahannock Counselor

Location: Camp Rappahannock, Richardsville, VA

Position Type: Seasonal    

About this opportunity:

This position is responsible for plans, implements, coordinates, and supervises an assigned group of children and youth; promotes quality of programs and safety of campers at all times; provides guidance and role modeling to campers; promotes and stimulates camper participation; coordinates and leads campers through their daily schedule ensuring punctuality and responsibility; supervises campers during unscheduled program time and evenings; ensures compliance with camp rules and regulations at all times.

Key responsibilities:

• Participates in regular camp worship meetings and times of prayer. Leads devotional activities with campers in cabin. Prays with campers as needed and accompanies campers who come to the alter during the closing worship meeting at the end of the camp session. Will not act or speak contradictorily to The Salvation Army’s doctrine’s, mission, or principles.
• Supervises and organizes an assigned group of campers during scheduled activities and unscheduled blocks of time in cooperation with camp rules and regulations.
• Promotes and stimulates participation of campers to ensure a pleasant camp experience.
• Participates in regular camp worship meetings. Reads devotional to campers in cabin when necessary.
• Participates in times of prayer
• Supervises cabin clean up and work details.
• Coordinates and leads youth through their daily schedule ensuring punctuality and responsibility.
• Lives with a group of campers and help each camper adjust and get to know other campers and camp life.
• Interprets and maintains camper compliance with camp rules and of the camp safety and health regulations.
• Assists with program activities and other activities as assigned working closely with the program staff.
• Assists with seekers ministry when required
• Be prepared with rainy day activities as needed.
• Inspects fire extinguisher and report to Head Counselor if any extinguisher has been dispensed.
• Makes sure all cleaning solution are locked up except during use, and used only with your supervision.
• Assures that all beds in cabin have at least 30 inches between sides of beds; there should be adequate space to provide freedom of movement and allow for exit in emergency.
• Stays in cabin with your kids at night. You may leave your cabin for a legitimate reason, but only if you have another staff member of age, who does not have camper responsibility at the time, to cover for you.
• Moves with campers to ALL classes and activities and remain with them unless otherwise noted.
• Both counselors must accompany campers back to cabin and prepare for bedtime.
• No camper or campers should be left alone in the cabin without proper staff supervision.
• One counselor must be in the room with the campers for 30-45 minutes after lights are out to ensure campers have settled for the night.
• Keeps door to your room open at night so that you can maintain order.
• Maintains an incident report book on all your campers for each camp session. Turn in the incident report book to your Head Counselor at the conclusion of each camp session and retrieve a new one at the beginning of each camp session. Notify Head Counselor immediately of any serious situation.
• You may be asked to teach a class according to your experiences or expertise or to assist with one.
• At the end of each camp session, wipe down all mattresses, sinks, showers, toilets and mop floors with bleach water to control germs.
• Provides constant care for the needs of the campers in an efficient, clean, loving, safe, secure, and healthy manner.
• Exhibits control of the campers and, when needed, display proper discipline techniques.
• Determines appropriate supplies and materials for activities; ensures the campers’ safety in utilizing the same.
• Maintains the camp materials in an orderly fashion; maintains accountability for any laundry, money and supplies necessary for camp programs.
• Prepares and maintains up-to-date records and required reports (attendance, development progress, discipline reports, etc.).
• Assists in leading campers during waterfront, nature, outdoor, arts & crafts or other activities.
• Ensures the accountability, security and safety of children participating in camp activities (including free time and evenings); reports all accidents to the supervisor in an accurate and timely manner.
• Participates enthusiastically as a member of the camp staff team to deliver and supervise evening programs, special events, overnights and other all-camp activities and camp functions.
• Sits with camper tables during meals and serve as a table monitor when needed.
• Keeps personal living quarters neat, clean and ready for inspection.
• Be available to participate and assist with camp programs and activities as directed by the Camp Director.
• May assist in cleaning the cabins, kitchen, tables, floors, etc. in accordance with established sanitary standards.
• May assist in preparing and serving snacks and meals; ensures that campers receive nutritional and tasteful food; provides positive, relaxed atmosphere during mealtime and encourages conversation.

What we are looking for in you:

• Six months experience teaching child development or youth programs in a church preferred
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• CPR and First Aid Certification

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions: Some physical requirements of the Camp Counselor position could be endurance including climbing, standing, some bending, stooping, and stretching. Eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity to manipulate activities are required. Requires normal range of hearing and eyesight to record, prepare, and communicate appropriate camper activities/programs and the ability to lift up to 50 lbs. Have a willingness to live in a camp setting and work irregular hours delivering a program in the facility available. Operate with daily exposure to the sun and heat and varying environmental conditions.

To learn more about Salvation Army Camps, click here!

Why work for us?

Since 1907, The Salvation Army has been operating camp programs across the southeast region of the United States. Today, The Salvation Army has eight camps in the Sout and over 40 across the country. Working a Salvation Army camp isn’t like other summer jobs. You will earn an income, you will receive invaluable job experience, and you will make friendships that will last you a lifetime – but, unlike most other summer jobs, you will also powerfully impact the life of a child or teen for the better. At Salvation Army camps, disadvantaged kids (in particular) have three square meals a day, have the opportunity to further develop social skills, learn creation care, feel valued, and encounter God’s love. You will never regret saying “yes” to camp this summer. Apply for a Salvation Army camp and be part of something bigger than yourself: making lives better in Jesus’ name.

Additional Information:

Camp Staff Orientation will be held 06/10/2025 – 06/15/2025 and participation is required. The 2025 summer Camp program session will be held 06/16/2025 – 07/21/2025. If you are unable to work the entire season, please let us know on your application. 

All employees recognize The Salvation Army is a church and agree that they will do nothing as an employee of The Salvation Army to undermine its religious mission.

To apply, please select the “Apply Now” icon indicated on the job posting.

Application Submittal Period: 11/2024 – 06/2025

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against the basis of disability.

Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled