Camp Rappahannock Head Counselor

Location: Camp Rappahannock, Richardsville, VA

Position Type: Seasonal

About this opportunity: Trains and supervises an assigned group of camp counselors. Plans, coordinates and directs the functions of the counselors within the camping program. Ensures the quality of programs and safety of counselors and youth at all times during camp. Provides guidance and role modeling to counselors and ensures safety and a positive experience for counselors and campers.

Key responsibilities:

• Supervises and organizes an assigned group of Camp Counselors during scheduled and unscheduled blocks of time in cooperation with camp rules and regulations.
• Provides spiritual guidance and encouragement to counselors.
• Trains Counselors in proper methods of leading groups of campers; answers questions during camp and follows-up to ensure understanding of training.
• Trains Counselors in proper safety of campers based on established camp rules and regulations. Anticipates safety hazards and initiates contact with the ADYS/Camp Director to confirm issues are resolved.
• Analyzes the strengths and challenges of each Counselor and documents the same for the Camp Director’s review. Provides constructive feedback to each Counselor as a personal growth development opportunity.
• Promotes and stimulates participation of Counselors in assigned activities to ensure a pleasant camp experience for campers.
• Prepares the daily schedule for Counselors to ensure appropriate coverage of campers at all times; confirms Counselors receive adequate break times.
• Handles camper discipline problems; serves as dorm monitor for staff dorms.
• Perform as necessary ministry functions such as presenting approved devotional material to campers, praying with a camper, or leading in Christian songs, etc.
• Available for camper/counselor consultation.
• Assists Counselors with handling campers that need special attention.
• Exhibits control of the campers in the absence of the assigned Counselors when needed and displays proper discipline techniques.
• Ensures the accountability, security and safety of youth participating in camp activities; reports all accidents to the supervisor in an accurate and timely manner.
• Verifies cabin roster each week.
• Checks all cabins nightly to be sure all campers are in and ready for bed.
• Reports any problems to ADYS/Camp Director. Maintain a detailed record of discipline problems and actions taken for campers. Turn into ADYS/Camp Director at the end of each camping session.
• Be prepared to take over for the Counselor in the event of an emergency.
• Conducts cabin inspection and give a report on cabin inspection to Counselors and campers.
• During cabin inspection look at each Counselor’s incident report book to ensure proper and timely record keeping is being maintained. Look for any unusual incidents that may need your attention or the ADYS/Camp Director.
• Maintains the cabin materials in an orderly fashion; maintains accountability for any laundry, money and supplies necessary for cabins.
• Reviews and follows-up on reports submitted by the Counselors (attendance, development progress, discipline reports, etc.); provides summary of occurrences to the ADYS/Camp Director. Escalates major issues to the Camp Director immediately.
• Keeps program records, including cabin rosters, incident/accident reports, seekers reports, etc.
• Supervises the cleanliness of the cabins in accordance with established sanitary standards.
• Corresponds with maintenance staff to ensure dysfunctional equipment is repaired in a 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.
• Escorts campers to the Health Center and escorts campers back to cabin activities when released by the camp medical staff and ensures that the Counselor is advised of any necessary precautions based on care received or ongoing care needed.
• 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.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

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 Head 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