Description

Outdoor Lab is a two-week day camp for kids ages 6-13 that blends classic summer camp fun with hands-on STEAM activities in an outdoor environment. Our program emphasizes connection and belonging, healthy competition, and character strengths like confidence, creativity and respect. Our mission is to inspire the next generation of creative and connected stewards through the joy of outdoor play and hands-on projects. We are committed to creating a camp community where every member feels safe, respected, and valued. Supporting staff growth and development through core job responsibilities, team building, training, and coaching are integral to Outdoor Lab’s work environment. Come join us this summer!

Outdoor Lab Counselors are the primary leaders and caregivers for each camper. The Counselor is responsible for planning, teaching, coordinating, and carrying out activities and guiding campers in their personal growth and daily living skills. As such, Counselors play a primary role in achieving Outdoor Lab’s measurable goals for delivering an outstanding camp experience: 

• Safety, security and wellbeing for campers at all times
• Camper impact: 1) Friendships, belonging & joyful play; 2) Skill development focusing on STEAM, outdoor games, hands-on activities; collaboration, creativity. 3) Values development: confidence, resilience, self-awareness, respect. 
• Lasting trust, partnership, and relationships with campers and families.

Essential Job Functions:

1. Assist in the direction, supervision, and organization of campers in their camper group within activities and throughout the camp to meet the intended camper outcomes.
   
   • Apply basic youth development principles in working with campers through communication, relationship development and youth empowerment
   • Assure campers are properly supervised at all times.
   • Be aware of and implement safety guidelines.
2. Participate in the development and implementation of program activities for campers within the mission and outcomes.
   
   • Responsible for leading or assisting with the teaching of activities.
   • Actively participate in all program areas as assigned.
   • Provide for a progression of activities within the framework of individual and group interests and abilities.
   • Assist in program areas such as games, activities, extended care and camper dropoff / pickup as directed.
3. Maintain high standards of health and safety in all activities for campers and staff.
   • Provide the daily care of each camper within your supervision including recognition of personal health needs.
   • Ensure that campers receive their medications as directed by the Healthcare Manager.
   • Be alert to campers and staff needs and assist them with personal and/or health problems; discuss with camp health manager and/or camp director when appropriate.
   • Be alert to equipment and facilities to ensure utilization, proper care, and maintenance is adhered to; report repairs needed promptly to the Site Director.
4. Be a role model to campers and staff in your attitude and behavior
   
   • Follow and uphold all safety and security rules and procedures.
   • Set a good example to campers and others in regard to general camp procedures and practices including sanitation, schedule, and sportsmanship.
5. Represent the camp when interacting with parents or community members.
   • Provide parents appropriate feedback and information as needed for their campers to have a successful camp experience.
   • Follow safety and security protocols when campers are in public while presenting a positive image of the camp.

Other Job Duties: Contribute to verbal and written evaluations and communication as requested.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be 18 years of age.
• Must be certified or able to become certified in First Aid and CPR.
• Must submit a health history record and examination form
  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Understanding of the development needs of youth.
• Ability to relate to youth and adults in a positive manner. Ability to interact with all age levels.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skill in program areas designated camp program areas.

Physical Aspects of the Job:

• Ability to observe camper behavior, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques.
• Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to hazards related to each activity.
• Physical ability to respond to situations requiring first aid. Ability to assist campers in an emergency and possess strength and endurance to maintain supervision of campers.
• Physical endurance and ability to work in an outdoor environment with prolonged daily exposure to heat and sun. 
• Eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity to manipulate outdoor equipment and camp activities; normal range of hearing and eyesight to record, prepare, and communicate appropriate camper activities/programs. 
• Must be available and able to work on-site during camp hours.

Compensation & Hours: 

• Pay range: $600-700 per week (depending on experience).
• Typical Hours: Weekdays 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM when camp is in session. (June 15 - August 7, 2026)
• Mandatory Training: Attend at least 2 days of in-person training (week of June 8), complete online modules, and attend weekly Tuesday evening staff programming.