Position Summary/Objective:
Are you interested in making the world a better place? If so, the Day Camp Counselor position is for you! This role will be enriching the lives of local youth in the greater Kalamazoo community- one Girl Scout at a time. In this role, you’ll oversee weekly day campers, implement engaging experiences and activities that meet program requirements, ensuring that every day is different, and every week brings new adventures. You’ll get a breath of fresh air while interacting with young people outdoors.
The Day Camp Counselor will be a positive role model for day campers. The counselor will also ensure the safety of the girls that attend Summer Day Camps at Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan and keep daily and weekly functions of day camp running up to the standards of GSHOM.
Essential Job Functions:
- Assist in the direction, supervision, and organization of campers in their camper group and as a whole group within activities and throughout the camp in order to meet the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.
- Apply basic youth development principles in working with campers through communication, relationship development, respect for diversity, involvement, and empowerment of youth.
- Assures campers are properly supervised at all times.
- Actively participate in all program areas as assigned.
- 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 and inform the Assistant Camp Director of any issues or concerns.
- Be alert to equipment and facilities to ensure utilization, proper care, and maintenance is adhered to; report repairs needed promptly to the Assistant Director.
- Be aware of and implement safety guidelines stated by GSHOM and the Safety Activity Check Points.
- Set a good example to campers and others regarding general camp procedures and practices including sanitation, schedule, active involvement, and daily functions of day camp.
- Represent the camp and Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan when interacting with parents or community members.
- Provide parents and caregivers with appropriate information as needed about their campers to ensure they have a successful camp experience.
Competencies
- Conflict resolution & problem solving
- Risk management
- Youth development
- Leadership
- Teamwork
- Positive Attitude & flexibility
- Camper-focused
- Activity instruction and facilitation
Other Job Duties:
Must be able to understand and work with the mission of Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan (GSHOM), which is: Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place.
- Provide supervision for campers while campers are transported to and from camp or during scheduled field trips off of camp property.
- Facilitate daily activities with campers.
- Contribute to verbal and written evaluations and communication as requested.
Equipment Used:
Staff must be able to learn and use the equipment that is used during the operations of day camp. Items may include: a stove, oven, sling shot, and other equipment necessary for the program.
Qualifications: (Minimum Education and Experience)
- Must be at least 18 years of age or 17 years old with a high school diploma.
- Must be able to obtain or become certified in First Aid/CPR.
- Must submit health history record prior to first day of work.
- Ability to interact with all age levels.
- Must be able to pass State and National background check.
Physical Requirements:
This position requires that a staff member is able to actively participate within program needs. Must have the ability to be outside with girls, ensure their safety during activities. Must be able to navigate a variety of terrains for extended periods of time, remain actively aware of the surroundings and safety during all activities. Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
Compensation:
Wages starting at $13/hour
Locations & employment dates:
Kalamazoo: Kalamazoo Regional Center Day Camp: June 8th - August 7th, 2026
Organizational Values
- Integrity: Our People are hardworking, honest, effective communicators, and take responsibility for actions and outcomes, even when no one’s watching.
- Positive Mindset & Attitude: Our People choose to perceive and react through a lens of empathy, enthusiasm, curiosity, and helpfulness while being passionate, solution-oriented, service-minded, and driving towards goals.
- Unquestionable Excellence: Our People actively take initiative to fulfill our mission and are willing to work hard to bring our vision to life through resilience, determination, inspiration, personal growth and continuous learning.
- Mission Driven: Our People are inclusive and care deeply about girl development. In partnership with stakeholders throughout the organization, they utilize strategic planning and patience to move strategy and the mission forward.
- Collaborative Changemaker: Our People are intentionally present and forward thinkers dedicated to inspiring others and sharing skills through mentoring, service leadership, practicing radical candor, taking risks, intentional youth development, who are open to change and feedback.
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.