Lead Camp Counselor - Leadership Programs - WaBak

Description:

Offering unique, active outdoor experiences in the Blue Ridge Mountains (Travelers Rest, SC), Girl Scouts of South Carolina – Mountains to Midlands Camp WaBak is nestled on 135 acres of forest, trails, lakefront, creek with waterfall, and cabins—an ideal natural setting for all to enjoy canoeing, hiking, archery, environmental education, and team challenges. We are seeking an enthusiastic Lead Camp Counselor – Leadership Programs who loves the outdoors and is dedicated to delivering inclusive, activity-driven experiences for girls. This position requires female staff in accordance with privacy and supervision standards under the Bona Fide Occupational Qualification (BFOQ) exception for youth in single-gender cabin and restroom settings.

Seasonal staff compensation includes weekly pay rate, room, board, and comprehensive training within a supportive camp community that prioritizes safety, growth, and fun. Serves as the primary backup to the Camp Director, assuming leadership responsibilities in their absence and offering guidance, coaching, and support to counselors and program staff as needed.

• Lead Counselor - Leadership Programs will serve as the head counselor for one unit (small, similarly aged group) of girls. The incumbent will work primarily with teenage girls enrolled in leadership opportunities and will supervise the Counselor in Training programs (CIT I and CIT II) and Junior Counselor programs. They will provide hands-on, interactive activities such as crafting, science experiments, and theme-based activities. Lead Counselors will be responsible for meeting the session goals. They will be responsible for delegating tasks and supervising Camp Counselors and Jr. Camp Counselors in the same unit providing guidance, support, and advice when necessary.

Serve as the lead counselor within a unit, typically for a leadership-focused session. During sessions without a leadership program, the Leadership Lead may serve as a program lead, assist with camp planning duties, and/or serve as a camp counselor. Along with the Assistant Director, facilitate a progressive leadership program including CIT I and CIT II curriculum, and Junior Counselor program guidelines.

Supervise CITs in the evenings and mitigate any concerns about their performance, training, or behavior. Acting as a camp activity leader in a variety of program areas as needed (for example, weird science, drama, sports, archery, arts & crafts, outdoor cooking, etc.).

• Ensure that program objectives are met for each session.
• Responsible for creating a girl-driven weekly schedule and ensure that all staff in your unit have appropriate amounts of scheduled time off.
• Assist in calling meals at the dining hall, leading all-camp activities, and other general camp counselor duties as assigned by the Assistant Director, or other administrative staff.

Learn and implement the crisis management plan, including emergency procedures. Be aware of the ongoing medical needs of the campers.

• Ensure program site and supplies are properly maintained. Assist with cleaning, sanitation, and care of supplies and equipment.

Serve as a role model to guide campers in appropriate behaviors, language, attitudes, and activities to help girls develop individual responsibility.

• Responsible for communication, conflict resolution, and problem solving within the unit.

Serve as a role model to campers through relationship development, respect for diversity, and empowerment of youth. Incumbent will sleep in a girl unit (sometimes in a separate counselor cabin, and sometimes in an attached but separate room) and is expected to help with nighttime supervision and morning routines.

Requirements:

Your background and outdoor leadership passion includes… This position requires female staff in accordance with privacy and supervision standards under the Bona Fide Occupational Qualification (BFOQ) exception for youth in single-gender cabin and restroom settings. No prior Girl Scout experience required; must be at least 21 years old.

HS Diploma or equivalent required (advanced education or college preferred). At least two years of relevant experience in a leadership role with the ability to supervise other staff and delegate job responsibilities. 2 years of relevant experience developing and facilitating progressive leadership or outdoor activities with youth ages 7 and older.

Must have personal transportation and the ability to drive; possess a valid driver’s license, maintain personal auto insurance which meets the council insurance company’s requirement for coverage. Bilingual (Spanish fluency, conversation and written communications) highly desired. First Aid and CPR certification required (available during camp staff training if needed).

Active membership in the Girl Scout organization is required and may be obtained upon hire, upholding the values of the Girl Scout Promise and Law. Physical requirements are… Must be capable of being very active outdoors in various weather conditions with exposure to summer sun, heat, inclement weather, and natural wildlife habitats, including animals and/or insects for extended periods of time.

Ability to be on “camper level” which may include the ability to stoop, kneel, bend, reach, stand, walk, push, pull, lift, work with fingers, grasp, feel, talk, hear, and perform repetitive motions. Ability to perform light work exerting up to 40 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.

Ability to practice self-care by staying hydrated, getting enough rest, and asking for help if you need it.

Your Seasonal Benefits:

An interactive summer learning cool new activities and skills to teach others. All meals provided, housing provided in camp cabins, access to staff lounge with washer, dryer, kitchen, and internet Optional informal time-off adventures.

• Leadership, human behavior, and conflict resolution training to build meaningful job preparation skills.

An unforgettable summer, the chance to make lifelong friends and to positively impact your camper’s lives. Compensation/Benefits package includes... Summer seasonal employment is a unique experience and falls under the seasonal exemption standard categorized as “seasonal amusement or recreational establishment” by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the Department of Labor (DOL). This exempts the position from federal minimum and overtime wage requirements as we compensate a daily rate plus. The potential weekly earnings for this position are between $450-500 depending on availability, scheduling, experience and any related certifications.

While health insurance benefits are not offered to seasonal staff, all meals, housing in camp cabins, access to staff lounge with washer, dryer, kitchen, and wifi are provided. Plus, An interactive summer learning cool new activities and skills to teach others Optional informal time-off adventures.

• Leadership, human behavior, and conflict resolution training to build meaningful job preparation skills.

An unforgettable, active and engaging summer with the chance to make lifelong friends and to positively impact camper’s lives.

Summer Camp Schedule:

The 2026 camp season begins with paid staff orientation/training starting on May 26th with camp running through Saturday, July 25th. There are 5 weekly sessions, 2 half week sessions of camp plus 1 weekend session requiring overnight stay. Summer staff, with the exception of the one overnight weekend stay, are to report to work on Sundays by 12 pm. Once camp is cleaned and cleared on Friday, summer staff often leave around 4 pm.

Equal Opportunity Employer (E.O.E.) Girl Scouts of South Carolina - Mountains to Midlands (GSSC-MM) is an equal employment opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, ancestry, disability, veteran status, marital status, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law. If you require special assistance or accommodation while seeking employment with GSSC-MM, please contact Human Resources at humanresources@gssc-mm.org . GSSC-MM reserves the right to defer or close a vacancy at any time.