Summer Camp Counselor- Dakota Lodge

Description:

Now Hiring: Summer Camp Counselors Spend your summer making a difference, having fun, and gaining valuable experience!

Location: Dakota Lodge (14422 West Ken-Caryl Avenue, Littleton, CO) Dates: May 26 – August 7, 2026 Pay: $20.10/hr for New hires Why join our team? Full-Time, Weekdays Only – Enjoy a 40-hour workweek, Monday-Friday. No weekends!

• Training & Development – Gain leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

Make an Impact – Mentor and inspire campers through outdoor adventures, games, and activities Potential for advancement and returning in future seasons. Fun & Active Environment – Lead exciting activities, go on field trips, and work in a supportive, active environment. Seasonal Employee Benefits - Retirement Savings: Seasonal employees contribute 6.2%, matched by the District. Free access to outdoor pools, an indoor fitness center, and open space trails.

Key Dates:

· Staff Training: May 26-29, June 19 (required) · First Day of Camp: June 1, 2026 · Last Day of Camp: August 7, 2026

Ken-Caryl Ranch Summer Camp Overview:

Campers enjoy active games, science, art, cooking, team building and more! Weekly schedules include swimming, tennis lessons, nature walks, and field trips to local and metro-area attractions, including zoos, parks, caves, and more. The Summer Camp Counselors get to lead campers through the activities and go on all the field trips with them, you get paid to have fun!

Job Summary:

Under the direction of the Recreation Coordinator and leadership of the Lead Summer Camp Counselor, the Summer Camp Counselor is responsible for the daily instruction, activity facilitation, supervision, safety, and well-being of the campers during the summer camp program.

Camp Counselor Responsibilities:

• Implements fun, engaging and hands-on age-specific group activities (games, hikes, etc.) for 10 to 30 school-age students in collaboration with the other counselors in both indoor and outdoor settings
• Maintains a safe environment for program participants and ensure that proper safety precautions are being followed during program, field trips, and all excursions
• Communicates effectively, professionally, and regularly with the supervisor, teammates, and families through verbal and written communication

Transports students utilizing a District 14-passenger minibus (if qualified, see below) Cultivates an inviting and nurturing environment for every child Attends staff meetings, training, and other applicable activities and meets all deadlines; keeps up to date with all required certification

• Follows the District’s philosophy of behavior management which includes positive reinforcement and redirection

Consistently promotes a positive, professional image of the District and provide excellent customer service at all times

Requirements:

Must be at least 18 years old and have at least three months of verified experience working with school age students (Group leader or teacher-licensure certification a plus, but not required) Flexible and positive in an intense, dynamic and sometimes stressful environment Enjoy working and playing outdoors with energetic people and children (including swimming)

Ability to work independently and as a team member Must exercise excellent judgment, diplomacy and sensitivity to all participants Desire to work and play hard in the sun each and every day! Availability to work for the full camp season listed above (time off policy is no more than 5 days requested)

Preferred qualification:

Be willing and qualified to drive a District 14-passenger mini bus with passengers (minimum qualification is to be at least 20 years of age, have a valid driver's license, and pass an MVR) Must have excellent communication skills to build open and trusting relationships with children, parents, and other team members

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Ability to work a seasonal schedule that includes up to 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday. Knowledge, understanding, and application of positive classroom management techniques. Be highly organized, punctual, flexible, and demonstrate compassion and patience. Flexible and positive in an intense and dynamic work environment; utilizes creative problem solving within an intense, dynamic, and sometimes challenging environment; ability to make quick, rational decisions in situations affecting the safety and wellbeing of program participants and possess the ability to carry out such decisions.

Effective and clear written and oral communicator with a variety of audiences including staff, parents, and supervisors. Ability to read, write, speak, and understand the English language at a level adequate to perform the job. Understands the general philosophy of public recreation agencies and adheres to the organization’s mission.

• Develop and maintain relationships with District employees, volunteers, the community, public agencies, and the private sector.

Special Requirements:

Possess, or ability to obtain, valid First Aid and CPR certifications upon hire as well as all applicable licensing requirements and certifications. Medication administration certification, or ability to acquire certification within 30 days of hire date. Possess or ability to obtain a valid Colorado driver’s license, an acceptable driving record, and be insurable by the District's carrier.

Be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and OneDrive. Work and Physical Requirements: This position requires work in a variety of locations and conditions, including the outdoors, classrooms, gymnasiums, offices, and various venues around the Denver metro area. Some of the work is outside and requires physical labor.

FIELD ENVIRONMENT: Working Environment Moderate physical activity will be required frequently. Work will be required indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions. Work may be required under hazardous and adverse conditions, including, but not limited to, slippery and uneven surfaces and proximity to moving mechanical equipment.

Use of sensory activities, such as talking, seeing, hearing, smelling, feeling (identifying objects by touch), depth perception and color vision will be required frequently. Work will involve periods of high physical, mental and/or emotional stress. Physical Requirements Have ability to lift items in excess of 50 pounds occasionally and up to 20 pounds frequently.

Have ability to stand, walk, sit, kneel, stoop, bend, lift, squat, push, pull, crawl, jump, slide, climb, pinch, grip, reach overhead, reach away from body, and perform repetitive motions.