Summer Camp Counselor

Title: Summer Camp Counselor Type: Seasonal/Full-Time Hours Department: Sanibel Sea School

• Reports to: Youth Education Director

Location: Sanibel, Captiva, and Fort Myers Position Dates: May – August 2026 $14/hour

BASIC SUMMARY:

Sanibel Sea School is part of the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) family. The mission of SCCF is to protect and care for Southwest Florida's coastal ecosystems. Reinforcing this organizational purpose is the mission of Sanibel Sea School: to improve the ocean’s future, one person at a time. We are one organization with

the united mission of improving, protecting, and caring for nature. Our campus is located on the east end of Sanibel Island, on the southwest coast of Florida. Experiential educational offerings include day classes, non-residential summer and winter camps, paddling and outdoor

education activities, after-school, homeschooling, private excursions, and outreach programs for the local:

community. Sanibel Sea School works with all ages, but the primary audience is 6 to 13. We are a small staff, extremely passionate about the ocean and our work; we strive to offer exceptional customer service and education to each client. We are dedicated to the growth of our students and strongly believe in the

value of experiential education in nature. Learning outdoors builds self-confidence, encourages trust, and ignites curiosity and wonder. Our goal is simple: through exploration and discovery, we want to help children fall in love with the ocean and become lifelong advocates for the environment. We are also committed to a diverse

workplace and strongly encourage applications from underrepresented groups in marine and environmental sciences. As a camp counselor, you will play a crucial role in creating a positive and engaging summer camp experience for children. Your responsibilities will include leading activities, fostering a safe and inclusive environment, and

serving as a positive role model for campers. You can read more about our summer camps here and see photos from past years here.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Note: This job description is intended to outline the primary duties and responsibilities of the Marine Science Educator. It is not in order of priority or an exhaustive list. Other duties may be assigned as required.

• Oversee the logistical aspects of their groups: following the day’s schedule, gathering supplies, setting up

activities, coordinating transportation, and carrying all necessary paperwork.

• Share your knowledge of marine science and passion for the natural environment to captivate and engage

campers.

• Foster an appreciation for marine ecosystems and instill good ocean stewardship practices, setting an

example for the camp.

• Act as a representative of Sanibel Sea School, promoting our programs within the local, regional, and national

communities.

• Foster a positive and inclusive atmosphere, encouraging camper participation and teamwork.
• Demonstrate a positive and professional attitude as a role model for campers.
• Uphold camp values and promote positive character development among campers.
• Provide support for various Sanibel Sea School projects as needed.

Supervision & Safety

• Supervise children (ages 4 -18) in various challenging outdoor and marine environments. Instruct and monitor

campers during various activities, including outdoor games, arts and crafts, and field trips.

• Ensure the safety and well-being of camp participants at all times.
• Assist with the upkeep of facilities and equipment and conduct regular safety checks to ensure a safe and

efficient learning environment.

• Ensure that the Camp Coordinator knows of any changes to your group’s schedule and intended locations so

that they have up-to-date information for your group.

• Follow safety protocols and emergency procedures to ensure the well-being of clients and staff. Review

safety training independently to stay confident in your life-saving skills.

• Set clear expectations for camper behavior and enforce camp rules consistently.
• Address and manage behavioral issues with patience and effective communication.

Activities & Facilitation

• Maintain a high standard of academic quality and excellence while executing the activities provided by

Sanibel Sea School.

• Stay informed about the summer’s topics (themes and areas of focus), local biota, and significant
• developments in marine science focusing on Southwest Florida.
• Collaborate with the Camp Coordinator to design and develop activities that align with our mission, values,

and age groups.

• Ensure all activities are educational, fun, and inclusive to cater to diverse interests and abilities.
• Reflect on each activity led to evaluate its success and identify improvement areas. Use campers, CITs, and

staff feedback to continuously enhance the experience.

• Engage campers in recreational and educational activities to promote physical, social, and intellectual
• development, especially during free times and transitions.

Team Collaboration

• Communicate incidents, altercations, or other work-related issues effectively with the Camp Coordinator or

Director of Youth Education.

• Work collaboratively with fellow camp counselors and staff to ensure a cohesive and supportive camp

community.

• Attend regular staff meetings and training sessions to enhance skills and knowledge.
• Communicate effectively with camp leadership and parents regarding camper progress and any concerns.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Note: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements below represent the required knowledge, skill, and/or ability. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions of the job.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE:

• An appreciation and enthusiasm for SCCFs and Sanibel Sea School’s missions.
• Be an example of sustainability and mindful choices to staff and clients. Single-use plastics are not allowed on

Sanibel Sea School’s campuses.

• Learn, respect, and facilitate Sanibel Sea School camp traditions. Summer Camp Counselors will embody the

spirit of Sanibel Sea School and continuously relate camp activities to its mission.

• Currently enrolled as an undergraduate student or a recent college graduate with a background in Early

Childhood Education, Elementary/ Secondary Education, Environmental Education, Biology, Marine Biology, or a similar field.

• Experience working with children and/or a strong desire to, especially in a camp setting
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities to work effectively with campers, CITs, staff, and

parents/guardians.

• Demonstrated leadership skills.
• Ability to act as part of a safety team and respond effectively during emergencies.
• High energy, creativity, and a passion for connecting children to nature.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• Certifications (or be capable of obtaining certifications) in CPR, First Aid, and Lifeguarding.
• A valid US driver’s license.

• Preferred completion of (or willingness to complete) the following training:

• Child Abuse Prevention.
• Bullying Prevention.
• Camp Counselor Professional Development.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• The role requires physical activity, including walking, standing, swimming, surfing, and participating in camp

activities.

• Reaching above shoulder heights, below the waist, or lifting to forty (40) pounds, as required throughout the

work day; proper lifting techniques are required.

• Strong and competent swimmer in fresh and salt water.
• Comfortable in outdoor settings and physically capable of leading groups of children in a variety of natural

environments

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• SCCF is a drug-free workplace, and the successful applicant will pass a drug screening test within two weeks

of starting the position.

• Ability to pass a level 2 federal background check and submit fingerprints to a national database.  See info.flclearinghouse.com [https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Finfo.flclearinghouse.com%2F&data=05%7C02%7CJake.Shanahan%40ahca.myflorida.com%7C4b82b03a51ad4f4b95a108de4232c2f0%7C583c5f193b644cedb59ee8649bdc4aa6%7C0%7C0%7C639020982980038846%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=xZdgpZEJ7lRUp18fRP71qweuFp0i1gIxOp6MWfK8zlM%3D&reserved=0] for more information.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and procedural manuals.
• Strong problem-solving skills, especially under pressure.
• Introductory knowledge of boating, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Some experience leading groups

on the water is preferred.

• Experience camping in tents in remote environments, especially while leading groups, preferred.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Summer Camp Counselors must be able to work outdoors in the sub-tropical conditions of SW Florida.
• The role is entirely field-based.

TRAVEL, WORK HOURS, SUPERVISION:

• Some travel between field locations, satellite campuses, main campus, and SCCF offices is required.

• This is a seasonal position during the summer months, with a commitment to the entire duration of the camp

program.

• This position primarily works a Monday to Friday schedule, but Summer Camp Counselors must be available

to work some evenings and weekends.

To apply for this position, we require a cover letter, resume, and three references we may contact.