Summer Camp Counselor - IDEA Camp Rio

Role Mission: We are looking for enthusiastic, attentive individuals to serve as Summer Camp Counselors to lead, support, and motivate campers as they enjoy all that the camp has to offer. The Camp Counselor will help plan events and lead group events, monitor campers and respond to incidents, such as behavioral problems or accidents, log events and maintain records relating to activities, and discuss camper participation and concerns with parents and other camp staff members. You should be positive, proactive, and caring while focusing on giving campers a fun, safe camp experience. 

What We Offer 

Compensation: 

• Compensation is based on experience and any leadership roles assigned.  Pay will be divided into two payments (June and July).
• Housing and meals are included.  Uniforms are provided. You will make lifetime friends and learn more than you thought you would be capable of! 

Accountabilities: 

100% of camp activities are well planned, coordinated, and age-appropriate.

• Working with other camp staff members to plan and coordinate camp events.
• Leading and supporting campers as they participate in age-appropriate activities.
• Monitoring campers to ensure compliance with camp rules and prevent accidents.
• Cleaning, maintaining and ensuring proper use of camp facilities and equipment.
• Reporting and recording details of incidents, such as accidents or rule violations, to parents and camp staff.
• Memorizing all emergency procedures and enforcing camp rules.
• Participating in staff meetings.  

Supports Summer Camp programming

• Participates in all summer camp promotional events
• Develops engaging curriculum for summer camp.
• Assists in the training of summer camp staff.
• Potentially serves in a leadership role over other adults in Summer.
• Provides Operational level support for a variety of Summer camp operations.
• Work could include helping in the kitchen, helping in the medical clinic, picking up trash around the property, setting up and taking down activities, teaching a variety of outdoor activities.

Exemplifies Camp RIO’s core values

• Is a role model for campers and staff
• Maintains a positive, service-oriented attitude
• Follows policies given by supervisors
• Demonstrates a passion for getting kids outdoors.
• Is a good steward of natural resources.
• Believes in and supports community
• Is a team player
• Values adventure education.

Manages assigned activity areas

• Fixes/maintains equipment
• Submits requests for needed supplies
• Assures animals (if applicable) are well cared for
• Assures staff are adequately trained in safety issues related to activity
• Keeps curriculum folders up to date
• Maintains inventory of supplies and equipment 

Live Values of IDEA 

• Believes and is committed to our mission: that all students are capable of getting to and through college  
• Is driven by outcomes and results, and wants to be held accountable for them 
• Has a propensity for action, willing to make mistakes by doing in order to learn and improve quickly 
• Thrives in an entrepreneurial, high-growth environment; is comfortable with ambiguity and change 
• Seeks and responds well to feedback, which is shared often and freely across all levels of the organization 
• Works through silos and forges strong cross-departmental relationships in order to achieve outcomes 
• Embodies IDEA’s core values   

Competencies: 

• Assure campers are always properly supervised .
• Develop relationships with campers that promote communication, respect, involvement, and empowerment.
• Instill respect for environment, self, and others.
• Reinforce IDEA’s mission of College for All Students.
• Maintain high levels of health and safety in all activities for campers and staff.
• Participate in development and implementation of program activities within the mission and outcomes.
• Be a role model to campers and staff in both attitude and behavior.
• Openness to observation and critical feedback
• Work duties on camp including maintenance and cleaning duties as assigned.
• Be on time to all scheduled trainings and work days.
• Excitement about working for a school system that is changing the status quo of education in Texas.
• Responsible for equipment maintenance and supplies for assigned activity areas.
• Assists with biological monitoring of property.  

Qualifications: 

• Education: High School Diploma, equivalent, or active enrollment in school
• Experience: 1 year minimum experience with camps, children, or with specific activities is preferred.
• Certifications: First aid, CPR, and additional training may be required or beneficial.
• Ability to start work on May 20, 2026 and work continuously through July 29, 2026
• Ability to live on the Camp Property for the duration of the job (nights off and days off will be given).

Knowledge and Skills: 

• Physical ability to participate in activities, run, climb, swim, lift, or support the weight of children.
• Ability to pass a background check, a physical, and proof of immunizations.
• High level of responsibility and accountability.
• Upbeat, engaging personality.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
• Proven ability to work well with all age levels.
• Ability to endure all kinds of weather (hot, rainy, muddy, etc.) and walk many miles a day.