Unit Counselor - Day Camp

Description

About Girl Scouts of Western Washington

Girl Scouts of Western Washington is consistently and unapologetically committed to providing safe spaces for all girls* to belong. We build Girl Scouts of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. Founded in 1912, our organization has been committed to meeting the needs of our youth members for over a century. We uplift all Girl Scouts in a supportive environment where they can discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges—whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their very first best friends. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. They are the future leaders paving the way toward a brighter tomorrow. To learn more, visit www.girlscoutsww.org.

Girl Scouts of Western Washington values diversity, equity, and inclusion and we foster a welcoming, inclusive work environment. We are an equal opportunity employer, and we do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, age, national origin, gender, veteran status, sexual orientation (heterosexuality, homosexuality, bisexuality, and gender expression of identity), marital status, or the presence of any physical, sensory, or mental disability, or any other protected classification under applicable laws. 

*Girl Scouts of Western Washington uses the term girl inclusively to speak to everyone who identifies with the Girl Scout experience, which includes cisgender girls, gender-expansive youth, transgender youth, non-binary youth, gender nonconforming youth, genderqueer youth, and any girl-identifying human.

About the Position
Unit Counselors are essential to the camp experience, serving as the primary caregivers for campers in their assigned groups. They are responsible for leading program activities according to the weekly program plan and may work with campers of various age levels.  

Compensation for this position is $21.30 - $22.05 per hour, with the starting rate dependent on previous employment at GSWW camps. 

Camp Season 2026 will run from June 8th through August 27th, with start and end dates determined by position. For the 2026 season, this position will be located at Camp River Ranch (Carnation, WA). Day Camp will run Monday through Friday 8:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M with staff hours starting as early as 7:00 A.M. and ending no later than 6:00 P.M. Staff will be scheduled for a 40 hour work week and receive breaks throughout the day. Staff will have the opportunity to ride camp buses to and from camp and support the check-in and check-out processes at bus stops. Camp River Ranch serves campers ages 5 to 17 and offers a variety of programming including swimming, boating, target sports, climbing wall, and classic camp activities. 

Requirements

Essential Duties and Responsibilities  

• Supervise and care for campers in the assigned program session, including leadership campers supporting assigned program session 
• Develop and implement the weekly program schedule, meeting session themes, promoted activities, and camper goals 
• Follow and uphold Girl Scouts of Western Washington policies and procedures to ensure a physically and mentally safe camp environment 
• Support and participate in the implementation of all camp activities such as all camp games, campfires, etc. 
• Carry out established duties for general camp operations including check-in and check-out, bus supervision, camp cleaning, season opening and closing tasks, and completion of necessary paperwork 

This is a general description of the essential responsibilities of the position and is not inclusive of all job duties; other associated duties may be assigned 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• Knowledge of and commitment to fostering environments that prioritize diversity, equity, inclusion, racial justice, and belonging 
• Comfortable working in a camp setting with a variable work week 
• Excellent interpersonal skills to ensure effective interactions with individuals at all levels and backgrounds, with the ability to work under pressure  
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize project tasks and deadlines, work independently and collaboratively, take initiative, and maintain confidentiality 
• Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards  

Supervisory Responsibilities 

• This position has no supervisory responsibilities of camp staff members 

Education and Experience Required 

• At least 18 years of age 
• High School Diploma or equivalent  
• Experience working with youth ages 5-17 

Preferred Skills and Experience 

• Knowledge of Girl Scout program 
• Previous overnight camp experience 

Other Qualifications 

• Current certification in First Aid/CPR or willingness to obtain 
• Current certification in Youth Mental Health First Aid or willingness to obtain 
• If 21 years of age – valid driver’s license and clean driving record, and willingness to transport campers and staff in 12 passenger vans 
• Satisfactory results from a criminal background check 

Work Environment  
Summer camp is a fast-paced outdoor working environment. Employees are frequently exposed to loud noises, sensory stimulating situations, and physically demanding activities. Employees should feel comfortable with: 

• Working outside in all weather conditions including heat, inclement weather, and specific environmental realities (humidity, wind, bugs, lake water) 
• Working with minimal access to technology 
• Demonstrating emotional resiliency and regulation to handle extended, repeated stressful situations appropriately 
• Walking over unpaved, uneven, hilly terrain multiple times a day 
• Lifting and carrying supplies and equipment up to 35lbs 
• Responding to emergencies including utilizing skills to administer first aid/CPR when necessary, including overnight 
• Maintaining constant supervision and observation of program participants while assessing risk and participant safety