Camp Counselor

Description

Position Type: Seasonal Full-time, Non-exempt (hourly)

Supervisor: Camp Program Manager

Department: Camps, Community, and Education

Location: On-Site (Park City, Utah)

Compensation: $20/hour for day shifts; overnight rate is $160 per night; rates are subject to increase based on experience, certifications, and education.

Join Our Team:

The National Ability Center (NAC) is inviting passionate, energetic, and compassionate individuals to join our Summer Camp team in Park City, Utah. Every day, our counselors help campers with disabilities discover confidence, independence, and joy through adaptive sports, outdoor adventure, and meaningful connection. As one of the largest nonprofit outdoor therapeutic recreation organizations in the world, NAC is proud to be part of a national movement to build an Adaptive Nation.

Job Summary:

Summer Camp Counselors work as a team to provide a safe, structured environment for campers with varying physical, developmental, intellectual, and cognitive disabilities. They help campers achieve goals in socialization, independence, and personal skills while engaging in adaptive recreation and adventure programming, including indoor and outdoor climbing, paddle sports, water sports, cycling, mountain biking, archery, pickleball, teambuilding, high ropes challenge course, and equestrian activities. This is a full-time seasonal role that starts May 18, 2026 and goes through mid-late August 2026 depending on camp session assignments; it also requires occasional weekend and after-hours work. This position is not eligible for remote work.

Essential Duties:

• Role-model and teach skills related to appropriate socialization, emotional regulation, self-advocacy, independence, hygiene, etc. to campers.
• Work as part of a team to plan, organize, and facilitate adaptive camp activities that are appropriate to the environment and participants’ ages and disabilities.
• Manage behaviors (emotional and physical) and resolve conflicts utilizing the Mandt system.
• Perform tasks related to personal care as identified in advance by caregivers for All Access Day Camps.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with participants, families, and community partners; address participant concerns and ensure high levels of customer satisfaction and necessary support for every individual participant.
• Manage participant medication delivery and schedules, as well as the administration of emergency medication as needed.
• Supervise campers throughout their attendance in camp. Day camp shifts are 8 hours a day, 4-5 days per week. Overnight camps require 24/7 supervision and may involve sleeping at the same site as campers.
• Document participant experiences via progress notes, daily “report cards,” incident reports, behavior plans, etc.
• Operate the fleet of National Ability Center vehicles (15-passenger buses with wheelchair lift systems).
• Assist with overseeing proper usage of facilities, equipment, and supplies.
• Assist with preparing/cleaning site, equipment, and vehicles for activities.
• Attend and engage in all required training sessions.
• Assist with key fundraising events and other special events as needed to help advance program goals and support; serve as an ambassador and representative for the National Ability Center.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification, or the ability to obtain.
• Valid Driver’s License with clean driving record.
• Be able to maintain a Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) physical.
• Current Utah Food Handlers Permit or ability to obtain.
• Be able to pass a background check.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States. We do not sponsor employment visas or other immigration processes to attain or maintain employment eligibility.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience working with people with disabilities.
• Ability to speak Spanish and/or use American Sign Language (ASL).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of a variety of disabilities and ability to communicate effectively and connect with participants and their families.
• Behavior management skills.
• Ability to adapt and use innovative solutions to provide personalized experiences for every participant based on their individual needs and goals.
• Outstanding organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to support program needs with a proactive and solution-oriented initiative.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong work ethic and an entrepreneurial spirit to accommodate multiple responsibilities and shifting priorities in a quick-paced environment.
• Ability to prioritize work effectively and efficiently under pressure.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to work productively and collaboratively within a team.
• Commitment to a positive, fun, and team-oriented working environment while promoting the NAC Values.

Working Conditions:

• Ability to lift and maneuver equipment weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors while running programming activities in various weather conditions, including extreme weather conditions.
• Available and willing to work a non-traditional schedule that may include occasional evenings, and weekends.
• Availability for full camp season including required pre-season training (May 18, 2026 through mid-late August depending on camp session assignments). *Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the Camp Manager and must be agreed upon prior to start of employment.

Benefits:

• Voluntary Accident and Hospital Plans
• Pro Deals with gear companies