Day Camp Counselor

Day Camp Counselor Job Description

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Job Title: Day Camp Counselor

Region/Location: Denver Metro Area/Denver, CO

Department: Outdoor Programs & Property

Occupational Job Group: CP1

Pay Range: $19.29-$22.00 per hour

Reports To: Outdoor Programs & Events Manager

Date: December 2025

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Terms: Seasonal, Full-Time, Onsite

Supervisory Responsibility: None

Housing: Not Available

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GENERAL PURPOSE: The Day Camp Counselor guides and counsels elementary age Girl Scouts at local nature parks in the Denver Metro area to help them gain invaluable experience in outdoor recreation, leadership, confidence and so much more! Activities include hiking, fishing, outdoor skills, archery, canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding, teambuilding, camp games and other activities.

SUMMER 2026 CAMP SCHEDULE

•  May 26- June 5: Staff Training Weeks, at the Girl Scouts DreamLab in Denver. Schedule will be finalized and additional training dates may be added and will be shared with staff by Outdoor Programs and Events Manager by mid-May.
•  Camp sessions are Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Friday hours will vary as needed to reset for the next camp week and staff meetings. Staff will work between 36-40 hours per week.
•  Camp Session 1: June 8-12, Cherry Creek State Park, Aurora
•  Camp Session 2: June 15-19, Cherry Creek State Park, Aurora
•  Camp Session 3: June 22-26, Bear Creek Lake Park, Lakewood
•  GSCO Closed June 29-July 3, No Camp
•  Camp Session 4: July 6-10, Bear Creek Lake Park, Lakewood
•  Camp Session 5: July 13-17, Chatfield State Park, Littleton
•  Camp Session 6: July 20-24, Chatfield State Park, Littleton
•  Camp Session 7: July 27-31, Girl Scouts DreamLab, Denver

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES ***(Employees are held accountable for all duties of this job)

Facilitate outdoor and camp programs:

•  Facilitate high-quality outdoor and camp programming for Girl Scouts that meet the needs of Girl   Scouts and foster the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.
•  Create exciting, progressive, skill-based programming and inclusive of Girl Scouts of all ages,   ability levels and from various backgrounds.
•  Adapt activities and methods to individual and group needs and abilities, provide opportunities for Girl Scouts to experience variety, challenge, and progression.
•  Use experiential, Girl Scout- led methods of instruction, and positive group management in accordance with the outdoor program department procedures and the Girl Scout Leadership

•  Mentor Day Camp Program Assistants throughout the summer.
•  Manage groups of Girl Scouts, facilitate program, and complete daily tasks.
•  Be prepared with activities for all types of weather and other changes in the planned program.

Act as the supervising staff person for a group of campers:

•  Demonstrate a caring attitude and manner with campers. Act as a role model of Girl Scout values for campers and staff.
•  Guide Girl Scouts in becoming a group that includes and appreciates all members and honors individuality.
•  Build appropriate and positive relationships with campers and communicate participant or group issues to Day Camp Site Director.
•  Carry out activities to encourage personal growth, learn skills, and provide challenges appropriate to age, ability and readiness.
•  Keep a high level of patience and understanding with campers and other staff during high stress times.

Prevent accidents and injuries through maintaining safety and risk management standards:

•  Implement Girl Scout, State of Colorado, and American Camp Association safety standards.
•  Conduct ongoing site inspection for hazards and verify that equipment is in safe condition before each use and is used properly for participants.
•  Give first-aid care and complete required documentation of care.
•  Respond to emergencies as appropriate in dynamic outdoor situations.

Participate as a professional member of the GSCO staff in providing effective staff service to the Council:

•  Be an active member of the Girl Scouts of the U.S.A., demonstrating the principles of the Girl Scout Promise and Law in all activities.
•  Present a positive image to campers, parents, and volunteers through all interactions.
•  Participate in staff training, attend staff meetings, participate in the evaluation process, and contribute to the planning of the staff team's work.
•  Respect the confidential nature of all information pertaining to staff, volunteers, or campers.
•  Support the efforts and commitments of Girl Scouts of Colorado around pluralism.
•  Demonstrate sensitivity to racial, ethnic, and social diversity of individuals and groups.
•  Demonstrate a recognition and understanding of good customer service and maintain constructive relationships with co-workers, members, parents, volunteers, and the community.
•  Demonstrate responsibility, accountability, and overall maturity of judgment.

PRIMARY CROSS-FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

•  In accordance with the philosophy of Girl Scouts of Colorado, the person filling this position may occasionally be required to carry out or assist with other tasks in addition to the duties listed on this job description.
•  Support the efforts and commitments of Girl Scouts of Colorado in pluralism and diversity throughout the organization and within each community served.
•  Embrace diversity and inclusiveness by contributing to positive relationships between diverse racial, ethnic, and social groups in the Council and between employees and volunteers.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Education and/or Formal Training

•  High school diploma or GED.
•  Must have current OR willingness to obtain the following certifications: First Aid/CPR, Archery USA Level 1 instructor, Paddle Sports Facilitator.

Preferred Experience

•  Experience working with children (e.g., babysitting, tutoring, coaching, after school programs, camps, volunteering with youth programs, or similar roles).
•  Experience working in high stress situations in a calm manner.
•  Documented training, experience, or certification in applicable outdoor program areas.
•  Experience in developing and facilitating outdoor, environmental, or camp activities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

•  Familiarity with concepts in recreation, environmental education, or experiential education.
•  Familiarity with risk management in an outdoor setting, ability to respond appropriately and direct others in outdoor emergency situations.
•  Ability to be flexible, adaptable, think quickly under pressure and modify programming design in outdoor situations.
•  Knowledgeable of the development needs of children and appropriate program engagement and behavior management techniques.
•  Ability to motivate, develop, inspire, engage, and relate to elementary aged Girl Scouts and staff Program Aides.
•  Strong communication and leadership skills, including knowledge of mentoring, evaluating, and inspiring youth.
•  Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse population of children.
•  Ability to work outside all day in varying temperatures, including high heat.
•  Ability to commute to varied work locations in the Denver area.

Additional Requirements

•  Must be able to pass a criminal background check acceptable to GSCO standards.
•  Must be at least 18 years of age.

MATERIAL AND EQUIPMENT DIRECTLY USED

• ·This position works with program related equipment in areas such as hand-held radios, hot elements, and other outdoor skills activities including canoes, kayaks, stand up paddle boards, archery, and hiking.
•  Subject to injuries from falls, accidental strikes, cuts from equipment, etc.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES

· Physical ability to:

•  Move equipment up to 50 lbs., including lifting overhead, daily.
•  Walk up to five miles a day on uneven terrain and dirt roads.
•  Bending and picking up cumbersome equipment.
•  Pulling around 100lbs on wheels.
•  Paddling for extended periods of time.
•  Sitting for longer periods of time while driving.
•  Must be comfortable participating in high adventure activities like river rafting, high ropes, mountain biking and working on water.

· This position is expected to work outside all day with varying elements including but not limited to:

• High temperatures
• Low temperatures
• Wind
• Rain/Hail
• Sun
• Air Pollution

***Employee signature below indicates the employee's understanding of the requirements, essential duties & responsibilities of the position. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Please contact your supervisor/manager or HR with any questions.

GSCO will make reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with known disabilities and employees whose work requirements interfere with a religious belief, unless doing so would result in an undue hardship or a direct threat to the Girl Scouts of Colorado. If you need such accommodation, contact your supervisor or Human Resources immediately to begin the interactive accommodation process.